. As such I'm planning for: Cable runs to the spots where main devices require hardline connection: both studies, entertainment centre in the drawing room, kids bedrooms. That's work, kids schoolwork and main entertainment/media consumption (drawing room powered by an HTPC). Excellent WiFi coverage throughout. That's mobiles/tablets and the occasional time a laptop is used not plugged in. I'm minded to focus on 5GHz on all APs save one with good access to downstairs and the first floor (my on-paper candidate is the in-wall AP in my wife's study downstairs) - we don't have too many legacy WiFi devices and the 2.4 GHz will be mostly to serve the guest network. This is the area I'm struggling with the most, due to my lack of knowledge about the vertical signal range between floors . Any comments as the the appropriate numbers of APs or alternative locations are welcome, as well as whether I should be careful of the between-AP interference, if I intend to run them on different alternating channels, and, being the end of terrace I only have one neighbour to my left (when looking at the plans). The Monies, please One of the attached album pictures contains an estimate of the total costs w/o the actual cable runs and on site installation. Gulp! Help me please not spend all that money needlessly. I know I should be using the Nano HD instead of the Pros, but the Design Center fails to feature them (or I'm too stupid to figure out where they are), but besides cutting down on the amount of APs I don't see immediate cost saving measures. Thanks!
coocooboo5
10-27-2024, 03:28 PM #1Hi guys! I had been mulling over the WiFi setup at my new home - can you help me, please? Due to the currently prevalent human malware situation and delays it caused we are extremely short on time when it comes to the move and the work that will be carried out. As such, I need to plan this installation blind, without having access to the property, I need to order everything and have it at the ready, the installers will need to come in, do the cable runs and then the builders move in with whatever else they're scheduled to be doing. The Basics This Google Photos album has screenshots of my currently "planned deployment" created in the UniFi Design Center. I was too stupid to figure out a way to share the designs from within the suite in any other way, sorry if it's a thing. The house is spread across four floors and that is the thing that's throwing me off - I am yet to find a definitive source of information on how the APs behave in a vertical space. Most resources I found on the forums say either something vague like 1 or 2 APs per typical house or pertain to commercial deployment scenarios, where one is likely to be dealing with concrete floors anyway. The Internets I have a Gigabit fibre optic connection terminating in the cupboard. The cupboard is about as tidy when it comes to the hodgepodge of pipes and tanks as in the attached image ( album ), hence I am minded to relocate the rack under the stairs. The House Some general info on materials and construction: Internal walls between rooms in were built in block work or from metal frames. Block work walls can be finished in plaster or plasterboard dry lining. Metal framed walls are finished in plasterboard. External walls Walls that are used to separate townhouses are designed to provide an effective sound and fire barrier. In the townhouses the party walls are constructed of two leafs of concrete blocks with a mineral wool insulation cavity infill. They have a plasterboard finish. Plan notes Ground floor: Wife's study, toilet, pantry, kitchen/dining room, terrace/garden || Rack under stairs First floor: My study/guest bedroom, bathroom, drawing room Second floor: Kids' bedrooms/study rooms Third floor: Master bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, bathroom The Goals We would like to have a 10GbE solution for work on shared 4k video projects, run a NAS and a Plex server for media distribution. Having a centralised Steam Library is also an added bonus, I'll get on it when I have the time. As such I'm planning for: Cable runs to the spots where main devices require hardline connection: both studies, entertainment centre in the drawing room, kids bedrooms. That's work, kids schoolwork and main entertainment/media consumption (drawing room powered by an HTPC). Excellent WiFi coverage throughout. That's mobiles/tablets and the occasional time a laptop is used not plugged in. I'm minded to focus on 5GHz on all APs save one with good access to downstairs and the first floor (my on-paper candidate is the in-wall AP in my wife's study downstairs) - we don't have too many legacy WiFi devices and the 2.4 GHz will be mostly to serve the guest network. This is the area I'm struggling with the most, due to my lack of knowledge about the vertical signal range between floors . Any comments as the the appropriate numbers of APs or alternative locations are welcome, as well as whether I should be careful of the between-AP interference, if I intend to run them on different alternating channels, and, being the end of terrace I only have one neighbour to my left (when looking at the plans). The Monies, please One of the attached album pictures contains an estimate of the total costs w/o the actual cable runs and on site installation. Gulp! Help me please not spend all that money needlessly. I know I should be using the Nano HD instead of the Pros, but the Design Center fails to feature them (or I'm too stupid to figure out where they are), but besides cutting down on the amount of APs I don't see immediate cost saving measures. Thanks!
OwnerOfHive
10-27-2024, 03:28 PM #2Probably not the most affordable option, but it should succeed. If I could afford it, I’d pick a qualified contractor with a license, insurance, and solid reputation. Propose a plan: install cat6e outlets at each location for every machine you need, using wall-mounted connections where feasible, but allow wiremold only when truly required (builders usually avoid it because it looks bad and costs more). Run the cable through 3/4” smurf tube in all wall penetrations, directing it to a central hub inside the cupboard. Ensure everything complies with local codes—this might annoy the builder, but they need to follow regulations while you prioritize quality and safety. The cupboard should also house two full-duplex outlets for the switch, modem, and other devices, with all connections thoroughly tested. Let the electricians handle the measurements, adding a 50–100% buffer for unexpected issues and set a fair price. It won’t be cheap, but it’ll be reliable. Contact the ISP to confirm their base station supports AC WiFi and inquire about recommended extenders. Order a few extender units ahead of time so you’re ready when moving in. Upon arrival, if you spot weak signal spots, head to the closest location with strong coverage and install an extender there.
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SmileEnchanter
10-27-2024, 03:28 PM #3Thanks mate, these are some valid points re installation, though I don't think the APs work as extenders strictly speaking, and for any ceiling mounted APs I'd need dedicated cable runs. I guess I'll give Senetic a shout, even though they are likely to charge... let's be fair and say adequately to their expertise. It feels like rolling out a cannon to try and shoot a mosquito with but hey, PCMR and all that.