New Home Networking
New Home Networking
I’m preparing for a new home with three finished floors covering roughly 3,500 square feet. It’s an 1860s farmhouse built with plaster and lathe walls, and you’re looking for a strong wireless setup without drilling holes. Since all six of you are tech-savvy and gaming enthusiasts, high-speed internet is essential—every device connected to Wi-Fi runs on it. Based on the house’s layout, I’m unsure whether placing a powerful modem in the center or setting up access points on each floor would be better. Please review the floorplan I shared (Home Plan.pdf) for more details.
I agree with @Crunchy Dragon that a single WiFi AP likely won't suffice for that space. You'd probably need multiple APs or a mesh system. Linus recently shared a video highlighting some impressive Mesh solutions from ASUS, which could be useful. Other possibilities include using Moca or power line adapters—hopefully the wiring isn't outdated from the 1860s.
The mesh setup seems unlikely to meet your data needs. After checking, Google Home doesn’t appear to offer the performance you’re expecting.
You really need Ethernet for this setup. A mesh network would be simpler, but you’d need wired access points connected directly to the router. If you don’t have Ethernet, mesh might not work. Power line adapters can help, though speeds there aren’t ideal—they’re more reliable. Assuming good wiring, Moca is a solid choice, but it’s costly and requires coaxial cables for each connection. Using WiFi means you get what you get and hope it functions. It’s tough to predict how mesh will perform in that situation. Mesh is still better than using extra extenders. For the optimal solution, Ethernet is essential. The next best is Moca, followed by power line adapters. WiFi ranks lowest.
I could possibly install CAT 6 cables behind an old staircase to add access points on both sides of the second floor. However, running Ethernet to every room isn't practical. The restoration work on the historic plaster and lathe would be very expensive. WIFI appears to be the only viable solution. I need advice on which Wi-Fi system to choose (UniFI, Nighthawk x6) for optimal performance.
The problem lies in having a large home. A single wireless router won't suffice. You'll likely need several APs or a mesh network setup. Don't focus on the Google system; instead, check what ASUS offers since many of their routers work well for mesh. Ubiquiti also provides mesh options and some solid AP choices if you can run cables. Make sure the equipment supports AC power. The key is determining how many APs or mesh devices you'll require. It's difficult to estimate without knowing the number of walls between units and their thickness. Also, check if any rooms have coaxial wiring available.