Assistance with network setup and access points
Assistance with network setup and access points
Sure thing! Here’s a concise version:
I’m trying to set up a reliable home network in a large, concrete house with few wooden elements. I want to know if the layout works well, whether three access points are sufficient for full coverage, and which APs fit my needs (home office, teaching, gaming). The main concerns are signal strength through thick walls, limited space, and future expansion. I’m planning to move into a new home soon and need advice beforehand.
What is your spending range? Is the home's power supply limited to one circuit? What material are the interior framing members constructed from? Are the outside walls finished with aluminum siding? Will the internet connection support both levels of the building?
We need details on user numbers and types, as well as streaming volume and resolution.
Hello, apologies for the delayed response; I was busy over the weekend.
1. We should base the budget on the best value per dollar. Based on my research, I’m considering a maximum of $1000, but I’m not sure if that fits.
2. This question is important because there’s only one box in the house.
3. The structure isn’t reinforced with studs—it’s just solid brick and concrete. Wiring must go directly into the walls.
4. There are no clapboard exteriors. The outer walls are made of 30cm thick brick (search Porotherm 30), with about 15-20cm polystyrene insulation on top, and then the facade paint.
5. I need a strong Wi-Fi connection across both floors.
6. I’m not a builder, so I’m relying heavily on online research to bridge the language gap in this area.
7. The home will host multiple devices: two laptops, my personal PC connected via Ethernet, several phones (at least six), plus an Android device, wireless printer, and smart TVs for parents. During regular hours (7am–4pm), most of the network usage should be prioritized for us—about 80%.
8. Streaming is limited; most content will be in Full HD, with a plan to upgrade to 4K within a year, mainly for Netflix.
Please feel free to test my answers or ask for clarification. Thanks!
I experienced a wild week so I’m sorry for the delay in responding. 2 Because of your setup across two homes 3 Concrete refers to rebar and that implies interference from each wall. Based on your responses, setting up a powerline network seems like the best option. The concrete and metal rods in your walls will disrupt any mesh signal you try to install, leading to poor performance. Powerline technology is older but offers benefits here. You can leverage existing electrical wires without drilling new holes. Simply connect a powerline adapter near your router and use an adapter/repeater in each room for Wi-Fi or wired connections. The electrical box will serve as the central hub. I recommend a gigabyte kit; I use the TP-Link AV1000Mbps model at home (metal studs affect signal between floors). Each repeater costs around $40 US, allowing you to connect computers, consoles, and TVs via cables. Add a smart switch in your media room for better connectivity. This should work well—start slowly and expand as needed if coverage is weak.
I'll look into the options for your proposal. For now I consider it resolved, and we'll observe the outcome. Cheers!