Network inquiry at home
Network inquiry at home
Because of the new hardwood floors, I had to remove the coaxial cable through the floor into the basement. This makes it harder to set up WiFi on the first and especially the second floors. I’m exploring range extenders and access points to improve the connection. Should I install two routers—one on each floor—or just place one on the second floor with a trickle-down signal? I also need a new router that can handle 1Gbps speeds, as my current 2011 Apple model isn’t sufficient. Another challenge is managing smart home devices like Alexa, Philips Hue, Ring, and WeMo. Initially, I tried removing them to use the Arris modem alone, but it created two separate networks that had to be switched manually (2.4 and 5.2). This caused confusion since some devices connected to one network while others needed another. I learned about devices that combine multiple bands into a single network, which seems promising. My goal is to find the best routers, range extenders, and access points, and understand the differences between them. Additionally, I’m experiencing low speeds—about 60 Mbps over WiFi instead of the expected 1Gbps. The issue likely lies with the router itself. There’s also a power line connection from the modem to my second-floor desktop, but only about 15 Mbps is available, which is surprising. In the meantime, I’m considering running Ethernet up there. Any suggestions or recommendations would be appreciated.
Networking can quickly lead you down a complicated path. Your initial question was about range extenders—those often don’t deliver value because of their design. If you need a detailed breakdown, I can offer a concise summary or point you to a YouTube tutorial. The most effective approach is using a single router with multiple access points. Many products from Netgear, ASUS, and similar brands combine routing and wireless capabilities. Expect to spend roughly $500 to $800 just on the router itself, plus additional access points based on your space. Raw speed isn’t the only factor; software features like Quality of Service (QoS) are essential for smooth performance across devices. Personally, I use Pfsense with Ubiquiti access points. Before installing Cat 7 Ethernet, I relied on MOCA to fix connectivity issues between my router and other access points. If you're looking to upgrade, consider a router with an x86 processor and at least two network cards. For a more straightforward setup, the Asus mesh system works well—one device handles routing/access, the others act as clients. You can also explore options like the Ryzen 2600 for the router, paired with a suitable access point. If you want to shop for better gear, prioritize an x86 chipset with dual network cards and look into MOCA or similar adapters for seamless integration.