Help: router placement & access points

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armondjenkins

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Sep 3, 2017
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Help on router placement

I've read that mounting or placing a router in a ceiling or up high is ideal to optimize your signal. I've also read that it might be a good idea to place it on your high level if you have one (I have a two story home)

My cable feed on the main level is in the house's NW corner. This is probably a bad spot for being in a corner and there being a hot tub in an adjacent 3 seasons room to the left of it. I also have a cable feed upstairs in one of the bedrooms.

1. Would it be better to locate my router upstairs? If so how would I get the feed downstairs? I've read that people run Ethernet through their house and I'm really looking to do that if it's expensive or aesthetically awkward.

2. If I need an additional device to enhance my existing signal, which is better between PCI adapters, Wi-Fi boosters, and Wi-Fi extenders? Or would I use something outside of them altogether?

3. I've seen reference made to access points. Can someone offer guidance on what this is and if it applies to my circumstances?
 
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kanewolf

kanewolf

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Look for a low-voltage cable installation specialist in your town. They can run ethernet cables almost anywhere. Some electricians also do low voltage cabling.

Access Points are just extra WIFI sources. If you have a multi-story house then multiple WIFI sources may be the best answer.
 
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armondjenkins

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So an extra WIFI source is what exactly? A second router?
 
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armondjenkins

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Hi,

I wanted to thank you for your recent response. If you had the time I was hoping to ask for clarity as I'm not familiar in networking.

1. Should I consider upgrading my router? I have a Zoom 5350 router. I don't know what functions I should probably have. I am willing to upgrade if I should

2. If I wire to a switch on the 1st floor, this isn't the same thing as wiring the house with Ethernet is a it?
I've read that people sometimes wire their house with ethernet through the attic.Why, I don't know.

3. Should I go with CAT5E or CAT6, and why?

4. How future proofed is this networking investment? I'm not aware of any competing technology that is emerging to compete with WiFi but I am curious as to when the above setup might be obsolete (just for my informational purposes)

5. I know this varies by vendor, but what is a reasonable cost for this setup for parts and labor in your opinion?
 
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das_stig

das_stig

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Jul 24, 2009
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1. Zoom should ok, it's not a great router, but normally more than enough for basic internet activity.
2. Yes wiring back to one central point, the switch and then a single cable down to your router. This has the benefit of reducing workload on router for data routing.
3. CAT5E is good for 100 meters 1Gbit/s, CAT6 if you need something a bit more resistant to interference and longer cable runs, is a bit more expensive, but also future proofs speeds past 1Gbit/s.
4. As above
5. No idea, I did my own setup, and each country has it's own prices.
 
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armondjenkins

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Sep 3, 2017
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In my home, we use internet, stream Netflix, Hulu, DirecTV Now, and use our cellphones and tablets.
Eventually I intend to do gaming online, but only in a light and very limited capacity.

Based on the above, I understand usage patterns differ with each consumer, but generally speaking, how much bandwidth would that require?

I am looking for some guidance on how our usage requirements should influence my efforts to future proof, without overdoing it.

I understand WIFI standards will evolve, but I don't know that our need for speeds will uptick unless I tried to do something significantly different than we already do...unless I am thinking about it wrong.

Just trying to make sure I don't future proof so expensively for resources I'd never conceivably use.
 
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