Bosch

Fisher & Paykel

Think decorative lighting is outdated? Think again. Explore how statement fixtures are redefining modern luxury and smart home design.

<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Ketra turntable decorative lighting pendant" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/prosource_member_blogs/VDUN1/VDUN1_lightworks-decorative-lighting/VDUN1_lightworks-decorative-lighting_1.jpg" /></p>
<p>In recent years, the clean aesthetic of recessed lighting has dominated contemporary home design. Walk into any newly renovated space and you'll likely see a ceiling dotted with perfectly aligned downlights. While this minimal approach has its merits, we at <a href="https://www.sdlightworks.com/contacts"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">LIGHTWORKS</span></a> believe that decorative lighting is experiencing not a decline, but a renaissance&mdash;especially in luxury homes where personalization matters most.</p>
<h2>The Case for Decorative Fixtures</h2>
<p>Decorative lighting adds personality, texture, and visual interest. A thoughtfully selected chandelier in a dining room creates an immediate focal point. Pendant lights suspended over a kitchen island not only illuminate work surfaces but make a design statement. Sculptural wall sconces transform hallways from mere passageways into gallery-like experiences.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Lighting fixtures by wakaNINE Ketra Ready Solutions collection" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/prosource_member_blogs/VDUN1/VDUN1_lightworks-decorative-lighting/VDUN1_lightworks-decorative-lighting_2.jpg" /></p>
<p>These statement pieces speak volumes about a homeowner's taste and attention to detail. Lutron's curated collections of decorative fixtures offer artistic expressions while maintaining the seamless control that modern homeowners expect.</p>
<h2>Where Function Meets Form</h2>
<p>The beauty of modern decorative lighting lies in its dual purpose. Today's decorative fixtures don't sacrifice function for form&mdash;they excel at both. Ketra's sophisticated pendants provide both ambient illumination and task lighting while serving as conversation pieces, with their revolutionary natural light technology elevating decorative lighting beyond mere aesthetics.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Lutron lighting control panel closeup " src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/prosource_member_blogs/VDUN1/VDUN1_lightworks-decorative-lighting/VDUN1_lightworks-decorative-lighting_3.jpg" /></p>
<p></p>
<blockquote><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> <br /> With Lutron's advanced dimming technology, every decorative fixture becomes infinitely adjustable. Ketra's tunable lighting allows you to modify both intensity and color temperature throughout the day, transforming how decorative pieces contribute to your space.</blockquote>
<h2>Smart Integration Elevates the Experience</h2>
<p>The integration of decorative lighting into smart home systems has revolutionized how these statement pieces perform. Using Lutron's comprehensive ecosystem, homeowners can:</p>
<ul>
<li>Program specific lighting scenes that highlight decorative fixtures during entertaining</li>
<li>Adjust individual fixture brightness without climbing ladders</li>
<li>Coordinate decorative and recessed lighting for cohesive effects</li>
<li>Control everything from elegant Lutron keypads or a simple smartphone app</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Lutron Home App closeup on phone" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/prosource_member_blogs/VDUN1/VDUN1_lightworks-decorative-lighting/VDUN1_lightworks-decorative-lighting_4.jpg" /></p>
<p>Ketra's integration with Lutron HomeWorks transforms decorative lighting from static elements into dynamic components of your living environment, with the ability to shift from energizing daylight to relaxing warm tones as the day progresses.</p>
<h2>The Perfect Partnership: Decorative and Minimal</h2>
<p>The most sophisticated lighting designs embrace balance. Rather than choosing between all recessed or all decorative lighting, consider how they complement each other. Keep ceilings clean with minimal recessed fixtures, then add impact with statement pieces from Lutron's designer collections where they matter most.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Open concept space in a home with Ketra lighting" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/prosource_member_blogs/VDUN1/VDUN1_lightworks-decorative-lighting/VDUN1_lightworks-decorative-lighting_5.jpg" /></p>
<p>In open-concept spaces, Ketra's decorative fixtures help define zones while maintaining visual flow. A cluster of pendants signals "dining area" while their recessed solutions provide consistent illumination throughout.</p>
<h2>Finding Your Balance</h2>
<p>The key to successful lighting design isn't following trends blindly&mdash;it's creating spaces that reflect your personal style while functioning beautifully. With Lutron's control systems and Ketra's revolutionary natural light technology, decorative lighting hasn't lost its spark; it's evolved into something more dynamic and personalized than ever before.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.sdlightworks.com/contacts"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Visit our San Diego showroom</span></a> to explore our curated selection of Lutron and Ketra decorative fixtures and experience firsthand how these premium systems can transform your space. Our design consultants can help you discover the perfect balance of form and function for your unique home.</p>
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Has Decorative Lighting Lost Its Spark? Not Quite.

Style meets smart. Basalte control systems give you powerful home automation with the kind of design you’ll actually want to show off.

<p>In the world of luxury home design, technology should never compromise aesthetics. Today's discerning homeowners demand smart solutions that blend seamlessly into their carefully curated spaces. This perfect harmony between functionality and beauty is where Basalte truly shines&mdash;transforming ordinary home controls into sophisticated design elements that enhance your home's elegance.</p>
<h2>The Role of UI in Home Control</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Lena (top) Basalte Home&rsquo;s flagship touch display, Fibonacci (bottom) a sleek, touch-sensitive keypad designed to control lighting and shades precision and style" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/prosource_member_blogs/VDUN1/VDUN1_lightworks-basalte-control/VDUN1_lightworks-basalte-control_2.jpg" /><br /> <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Lena (top) Basalte Home&rsquo;s flagship touch display, Fibonacci (bottom) a sleek, touch-sensitive keypad designed to control lighting and shades precision and style</em></span></p>
<p>User interface (UI) in home control is far more than just buttons and switches&mdash;it's the critical connection between you and your living environment. It's how you communicate with your home, adjusting everything from lighting and temperature to audio, shades, and security with intuitive precision. While many systems prioritize function over form, Basalte takes a different approach.</p>
<p>Basalte's interfaces are designed with intuitive simplicity at their core. With gentle touches and elegant gestures, homeowners can control multiple home systems without disrupting the flow of conversation or requiring technical expertise. This thoughtful design philosophy extends beyond mere functionality&mdash;Basalte's controls are created to be admired as design elements in their own right.</p>
<h2>Basalte: The Jewelry on the Wall</h2>
<p>What sets Basalte apart is their commitment to minimalist, sleek design that complements rather than competes with your interior aesthetic. Their touch panels and switches sit perfectly flush with walls, creating a seamless look that architects and designers adore. Available in a vast selection of premium finishes, these panels truly become the "jewelry on the wall"&mdash;subtle statement pieces that elevate any room.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Available in a variety of high-end finishes" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/prosource_member_blogs/VDUN1/VDUN1_lightworks-basalte-control/VDUN1_lightworks-basalte-control_3.jpg" /><br /> <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Available in a variety of high-end finishes</em></span></p>
<p>The elegantly simple interface disappears when not in use, displaying only a subtle glow to indicate its presence. When activated, intuitive controls emerge with refined animations. This restrained approach ensures your walls remain sophisticated and uncluttered while providing complete control over your entire home environment.</p>
<p><img alt="Ellie, the ultimate touch panel for Basalte Home to control lights, climate, music and more around the house." src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/prosource_member_blogs/VDUN1/VDUN1_lightworks-basalte-control/VDUN1_lightworks-basalte-control_4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Ellie, the ultimate touch panel for Basalte Home to control lights, climate, music and more around the house.</em></span></p>
<h2>Smart Home Control: A Luxury Experience</h2>
<p>Basalte's advanced control system offers precision customization for a truly luxury smart home experience. Effortlessly control lighting scenes, motorized shades, climate settings, audio systems, and security features, all through one intuitive, elegant interface. The system learns your preferences, enabling you to recall ideal environmental settings with a single touch, making your home as comfortable as it is technologically sophisticated.</p>
<p>Basalte integrates flawlessly with top home automation platforms, including Savant, Lutron HomeWorks, and Control4, as well as other smart home systems. This ensures that all of your home&rsquo;s technology works together seamlessly, providing a cohesive and personalized experience. Whether it's controlling lighting, shades, AV equipment, or HVAC systems, Basalte serves as the stylish gateway to a smarter, more luxurious home.</p>
<p>This powerful integration helps create a visually cohesive and high-performance home environment, elevating your lifestyle with a seamless smart home control experience.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Basalte Home's Adelante, the luxury video door station that features a modular design with options to customize." src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/prosource_member_blogs/VDUN1/VDUN1_lightworks-basalte-control/VDUN1_lightworks-basalte-control_5.jpg" /><br /> <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Basalte Home's Adelante, the luxury video door station that features a modular design with options to customize.</em></span></p>
<h2>Creating a Harmonious Home</h2>
<p>In today's smart homes, technology should enhance both comfort and beauty. Basalte control systems achieve this delicate balance&mdash;delivering powerful functionality through interfaces so elegant they become design features themselves. By choosing Basalte, you're not just controlling your home; you're making a statement about your commitment to uncompromising quality and sophisticated design.</p>
<p>Experience the perfect marriage of technology and elegance at LIGHTWORKS. <a href="https://www.sdlightworks.com/contacts"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Visit our San Diego showroom</span></a> to see and feel Basalte's exceptional control systems in person, and discover how these "jewels on the wall" can transform your home into a more beautiful, intuitive living space.</p>

UI and the Jewelry on the Wall: Elevating Your Space with Basalte Control Systems

Learn how direct and indirect lighting transforms a space and how to choose the right approach for comfort, function, and style.

<p><a href="https://www.sdlightworks.com/residential-solutions/lighting-design"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Lighting</span></a> is more than illumination&mdash;it&rsquo;s a design tool that shapes how we experience a space. One of the most impactful choices in any lighting plan is how the light is delivered.<br />
<p>So, what&rsquo;s the difference between direct and indirect lighting, and when should you use each?</p>
<p>Let&rsquo;s break it down.</p>
<h2>What Is Direct Lighting?</h2>
<p><img alt="A modern, high-ceiling living room at night lit with hanging and string lights." src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/prosource_member_blogs/VDUN1/VDUN1_lightworks-direct-vs-indirect-lighting/VDUN1_lightworks-direct-vs-indirect-lighting_1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Source: Lutron Luxury</em></span></p>
<p><strong>Direct lighting</strong> casts light straight from the source onto a surface or object&mdash;think downlights over a kitchen island or a reading lamp beside the bed.&nbsp;It&rsquo;s <strong>focused, functional, and often task-oriented.</strong></p>
<p>Best for:</p>
<ul>
<li>Kitchens (task lighting)</li>
<li>Workspaces</li>
<li>Bathrooms</li>
<li>Highlighting art or architectural features</li>
</ul>
<h2>What Is Indirect Lighting?</h2>
<p><img alt="A dimly lit modern sunroom with drawn neutral shades and neutral furniture." src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/prosource_member_blogs/VDUN1/VDUN1_lightworks-direct-vs-indirect-lighting/VDUN1_lightworks-direct-vs-indirect-lighting_2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Source: Lutron Luxury</em></span></p>
<p><strong>Indirect lighting</strong> is bounced off another surface&mdash;like a ceiling, wall, or cove&mdash;before it reaches your eyes. The result is a <strong>softer, more ambient glow</strong> that gently fills the space.</p>
<p>Best for:</p>
<ul>
<li>Living rooms</li>
<li>Bedrooms</li>
<li>Hallways or circulation areas</li>
<li>Creating a relaxed, architectural feel</li>
</ul>
<h2>Why the Best Lighting Designs Use Both</h2>
<p><img alt="A gray bedroom lit with in-ceiling lighting." src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/prosource_member_blogs/VDUN1/VDUN1_lightworks-direct-vs-indirect-lighting/VDUN1_lightworks-direct-vs-indirect-lighting_3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>La Jolla Waterfront Residential Project</em></span></p>
<p>The key to great lighting isn&rsquo;t choosing one over the other&mdash;it&rsquo;s knowing how to layer them.</p>
<p>At LIGHTWORKS, we work with homeowners, designers, and builders to create lighting plans that combine direct and indirect sources to achieve the right balance of function, comfort, and drama.</p>
<p>Indirect lighting creates atmosphere. Direct lighting brings precision. Together, they shape every moment you spend in your space.</p>
<h2>Which Lighting Style Should You Prioritize?</h2>
<p>It depends on the purpose of the room, the architecture, and the kind of experience you want to create.</p>
<p>Here&rsquo;s a quick rule of thumb:</p>
<ul>
<li>Prefer a clean ceiling and subtle ambiance? Use more indirect lighting.</li>
<li>Need high performance and precision? Prioritize direct lighting&mdash;placed thoughtfully and shielded to avoid glare.</li>
</ul>
<p>In most homes, the best results come from a layered design. We often combine recessed downlights with indirect coves, uplighting, or even tunable color temperature to adapt from day to night.</p>
<p>Use the guide below to help decide where your lighting plan should lean:</p>
<p><div class="container">            
  <table class="table table-striped">
    <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Focus More on Direct Lighting</th>
        <th>Focus More on Indirect Lighting</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>✔ You need clarity for tasks like cooking or reading</td>
        <td>✔ You want a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>✔ You want to highlight artwork, countertops, or architectural details</td>
        <td>✔ You prefer soft, evenly distributed light</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>✔ You don’t mind seeing the light source (pendants, downlights)</td>
        <td>✔ You want to minimize ceiling clutter and fixture visibility</td>
      </tr>
       <tr>
        <td>✔ You want a brighter, more energetic feel in the room</td>
        <td>✔ You want the lighting to blend with the architecture</td>
      </tr>
       <tr>
        <td>Best spaces: Kitchens, home offices, bathrooms, garages</td>
        <td>Best spaces: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, media rooms</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>
</p>
<h2>See the Difference for Yourself</h2>
<p>Through our curated product lines and design approach, we showcase both lighting styles&mdash;often in the same room. From architectural fixtures to human-centric controls, LIGHTWORKS helps you see your home in the best possible light.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.sdlightworks.com/contacts"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Book a visit to our showroom or ask us about lighting for your next project.</span></a> We&rsquo;ll guide you through every layer.</p>
<style>
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Direct vs. Indirect Lighting: What’s the Right Choice for Your Home?

Discover how automated shades offer effortless control of natural light, improving comfort, privacy, and energy efficiency in today’s modern homes.

<h2>Let the Light In &mdash; But Only When You Want It</h2>
<p>Natural light brings beauty, warmth, and energy into a home. But when it causes glare, heat, or fades your furnishings, it becomes more of a hassle than a luxury.</p>
<p>That&rsquo;s where automated shades make a difference.</p>
<p>More and more homeowners are investing in <strong>smart shading systems</strong> that do more than just cover windows. These systems give you control over natural light&mdash;letting you decide how much to let in, when to block it, and how your space should feel throughout the day.</p>
<p>At LIGHTWORKS, we help clients across San Diego take advantage of solutions from trusted brands like Lutron, bringing comfort, privacy, and design together with one simple touch.</p>
<h2>What Are Automated Shades, and Why Do They Matter?</h2>
<p><img alt="A brightly lit modern kitchen/dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows with automated shades." src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/prosource_member_blogs/VDUN1/VDUN1_lightworks-automated-shades-modern-home/VDUN1_lightworks-automated-shades-modern-home_1.jpg" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Custom Motorized Shading Solution &ndash; Crystal Cove Project</em></span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.sdlightworks.com/residential-solutions/motorized-shades-drapes"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Automated shades</span></a> are motorized window treatments you can control using a remote, wall keypad, app, or even voice commands. They can open and close on a schedule, adjust automatically based on sunlight, or respond instantly to your needs.</p>
<p>But what really makes them powerful is this: they <strong>optimize natural light</strong> to fit your lifestyle.</p>
<p>Rather than battling glare or constantly adjusting curtains, your home can adapt in real time&mdash;reducing heat, protecting furniture, and helping you sleep better.</p>
<h2>Top Reasons Clients Ask for Smart Shading?</h2>
<p><img alt="A woman in pink athletic gear does yoga in her home." src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/prosource_member_blogs/VDUN1/VDUN1_lightworks-automated-shades-modern-home/VDUN1_lightworks-automated-shades-modern-home_2.jpg" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Source: Lutron Luxury</em></span></p>
<ol>
<li><em><strong>Control glare without losing light</strong></em>:&nbsp;Sheer shades can filter bright sun so you can work, cook, or relax comfortably&mdash;no need to close off the outdoors.</li>
<li><em><strong>Protect flooring and furniture</strong></em>:&nbsp;UV rays can damage interiors over time. Smart shades preserve the look and lifespan of your space.</li>
<li><em><strong>Improve sleep and privacy</strong></em>:&nbsp;Blackout shades block light fully for bedrooms or media rooms, and can lower automatically in the evening.</li>
<li><em><strong>Save energy year-round</strong></em>:&nbsp;Close shades during hot afternoons to reduce cooling costs, or open them in winter mornings to let warmth in.</li>
<li><em><strong>Add a clean, modern look</strong></em>:&nbsp;With hidden tracks and custom finishes, today&rsquo;s shading systems look as good as they perform.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Why We Recommend Lutron Shading Systems</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="A man takes a break while working out and looks out his automated shade window." src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/prosource_member_blogs/VDUN1/VDUN1_lightworks-automated-shades-modern-home/VDUN1_lightworks-automated-shades-modern-home_3.jpg" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Source: Lutron Luxury</em></span></p>
<p>We work with <strong>Lutron</strong> because their automated shades are reliable, whisper-quiet, and beautifully designed. They come in a wide range of fabrics and can be customized to fit any window&mdash;from large glass walls to narrow, hard-to-reach spots.</p>
<p>You can create "scenes" like:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Good Morning</strong>: Sheers rise to welcome daylight</li>
<li><strong>Movie Night</strong>: Blackouts drop with one tap</li>
<li><strong>Away Mode</strong>: Shades adjust on a schedule to add privacy while you're gone</li>
</ul>
<p>Everything syncs with Lutron keypads, the Lutron app, or your voice assistant for total convenience.</p>
<p><img alt="A close-up of a Lutron control panel on a cell phone." src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/prosource_member_blogs/VDUN1/VDUN1_lightworks-automated-shades-modern-home/VDUN1_lightworks-automated-shades-modern-home_4.jpg" /></p>
<h2>Make Every Room Feel Better with the Right Shading Solution</h2>
<p>Whether you&rsquo;re building a new home, remodeling, or simply upgrading one room, <strong>automated shades are one of the easiest ways to improve comfort, privacy, and control.</strong></p>
<p>At LIGHTWORKS, we design smart shading systems around how you live&mdash;from quiet mornings with natural light to shaded spaces that stay cool and protected throughout the day. The result is a clean, modern look that feels intuitive and effortless.</p>
<p><strong>Smart shades aren&rsquo;t just a luxury. They&rsquo;re a long-term upgrade in how your home works for you.</strong></p>
<p>Want help choosing the right shading solution for your space? <a href="https://www.sdlightworks.com/contacts"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ask us for a personalized recommendation.</span></a></p>

Natural Light, On Your Terms: The Value of Automated Shades in Modern Homes

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                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    For most families, the home network and WiFi are as important as hot and cold running water. If Maslow was alive he would have included WiFi in his hierarchy of needs table. It’s right up there with food and shelter as a primary need nowadays. More so if you have children of any age. I can hear your children’s screams from my place when the internet drops out or it’s turned off.
                </p>
                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    Now in saying that it seems to me that the amount of thought time and consideration allocated to this primary need would lead me to believe this is not a true statement. You see for most households WiFi is provided by the free cable modem/router combo stuffed into some obscure corner of the house, and if you are really lucky it might be located somewhere close to your entertainment equipment so you can enjoy all these new streaming TV services.
                </p>
                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    Over the last 5 years, we have also had explosive growth in the number of devices (TV’s, media streaming boxes (Apple TV’s, Roku’s), smart speakers, tablets, iPads, phones, laptops, doorbells, cameras, etc) that want to connect to WiFi and our home networks. Which has lead most families down a path of trying to find a way to get WiFi into the far-flung reaches of the house that was not even a consideration 5 years ago?
                </p>
                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    Now if you live in a house that is a 1000sqf or smaller then this is not an issue unless there is lots of concrete or block in the dividing walls between rooms that can be common in some modern condos. Now if you live in a house 2500sqf or larger then you will know all about this.
                </p>
                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    Like it or not the home network is here to stay and WiFi is not going away anytime soon.
                </p>
                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    In most households the home network is a cobbled-together contraption of old and new bits and pieces collected up over the years with varying degrees of performance, dotted around the house and can only be worked on if you are lucky by the resident household technology enthusiast, or if you are not so lucky a visiting friend or relative.
                </p>
                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    This cobbled-together approach is ok if you are watching your penny’s, and the frustration of things not working as they should is acceptable because of the investment trade-off, but when we are asked for help we don’t want to leave these elements in place.
                </p>
                
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                        Why not, you ask? Well ...
                    </span>
                </h2>
                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    The home network (wired and wireless (WiFi)) is the foundation element of a home’s entertainment needs now, as well as the platform of any smart home goodies you may already have, or you may want to add later.  Your entertainment enjoyment is tied to this. No one wants to watch a stuttering movie or get the spinning the wheel of death when trying to listen or watch something. And it’s not that easy or in some cases practical to move the TV a little to the left as the signal was stronger there the other day.
                </p>
                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    By the way, some of these connected devices have varying qualities of antennas installed in them. This means just because it worked on your phone in that spot, does not mean it will work on your printer.
                </p>
                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    We can’t leave things to chance. It might work ok is not an answer you will hear out of our mouths.
                </p>
                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    We take a lot of things into consideration when we design a home network.
                </p>
                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    Now a lot of our clients work from home, have speakers in the yard and need WiFi everywhere, and good solid WiFI, not a hit and miss approach that worked here yesterday but not today. So when we design a network we account for this.
                </p>
                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    Here is the nerdy bit and I promise to keep it brief and explain things in everyday language. The modem router you get from your ISP or cable provided is four devices in one. It’s designed for smaller houses and works well in this smaller environment most of the time. But put this same device in a bigger house then it’s not the right solution, why you ask? Well because in a bigger house you need more some of the items that make up this product and not the others.
                </p>
                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    When you know what parts do what it’s easier to think about what parts you will need more of, we design our networks using individual components listed below this way we can get more or less of each item so we can scale the components to fit the project.
                </p>
                <h2 class="avb-typography__heading avb-typography__heading--title">
                    <span class="avb-typography__heading-line avb-typography__heading-line--marginBottom dsg-tools-main-heading dsg-tools-color-primary dsg-block-26__heading-line-1">
                        The four parts are as follows;
                    </span>
                </h2>
                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    1.
                    <span class="dsg-tools-fw-bold">
                        The Modem,
                    </span>
                    this part connects you to the outside world, if you have cable this is the bit that connects the cable coming in off the street and converts the date from your cable company to something your router can use.  You only need one of these.
                </p>
                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    2.
                    <span class="dsg-tools-fw-bold">
                        The router,
                    </span>
                    think of this like a traffic cop routing traffic at the intersection. The router is directing and routing information to all the various devices (phones, TVs, tablets, streaming media boxes, printers, etc) on the network both wired and wireless.  It hands out network addresses to all the devices on the network and knows where they are, who they are and what they are. It’s like the brain and works 24/7 all information on your network routes through this device. You only need one of these in a project and it needs to be capable of handling all the network traffic at once. The more devices you have the better this piece of equipment needs to be.
                </p>
                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    3.
                    <span class="dsg-tools-fw-bold">
                        A switch,
                    </span>
                    this is the bit that you plug the hardwired devices into. They come in various sizes most Cable companies supplied units have 4 hardwired connections available.  In our projects, we typically hardwire as many devices as we can as it’s still 10 times faster than the fastest wireless, so we select a switch size that allows us to plug in 8, 16, 24 or sometimes 48+ devices.  You typically only want one switch in a house that can handle all the connections.
                </p>
                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    4.
                    <span class="dsg-tools-fw-bold">
                        The WiFi antenna.
                    </span>
                    This is the bit that broadcasts the WiFi signal around the house, and all your wireless devices connect via this antenna. Most houses we work in need 3 or more of these devices and they are called Wireless Access Points or (WAPS) for short and they are typically hardwired back to a switch. We use WAPS that can also use wireless to talk back to the switch but only if we have to and only if there is not a wired option available.
                </p>
                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    So for bigger houses, they will need multiple WAPS, a bigger network switch, and a router capable of handling all the traffic on the network. Now there are potential problems with multiple WAPS placed around the house if not configured correctly. One is that you can be standing right under a WAP in the Kitchen, but because you moved from the bedroom your device (phone) is still hanging onto your connecting in the bedroom. Neither device is smart enough to know there is a better stronger signal closer, so it does not switch to the kitchen WAP. Not a great solution.  Your network does not know the other WAP exists and it does not know when to&nbsp;change.
                </p>
                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    All our networks we design and deploy have a centralized controller that manages all the network devices; it knows where the other WAP’s are. It knows where your phone is and what its signal strength is relative to where you are so it can initiate the change for you.
                </p>
                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    This is how a modern home network should operate, and the best bit about this is it’s not prohibitively expensive to deploy.
                </p>
                <p class="avb-typography__paragraph dsg-tools-main-paragraph dsg-tools-color-dark dsg-block-26__paragraph">
                    So if you want a robust quality home network with great WiFi in your San Diego home, please get in touch with us. We would love to help.
                </p>
                
                <avb-link class="avb-button dsg-tools-main-button dsg-block-26__button" data-href="https://www.sdlightworks.com/contacts">
                    Contact Us
                </avb-link>
                
                <avb-picture class="avb-picture dsg-block-26-picture" data-alt="WAPS In House">
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For most families, the home network and WiFi are as important as hot and cold running water. If Maslow was alive he would have included WiFi in his hierarchy of needs table. It’s right up there with food and shelter as a primary need nowadays.

The importance of a great home network & WiFi design in today’s San Diego homes.

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The importance of a great home network & WiFi design in today’s San Diego homes.