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

Created on: 22 Aug 2019 10:27
P
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.
rick201822 Aug 2019 18:17
A repeater is not the same as a mesh system. With a good mesh setup, the performance does not get cut in half...
But enough technical discussion. Running cables is the right approach.
For the NanoHD, there are also mounting frames available for suspended ceilings. This allows it to sit flush, but it is still visible. There are also films with various finishes (wood, concrete, stone, etc.). For white ceilings, it’s best to leave it as is.
At my parents’ house, we installed them partially above the suspended ceiling. A small access panel and the access point is placed above it. This way, nothing is visible. There is no noticeable performance loss, though there may be some measurable difference.
@ivenh0 showed the right method. Access points should be located where the most performance is needed (office, living room, etc.). There, you get fast 5 GHz band coverage. The 2.4 GHz band has longer range but is slower.
Plan with empty conduit, installation cable, then a keystone module, and finally a short patch cable. This way you don’t see any cables, and the limited space for the connector inside the access point is not an issue.
I have dealt with this topic several times already.
rick201822 Aug 2019 18:20
opalau schrieb:

Good that you brought this up. Until now, I wasn’t entirely clear why a keystone module is needed instead of just installing an RJ45 adapter?

The space inside the access points is so tight that a field-terminable connector won’t fit. You can only attach a patch cable with a lot of fiddling, and especially get it “in” properly. That’s why a keystone or some kind of RJ45 socket is used.
You don’t need a wall box.
opalau22 Aug 2019 18:23
That doesn’t make sense to me. If space is that limited, why not connect the cable coming directly from the ceiling straight to the access point? Is the keystone module really smaller than a field-terminable connector?
H
hanse987
22 Aug 2019 18:36
Because there is simply no space on the back of the Unifi access point for a field-terminated connector. That’s why I also suggested using a wall box where the cables and keystone module can be neatly installed.

Therefore, I think it is important to know the desired devices in order to prepare everything correctly.
rick201822 Aug 2019 18:45
A junction box is not necessary.
Simply use an empty conduit with a suitable diameter to fit a keystone jack.
Connect a short patch cable to the keystone. You can push any excess cable into the conduit.
Mount the access point through the hole for a very clean installation.
If the cable ever gets damaged, it will be the patch cable. The space inside the access point is so tight that even patch cables are slightly bent...
The same applies to most cameras. For outdoor use, make sure to use a waterproof junction box.
opalau22 Aug 2019 18:52
Oh, I see. You can't reach the socket in the access point with the plug.

Our conduit pipes are too narrow for this setup. We might need to chip away part of the ceiling to create enough space.