ᐅ Poor Wi-Fi in a Newly Built Home Despite Fiber Optic Connection

Created on: 20 Nov 2020 22:31
T
Tx-25
Hello. Today, after 6 months, we finally got internet in our new build. I set up the fiber optic connection on the FritzBox 7590 router. For that, I reset the router to factory settings and configured it according to the fiber installation guide. Then I updated it to the latest version. Somehow, the Wi-Fi isn’t as fast as expected. What could be the reason? The router is located in the utility room (ground floor corner) on a cabinet. Our living room is in the opposite corner on the ground floor. There, we have 3 out of 4 bars, sometimes even less. The speed is not particularly good either.

In the upstairs bathroom (directly above the utility room), the connection is practically non-existent. If I go to the upstairs hallway, I get 3 bars. Shouldn’t the signal actually be stronger throughout, even without a repeater?

The fiber modem and the FritzBox are connected by an Ethernet cable I already had. Should this cable be upgraded? Are there any other tips?

The switch for the LAN outlets isn’t connected yet. I still need to order it and install the wiring.
T
T_im_Norden
21 Nov 2020 08:30
What the FRITZ!Box displays is one thing, but what actually reaches your devices over Wi-Fi is another.
Therefore, please run a speed test on a device by visiting a website and post the results here.
N
nms_hs
21 Nov 2020 08:59
In our case, the Fritzbox in the HTR also has almost no range inside the house. Only an access point—ours is a Unifi 1750e—connected via LAN in the attic solved the problem.
rick201821 Nov 2020 09:33
Since there are already network outlets installed in the house, simply install additional access points there.

It should be clear that the router cannot provide sufficient range (especially not in the 5 GHz band). Electricians usually have little knowledge about this. That's why you often hear statements like "everything works on Wi-Fi nowadays" or "one access point is enough."

If you plan properly, you run Ethernet cables along the ceiling with keystone jacks in small boxes. An access point, such as a UniFi nano HD, is then mounted there.

This should be done at locations where you experience the most device usage and need the highest speed, for example, the living room, office, children’s bedroom, etc.

Everything that is rather stationary and has an Ethernet port should be connected by cable.

Do not set up a mesh network. You have network outlets, so don’t create a makeshift solution.
H
hampshire
21 Nov 2020 09:39
Your headline sounds like: "Our internal mail is slow, even though I order everything by express."

Do as @rick2018 and others suggest and get someone to help you. Whether it’s a partly knowledgeable friend or a professional doesn’t really matter.
B
Bookstar
21 Nov 2020 10:01
You shouldn't make a big deal out of everything. Place the central Fritz device, add one or two repeaters or a mesh system, and everything will be fine. If you forgot the network outlets, then use powerline adapters and repeaters as a workaround. There's always a solution.
rick201821 Nov 2020 10:04
You mean APs, right?