Forum Discussion

agustint's avatar
agustint
Tuning in
19 hours ago

Weak connection on garage, first and second floors

I recently got a Gig1 Fibre Broadband deal from Virgin Media. The sent a Hub 5 (which supports WiFi 6 and dual-band) and the internet works okay on the ground floor. However, if I go to the garage, first or second floor, the connection is too weak. What are my options? I know Virgin Media can send up to 3 extenders (one at a time) but a Virgin Media technician said that it is better to get one of those home mesh systems like the TP-link Deco such as the X50 from John Lewis.  Could someone help me understand how these are connected? I have the builders at home, so they can now easily extend RJ45 ethernet cables between the floors, not to the garage, though. Thanks in advance. 

 

11 Replies

  • newapollo's avatar
    newapollo
    Very Insightful Person
    18 hours ago

    The John Lewis link shows that the TP-link Deco X50 is out of stock. A quick google shows they are available elsewhere for a lot less, for example the 3 pack is only £179 on Amazon (£38 less than Argos, John Lewis and Curry's).

    It's always advisable to purchase your own equipment although the VM pods would be free to you with having the Gig 1 Fibre connection.

    I'll leave others to advise on the various extenders and the best way to connect/install them

    • Client62's avatar
      Client62
      Alessandro Volta
      18 hours ago

      How did you provide full house Wi-Fi coverage with the last ISP ?

      • agustint's avatar
        agustint
        Tuning in
        17 hours ago

        We just bought the house. Never lived in a house before. Before that we rented a small flat so the BT router was enough. 

  • Tudor's avatar
    Tudor
    Very Insightful Person
    18 hours ago

    Mesh systems are far better Ethernet cabled back to the hub when they effectively become just wireless access points.  Don’t forget with mesh systems each unit requires a power supply and are ideally placed not adjacent to the target equipment unless Ethernet cabled. I will not recommend any equipment I have not used. My preference is for ceiling mounted Wireless Access Points that use PoE (Power over Ethernet) for their power supply. I use various Ubiquiti WAPs including WiFi 7 ones.

  • jpeg1's avatar
    jpeg1
    Alessandro Volta
    17 hours ago

    If you are in the fortunate position of having a builder put in wiring, don't miss the opportunity!  Get Cat 6 ethernet cables pot into each floor, where you can install access points. This will be far more efficient than relying on wireless connections to each of them.  I would really consider getting ethernet to the garage if you can, because this is usually the worst place for WiFi coverage.

    • agustint's avatar
      agustint
      Tuning in
      16 hours ago

      Hi! Unfortunately the garage is not attached to the house. Are there WiFi access points that can "point" towards a specific direction? 

      • Tudor's avatar
        Tudor
        Very Insightful Person
        16 hours ago

        You can get outdoor grade Ethernet cable and it could even be installed at a height with a catenary wire. Done this in a school I wired up with Ethernet about 8 years ago and it’s still working ok.

  • Adduxi's avatar
    Adduxi
    Very Insightful Person
    17 hours ago

    Agree with "flood" wiring Cat 6 cables to every floor,  with at least one socket in every room.  All to be terminated back to a switch.  This switch is then connected to the Hub, job done.  No messing around with Wifi backhaul to Mesh units, as they now can be connected with cable.  PoE would be preferable, as no additional power outlet is required, and these can be wall or ceiling mounted.  A compentent electrician should know what all this "stuff" is and can advised.  Come back here if you need more answers.

    As for the garage, I strongly recommend getting the builder to run a cable here as well.  It can be up to 100Mtrs long, so distance shouldn't be a problem.