wifi range extenders

[strath44]

Hi folks, we're doing a fairly large house refurb just now and I am very tempted to run some cat 6 cabling as its an old house with thick walls.

However doing this will definitely hold up progress on an already behind job(s).

Just wondering how good the network extenders you get are that you plug into the router then into a socket and I understand the data is sent through the power lines?!

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing-accessorie...

[Troubleatmill]

They are good enough.
But nothing beats physical wiring.

If you have the option - lay the cables now.

[LunarOne]

Definitely put cables in. Those powerline adapters can be flaky on an older or larger mains system, and if you have a separate upstairs and downstairs ring, then things can get worse. Also wifi really doesn't like thick walls, and if there's any dampness that will absorb signal too. I'd try to get one or two cables into every room, all leading back to a single utility room. You can then install a switch there. Install extra cables into games rooms, TV rooms and studies. This will make life much easier, especially for people who are going to be working from home and for kids playing games or streaming.

[AJB88]

Either cable the house or fit a decent mesh system.

[NDA]

strath44 said:

Just wondering how good the network extenders you get are that you plug into the router then into a socket and I understand the data is sent through the power lines?!

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing-accessorie...

They are 'OK' only. I have those same models in my house... I would prefer a mesh system (which I had in a previous house) and may upgrade. Even with the same SSID on the homeplugs, iPhones etc tend to hang on to the last strong signal for a while which means that SONOS (for example) can't find your wifi for 40 seconds or so. Range extenders are slightly different things and basically daisy-chain from the router's wifi rather than using the mains wiring.

As others have said, cabling is better if at all possible.

[strath44]

thanks folks, that's what i thought any recommendations on a pocket friendly cat 6 is there anything to watch out for - seem to remember look for solid copper not strand and avoid aluminum coated??

[Alucidnation]

Range extenders make excellent fire wood.

Anyhoo, cat5 is more than adequate to a few Poe access points

[Deep Thought]

AJB88 said:

Either cable the house or fit a decent mesh system.

I would definitely do the former.

We run a Ubiquiti MESH system in our house now but its been a real ball ache getting the right system working consistently well.

If i'd my time again i'd definitely have went for cabling.

[robbieduncan]

strath44 said:

thanks folks, that's what i thought any recommendations on a pocket friendly cat 6 is there anything to watch out for - seem to remember look for solid copper not strand and avoid aluminum coated??

Definitely avoid aluminium coated if such stuff exists. But is CCA (copper-coated aluminium you have to avoid). And stranded rather than solid core too. Generally buying by the 305m reel is the most cost efficient but only if you are going to use most of the reel. Cat 5e cable may well be cheaper and will do gigabit over most normal residential ranges