Need guidance on setting up a wireless access point?
Need guidance on setting up a wireless access point?
I own a ~1600²ft house with two floors. My internet comes from an ISP modem/router in my gaming room or office, which works well for my gaming rig, Plex server, and a few 3D printers. The wired connections upstairs are solid, but the Android TV downstairs has poor coverage and slow speeds. I have gigabit internet from AT&T, but the current modem placement isn’t ideal for all devices. Removing the built-in Wi-Fi might be a good idea, and I’m considering an Ubiquiti UniFi 6 access point for better range. My budget is around $300 on Amazon, and I’m open to suggestions. The wife has already blocked me from running Cat 6 through walls.
Well Cat 6 wouldn't work well, you should opt for Cat 8 instead. For your concern: I usually turn off the ISP Wi-Fi. From what I've noticed, the modem works okay but the devices struggle with processing many connections and the antennas aren't strong either. I'd begin with a mid-range AX/AC Wi-Fi router—not just an AP. I don’t want my ISP’s modem managing my internal network. Plug the router into the ISP modem and give it a try. If signal strength falls under 50%, switch to a powerline adapter. These are often available with built-in Wi-Fi; just set them up, position them where you like, and use an outlet to boost the signal. A single AP might help, but in many homes walls, pipes, and cabling can block it. For a more expensive option, consider using a laptop with an Ethernet port and a long Ethernet cable to act as a downstairs access point (sharing the same network). I mainly use ASUS and Devolo equipment for this. I haven’t tried Ubiquiti yet, so I can't advise on that.
You can simply purchase a high-speed router and connect wires from the modem. A router functions as an access point, so if you require one later, you won't need to buy another. For areas with poor signal, you can add a repeater. These devices cost around $10 to $30 each. Upgrade your modem and install a router plus a repeater down the line.
Let's refine this information. The initial concept needs adjustment because a single Ubiquiti AP won't suffice for full coverage. You'll need a controller to configure and deploy it properly—it isn't fully PnP. A single LR AP might not cover the entire house or area, especially if your building materials create dead zones. Using Cat6 cabling would be ideal if possible, as it supports higher speeds. If you must move the AP, Cat5e could work. For outdoor runs, consider routing cables carefully to avoid wall interruptions. Avoid using a range extender unless absolutely necessary. The setup might face issues if the modem and router compete for DHCP server duties, potentially causing conflicts. Refer to the AT&T forum guide for more details. There aren't many viable options without laying cables. Possible alternatives include:
- Opting for a mesh network system, which is straightforward and easy to install.
- Running internet through existing coaxial cables using MOCA 2.5 or TP-Link/TP-Ethernet wall extenders.
- Positioning one directional AP for focused coverage and pairing it with an omnidirectional one for general Wi-Fi.
- Setting up a single Cat6 connection from upstairs to downstairs, complemented by two in-wall APs (TP-Link Omada recommended) and using TP-Link for the network.
Budget-wise, a setup around $250–$300 should cover all essential components.
If you plan to keep using cat 5e for a long time, consider Smurf tube. It refreshes every few years, so staying updated is important. You can replace the old NM conduit with a new one by just connecting the old cable to the new one and pulling it in. Changing the wiring inside the wall is much harder than just swapping cables. Updated December 24, 2022 by Bombastinator
I picked up a MOCA adapter kit. I have a Netgear nighthawk router nearby, so I can set up access points for the lower level and act as a switch for the wired devices at my TV console. Thanks for the tip. I’ve tried power line connections before and got poor speeds, but the cost of MOCA has dropped a lot since I last checked. I’m hoping this improves my TV streaming experience. Appreciate all your advice!
A solid WAP should handle 5GHz well enough to support an Android TV and a few gadgets, but two floors might be tough. 2.4GHz works fine for one floor. WiFi 6 adds more bandwidth on 2.4GHz, though you need compatible devices. Smart TVs with weak signals and routers provided by ISPs can really complicate things.