Uploaded March 2021 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
3/10/21 @ 3PM EST Join the discussion with Brent and Adam on the sixth episode of our new series on the basics of networking: System Design
• What to consider when designing a network.
• What type of network do you need?
• How do we troubleshoot networking problems?
Network Map Worksheet: https://metra-metrahometheater.com/downloads.html#n-sect
Show Notes:
Designing a Network system
1. Interview
a. Find out the end goal of the client/Find out what type of system the CLIENT wants/needs
i. Wifi coverage?
ii. hardwired devices?
iii. IoT devices?
iv. Who is the Service provider?
v. This is the time to manage their expectations NOT after
b. Keep logs!
i. Photos, emails, texts, screenshots, etc.
2. System Type
a. Find out what type of system the PROJECT needs
i. Basic Wi-Fi?
ii. Home Office?
iii. Control/Automation System?
iv. Small Business?
3. Physical Restrictions
a. Find out what type of Physical limitations you will run into!
i. Wi-Fi coverage restrictions
1. Construction materials, concrete/wood/etc.
2. Size of the location
3. Interference devices
a. Where’s the Microwave!?
ii. Hardwire pulling restrictions
1. Can you get in the attic/basement?
2. Do they have Plenum spaces where you plan on running cables?
3. Is it run too close to power
4. Etc.
b. Use your scan tools!
i. App on the phone or better paid items that will give you better in depth feedback
RINSE AND REPEAT STEPS 1-3 Until all requirements and restrictions have been covered!
4. Begin Mapping Network
a. Find out all of the devices that will be connected to the network
i. AND how/where will they be connected
1. WiFi or Ethernet
2. In the rack or in the wiring panel
3. Connected to the router or to a switch?
b. Begin segmenting out the system for VLANs if necessary
i. Main network
ii. Automation network
iii. Surveillance network
iv. IoT network
v. Guest network
c. Leave room for changes!!!
i. Either during the installation or 4 years later, there will be changes.
5. Do the Installation
a. Pretty simple, Reap the benefits of having a plan!
b. There will be things that you missed during the planning phase
i. Not the end of the world, just a hiccup
6. Troubleshoot
a. Use the logs and map to track problems.
b. Re-ocurring problems may show root causes for symptoms.
Subscribe for more #TechTips videos for custom integrators and home technology professionals.
Visit MetraHomeTheater.com for more. Tag us in your #MetraAV projects and follow us on social media:
Twitter.com/MetraAV
LinkedIn.com/company/MetraAV
Facebook.com/MetraAV
Instagram.com/MetraAV
©Copyright Metra Electronics. All rights reserved.
3/10/21 @ 3PM EST Join the discussion with Brent and Adam on the sixth episode of our new series on the basics of networking: System Design
• What to consider when designing a network.
• What type of network do you need?
• How do we troubleshoot networking problems?
Network Map Worksheet: https://metra-metrahometheater.com/downloads.html#n-sect
Show Notes:
Designing a Network system
1. Interview
a. Find out the end goal of the client/Find out what type of system the CLIENT wants/needs
i. Wifi coverage?
ii. hardwired devices?
iii. IoT devices?
iv. Who is the Service provider?
v. This is the time to manage their expectations NOT after
b. Keep logs!
i. Photos, emails, texts, screenshots, etc.
2. System Type
a. Find out what type of system the PROJECT needs
i. Basic Wi-Fi?
ii. Home Office?
iii. Control/Automation System?
iv. Small Business?
3. Physical Restrictions
a. Find out what type of Physical limitations you will run into!
i. Wi-Fi coverage restrictions
1. Construction materials, concrete/wood/etc.
2. Size of the location
3. Interference devices
a. Where’s the Microwave!?
ii. Hardwire pulling restrictions
1. Can you get in the attic/basement?
2. Do they have Plenum spaces where you plan on running cables?
3. Is it run too close to power
4. Etc.
b. Use your scan tools!
i. App on the phone or better paid items that will give you better in depth feedback
RINSE AND REPEAT STEPS 1-3 Until all requirements and restrictions have been covered!
4. Begin Mapping Network
a. Find out all of the devices that will be connected to the network
i. AND how/where will they be connected
1. WiFi or Ethernet
2. In the rack or in the wiring panel
3. Connected to the router or to a switch?
b. Begin segmenting out the system for VLANs if necessary
i. Main network
ii. Automation network
iii. Surveillance network
iv. IoT network
v. Guest network
c. Leave room for changes!!!
i. Either during the installation or 4 years later, there will be changes.
5. Do the Installation
a. Pretty simple, Reap the benefits of having a plan!
b. There will be things that you missed during the planning phase
i. Not the end of the world, just a hiccup
6. Troubleshoot
a. Use the logs and map to track problems.
b. Re-ocurring problems may show root causes for symptoms.
Subscribe for more #TechTips videos for custom integrators and home technology professionals.
Visit MetraHomeTheater.com for more. Tag us in your #MetraAV projects and follow us on social media:
Twitter.com/MetraAV
LinkedIn.com/company/MetraAV
Facebook.com/MetraAV
Instagram.com/MetraAV
©Copyright Metra Electronics. All rights reserved.
