Best Way To Extend WiFi Coverage?

Valo · 12 Oct 2016 at 15:27

I've been noticing that my the range and coverage of my WiFi network is dropping out in my bungalow.

I have a network cabinet in my garage where my router (ASUS RT-AC66U) is also connected. I find that the WiFi signal (802.11AC) both 2.4 and 5G can drop frequently in my bedrooms which are at the other end of my house.

I have multiple CAT6 points available around my house. What I'm trying to figure out is what to purchase to either bridge/extend the range of my network coverage in the bedrooms?

bremen1874 · 12 Oct 2016 at 15:55

Is the master socket also in the garage?

Valo · 12 Oct 2016 at 17:18

bremen1874 said:
Is the master socket also in the garage?

Master socket is in my Living room along with the BT Openreach VDSL Modem. I've patched the modem into my network so the corresponding point feeds into the router.

BT Master Socket === Openreach Modem === Network Point === Garage Patch Panel === ASUS RT-AC66U

bremen1874 · 12 Oct 2016 at 17:25

Why don't do just move the router back inside?

BT Master Socket === Openreach Modem === ASUS RT-AC66U === Network Point === Garage Patch Panel === Switch (presumably)

Asking a router to work through an external brick wall is asking for trouble.

Otherwise install some access points (see various recent UniFi threads).

Valo · 12 Oct 2016 at 18:13

bremen1874 said:
Why don't do just move the router back inside?

BT Master Socket === Openreach Modem === ASUS RT-AC66U === Network Point === Garage Patch Panel === Switch (presumably)

Asking a router to work through an external brick wall is asking for trouble.

Otherwise install some access points (see various recent UniFi threads).

Would much prefer to keep the router in the comms cabinet. Will look into UniFi anything else worth considering?

bremen1874 · 12 Oct 2016 at 18:23

That router is wasted where it is.

You could replace it with a wires only router (or something with less exotic wireless) and move the Asus inside configured as an access point.

If you've got access to the loft to run cables I'd got down the UniFi route. Attached to the ceiling they're a very tidy option. If the bungalow is of any significant size a couple of the AC-Lites could work well.