Before you go: A summer travel checklist for your home network

Summer has a way of pulling people in two directions at once. Half of you is already at the lake, the beach or wherever you go when Tennessee heat hits full stride. The other half is still running through the mental checklist of everything you need to handle before you walk out the door.

Most of that checklist is pretty familiar. Set the thermostat. Ask someone to water the plants. But your internet setup? That one usually doesn’t make the list until something goes wrong, which, it turns out, is the worst time to think about it.

Whether you’re heading out for a long weekend or planning something more extended, a few minutes of prep before you leave can save you a real headache while you’re gone.

Lock down your network before you leave

If your home has a video doorbell, security cameras, a smart lock or a smart thermostat, those devices are running on your internet connection while you’re away. They’re keeping an eye on things so you don’t have to stress. But it’s worth doing a quick check before you go to make sure everything is working the way you expect.

Log in to your smart device or camera system’s app and confirm that your notifications are set up correctly. It doesn’t hurt to test everything and make sure it’s functioning properly, like confirming you can remotely toggle your smart deadbolt or that your cameras are actually pushing notifications when motion is detected. Your vacation doesn’t need the stress of getting halfway to Florida and realizing you never confirmed whether your doorbell camera actually sends alerts to your phone.

While you’re at it, take stock of what else is powered on or connected. If you have any devices you’d prefer not to leave on, this is a good time to power them down. It’s a good habit to unplug any device that won’t be used while you’re away. Many plugged-in devices can still draw power even while powered off, so unplugging them is a safety-conscious choice and can even help reduce electricity costs.

Provide guest access to your network

If a neighbor or family member is checking in on your house, they might appreciate access to your Wi-Fi network to connect their own smart devices. The best way to conveniently allow them access while keeping your own network and devices safe is to set up a dedicated guest network. If you haven’t already, you can easily set up a guest network through the CCFiber SmartIQ app and even text your neighbor the login information right from the app. Having guests use a guest network ensures their internet traffic stays separate from your own devices, which prevents potential cyber threats or viruses from spreading onto your personal network.

For longer trips, there’s a smarter option

Going away for an extended trip? Cumberland Connect members have the flexibility to pause their internet service for a reduced monthly rate. For travelers who will be away for 30 days or longer, Seasonal Hold is a convenient option for keeping your service without paying your full rate for internet you aren’t actively using, while making it easy to pick right up where you left off once you return.

A little prep pays off

Preparation isn’t the most exciting part of a vacation, but it’s what helps you actually relax. When you know your cameras are sending alerts, your guest has a safe way to connect and your service is taken care of while you’re gone, you can truly unplug. That’s worth a few minutes of your time before you hit the road.