Noob Wifi extender question

F

Foz2001

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Aug 25, 2001
Messages
2,029
Hi Guys,

I have a wireless router in my basement, and am having difficulties getting a strong signal on my upper level (2 story house + basement). When I did renovations a couple years ago I actually fished an Ethernet cable from the basement to the top floor.

Can you recommend me a product/solution to use to ensure I have solid wifi coverage on the upper level? I'm assuming I could plug something directly into this Ethernet connection on the upper level, but not sure what would be best.

Much appreciated.
 
Good job on running the cable, you've saved yourself a ton of headache, lol.

To do this right, I would suggest not using that wireless router and getting some kind of meshed wireless solution. Ubiquti UniFi is the most recommended in several communities.

I would suggest placing a router and a PoE switch where your Internet/Modem is, then connect two APs to the PoE ports on the switch... one for next to the router, and the other upstairs. Alternatively, if you already have a switch, you can just use the included PoE injectors - PoE injectors are not included in a 5-pack.

You can either get a Ubiquiti Router (I recommend the EdgeRouter-Lite), or something like a Mikrotik (https://mikrotik.com/product/RB750Gr3).

Find the right access points for you here (pg. 6): https://dl.ubnt.com/datasheets/unifi/UniFi_AP_DS.pdf

Realistically:

$156.90 - 2x UniFi AP AC-Lite: https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Unifi-Ap-AC-Lite-UAPACLITEUS/dp/B015PR20GY (you may want the pro for 802.3at/af compliance)
$51.53 - Mikrotik hEX ( https://www.amazon.com/Mikrotik-RB750Gr3-5-port-Ethernet-Gigabit/dp/B01MSUMVUB/
or
$96.35 - Ubiquti Edgerouter Lite (ER-LITE3) https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Edgerouter-ERLITE-3-Desktop-Router/dp/B00HXT8EKE/

You can do this for $200-250 and have a kickass solution.

What is your budget? I would recommend spending a little bit more so this thing can last you and you can put annoying wireless issues in the past. Realistically you can have a solid solution whichever router you choose. Do keep in mind that the above routers are a bit more advanced than any home router you are used to, so there may be a learning curve depending on your skillset.
 
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Hmm - I like this, my understanding is this would essentially make it seem like it's just 1 network in the house? How involved is this to setup? I am fairly weak when it comes to networking setup.....

Out of curiosity, is there an alternate option that would use my existing router? It is a Asus RT-AC66U. I was hoping I could just buy a single piece of equipment to connect to the Ethernet cable upstairs.
 
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I ended up getting a AP AC-Lite and running it into my Asus Router. A single unit on the upper level seems to be plenty. Thanks for showing me these exist!
 
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