# How many network devices in your house? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 30, 2020, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927 "2020-09-30T22:20:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![begbert2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/begbert2/32/3357_2.png) [@begbert2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/begbert2)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927/21 "2020-10-01T15:11:58Z")
I have a tablet that connects wirelessly. I’ve tried connecting other things wirelessly now and then, and the connection is always hot garbage and within a short while I employ one or another increasingly elaborate method to run a physical wire. Maybe my apartment is built out of solid lead or something but wireless has always been crap. (Though I run the tablet two feet away from the wireless router with only air between them and the connection is still sort of unreliable, so I’m sort of thinking that wireless, itself, is crap.) ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927/22 "2020-10-01T15:23:31Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > I’m not sure what connected to the router means If you log into your router, there’ll be some sort of way to see all attached devices (both wifi and wired). [Example.](https://ejquo23388.i.lithium.com/t5/image/serverpage/image-id/24157iCBF367EE0FE2C7C5/image-size/large?v=1.0&px=999) I’d be a little surprised that your ADT system was on your network. The ADT installs I’ve had have their own cell antennas for connectivity. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927/23 "2020-10-01T15:28:59Z")
> [@squeegee](#): > > If you log into your router, there’ll be some sort of way to see all attached devices (both wifi and wired). [Example.](https://ejquo23388.i.lithium.com/t5/image/serverpage/image-id/24157iCBF367EE0FE2C7C5/image-size/large?v=1.0&px=999) > > I’d be a little surprised that your ADT system was on your network. The ADT installs I’ve had have their own cell antennas for connectivity. Thanks. I have no idea how to log into my router. Is that something we are supposed to do? RE: ADT. As I understand it, since all the sensors on doors and windows are wireless, they are communicating with the hub over WiFi. (maybe their own?) It also connects to the internet, as I can watch the cameras, and check the doors from my phone. I think it has a cell antenna back up. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927/24 "2020-10-01T15:35:14Z")
Let’s see… Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n): - 2 phones - 1 chromebook - 2 iPads (school loaners for virtual school) - 1 network-enabled printer - 1 xbox one - 1 Dish network DVR - 1 Roku - 1 Chromecast - 1 Kindle (old unilluminated e-paper one) - 2 Wi-Fi range extenders - 1 remote weather station/clock - 1 Rachio sprinkler controller I also have a couple of Wyze webcams that I use to keep an eye on the house when we’re not home, but they’re not online all the time. Cabled Ethernet - 1 PC - 1 2-in-1 pc/tablet (my work device) ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927/25 "2020-10-01T15:42:45Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > I have no idea how to log into my router. Is that something we are supposed to do? Well, it’s awfully important to be able to log in for various reasons. Like if you think your network is compromised you can change the security settings. You can set up an isolated ‘guest’ network for untrusted devices. Etc. > [@](#): > > RE: ADT. As I understand it, since all the sensors on doors and windows are wireless, they are communicating with the hub over WiFi. (maybe their own?) It also connects to the internet, as I can watch the cameras, and check the doors from my phone. I think it has a cell antenna back up. The sensors are on their own wireless network, not yours. I don’t have the camera setup, but I’d expect the same. Your alarm controller probably streams that to your network on demand and out into the world so you can view them remotely. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927/26 "2020-10-01T15:56:27Z")
2 PCs, 2 tablets, a printer and, starting last week, a Roku. Occasionally a phone or two while installing updates. You didn’t ask, but one PC is wired and the rest of the gizmos are Wi-Fi. That’s it for two people. ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927/27 "2020-10-01T16:13:04Z")
1 Router 2 Wifi access points 8 Sonos players 2 printers 1 file server (NAS) 9 Nest smoke/CO2 detectors 2 garage door openers 2 thermostats 3 webcams 1 ISY (home automation hub with countless non-WiFi smart switches) 1 Sony Android TV 1 Chromecast 1 Roku 3 PCs 2 iPhones 2 iPads 1 Amazon Kindle ---
**Author:** ![Projammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/projammer/32/559_2.png) [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927/28 "2020-10-01T16:28:53Z")
16 physical devices 13 virtual machines ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927/29 "2020-10-01T16:31:03Z")
I’m actually going to have to write all these down to keep track - looks like **27**. We also have five people. 5 Alexa devices 1 Firestick 2 smart TVs 4 laptops 1 desktop 1 PS4 1 Wii 5 mobile phones 1 ipad 1 kindleg 1 printer 2 smart plugs for lamps 2 network repeaters upstairs ETA I didn’t know there were wireless garage door openers, but it makes perfect sense. If my opener ever craps out I will get one. ---
**Author:** ![begbert2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/begbert2/32/3357_2.png) [@begbert2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/begbert2)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927/30 "2020-10-01T16:38:11Z")
Hmm, I somehow misread the topic as being about wireless routers, not just _any_ routers, largely on account of my being an idiot. So, in addition to my lonely tablet, on wires I have: A PC An inkjet printer A blu-ray player A PS4 (powered off for the foreseeable future) A laptop Oh, and a wireless router. 😜 ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927/31 "2020-10-01T17:51:07Z")
> [@Maserschmidt](#): > > ETA I didn’t know there were wireless garage door openers, but it makes perfect sense. If my opener ever craps out I will get one. [Here’s what I have](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/chamberlain-myq-smart-garage-hub-black/5900972.p?skuId=5900972) - you attach a sensor to your door (so it can sense if it’s vertical or horizontal), and then you attach the hub to the ceiling above the opener. The hub is plugged in, and is what communicates with your network. When you want to open/close the door, it fires an IR signal to the opener. You can set up a schedule to close the door, should it ever be open - but you cannot schedule it to open. You have to do that in the app. I believe it’s a safety “feature”. Or a “you need to subscribe to the premium version” thing, which I won’t be doing. But it’s nice to be in bed, realize you may have left the door open, and can close it without having to get up and check. ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927/32 "2020-10-01T17:58:44Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > > [@Maserschmidt](#): > > > > ETA I didn’t know there were wireless garage door openers, but it makes perfect sense. If my opener ever craps out I will get one. > > [Here’s what I have](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/chamberlain-myq-smart-garage-hub-black/5900972.p?skuId=5900972) - you attach a sensor to your door (so it can sense if it’s vertical or horizontal), and then you attach the hub to the ceiling above the opener. The hub is plugged in, and is what communicates with your network. When you want to open/close the door, it fires an IR signal to the opener. I had to get new openers a couple of years ago and got Chamberlain units that have the WiFi built in. Otherwise same system. ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927/33 "2020-10-01T18:10:47Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > Thanks. I have no idea how to log into my router. Is that something we are supposed to do? Common IP addresses for your router will usually be 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 and if you just open a browser window and type one of those in and return you’ll generally get to the login screen for your router. There should be a sticker on your router somewhere that tells you the login name and default password–on an older router those were almost always admin/password but newer ones will usually be admin/some random string. Once you’ve logged in you can go look at all kinds of fun stuff and do things like change the name of your wifi network but please, if you don’t know what you’re changing DON’T DO IT. You can make a nice fun mess out of things if you mash the wrong buttons. Changing the name of your network is fine and LOOKING at stuff is fine but if you change the wrong settings you could make things glitchy to unusable then you’ll have to go deal with your ISP and if they don’t own that router they might decline to even help troubleshoot with you. ---
**Author:** ![Mallard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Mallard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mallard)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927/34 "2020-10-01T18:23:16Z")
1 TV-VCR combo (the 4 year old granddaughter watches the Disney VHS tapes the 21 year old granddaughter used to watch) 1 DVD-VCR combo 1 HDD-DVD recorder (yes, after 14 years it still works!) 1 VCR 3 Blu ray players (two of them play flash drive content, Youtube and netflicks) 1 Cell phones (2 if you add mine, but mine is owned by my employer so when I retire I’ll have to get my own) 1 Tablet 1 desktop 1 lap top 2 Dumb plazma TV’s * * * = 13 (I didn’t count the wireless router much like I didn’t count the fact I have electricity) 🕶 I guess I should add the HP printer/scanner. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927/35 "2020-10-01T18:25:36Z")
All for one person… Three SSIDs, four APs and 1 switch. 32 things: 4 smoke detectors 1 thermostat 2 Alexas 1 Roomba 1 Sleep Number bed 1 sensor gateway 3 sensors (fridge, freezer, humidor) 1 printer 1 desktop Mac 1 desktop PC 2 iPads 3 iPhones 1 Apple Watch 1 AV receiver 1 Universal home theater remote 1 Bluray player 1 Dish Network Hopper 2 Dish Joeys 1 Apple TV 1 sous vide cooker 1 ATA (Analog telephone adapter) for VOIP phones 1 car And I don’t even really think of this as a “smart” house as I don’t have any app-controlled lights or outlets. ---
**Author:** ![Kimera757](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kimera757/32/3765_2.png) [@Kimera757](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimera757)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927/36 "2020-10-01T18:31:24Z")
Four people. 2 desktops, but one has a wired connection. 1 work laptop. 2 personal laptops, but one is rarely used, and the other has had power issues for months. 5 smartphones (I have a work phone) 1 or 2 tablets 1 printer, but due to issues setting up wi-fi on it it is not connected to any computer. In theory someone could hack it and make it print spam, I guess. 2 smart TVs (I never use these), and I think they may have associated devices. No Nests, webcams, or anything like that. ---
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927/37 "2020-10-01T19:14:26Z")
According to my AT&T Smart home app, I got 22 Connected Devices for 2 people (and a 4 month old, but he doesn’t use much 😉 ). 2 phones 2 iPads 3 laptops (one being my work laptop) 1 Smart TV 3 Chromecasts 1 AppleTV 2 Amazon Echo devices (a Studio and an Echo Dot) 2 Google Home devices (a Google Home Mini and Google Nest Hub) 1 Sonos One (soon to be replaced by a Google Nest Audio) 1 Roku (which we never use - connected to the Bedroom TV) 1 Sleep Number Bed 1 Brother Laser Printer 1 Nintendo Switch 1 Philips Hue Hub And in a month+ there will be a PlayStation 5 connected. ---
**Author:** ![FinsToTheLeft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finstotheleft/32/2930_2.png) [@FinsToTheLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinsToTheLeft)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927/38 "2020-10-01T22:27:32Z")
> [@Mallard](#): > > 1 TV-VCR combo (the 4 year old granddaughter watches the Disney VHS tapes the 21 year old granddaughter used to watch) > 1 DVD-VCR combo > 1 HDD-DVD recorder (yes, after 14 years it still works!) > 1 VCR Are these connected to the internet? ---
**Author:** ![Wolf333](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolf333/32/3460_2.png) [@Wolf333](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolf333)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927/39 "2020-10-01T23:27:38Z")
2 iPhones 1 iPad 2 Kindles 1 Fire tablet 2 Echo Dots 1 Laptop 1 PC 2 Smart plugs 1 Bathroom scale 1 Occasional laptop (when I bring my work laptop home) 2 Switches 2 Access points ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2020, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927/40 "2020-10-02T03:31:08Z")
Router My desktop Work desktop Android phone Fire tablet Echo Dot (3) Amazon Fire TV Kindle Roku (2) Printer (2) I have a laptop and a work laptop, but they’re so rarely used they don’t really count. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-network-devices-in-your-house/921927.md?page=3)