Ethernet Network/Wifi
Discussion
Hi All,
I've lost track of any knowledge i'd gained on networking since installing my vdsl router 5yrs ago. Now that i'm working from home a lot, i'm having issues using vpn or Skype over wifi, and plugging directly into the router via ethernet port seems to solve everything.
I'm now thinking of installing (or paying someone to install) some cat6 cabling from the router to my upstairs study, to allow me to directly connect my laptop and also my xbox (also in the upstairs study).
Here's the house layout, downstairs the BT master socket is where the blue circle is, and upstairs the red circle is where the laptop and xbox are both located that i'd like to hardwire.
Just to pre-empt the kind of questions or things i need to consider:
- Do i need to locate the router where the master socket is? Or will a decent network/IT company likely suggest moving the router?
- Will it be better to run cat 6 up into the loft and then drop down into the upstairs study, and have some kind of hub/switch in the loft in case I'd like to expand later on?
- I also struggle with getting any wifi signal in the garage, so running some cable to the loft would enable it to drop down into the garage to connect to a booster/extender I think?
- The downstairs wall where the master socket is, is load bearing, with dot and dab plasterboard. Above it is a joist meaning it's a little awkward to run cabling down. Is this something that network installers commonly overcome or will it be a huge pain?
What other questions should I be asking companies to come and quote for? My main concern is that I ask them for something, but later find there was a much better or future proof solution.
Thanks
I've lost track of any knowledge i'd gained on networking since installing my vdsl router 5yrs ago. Now that i'm working from home a lot, i'm having issues using vpn or Skype over wifi, and plugging directly into the router via ethernet port seems to solve everything.
I'm now thinking of installing (or paying someone to install) some cat6 cabling from the router to my upstairs study, to allow me to directly connect my laptop and also my xbox (also in the upstairs study).
Here's the house layout, downstairs the BT master socket is where the blue circle is, and upstairs the red circle is where the laptop and xbox are both located that i'd like to hardwire.
Just to pre-empt the kind of questions or things i need to consider:
- Do i need to locate the router where the master socket is? Or will a decent network/IT company likely suggest moving the router?
- Will it be better to run cat 6 up into the loft and then drop down into the upstairs study, and have some kind of hub/switch in the loft in case I'd like to expand later on?
- I also struggle with getting any wifi signal in the garage, so running some cable to the loft would enable it to drop down into the garage to connect to a booster/extender I think?
- The downstairs wall where the master socket is, is load bearing, with dot and dab plasterboard. Above it is a joist meaning it's a little awkward to run cabling down. Is this something that network installers commonly overcome or will it be a huge pain?
What other questions should I be asking companies to come and quote for? My main concern is that I ask them for something, but later find there was a much better or future proof solution.
Thanks
I swear by my Devolo powerline adaptors, I use one plugged into my router in the lounge and the other plugged into my cctv recorder in the garage. I can stream all 4 cameras at 4k with no issues at all and the lounge and garage are on different consumer units but they are still rock solid 99% of the time, maybe every 6 months they need a reboot.
While a cable is always going to give you the best strength, modern mesh sytems are also worth a look if your wifi is patchy. My TP-Link P9 system uses powerline to talk between the 3 access points, and gives great coverage all over the house.
If you go with cabling the usual approach is to wire everywhere back to a switch stashed in the loft or under the stairs, rather than running cables point to point and finding later that you have no flexibility
If you go with cabling the usual approach is to wire everywhere back to a switch stashed in the loft or under the stairs, rather than running cables point to point and finding later that you have no flexibility
Mr Pointy said:
Where does the BT cable enter the house? Can you see it coming from an overhead pole into the loft of does it run underground?
moving the master socket might fix it for the office but move the problem elsewhere e.g. Worse signal in lounge.I'd get a spark in to discuss cable routing options, a decent one should have a few tricks up his sleeve to hide cabling depending what your decor status and intentions are. Plug in things work for some people and not for others.
wong said:
Just buy a MESH system ~ usually 3 units for ~ £150- 200 that plugs in to your current router.
That would be my first attempt solution. Per the dedicated mesh thread it solved all the issues with poor connection and speeds in the "office" almost diagonally opposite corner of house from incoming point and router. Now have 55 down and 15 up in all rooms in house, no more shouting down stairs checking if anybody is streaming something during an online meeting / seminar. Can now happily run online meeting, while a hefty file is uploading over VPN, and 'er indoors is downloading something onto the SkyQ box.
How much is an electrician to rewire some cat6 cable (and all the décor rearrangements) going to cost?
BT MESH whole home Wi-Fi discs will work - unless you have a 300 year old stone cottage with 3 feet walls. But your plans look like a modern 4 bed.
We have 3 kids all on separate Zoom lessons over Wi-Fi and they don't complain. We have a Deco 5 system and it also allows parental controls to limit the kids access. Do a search on MESH systems in PH and see for yourself.
BT MESH whole home Wi-Fi discs will work - unless you have a 300 year old stone cottage with 3 feet walls. But your plans look like a modern 4 bed.
We have 3 kids all on separate Zoom lessons over Wi-Fi and they don't complain. We have a Deco 5 system and it also allows parental controls to limit the kids access. Do a search on MESH systems in PH and see for yourself.
I should have made the post a little clearer, there's nothing wrong with the strength of the wifi signal at all. I get 70Mb down and 19Mb up from pretty much anywhere in the house, ping is less than 10ms and using a Netgear vdsl router.
The issues i'm having a when using certain online software like webex, voices cut out every now and again, plus my vpn drops out for 30s every 15mins or so. I've adjusted the MTU in the router settings and this doesn't make any difference. This happens if i'm working anywhere in the house. My work IT team have been less than helpful, so i'm happy to invest in a decent wired connection, with the added bonus that playing xbox online via wired seems to reduce the tiny bit of lag.
The power line adapters won't help get signal out to the garage as that's on a different consumer unit, so i'm thinking a decent wired network setup for the upstairs room, plus then a wifi boost/mesh to get a better signal in the garage?
The issues i'm having a when using certain online software like webex, voices cut out every now and again, plus my vpn drops out for 30s every 15mins or so. I've adjusted the MTU in the router settings and this doesn't make any difference. This happens if i'm working anywhere in the house. My work IT team have been less than helpful, so i'm happy to invest in a decent wired connection, with the added bonus that playing xbox online via wired seems to reduce the tiny bit of lag.
The power line adapters won't help get signal out to the garage as that's on a different consumer unit, so i'm thinking a decent wired network setup for the upstairs room, plus then a wifi boost/mesh to get a better signal in the garage?
Teddy Lop said:
Mr Pointy said:
Where does the BT cable enter the house? Can you see it coming from an overhead pole into the loft of does it run underground?
moving the master socket might fix it for the office but move the problem elsewhere e.g. Worse signal in lounge.I'd get a spark in to discuss cable routing options, a decent one should have a few tricks up his sleeve to hide cabling depending what your decor status and intentions are. Plug in things work for some people and not for others.
BT Mesh - 3 disks £75 at the moment.
I did my own cabling. If you can surface mount or go under/edge or carpets its relatively simple. Otherwise I understand your reluctance.
The mesh system should improve signal hugely and give you no deadspots for all your kit. Having said that, I wire as much as possible. I have about 13 items wired upstairs and downstairs and about 12 items wifi'd with 10 port, 8 port and 5 port switches dotted around.
I did my own cabling. If you can surface mount or go under/edge or carpets its relatively simple. Otherwise I understand your reluctance.
The mesh system should improve signal hugely and give you no deadspots for all your kit. Having said that, I wire as much as possible. I have about 13 items wired upstairs and downstairs and about 12 items wifi'd with 10 port, 8 port and 5 port switches dotted around.
Edited by sparkyhx on Saturday 19th December 14:54
MrChips said:
I should have made the post a little clearer, there's nothing wrong with the strength of the wifi signal at all. I get 70Mb down and 19Mb up from pretty much anywhere in the house, ping is less than 10ms and using a Netgear vdsl router.
The issues i'm having a when using certain online software like webex, voices cut out every now and again, plus my vpn drops out for 30s every 15mins or so. I've adjusted the MTU in the router settings and this doesn't make any difference. This happens if i'm working anywhere in the house. My work IT team have been less than helpful, so i'm happy to invest in a decent wired connection, with the added bonus that playing xbox online via wired seems to reduce the tiny bit of lag.
The power line adapters won't help get signal out to the garage as that's on a different consumer unit, so i'm thinking a decent wired network setup for the upstairs room, plus then a wifi boost/mesh to get a better signal in the garage?
Why do you think your Wifi is the issue?The issues i'm having a when using certain online software like webex, voices cut out every now and again, plus my vpn drops out for 30s every 15mins or so. I've adjusted the MTU in the router settings and this doesn't make any difference. This happens if i'm working anywhere in the house. My work IT team have been less than helpful, so i'm happy to invest in a decent wired connection, with the added bonus that playing xbox online via wired seems to reduce the tiny bit of lag.
The power line adapters won't help get signal out to the garage as that's on a different consumer unit, so i'm thinking a decent wired network setup for the upstairs room, plus then a wifi boost/mesh to get a better signal in the garage?
MrChips said:
Mr Pointy said:
Where does the BT cable enter the house? Can you see it coming from an overhead pole into the loft of does it run underground?
It's an odd one, the cabling comes in underground then into the house to the right of the front door, so in between the front door and the cloakroom. Always seemed a bit odd that the master socket is then on the other side of the front door, and around a corner.What about intercepting the incoming phone line & bringing it into the garage where you can mount the master socket, router & a switch. From the switch you can run up into the loft & drop down into the bedroom & mount one or more Access Points on the first floor ceiling to splatter wireless everywhere.
If you have a good wireless signal you shouldn't really be dropping the VPN though so maybe try another router &/or laptop. Check which channel your router is using as it may be close to a neighbouring one. You could also see if you have both 2 & 5 Gig frequencies running & create separate SSIDs so you can use one & let everyone else use the other.
Coin-Slot said:
My powerline adaptors do work between two separate consumer units.
Have you tried running a long Ethernet cable as a temporary measure just to confirm it’s a WiFi issue?
Yep that’s how I have it connected at the moment, and the wife is getting annoyed having a cable trailed down the stairs. Have you tried running a long Ethernet cable as a temporary measure just to confirm it’s a WiFi issue?
Mr Pointy said:
I'll say up front I'm firmly in the hardwire camp; as far as I'm concerned if it's fixed equipment (PC, printer, TV) then it should be wired & leave the wireless system to the phones & tablets. As you'll see most other posters think wireless fixes everything.
What about intercepting the incoming phone line & bringing it into the garage where you can mount the master socket, router & a switch. From the switch you can run up into the loft & drop down into the bedroom & mount one or more Access Points on the first floor ceiling to splatter wireless everywhere.
If you have a good wireless signal you shouldn't really be dropping the VPN though so maybe try another router &/or laptop. Check which channel your router is using as it may be close to a neighbouring one. You could also see if you have both 2 & 5 Gig frequencies running & create separate SSIDs so you can use one & let everyone else use the other.
If anything this may be a little easier cable wise. I’ve not problem putting the router upstairs, and if the downstairs then gets a bad signal then I can run a mesh as suggested.What about intercepting the incoming phone line & bringing it into the garage where you can mount the master socket, router & a switch. From the switch you can run up into the loft & drop down into the bedroom & mount one or more Access Points on the first floor ceiling to splatter wireless everywhere.
If you have a good wireless signal you shouldn't really be dropping the VPN though so maybe try another router &/or laptop. Check which channel your router is using as it may be close to a neighbouring one. You could also see if you have both 2 & 5 Gig frequencies running & create separate SSIDs so you can use one & let everyone else use the other.
I guess the basic question is how best can I get a wired connection in the upstairs room.
Are there specialist network companies that do this? Or should I be looking for an electrician?
MrChips said:
If anything this may be a little easier cable wise. I’ve not problem putting the router upstairs, and if the downstairs then gets a bad signal then I can run a mesh as suggested.
I guess the basic question is how best can I get a wired connection in the upstairs room.
Are there specialist network companies that do this? Or should I be looking for an electrician?
a sparky will be a better bet as he'll have experience of hiding cables in houses, ultimately its just a bit of wire.I guess the basic question is how best can I get a wired connection in the upstairs room.
Are there specialist network companies that do this? Or should I be looking for an electrician?
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