Essential Tech for Any New Home

Shaan Randhawa • September 13, 2023

Discover the best tech for your home office!

Upgrade your living space with these must have tech items for your new home! Vibrant Networks has done the research and looked at past projects to bring you the best options for your tech needs. Don't overlook the exciting world of home tech - read on to learn more!

1. Zyxel Outdoor Access Point

Providing fast, high-quality Wi-Fi, Zyxel’s outdoor access point is perfect for large gardens. It can support up to 250 guests, making it perfect for hosting parties and events. Plus, it's waterproof and weather resistant, ensuring a strong connection in any season, meaning no more dead zones in your home!

Vibrant Networks recently installed Zyxel’s outdoor access point for a client’s mansion. Click here to view our case study!


2. Hik Vision - CCTV

Keep your home secure with Hik Vision CCTV cameras. They offer a range of models, from simple cameras with 180-degree lenses to ANPR cameras that can capture vehicle number plates with ease. As industry leaders in security who are continually innovating their tech, Hik Vision cameras are a trustworthy choice.

Whatever you choose for your home, the team at Vibrant are fully qualified to both supply and install this brand of camera. With plenty of experience with similar installations, Vibrant Networks are one of the top choices for this tech installation in Birmingham, Walsall, and anywhere else in the West Midlands.


3. Automatic Locks

Automatic locks are a good step forward when it comes to automating your home. Automatic locks mean you no longer have to worry about misplaced keys or forgetting to lock your door: all it takes is a quick check on your phone, then you’ll have peace of mind knowing your home is fully secure!

Not only this, but it is significantly harder to break into houses with automated locks than those with manual. This means you’re less likely to suffer through break-ins or burglaries, as your house will be fully secure. There’s also the added benefit of being able to allow friends and family into your house before you arrive home.

4. Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats allow you to control the heating/cooling systems in your house digitally through your phone. Smart thermostats are clever tools that enable you to make sure your house is warm for when you get home from work, or to turn off your heating whilst away to lower unnecessary energy costs.

Smart thermometers are a great way to be more eco-friendly and to keep your energy bill down. The flexibility of the device means you can change your house’s temperature with a simple click of a button.

5. Leased Line Broadband

If you have a large house with a vast tech supply running on your network, you may want to invest in leased line broadband. Installing leased line broadband will allow you to have a private connection that isn’t shared with your neighbours. This means all your technical devices will be sure to run smoothly with zero interaction.

Recently we completed a leased line broadband installation in Wolverhampton in the West Midlands. This leased line covered: 15 TVs with streaming services, 15 Control4 Automation Tablets, 20 Hik Vision CCTV cameras and NVR, a door entry system, 20 Zyxel Wi-Fi Access Points, 8 Zyxel GS1920 switches, and audio systems.

Due to the large volume of tech our client was operating in their house, we also installed a Zyxel ATP 500 firewall with UTM and AI Sandboxing network security capabilities, which can be cloud controlled using Zyxel Nebula. We’re now able to access and fix any issues with the leased line broadband from our IT helpdesk in Walsall, meaning our client has a quick response time to any technical problems. Read more about our mansion house case study here !

Not sure where to start with home automation? Begin with essentials like Fibre Broadband, CCTV and Wi-Fi routers. Once you have these basics covered, automating your house should be a breeze!

Get professional help from Vibrant Networks, one of the most trusted tech companies in Walsall in the West Midlands, when installing a new access point, conducting a wireless site survey, or setting up and designing your network and CCTV solution. With 18 years of experience and a loyal client base, we provide top-notch IT solutions, serving Birmingham, Walsall, and the rest of the West Midlands. Contact us today for expert assistance on 01922 612387 , or email at info@vibrant-networks.co.uk.

The Windows 11 Update – Your Questions Answered

By Shaan Randhawa • April 10, 2025
The Windows 11 Upgrade is on the horizon, with an October 2025 deadline to adhere to the new software! It is essential for companies to update Windows 10 to 11, but there are still so many unanswered questions! To help fill in the gaps, we at Vibrant Networks have researched some of the common queries surrounding the Windows 11 Update, to provide you with clarity going into the new system. Read on to find out the essentials before you upgrade to Windows 11! When is the Windows 11 update coming? Microsoft officially released the Windows 11 update back in October 2021, meaning it’s been running for a short while. However, as of January this year, more and more companies are making the transition over from Windows 10 to 11. This is because Windows 10 is facing End of Life status in October of this year. Can I Avoid the Windows 11 Update? We do not recommend avoiding the Windows 11 Update. On October 14th of this year, Windows 10 will face End of Life status. This means you will no longer receive: Free software updates on your devices Access to any support New security updates or patches Failing to upgrade may not only result in operational inefficiencies due to outdated or underperforming software, but it could also expose your business to potential legal and compliance risks. Without access to the latest security updates and patches, your systems may fall short of meeting industry-standard security protocols, potentially rendering you non-compliant. It is highly advisable to update Windows 10 to 11 before the deadline this October. Will Updating to Windows 11 Delete My Data? No. If you update Windows 10 to 11, your data will be retained and will remain safe. However, as an IT company, we believe it is important to always have up to date backups of your data. This means storing a copy on either an external hard drive or uploading your encrypted data onto OneDrive. If you need help creating a secure copy of your data, contact us to see how we can help! Why Might the Windows 11 Update Installation Fail? There are a few reasons as to why the Windows 11 update can fail to install onto your machine, including: A bad internet connection Low disk space Corrupt system files An incompatible Incompatible CPU/Hardware A few ways to fix these issues are to check your internet connection, check your desk and free up space, or purchase a Windows 11 compatible device. At Vibrant Networks we have the IT knowledge and experience to help identify and fix your problems quickly and efficiently. We can help you to move over to Windows 11, and can help provide devices that support the Windows 11 update, such as our Grade A refurbished laptops.  Click here to contact us about any IT queries today! Dell Windows 11 rollback article.

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