ᐅ Cabling for access points: choosing the correct network cable

Mitleser123 schrieb:

just like in the two children's rooms ...

exactly here (also) important. Avoid wireless connections, as latency in gaming is literally "deadly"

hampshire schrieb:

You might as well install fiber optic cables right away – a reasonable additional cost and a future-proof foundation.

But then PoE won't work. 😉 Besides, while the fiber itself isn’t expensive, proper installation requires specific skills and tools, and the necessary hardware tends to be more costly than standard consumer equipment.

Wi-Fi is great, but I would never give up on a wired LAN connection. It’s always a combination of both. Stationary devices are connected via LAN, and mobile devices use Wi-Fi. Since you are building a townhouse, your immediate neighbors could significantly interfere with your Wi-Fi signal. That’s when having cables is a real advantage.

When laying the cables, make sure to install them inside conduits, ideally in a way that allows for future replacement.

What about Wi-Fi coverage on the terrace? The access point inside the house doesn’t always reach the terrace, so an outdoor access point is recommended.

If you have an electric vehicle charging station, don’t forget to run LAN cables there, as well as to rooms like the hobby room.

Where will all the technical equipment be centralized? Have you already discussed this with your electrician? Will everything be mounted on the wall, or placed inside a network cabinet? This decision will affect the installation details, such as cable lengths and patch panel setup.

As others have already pointed out, you shouldn’t do without LAN. WiFi should be seen more as a supplement.

Especially now, with working from home and homeschooling, problems are increasing. Usually, it’s the mindset of “a router in the middle of the house is enough and LAN isn’t needed because there’s WiFi…”.

Whether one access point per floor is enough depends on the size, floor plan, wall construction, and requirements. It’s better to lay a few extra meters of CAT7a cable now. If the configuration isn’t sufficient, you can simply install another access point.
Plan access points in the areas where the most performance/speed is needed (living room, office, children’s rooms…).
LAN in living room, office, children’s rooms…

My neighbors are currently connected to my guest network from one of the access points outside. That’s the only way my little one can participate in online classes.

Hello everyone,

Thank you very much for your many replies.

I have now ordered three additional connections, which should be enough.

Could someone please explain to me how the power is transmitted through the cable to the access point via PoE, or rather, which device supplies power to the cables?

And is there anything I need to consider when connecting it?

The diagrams you find online all look logical, but there might be something to keep in mind?

Thank you in advance.

The supply of devices such as access points via PoE (Power over Ethernet) is usually handled centrally by a PoE switch. Alternatively, individual devices can be powered using a PoE injector (for example, if a suitable switch is too expensive or a switch without PoE is already in place). Unfortunately, there are different types of PoE standards, but most modern standard components are compatible with each other. It is still best to check the datasheet or list the desired components here (or simply use devices from the same manufacturer or product series).

Alternatively, you can provide a rough desired configuration here, and there will likely be some suitable recommendations. Please describe the framework conditions and fixed requirements as precisely as possible.