A few thoughts on my network routing would be welcome.
A few thoughts on my network routing would be welcome.
Hey there! I see you're evaluating your current setup and wondering about the wiring options. It sounds like you're considering a few different approaches for connecting your two APs to the ISP. Just to clarify, you mentioned a pink-colored option that isn't installed yet, and you're thinking about whether adding more mesh units or switches would improve performance. Since you're in a 30-year-old building with limited routing flexibility, it's understandable you're weighing your choices carefully. Regarding your question about switching the configuration—your setup currently has only one direct connection between the first AP and the ISP modem router, while the others rely on Wi-Fi or switches. If you change this arrangement, you'd need to ensure each AP connects directly to the ISP via a switch, which could simplify management but might reduce flexibility. The technician's advice about turning off Wi-Fi from the ISP router is likely to prevent interference and improve stability. Let me know if you'd like more details on any of these points!
The dimensions of the spaces are quite substantial—four APs might be too many, though your color scheme suggests you already have three. Your setup should function, but you’ll face bandwidth constraints because the main connection from ISP in room 1 to room 2 will limit performance. You may need 10Gb equipment on the initial segments to avoid slowing down the entire network.
No, if you have room for one cable, you'll have room for 3 cables. 3 cables in the ISP or in a switch near the ISP, then go with the cables to the 3 rooms on top , one uninterrupted cable to each room, so each room gets same bandwidth. I don't know how thick the walls are, but it may be worth investigating if a single access point in the center room will give you reasonable speeds in the other rooms.
You need just one main entry point unless you reside in a large home or a fortified bunker. Avoid creating long chains of connections, since disrupting one part stops everything downstream. Choose a central spot such as a utility closet and install your switch there. Attach the access point to the ceiling in another central location, then connect its cable back to the switch. Send one cable from the switch to the ISP connection point. (Ideally place your ISP gear near the switch.) Always label your network lines clearly at both ends—your future self will appreciate it.
It’s a two-unit space, roughly 4305 square feet. Both structures are built from concrete and bricks. The inner walls measure 2.75 inches, and the dividing wall stands at 7.87 inches (converted from cm). Transmission quality drops quickly if you’re too far away. I’ll hold off on the fourth unit but I’m certain I’ll require three APs. I have a 1 Giga package and the mesh will be deco x20. Are you asking if the signal strength remains strong from the ISP to the first AP, then to the second, and finally to the third? Will it be noticeable? Will it decrease further between the second and third? This old house has poor quality plastic piping; we even struggled to lay the thin fiber cable in room two on the second floor for a direct connection. We spent hours trying metal lead wire, and the Cat6 cable is quite robust, so three units might be excessive at this stage.
This configuration might not be optimal. It’s possible that only certain devices connect through Wi-Fi—like AP1 with the cable, while AP2 and 3 rely on Wi-Fi. The technician advised disabling the ISP router’s Wi-Fi to ensure proper mesh operation. This is necessary because the mesh system depends on stable local connections rather than distant internet access.