Optimal path selected. Follow directions carefully for the best results.
Optimal path selected. Follow directions carefully for the best results.
I’m considering several options to improve my home network setup. Given the size of your house and the walls, I’m looking for a reliable solution that works well in a concrete structure. I tried Amplifi with three access nodes and a base station, but the 2.4GHz band gave me poor speeds—often around 5Mbps—which isn’t enough for smooth 4K streaming. Switching to three Linksys Velop nodes and an MR8300 worked better, though the 5GHz backbone still hit the walls and caused drops. If I don’t place a node near my neighbor’s room, the signal weakens significantly. My PCs are wired via Ethernet to a fast 1Gbps line, but it ends up at one end of the house, far from the TV in the back. I’m also unsure if the router can manage many devices (30+ currently) without issues, though I haven’t tested that easily.
My thoughts so far are:
1) Assume the router is fine and run Ethernet cables through the crawlspace on both sides of the loft, adding a Velop node on each side to reach the ceiling. The third node would connect wirelessly from the floor into the basement.
2) Consider replacing the Velop system with an ORBI solution—still evaluating its performance but promising better range and speed.
3) Return to Ubiquiti business-grade equipment for more stability, though reviews are mixed.
Regarding your questions:
- The router might be handling everything, but I’m worried about coverage gaps.
- Using APs could work, but I’d need to compare models carefully.
- A cloud network key isn’t strictly necessary; a properly configured router should suffice.
- Yes, you can manage it with just a router and APs, though performance will depend on placement and hardware choice.
I appreciate any advice on avoiding the same problems and saving costs.
What package are you subscribed to from your internet service provider? When you connect directly to the modem, what does the speed test indicate? Are you using just a standard modem or a device that combines modem, router, and wireless access point? Would you like to share a basic drawing of your home layout? Mark where key network equipment are located. If possible, connect several devices via Ethernet for optimal performance. Before sharing your current setup, many mesh systems can be linked directly over Ethernet, forming wired connections that support reliable wireless access points with a stable backhaul. This setup should deliver a more dependable Wi-Fi network compared to mesh. You’ll need to arrange them throughout the house for optimal signal coverage and place each radio on a distinct, non-overlapping wireless channel.
1) High-speed download at 1000 Mbit/s with 50 Mbit/s upload.
2) Currently difficult to connect directly to the router from my cable provider. Devices are grouped into a switch (Linksys LGS105-EU 5-Port Unmanaged Gigabit), which links via Ethernet to my MR8300 connected to the main router. All connections use Cat 6 cables. Speed tests performed at various times have shown speeds ranging from 100 to 800 Mbps. Office network performance remains stable so far, though future concerns exist.
3) Company supplied a Wi-Fi router; I disabled its Wi-Fi and used Ethernet instead.
4) My wife is an architect—ironically, sharing detailed blueprints in ArchiCAD would be simpler for me, but I suspect you don’t have the necessary software. I’ve created a rough sketch using paint. Red dots mark existing Wi-Fi access points, yellow highlights areas with frequent signal loss (often due to TV interference), and the garden zone shows minimal coverage. I usually switch to 4G data as a backup since there’s a mast over the road providing strong speeds. There’s a possibility the building has solid stone walls with underground cables, making Ethernet installation challenging except in certain spots like the basement.