Consider essentials for a wireless upgrade. Think about devices and accessories that work without cables.
Consider essentials for a wireless upgrade. Think about devices and accessories that work without cables.
I’m working on a fully wired Ethernet network with a switch. I’m planning to relocate to a new apartment where installing wired connections isn’t possible. I need to transition to a completely wireless configuration while aiming for the highest speeds. The apartment will have one main office area suitable for networking gear, but the internet port isn’t in that space—rather it’s centrally placed with some distance between rooms, so a single router should suffice. There’s a home media server (like Plex or Samba), a primary desktop PC for dev and gaming, a TV, several gaming consoles, plus a few phones and laptops. I’m seeking advice on: achieving quick file transfers between the main PC and the home server, securing fast internet access for all devices, and choosing suitable Wi-Fi dongles compatible with Linux.
There’s no simple way to run Ethernet cables straight along the wall using a gutter or raceway. If not, there are many solid wireless routers available, but without a budget it’s hard to suggest anything specific. Likewise, dongles exist in good quality, yet they’re limited by cost. All these options will introduce Wi-Fi interference, so you’ll likely never reach the advertised speeds—just get close enough. For the wired alternative, simply connecting a wire won’t work either.
Additionally, I plan to use Hyperoptic, which supports a 1GB bandwidth. Uncertain if any routers can effectively utilize that amount.
You can lay a cable along the wall using soft stick cable raceways, similar to hanging a picture frame with hooks and hooks. They come off cleanly without harm, and a bit of isopropyl alcohol can quickly break their grip, causing them to fall away. This method works well if you need a fast solution. Another tip is flat Ethernet cables, which aren’t as strong but ideal for these setups. I usually connect a small section between two standard ones with some intermediate connectors, allowing easy swapping if needed.
Standard cat 5a cables and generic raceways are available at any DIY shop. For attaching, some products come with their own solutions, but I usually use reliable adhesive designed for these purposes—like double-sided tape that stays put without damaging surfaces.
Unifi Dream Machine Pro offers full gigabit SQM capacity, ideal for gaming. With a Tri-Band Wireless Mesh setup, you can skip dual-band usage since only half the bandwidth is needed for node communication.