Setting up a smart home is no easy task. From smart thermostats to smart coffee machines and robot vacuum machines, the market is filled with smart home devices that you can incorporate into your home. What starts as an exciting journey to revamping your house can quickly turn into an overwhelming and expensive nightmare. If you are overwhelmed with the process of setting up your smart home, this article is perfect for you. We can help you decide how to set up the perfect smart home.
- Keep in mind, at the center of every good smart home setup is a reliable internet connection. The devices you incorporate in your home rely on the internet for functioning therefore, you should have an internet connection that allows seamless integration of these devices.
- If you live in a CenturyLink service area, you are in luck because the CenturyLink fiber plans are perfect for a smart home setup.
In this article, we discuss how you can set up the perfect smart home using the right CenturyLink internet plan. Keep on reading, to learn more!
Quick Guide to Setting up a Smart Home
Before we jump to selecting the right CenturyLink internet plan for your smart home, here is a quick guide to setting up the perfect smart home for your needs.
Picking the Right Ecosystem
The first thing to do when deciding to set up a smart home is to pick the right ecosystem. There are multiple ecosystems available, each with its own set of compatible devices and unique features. Consider your needs and preferences when selecting an ecosystem. Some ecosystems may prioritize voice control, while others may prioritize security or energy efficiency – you need to choose one that works with your home.
Additionally, consider the devices you already have and make sure they are compatible with the ecosystem you are considering. You would not want to invest in an ecosystem that renders your existing devices useless. Research and compare the features, pricing, and user experience of different ecosystems to determine which one is the best fit for your home.
Picking the right ecosystem can ensure that your smart home devices work together seamlessly and make your daily routines more convenient and efficient.
Using a Smart Speaker
When setting up a smart home, consider integrating a smart speaker into your ecosystem.Using a smart speaker is a convenient way to control your smart home devices and access information hands-free. With a smart speaker, you can control lights, thermostats, and other devices with voice commands. You can also play music, set reminders, and check the weather without using your hands.
Some smart speakers also have built-in virtual assistants that can answer questions, make phone calls, and send messages. A smart speaker is like your very own personal assistant that can get nearly everything done without you having to move a muscle.
Geofencing
Using geofencing is a smart way to automate your home based on your location. Geofencing uses GPS to create virtual boundaries around your home, and when you enter or leave these boundaries, your smart home devices can automatically adjust according to your preferences.
For example, you can set your smart thermostat to turn off when you leave home and turn it back on when you return, saving energy and money. You can also set your lights to turn on or off based on your arrival or departure, enhancing security and convenience.
Give Devices Unique Names
Giving devices unique names is a helpful way to organize and control your smart home devices. When you set up your smart home devices, they often come with generic names that can be confusing when you have multiple devices of the same type. By giving each device a unique and descriptive name, you can easily identify and control them using voice commands or in-app controls.
Understand How Your Data Works
Understanding how smart data is used is important when setting up a smart home. Smart data refers to the information generated by your smart home devices, such as energy usage, temperature, and occupancy. This data can be used to create personalized settings and automation that enhance efficiency and convenience.
For instance, your auto-switch can turn off your system during hours when it isn’t used at all, such as the times when you go to bed. This will help you save energy. Smart data can also be used to identify patterns and make predictions, such as detecting when a device is about to fail and scheduling maintenance for it accordingly.
Avoid Reusing Passwords
Avoiding reusing passwords is crucial when setting up a smart home to prevent unauthorized access to your devices and personal information. Smart home devices are often connected to the internet and can be vulnerable to hacking attempts.
If you reuse passwords across multiple devices and services, a hacker who gains access to one device can potentially gain access to all your devices and personal information. To prevent this, use unique and complex passwords for each of your smart home devices and services.
Consider Cheaper Options (But Not Always)
Considering cheaper options is a smart way to save money when setting up a smart home. While some high-end smart home devices offer advanced features, there are often cheaper alternatives that can offer similar functionality. Save money where you can but splurge on devices that offer long-term functionality. Constantly replacing or paying for a poor-quality device defeats the purpose of investing in an affordable option. Therefore, do your research and compare prices and functions before you invest in any smart home device.
Which CenturyLink Plan Should You Choose For Your Smart Home?
CenturyLink offers DSL and fiber internet plans to nearly 48.6 million people across 16 states. Its DSL plans only offer up to 100 Mbps download speeds, which are not enough to support a smart home setup. For this reason, we recommend its fiber internet plans instead. CenturyLink offers a fiber internet plan, which offers up to 200 Mbps for $30/mo. in select markets. This speed is perfect if you are just starting with your smart home journey. CenturyLink also offers another fiber internet plan (now being sold as Quantum Fiber) which provides up to 940 Mbps download speed for $70/mo. This plan is perfect for incorporating multiple smart devices in a medium to large-sized household.
Keep in mind that CenturyLink fiber internet plans are only available in select markets. Plan prices and plans vary according to location, call CenturyLink customer service to confirm the availability of plans or prices in your area.
| Plan | Fiber Internet | Quantum Internet
Formerly CenturyLink Fiber |
| Speed | Up to 200 Mbps | Up to 940 Mbps |
| Promo Price | $30/mo.
In select markets |
$70/mo.
In select markets |
| Unlimited data & no overage fees | Unlimited data & no overage fees |
Data effective as of publish date. For the latest plans & prices in your area, call 855-349-9310
In Conclusion
With enough research and the right internet connection piecing together a seamlessly connected smart home becomes slightly easier. Keep in mind the tips we mentioned in the article for setting up a good smart home. Make sure you have a good internet plan with enough speeds to meet your smart home needs.
Our recommendation is CenturyLink internet. Their fiber internet plans are perfect for setting up a well-connected and smooth-sailing smart home setup. If you live in a CenturyLink serviceable area, call their customer service now and get your fiber internet package at the earliest.