Help me out with home network

[Reegz]

Howdy folks,

Just like everyone else, I'm trying to improve my Wi-fi signal at home while at the same time using the opportunity to do some 'fun' things that I've always wanted to do.

Scenario:-

• Live in a complex, unit has two stories.
• I have fibre from Afrihost via Vumatel. Have the D-Link DIR-825 router that was supplied.
• The CPE and Router are located downstairs at the perimeter of the house. Also, it's low to the ground so signal suffers.
• As a result, the Wi-fi signal is pretty poor and even worse upstairs as the signal needs to work through a cement slab and brick walls.
• There are a couple of devices that I'd like to add onto the network; most important a NAS (drobo).
• Smart TV upstairs is connected via Wi-fi.
• Explorer (downstairs) is connected via cable.

Vision:-

• Would like to add either a stronger modem and/or PoE-powered AP mounted higher up to ensure stronger Wi-fi signal throughout the home.
• Connect the NAS to the network.
• Make space for a PI/other device.
• Wi-fi devices: 2 laptops; 3 * cell phones; 2 * tablets; 1 * smart TV;

My thoughts:-
The router is currently configure for IPoE so I'm able to plug in any other router and I'm good to go.
It may make sense to get a switch and connect the wired devices downstairs to it.
Switch should be PoE as it would need to power the AP (potentially).
In the case that I get a switch; it could probably double as a router?
AP could be mounted on the downstairs ceiling or along the stair case (seeing as the stair case is pretty much in the middle of the place).
Would like to do this on a shoe-string budget; so would be looking at buying pre-loved devices etc.

With that all said, please all ye network sages, advise me wisely!

 

[oceaneering]

You can make a bridge connection in your upstairs and downstairs area. Setting up a Bridge network is cheaper.

 

[vylint]

@Reegz I tackled a very similar challenge at home recently.

This is what I did:

• a switch that runs from my router (was originally a VDSL modem, now its a fixed LTE modem)
  • this switch is connected to the nearest PC, TV, raspberry pi for Unifi Controller and 2 Unifi Access points
• another switch (connected via LAN to first switch) but placed on the opposite side of the property in relation to my modem/router
  • this switch connects 2 Unifi Access points, to cover a double story setup on that side

I didn't use POE switches, so I have electric plug points near the Unifi access points; and I wasn't permitted to mount the access points to the ceiling. I have the Access points wall mounted and this seems to be working fine for me.

I got all my Unifi access points on Carbonite, piece by piece, ending up with all access points that are EOL (End of Life), so they were cheap but does mean I don't get Unifi updates AND I only have 2.4ghz WiFi band, no 5ghz.

My WiFi is significantly more stable than it was when I had 2 wireless access points on opposite sides. Now, my WiFi devices switch to the nearest access point seamlessly anywhere on the property; giving me a similar experience to corporate grade WiFi coverage at home.

Unifi devices you don't need right away:

• Cloud Key (I used a spare raspberry pi for my Controller)
  • You can install the Controller on your PC too
• USG (used for more advanced features which I ended up not needing, sold my USG)
• POE switches

I hope this helps, cheers!

 

[Reegz]

Thanks @vylint - that's some good suggestions.

I'm not sure that the total area would warrant 2 AP's per level; reckon I could get away with one up and one down.

Will mull on your suggestions and see how I can apply it to my area.

 

[vylint]

@Reegz I reckon 2x Unifi AP should be fine for your needs.
Keep an eye on the forum in the networking section, last I checked there were some Unifi AP for sale there.
Cheers.

 

[souljazk]

Mikrotik's are cheap & the right model will have very good wifi coverage.

Otherwise a Unifi AP will be fine.

I'd 1st position the current router properly & see how things are. A powerline adaptor kit could be good aswell.

 

[Valheru]

I have a spare fibre router (a shit one) you can borrow to see if it will work as an AP.

If it works and you like it you can even get to keep it.

 

[Reegz]

I'd 1st position the current router properly & see how things are. A powerline adaptor kit could be good aswell.

I wanted to mount this higher up on the wall and power it via PoE but this specific router uses a non-standard power cable. This is the start of the issues; I don't want to run the power cable up the wall as well. Less is more and all that.

Would it be sensible to change out the router for one that will work with the PoE kit and test that first?

 

[PsyWulf]

I wanted to mount this higher up on the wall and power it via PoE but this specific router uses a non-standard power cable. This is the start of the issues; I don't want to run the power cable up the wall as well. Less is more and all that.

Would it be sensible to change out the router for one that will work with the PoE kit and test that first?

Router looks like 12v powered? Unless the goog's lying

Sent from my F1 using Tapatalk

 

[Reegz]

Router looks like 12v powered? Unless the goog's lying

Sent from my F1 using Tapatalk

Tis true, however the male lead on the PoE is too small (lol) to fit into the router.

This is the part that I purchased: Passive PoE Injector and Splitter Set

 

[Reegz]

I have a spare fibre router (a shit one) you can borrow to see if it will work as an AP.

If it works and you like it you can even get to keep it.

Appreciated Sir! Let me play around with my current hardware and then we can chat?

 

[souljazk]

I wanted to mount this higher up on the wall and power it via PoE but this specific router uses a non-standard power cable. This is the start of the issues; I don't want to run the power cable up the wall as well. Less is more and all that.

Would it be sensible to change out the router for one that will work with the PoE kit and test that first?

I'm 95% sure your Dlink 825 does not support PoE.

Tis true, however the male lead on the PoE is too small (lol) to fit into the router.

This is the part that I purchased: Passive PoE Injector and Splitter Set

PoE takes power in from a DC barrel jack, similar to the one that plugs into the Dlink to give it power. It then pushes Xvolts out over an ethernet cable.

Power Over Ethernet: What Is "PoE"? — Everything You Need to Know

Power Over Ethernet (or "PoE") is a technology that delivers power and data over a single Ethernet cable to power devices like IP cameras and VOIP phones.

www.versatek.com

 

[PsyWulf]

Communica/Geewiz sells various DC barrels,you just gotta measure the Inner and outer diameters of the one you have

 

[Reegz]

This is the one that I have. After trying this one out, I asked them about different sizes but they did not have any in stock at the time.

 

[Reegz]

I'm 95% sure your Dlink 825 does not support PoE.


PoE takes power in from a DC barrel jack, similar to the one that plugs into the Dlink to give it power. It then pushes Xvolts out over an ethernet cable.

Power Over Ethernet: What Is "PoE"? — Everything You Need to Know

Power Over Ethernet (or "PoE") is a technology that delivers power and data over a single Ethernet cable to power devices like IP cameras and VOIP phones.

www.versatek.com

Thank you for giving me a reason to change my router

 

[Yi Lon Ma]

Send a picture of the dashboard of the DIR-825

I have 2, they both have different software (I've tried changing it with no luck), I digress...The latest one has a nice GUI with some nifty features, namely: "Roaming"

I would recommend that you get another DIR-825 with the same software, then you could essentially "Mesh" the network and have a seamless network; This will allow you to access all your devices on your network regardless of the AP you're connected to.

 

[Reegz]

Send a picture of the dashboard of the DIR-825

I have 2, they both have different software (I've tried changing it with no luck), I digress...The latest one has a nice GUI with some nifty features, namely: "Roaming"

I would recommend that you get another DIR-825 with the same software, then you could essentially "Mesh" the network and have a seamless network; This will allow you to access all your devices on your network regardless of the AP you're connected to.

 

[Yi Lon Ma]

The good o'l russian one

Yeah so you should be okay with getting roaming to work across both of the routers (Provided you got the same software on both routers)

 

[Reegz]

Having slept on this idea a little bit, I think I'm going to look for a POE-capable router to test out. My main gripe is having to run a power cable as well as an ethernet cable along the wall if I want to get the router up higher.

With a POE router, it'll be the ethernet cable only - which is cleaner and easier to manage.

Let me mull on it a little more (in other words; let me trawl the classifieds)

 

[souljazk]

Communica/Geewiz sells various DC barrels,you just gotta measure the Inner and outer diameters of the one you have

Also need to check polarity.

 

[souljazk]

Send a picture of the dashboard of the DIR-825

I have 2, they both have different software (I've tried changing it with no luck), I digress...The latest one has a nice GUI with some nifty features, namely: "Roaming"

I would recommend that you get another DIR-825 with the same software, then you could essentially "Mesh" the network and have a seamless network; This will allow you to access all your devices on your network regardless of the AP you're connected to.

I disagree 100% re getting another 825.

FYI you do not need 2 identical routers to "roam" / mesh. Usually, It's up to the client device as to when it will drop a SSID & connect to another unless this is defined in the router.

ANY second router with DHCP disabled & a static IP in the same range, would allow access to all the other devices on the network. Please fact check these things before hand, otherwise, those in need of knowledge will get the wrong knowledge.

 

[souljazk]

Thank you for giving me a reason to change my router

Get a Mikrotik or an EdgeRouter X both can run off of PoE. ERX is FAR more user friendly than the Mikrotik, but the ERZ has no wifi & the Mikrotik can get very complicated, very fast.

Have you done a site survey to see that you're on the optimal channel?

 

[Yi Lon Ma]

I disagree 100% re getting another 825.

FYI you do not need 2 identical routers to "roam" / mesh. Usually, It's up to the client device as to when it will drop a SSID & connect to another unless this is defined in the router.

ANY second router with DHCP disabled would allow access to all the other devices on the network. Please fact check these things before hand, otherwise, those in need of knowledge will get the wrong knowledge.

My bad, I unfortunately didn't take in account for the single DHCP on the network. Dlinks roaming feature on their website is described as a "seamless" network. I thought the roaming feature would do that...

 

[RandomSheepZA]

Having slept on this idea a little bit, I think I'm going to look for a POE-capable router to test out. My main gripe is having to run a power cable as well as an ethernet cable along the wall if I want to get the router up higher.

With a POE router, it'll be the ethernet cable only - which is cleaner and easier to manage.

Let me mull on it a little more (in other words; let me trawl the classifieds)

Rather just get a POE injector - A router with POE is gonne be a lot more expensive and if you doin't need lan upstairs, then you good.
Another option is Ethernet over Power, it won't give you gigabit but depending on the wiring in your place, your could get a solid 200mbps across it.

 

[Einstein43]

I used this roaming feature for a while and decided it wasn't for me with 2 x Tp-Link routers. I then decided on a Mikrotik RB2011 paired with 2 x Mikrotik CAP lites with a Cisco Catalyst 3750x and haven't had a problem since. This is way over the top for the normal user.

But could easily replace the RB2011 with something Like a HAP AC and get 1 Mikrotik CAP for upstairs. Using a Netgear/TP-Link/D-Link POE switch. As the HAP AC supports POE Power.

 

[souljazk]

My bad, I unfortunately didn't take in account for the single DHCP on the network. Dlinks roaming feature on their website is described as a "seamless" network. I thought the roaming feature would do that...

Thats just the marketing at work

 

[Reegz]

@Einstein43 - that's not a bad idea either.

I don't think I need the CAP; my previous router was placed in line-of-sight of the stair case (pretty much in the centre point of the home) and the signal strength was perfect throughout the place.

I'm thinking the HAP AC (or similar) would be enough if I mounted it on/near the staircase. Single cable into it would also give me a clean install - which is a big thing for me.

@souljazk - I've been looking for an excuse to get a Ubnt device but cost is also a thing. Did some reading on the EdgeRouter X - looks pretty cool but would then require the AP. Perhaps I can do this at a later stage?

More sleep; more thinking.

 

[Spunky]

Having slept on this idea a little bit, I think I'm going to look for a POE-capable router to test out. My main gripe is having to run a power cable as well as an ethernet cable along the wall if I want to get the router up higher.

With a POE router, it'll be the ethernet cable only - which is cleaner and easier to manage.

Let me mull on it a little more (in other words; let me trawl the classifieds)

Do yourself a favour, get a Mikrotik HAP AC AP 5 port, it is POE Capable and setting it up is quite easy

 

[Reegz]

Do yourself a favour, get a Mikrotik HAP AC AP 5 port, it is POE Capable and setting it up is quite easy

Got a link or model number for me please?