Internet & Telecommunications

FTTH (Fibre To The Home) is a technology that delivers a fibre optic cable directly to the interior of a property, with no intermediate copper segments. This enables symmetrical speeds (the same upload and download speed) that can currently reach 1 Gbps or higher, depending on the contracted service provider. The property's internal infrastructure must be properly prepared to take full advantage of these speeds.

A site survey is a professional analysis that maps the radio frequency conditions of a building in order to design an optimal Wi-Fi network. It considers wall thickness and materials, room layout, potential sources of interference and expected user density. The result is a design that specifies the ideal placement of each access point to ensure uniform coverage and maximum performance throughout the property.

Structured cabling is a building's physical network infrastructure, organised according to international standards. The most common categories are Cat5e (up to 1 Gbps), Cat6 (up to 10 Gbps over short distances) and Cat6a (10 Gbps up to 100 metres). For new installations, Cat6 is currently the most recommended standard, offering a good balance between performance and cost while being prepared for the network speeds of the near future.

An IP video intercom uses the building's data network to transmit high-definition video and audio, as opposed to the dedicated wiring of analogue systems. The main advantages are: HD image quality, the ability to answer calls and open the door from a smartphone while away from home, video recording, integration with other building systems (access control, home automation) and easier expansion if additional units are needed.

A smart home system can work with wired protocols (KNX, for example, requires a dedicated data bus) or wireless protocols (Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi). In new builds or full renovations, it is ideal to plan additional conduit and network points at the locations of sensors, actuators, control panels and smart devices. A solid network infrastructure (structured cabling and professional Wi-Fi) forms the foundation on which all smart home systems operate.