Do you offer any discounts?

Yes, AvidWorks offers multiple discounts: Student Discount, Teacher Discount, Elder Discount (60+), Healthcare Worker Discount, and First Responder Discount. All discounts equal 15% off of labor charges. Discounts do not apply to businesses, cost of replacement parts, and cannot be combined with any other discounts.

Do you offer referral discounts?

Yes, referrers receive 20% off of labor charges on next service and referrals receive 15% off of labor charges. Discounts do not apply to cost of replacement parts and cannot be combined with other discounts.

Do you offer a Service Guarantee?

Yes, all services are guaranteed for 30 days following the initial service date. Any parts that have been replaced and have been damaged due to abuse are not covered under this warranty.

Do you offer Emergency Services?

Yes, AvidWorks offers Emergency Drop-off and On-Site after hour services. These services incur a 50% increased hourly labor charge and are subject to availability. Emergency services are a 2 hour minimum charge with the exception of emergency remote support which is a 1 hour minimum charge.

What equipment do I need to set up a home network?

You'll need a modem from your ISP, a wireless router, Ethernet cables, and your devices (computers, phones, tablets, smart home devices). For larger homes, you may need extenders or a mesh system.

How do I secure my home Wi-Fi network?

Enable WPA3 or WPA2 encryption, set a strong password, change the default admin credentials, disable WPS, and consider creating a separate guest network for visitors.

What's the difference between a modem and a router?

A modem connects your home to your ISP's network, while a router creates a local network and manages traffic between your devices and the internet. Many devices combine both functions in one unit.

Setting Up a Home Network: A Complete Guide for Beginners

A reliable home network is essential for modern life, connecting everything from computers and smartphones to smart TVs and thermostats. Setting up a home network might seem technical, but with the right guidance, anyone can create a fast, secure wireless network that keeps all your devices connected and protected.

Understanding the Basics

A home network typically consists of a few key components:

Modem – Connects your home to your internet service provider (ISP)
Router – Creates your local network and manages traffic between devices
Wi-Fi – Wireless connection that allows devices to connect without cables
Ethernet – Wired connections for faster, more reliable connectivity

Many ISPs provide a combination modem-router device (gateway), which simplifies setup but may offer fewer features than separate devices.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location for Your Router

Router placement significantly affects Wi-Fi coverage:

Place the router in a central location in your home
Elevate the router—higher is better for signal distribution
Avoid placing it near metal objects, microwaves, or other electronics that cause interference
Keep it away from thick walls and obstacles that can block signals
Ensure proper ventilation—routers can overheat in enclosed spaces

Step 2: Connect and Configure Your Router

Follow these steps to get your router up and running:

Connect the modem to your ISP's cable or phone line
Connect the modem to the router using an Ethernet cable
Plug in both devices and wait for them to power up completely
Connect a computer to the router via Ethernet (or connect via Wi-Fi using default credentials)
Access the router's configuration page (typically 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
Follow the setup wizard to configure your network name (SSID) and password

Step 3: Secure Your Network

Security is critical—unsecured networks can be exploited by neighbors or attackers:

Change default credentials – Immediately change the router's default username and password
Use WPA3 or WPA2 encryption – Avoid older, less secure WEP encryption
Create a strong Wi-Fi password – Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols
Enable network name (SSID) broadcasting – Unless you want a hidden network (which has limited security benefit)
Disable WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) – This feature has known security vulnerabilities
Keep firmware updated – Regularly check for and install router firmware updates

Step 4: Optimize Wi-Fi Performance

Get the best performance from your wireless network:

Choose the right Wi-Fi band – 2.4GHz for range, 5GHz for speed
Use different channels – Avoid interference from neighbors' networks
Enable Quality of Service (QoS) – Prioritize traffic for gaming or video streaming
Consider a mesh network – For large homes or areas with dead zones
Use Ethernet for stationary devices – Desktops, gaming consoles, and smart TVs benefit from wired connections

Step 5: Connect Your Devices

With your network configured, connect your devices:

Find your network name in your device's Wi-Fi settings
Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted
For devices that support it, connect to the 5GHz band for better speed
For devices that need maximum reliability, use Ethernet cables
Consider creating a separate guest network for visitors

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with proper setup, you may encounter issues:

Slow Wi-Fi Speeds

Try moving closer to the router, switching to 5GHz, or reducing interference from other devices. If problems persist, contact your ISP to check for service issues.

Intermittent Disconnections

Update router firmware, check for overheating, and ensure all cables are securely connected. Power cycling the router (unplugging for 30 seconds) often resolves temporary issues.

Dead Zones in Your Home

Consider a Wi-Fi extender, mesh network, or additional access points to improve coverage in areas with weak signals.

Need Professional Network Setup Help?

AvidWorks offers professional home and business network setup services in Kern County. We can design, install, and optimize your network for maximum performance and security. Contact us for a consultation.