Consider upgrading your setup with additional direct Ethernet ports for improved connectivity.
Consider upgrading your setup with additional direct Ethernet ports for improved connectivity.
I prefer the opposite method—provide clear information and if they find it too complex, present the most straightforward option. Usually, the simplest choice leads to the greatest long-term challenges, since companies expect people to pay for better results. Based on my experience, within the same price range, a router performs much better as an access point compared to a generic WiFi repeater. Ideally, something like an Ubiquiti Unifi works better than a consumer AP, but you’d still need a switch to meet all requirements—making a router more convenient if you need both functionality.
They mentioned wanting additional physical ports and a WiFi extender, but didn’t specify exact needs or placement. I thought they might provide more information or ask further questions if the idea didn’t quite fit.
I would recommend a setup with around eight ports for future growth and a Ubiquiti AP. Since they’ll likely need an AP close to the area without Wi-Fi, this should work well.
Understood, it's best if they provide more details. Otherwise, we're not sure enough.
From a configuration standpoint, you can easily customize any setup you prefer. If you own a router or plan to purchase another, consider "dd-wrt"—a free open-source third-party firmware that works with most routers. After installation, it transforms your device from a basic, affordable model into a more powerful, nearly unlimited feature router. I’ve used dd-wrt on all my routers, and it’s definitely worth checking out.