Assistance with your home network setup
Assistance with your home network setup
I have a home network setup. The modem and TV are on the ground floor, while the two kids' rooms are on the upper floor. You need Ethernet links to the TV and both kids' rooms, plus an extra cable for a laptop in the living room (same area as the TV). Also, separate Wi-Fi on the upper floor is required. Here are some ideas for arranging it.
Do you have Ethernet installed at home? What devices are connected right now? Do you have an internet service provider? Which type of connection are you using?
We need a lot more details about many things. As mentioned, what equipment do you already have? If you haven’t installed wires yet, can you lay them out? Also, why do you need a separate WiFi network? Is there a specific reason for the separation, or are you just concerned it might cause confusion? It’s not as if the networks won’t overlap in your space—unless you’re in a very tall building.
You likely need an Ethernet setup for your home or office. Keeping the router in a basement works well, and using it in the living room and upstairs helps manage connections easily. This should connect all devices to the internet without needing advanced networking or high-speed tasks.
Does fiber connect directly to your house and end at an ONT? Are you certain the ISP equipment is just a basic modem or a more complex gateway device? A straightforward network setup... Wireless AP (upper floor) | | Router <---- Modem | | | Laptop | TV *Indicates Cat5e Ethernet or better*
It’s hard to avoid having Wi-Fi confined to just one level. I suggest placing the router close to the modem on the first floor. Personally, I find Google Nest WiFi reliable—based on my experience in four homes, it performs well. It’s straightforward, unobtrusive, and functions effectively. You’ll need a switch to connect it, such as a ~20 dollar TPlink gigabit switch. Connect the router to the switch, leaving seven ports free for your devices. If you prefer the router on the second floor, run a long cable from the modem up to that level, plug it into the router, and extend cables back down. Either way, coverage will be strong across the house—Wi-Fi will reach every corner, inside and outside. I’d just aim for optimal signal strength if you have a specific need, like keeping kids off their phones while they’re downstairs.