Assist with maintaining 54,000 square feet of living area and a 100Mbps internet link
Assist with maintaining 54,000 square feet of living area and a 100Mbps internet link
I was seeking a way to upgrade my home network to 100mb/s in a 54,000 sq ft residence. I needed an affordable yet stylish setup with the ability to purchase new hardware, as used equipment isn’t available locally. A full coverage of 5Gbps throughout the area is essential. I’m avoiding costly enterprise options since the expected number of users is likely between 200 and 300, including IoT devices, and I want a reliable, fast connection. A mesh network was dismissed due to its high cost, so I’m leaning toward a router with built-in WLAN. I’m open to some configuration and would appreciate suggestions for routers and wireless access points that fit this budget and performance needs.
You'll require several APs for strong coverage across that region with 300 customers.
I’m fine setting up several APs via a POe controller. However, using Ubiquiti seems a bit excessive for a 100 mbs link since I need an affordable option with solid coverage to ensure all zones have a reliable 5GHz connection.
It's 100Mb but not 100MB. The system needs several APs to support 300 clients even with the same data rate.
It’s clear you’re facing a challenging situation: achieving the desired coverage demands deploying several APs, which is costly. If parts of the area are inside buildings, the problem worsens. For pricing, Ubiquiti remains the most competitive option. You might explore TP-Link Omada for a slightly cheaper alternative, though it’s not always significant. UniFi offers a more established platform. Although I haven’t tried these products, Grandstream could be a viable choice if you locate a supplier. For such expansive coverage zones, consider hiring a local company experienced with large-scale installations to assess the site and provide an accurate quote. This ensures someone on the ground evaluates the layout and potential obstructions or interference, and they may supply more budget-friendly hardware due to bulk purchasing.