Discussing multi-story residence internet and network setup
Discussing multi-story residence internet and network setup
You’re seeking guidance on improving your home network setup. You currently have a modem and router upstairs, which works for your PCs but leaves weak Wi-Fi and slow downloads downstairs. You’re considering a 100’ Ethernet connection for gaming consoles and wondering if you can connect two routers together or if there’s a better solution. You remember you can’t simply link two routers directly, so you’re looking for a network switch or Wi-Fi extender that could help extend coverage. Your TP-Link Archer A7 is your main router, and you’d like advice on the best options to boost performance.
For top-quality extenders, Ubiquiti offers reliable products to purchase.
Consensus is clear—wired connections are superior. Right now, Netgear is phasing out its GS108E and GS105E models if available. These units are frequently discounted and may not offer the highest speed, but they work well for typical home needs and provide solid value for the cost. They’re reliable and durable. They lack cooling features and have no protection against physical damage. Ubiquiti is a reputable brand, though setup can be tricky if you’re used to consumer gear. For WiFi coverage, consider a WiFi extender as previously discussed. These devices can be connected to a router or switch for improved range.
You can opt for an Ethernet connection or go for a sleeker setup using mid-to-higher end mesh WiFi routers that are hardwired together. I use this approach at home with two ORBIS devices linked via a Moca adapter, achieving about 1 gigabit speed through the existing coaxial cable.
I also needed a wired link for all the consoles and PCs, plus improved Wi-Fi on the first floor for phones and smart devices. Even though I said I wouldn’t do much research, I’m now considering using a basic unmanaged switch to connect the router and consoles, along with a wireless access point for better signal downstairs.
If you turned off the 5GHz feature on the router and kept the 2.4GHz active, the issue should disappear. Those devices seem to be attempting a connection at 5GHz. On dedicated computers or laptops I can usually set them to 2.4GHz, but I won’t attempt this with consoles. 5GHz struggles when trying to pass through walls or floors. 2.4GHz is slower but can easily go through obstacles much more effectively than 5GHz. Most current clients are quite simple and prefer 5GHz even though the stronger 2.4GHz signal is available. Or you might have an iPhone with a confusing connection logic that insists on 5GHz. Wi-Fi repeaters can cause significant lag and interference. It’s best to avoid this setup. I often install Ubiquiti AP Pro units in large offices; they manage multiple clients smoothly without issues. Just place one near the end of the Cat5 cable in the basement and let the router handle DHCP. The APs won’t mind. They’re not the easiest to configure.