What Is The Internet?
The internet is made up of many different networks that all communicate with each other. Inside your home, your devices are connected to your own network, which then connects to your internet service provider’s (ISP) network. From there, your ISP connects to other networks, which eventually lead to websites or services you access.
Routers are the devices that allow these different networks to talk to each other. They connect your home network to your ISP’s network, and also allow your devices, like your phone or laptop, to communicate with each other inside your home. So, your router not only connects you to the internet, but also helps your devices share data with one another.
So Can I Connect Other Devices in My Home Together?
Short answer, yes.
There are a lot of devices in your home that can connect to your router. Here are some common examples:
- Smartphones & Tablets – You likely connect these to your Wi-Fi to browse the internet, check emails, or stream videos.
- Laptops & Desktops – Your computer connects to your router either through Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable for web browsing, work, or entertainment.
- Smart TVs & Streaming Devices – TVs and devices like Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick connect to the router to stream content from Netflix, Hulu, and other services.
- Gaming Consoles – PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch connect to the internet via your router for online gaming and downloading updates or games.
- Smart Speakers & Assistants – Devices like Amazon Echo, Google Home, or Apple HomePod use your Wi-Fi to respond to voice commands and control other smart devices.
- Smart Home Devices – Things like smart thermostats (e.g., Nest), smart lights (e.g., Philips Hue), and security cameras (e.g., Ring, Arlo) connect to your router to allow remote control and monitoring.
- Printers – Some modern printers can connect wirelessly to your router, allowing you to print documents from any device on your network.
- Smart Appliances – Some refrigerators, washing machines, or ovens now come with Wi-Fi capabilities so you can control them remotely or monitor their status.
- Home Security Systems – Smart doorbells, alarm systems, and cameras often rely on your router to send alerts or feed live video to your phone.
- IoT Devices – Internet of Things (IoT) devices, like smart plugs, smart locks, and even smart mirrors, all use your home’s Wi-Fi to stay connected.
All of these devices rely on your router to communicate with each other, share data, or connect to the internet. The more devices you have connected, the more important it is to have a strong and reliable router with security overlayed.
Some Examples of IoT Devices
- Smart Plugs
Belkin WeMo Smart Plug
Amazon Smart Plug - Smart Thermostats
Nest Thermostat (by Google)
Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat - Smart Lights
Philips Hue
LIFX Smart Bulbs - Smart Speakers & Assistants
Amazon Echo (Alexa)
Google Nest Audio (Google Assistant)
Apple HomePod (Siri) - Smart Security Cameras & Doorbells
Ring (by Amazon) – Video Doorbells & Cameras
Nest Cam (by Google)
Blink (by Amazon) - Smart Locks
August Smart Lock
Yale Assure Lock - Smart Home Hubs & Controllers
Samsung SmartThings Hub
Amazon Echo Plus (with Zigbee hub) - Smart Refrigerators & Appliances
Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator
LG Smart Refrigerator - Smart Smoke Detectors
Nest Protect (by Google)
First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound - Smart Cameras (Non-Security)
Wyze Cam (indoor cameras)
Logitech Circle 2 - Smart Wearables
Fitbit
Apple Watch - Smart Blinds & Shades
Lutron Serena Shades
IKEA Fyrtur Smart Blinds - Smart Air Purifiers
Dyson Pure Cool
Honeywell HPA300 Air Purifier - Smart Vacuums
iRobot Roomba
Shark IQ Robot - Smart Irrigation Systems
Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller
RainMachine Smart Irrigation
