ᐅ Number of network outlets; how to plan Wi-Fi in a new build?

Created on: 22 Aug 2019 10:27
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Pamiko
Hello,

we need to decide soon on the number of network outlets required throughout the house.
Basically, we agree on where to place outlets (living room, office, children's rooms, bedroom...) for connecting stationary devices.
However, I am a bit unsure about what exactly needs to be planned to ensure good Wi-Fi coverage on both floors.
What I find online about this topic is beyond my current understanding.
Would it be possible to simply install one network outlet centrally on each floor and connect a device there to extend the signal? What kind of device would that be?
(I have often read about access points.)

Looking forward to some beginner-friendly advice. Thank you very much.
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ivenh0
22 Aug 2019 15:10
Skip installing junction boxes in the hallways for the access points. From the utility room, we installed 25mm (1 inch) empty conduit pipes into the ceiling of the basement, ground floor, and attic hallways, and pulled CAT7 cables through them.

Now, flush-mounted on the ceiling, there are Ubiquiti UniFi Access Point Lite units running on PoE (adapter included!). These support mesh networking and basically have everything you need and more...

White room ceiling with round smoke detector (blue ring) and recessed lights; window visible

White ceiling with round safety sensor and blue light ring; recessed ceiling light on the left.
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Fuchur
22 Aug 2019 16:00
@ivenh0 quick off-topic question: I have the same devices and plan to mount them on the ceiling in the new build. However, I have concerns about the light. I see you have it turned on—does that not bother you at night?
I know it can be switched off, but then I wouldn’t know if the device has failed or if there is a configuration error (once an access point disappeared from management after an update and couldn’t be found again until the management software was completely reinstalled).
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hanse987
22 Aug 2019 16:15
Even if the light is on, it can be defective and no longer transmit. I wouldn’t rely solely on the LED. In my case, it is off.
rick201822 Aug 2019 16:17
You should receive a notification through the controller if an access point goes offline or malfunctions. You can safely turn off the LED. Today, I would recommend using the NonoHD.
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ivenh0
22 Aug 2019 16:37
Fuchur schrieb:

@ivenh0 quick off-topic question: I have the same devices and plan to mount them on the ceiling in the new build as well. However, I’m a bit concerned about the light. I see you have it turned on—doesn’t it bother you at night?
I know you can switch it off, but then if there’s a failure, I wouldn’t know if the device is broken or if there’s a configuration error (once, after an update, an access point disappeared from the management system and couldn’t be found until the management software was completely reinstalled).

Who would be bothered by the light at night in the hallway?
It can also be used as an orientation light.
For us, the LED doesn’t bother at all.
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Fuchur
22 Aug 2019 17:26
Well, my idea was: with the LED, at least I can see if power and network are present. Without the LED, where do you start looking for the fault? As I said, one of mine worked once, but it was no longer detected by the controller and couldn’t be found in the search. No error message either. But alright, then I’ll plan to install it on the ceiling and turn the LED off.