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Extend WiFi from wired network

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  • 05-05-2020 7:22pm
    #1
    Loozer
    Closed Accounts Posts: 168 ✭✭


    What's the best way to extend the WiFi range using the existing wired network

    I have cat 5 at the back of the house connected to the router through a ethernet switch where I want the WiFi .Can I plug something in to the cable to extend the WiFi thanks


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    #2
    advertsfox
    Registered Users Posts: 2,699 ✭✭✭advertsfox


    You'll want a mesh WiFi network with ethernet backhaul - this way you get maximum bandwidth speeds to each device (unlike terrible repeaters).

    I personally use Google WiFi, other great option are the TP-Link Deco M3/M5 or Orbi.


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    #3
    Loozer
    Closed Accounts Posts: 168 ✭✭Loozer


    advertsfox wrote: »
    You'll want a mesh WiFi network with ethernet backhaul - this way you get maximum bandwidth speeds to each device (unlike terrible repeaters).

    I personally use Google WiFi, other great option are the TP-Link Deco M3/M5 or Orbi.

    I'm on 40mb if that matters

    I assume the best way to extend the WiFi is to plug something into the cat5?


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    #4
    advertsfox
    Registered Users Posts: 2,699 ✭✭✭advertsfox


    Loozer wrote: »
    I'm on 40mb if that matters

    I assume the best way to extend the WiFi is to plug something into the cat5?
    Yes, CAT5 will be your Ethernet backhaul. Then every wireless AP (or mesh WiFi point in this case) will have maximum connection speed to your router internally. Anything that connects wirelessly, will be able to do some at very high AC1200 speeds that will never drop bandwidth to the router, which is giving up to 1000Mb internally, 40Mb externally.

    I'd recommend the Deco M5 for their style / price.

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B071241G3R/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_apa_i_saCSEbNAPVG8B

    The new Google Mesh WiFi is dearer but has Google Homes built into it and is very easy to configure.

    https://store.google.com/ie/config/nest_wifi


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    #5
    Loozer
    Closed Accounts Posts: 168 ✭✭Loozer


    Thanks I'm looking for something cheaper?


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    #6
    Hibernicis
    Registered Users Posts: 1,466 ✭✭✭Hibernicis


    Loozer wrote: »
    Thanks I'm looking for something cheaper?

    I had an old router and set it up as an access point. This extended the Wi-Fi reach using a cat 5 link to the active (live) router. The steps to setting this up are fiddly and vary depending on the router make/model.


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    #7
    Loozer
    Closed Accounts Posts: 168 ✭✭Loozer


    Hibernicis wrote: »
    I had an old router and set it up as an access point. This extended the Wi-Fi reach using a cat 5 link to the active (live) router. The steps to setting this up are fiddly and vary depending on the router make/model.

    Ya did that before.

    Too much bother at my networking skill level


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    #8
    advertsfox
    Registered Users Posts: 2,699 ✭✭✭advertsfox


    Loozer wrote: »
    Ya did that before.

    Too much bother at my networking skill level
    This is where the mesh comes in. You setup one access point (as your main router) with your WiFi name / password and all future points you add (be it 1, 2 or 22) will have the same details automatically. It will also be a seamless change of connection between the points, you won't be notice a drop (full blanket coverage of your house).

    A cheaper version of the Decos exist, just as good for a little over €100 for 3.

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07NH1J543/


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