Help please! Trying to set up a home Wi-Fi access point for the first time

RedPete

Hi All,

Hoping to get a steer - I am a Virgin Media customer living in an 'old build' house and the signal is pretty awful in some rooms.

I have tried Wi-Fi boosters and they have just been OK. Connecting to my phone's hotspot has usually been more stable.

I am planning on purchasing a Wi-Fi access point so I can run a cable directly from my router (under the floor) into another part of the house.

I have never done anything like this before... so I have some (probably stupid!) questions...

(1) Will this work OK connecting a RJ45 CAT6 cable directly from my Virgin Media Router?

(2) If I buy a device (e.g. TP-Link AX1800) will this be powered directly by this cable (PoE) or will I need another power source?

(3) Will I need to buy a crimping tool to cut the cable and how easy is this to do?

Thanks in advance for any time/suggestions/recommendations on this!

smuggler.ie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058228165/help-please-trying-to-set-up-a-home-wi-fi-access-point-for-the-first-time

1. Yes, will work and recommended to be this way (Ethernet cable connection)
2. No. For start, your main router(Virgin) does not provide PoE, second - AX1800 does not take PoE, you will have to power it from power socket/extension lead. If you looking to power up AP(access point) over PoE you need to get one that takes it (Ubi, Aruba, Cisco, even TP has dedicated AP devices, ...) and you will have to get device(additional) that can provide PoE - PoE switch or PoE injector.
3. If intend to do DIY cable yourself you will need crimping tool and connectors. Basic kit might cost you ~€20 from Amz . Internet have lots of video on "how to", bit of practice and you should be good.

mondeoman72

Have you considered using the house wiring to carry the signal? You can use something like this to carry the signal, via the electrical cables, around the house. There are different versions and the one below is just the first hit I found. I use similar to get signal to my converted attic.

https://www.screwfix.ie/p/tp-link-av1000-powerline-starter-kit/326KX?gclid=CjwKCAiA_omPBhBBEiwAcg7smcywP7MPy0ht4BT1V4bqqFc-gzJ5mZrOXr3uXcihHgbPr6RPu1mCTRoCH6EQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

AndrewJRenko

Have you tried using wifi mesh technology to spread the wifi signal better?

RedPete

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118481363#Comment_118481363

Exactly the help I needed - thank you for the response. I ordered the recommended kit and hopefully will get to grips with an instructional video. Thanks!

RedPete

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118495966#Comment_118495966

Thanks for the suggestion - I did but it hasn't been very successful so far (especially as I've gone with lower end products in the market)

RedPete

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118481404#Comment_118481404

Thanks, I have something similar and unfortunately it wasn't great for my home anyway

RedPete

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118481363#Comment_118481363

Final question!... if I am putting the cable under floorboards, would I be better to get a Cat 7 outdoor ethernet cable? Thanks

smuggler.ie

Outdoor CAT protected from UV, weather. You can if you want, but if its internal(dry) wiring it wont need to be that. You could run ducting(3/4 Qualplex pipe will do) to protect it from rodents if there chance for them to be there. Ducting also will facilitate pulling new/extra cable if it need to be.

External CAT is stiffer and harder to work with.

DeconSheridan

Rule out Wifi cross talk with neighbouring wifi networks as this can be a source of interruption as older band networks overlap and cause drop outs, poor throughput. If at all possible any device that can be connected via ethernet should be, look into adding a managed switch, TPlink 16 port are ok for consumer use and low cost.