Need assistance with your HomeNetwork? Let me know how I can help!
Need assistance with your HomeNetwork? Let me know how I can help!
Hello everyone, I just moved about a year ago and it's now time to upgrade my network setup, particularly the WiFi. The LAN is functioning properly: my PS4 and PC are connected through Ethernet. My setup includes: "AP 1" TG2492LG-ZG main router (provided by ISP that converts the cable into internet and TV), solid 200Mbit/s Ethernet connection, and WiFi performs adequately on 5GHz but not very well on 2.4GHz. I'm in the kitchen for social media and music, "AP 2" is an TP-Link Archer C7 access point via Ethernet with solid 200Mbit/s speed and great 5.0GHz WiFi, while the 2.4GHz version is decent for non-5.0 compatible devices. In the living room, I need fast and stable WiFi, "AP 3" is an older TP-Link WR841N access point on Ethernet, limited to 80Mbit/s due to its age, and only works on 2.4GHz. Upstairs in the bedroom, WiFi is acceptable for social media but not ideal.
Location-wise: I'm in Europe, so it's normal to have many nearby routers. A WiFi scanner app revealed 90 APs with unique MAC addresses—6 of which are mine. My plan is to consolidate: currently I have five plus one guest with different SSIDs. I’m considering merging all into one SSID with the same password.
1. Change all SSIDs to a single network name and password. Since AP1 can reach AP2, I’ll disable 2.4GHz on AP1 to avoid devices connecting to its slower version. AP1 is in the front of the house and gets good signal from AP2’s 2.4GHz, but not from AP1’s 5.0.
2. AP3 will stay on 2.4GHz in the upstairs bedroom for social media and music, as it won’t reach the other routers.
3. Should I configure specific channels? It seems best to keep them close together or spread them out as much as possible. The "A2" router has a feature that automatically pushes devices to 5.0 if possible—activate that!
Anything else you think I should consider? Feel free to share your suggestions. Thanks a lot! Bye!
Consider assigning them to distinct, non-overlapping channels. With 802.11ac this might become complex based on your channel width. Here’s an example of how channel widths behave, especially in the lower bands. If you require a specific speed, narrowing the channel width can help—this usually boosts signal quality and simplifies placing each AP on separate channels. https://meraki.cisco.com/blog/2013/08/4-...-802-11ac/ Modern high-end APs may support more channels, though some clients might not. In theory, if two APs are sufficiently far apart they could share a channel, but interference is still possible even without strong signals.