Wi-Fi and network installation in San Carlos

Bungalows on the flats, bigger houses up the hill. San Mateo County, California.

Homes in San Carlos

San Carlos splits into flats and hills. On the flats, bungalows are most common around El Sereno, also called White Oaks, and Howard Park, and many parcels are no larger than 5,000 square feet because developers subdivided lots in the 1930s to make homes affordable. After World War II, cinder block homes went up for returning veterans.

In hilly neighborhoods such as Beverly Terrace and Cordes, builders created custom Contemporary homes designed around views of the bay or the western hills. The city had about 600 residents at incorporation and 5,000 by 1941, then grew fourfold as electronics companies arrived in the 1940s, so much of the housing dates from those middle decades.

The railroad came through in 1863 and a depot followed in 1888, but San Carlos took off only after Frederick Drake bought land in 1917 and promoted it. It incorporated in 1925 and boomed with 1940s electronics firms.

What that means for your Wi-Fi

Remodeled bungalows mix old and new construction

An older bungalow with later additions often has two kinds of walls and often no clear path between sections. We find a chase or closet to carry Cat6 through, then wire access points on both sides.

Small lots put neighbors' networks in your house

On 5,000 square foot lots in White Oaks, nearby routers are nearly as loud as your own. We tune channels and power after installing so your access points have clear air.

Hillside homes with yards facing the bay

Up the hill, the best part of the house is often outside. We add an outdoor access point for the deck or yard, wired back to the same network as the rooms inside.

Around San Carlos

San Carlos Depot: The 1888 Almaden sandstone station building, no longer used by the railroad, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
Hiller Aviation Museum: The museum of aviation history is among the city's best known attractions, along with the San Carlos History Museum.
Laurel Street: The north stretch of Laurel Street in Howard Park holds most of the city's dining and shopping destinations.

Questions about Wi-Fi in San Carlos

Can you wire a San Carlos bungalow that has been added onto?

Usually. An older bungalow with later additions often has two kinds of walls and no clear path between sections. We find a chase or closet to carry Cat6 through, then wire access points on both sides of the join.

Why is my White Oaks Wi-Fi slow when the router is close by?

On small lots, nearby routers are nearly as loud as your own, so the channels get crowded. We tune channels and power after installing wired access points, which gives your network clear air to work in.

How do I get Wi-Fi on the deck of a San Carlos hillside home?

With an outdoor access point. Up the hill, the best part of the house is often outside. We add one for the deck or yard and wire it back to the same network as the rooms inside.