For new homes, we highly recommend installing a wired alarm system. They are a lot less hassle, more reliable and require far less maintenance over their lifetime.

For retrofits, if you already have an existing alarm, we may be able to re-use existing cable. If not, wireless sensors can be used to get proper coverage for places that are too hard to run a wire.

CAT5e has been the standard choice of ethernet cable for the past two decades. It’s rated for 1 Gbps at 100 meters (330ft) but can achieve higher speeds at shorter distances.

Only used today in lower bandwidth applications such as IP Cameras and Alarm Keypads.

CAT6 is an improvement on the CAT5e standard that uses thicker gauge wire and tighter twisted pairs to achieve higher speeds. It’s rated for 10 Gbps at 55 meters (180ft) which is more than enough for most residental and commercial properties. While the upfront cost is slightly more expensive than CAT5e, a CAT6 install will future proof your property for the next 20+ years.

This is what we recommend for all new installations.

CAT6a is an augmented version of CAT6 that is rated for 10 Gbps at the full 100 meters (330ft).

Available upon special request.

Wireless Mesh devices work by essentially repeating the wireless signal of another nearby access point, extending the range of the network. When you connect your phone or tablet to a repeater, it will forward all of the traffic it receives to the next closest access point. This “hop” adds a small bit of latency, more congestion and creates another point of failure. For example, if you chain them together to reach the other end of the property and one of the “middle chain links” breaks, you’ll lose internet access throughout that section of the property.

They are currently being heavily marketed by Bell Aliant and Eastlink as they are much easier to install, requiring only a wall outlet for power. While it is a lower upfront cost solution for new homes, you do end up paying roughly $5/month per repeater and you will be tied to the ISP who installed them for support.

Only recommended for retro fitting finished properties where running a new cable would be financially unrealistic.

Hardwired Access Points are more reliable, more performant and give you more flexibility in the years to come. Since you own the hardware, you’re free to shop for the best deal on internet or switch service providers when they come to your neighbourhood. No need to reconfigure all your wireless devices! Want to upgrade to the latest and greatest down the road? You already have a cable installed, just upgrade the access point.

Typical costs for Hardwired:

1. $75 - CAT6 cable run
2. $100 - Quality Access Point

How long before you start saving money:

Wi-Fi 6 is the latest generation of wireless internet. It’s more efficient than Wi-Fi 5, sporting faster top speeds and support for more connected devices. It breaks into the 6Ghz spectrum.

In Summary: Designed more for Power Users, Overall More Efficient, Faster Top Speeds and More Devices per Access Point