kalocsa
04-12-05, 07:18 AM
I am wiring a star topology with a 66 block while some of the walls are open in my house for renovation. Since I can't run cable everywhere, I was wondering about the best location to terminate a cable for data (dsl) to use with a wireless router that would cover the rest of the house. It's a three story, narrow house. I assume the best place for maximum coverage is in the center of the 2nd story, but I'm not sure. Maybe the wireless signal travels better upward or downward. I've only ever used it in an apartment. Any thoughts?
Desy2820
04-14-05, 07:05 PM
router placement takes some trail and error. If you have a pretty good idea of where you will be using the wireless device(s) most of the time, (living room, bedroom, kitchen, outside, etc) then put the modem closer to that area. If you can, maybe make a test run and see what works best for you before you close up the walls?
Most of the time, you want the router in the center of the house, middle to top of the wall.
Some dead spots will be unavoidable in a house this size, they make repeaters which can help. Repeaters don't need a network connection, just power. They pick up the signal and rebroadcast it to cover the area you need. Again, best placement will take some trail and error. You have to place the repeater where it can still get the original signal, but still cover the area you need.
Last note- 2.4GHz cordless phones are known for interfering with wireless routers, (they use the same frequency as the routers). Also, some times a microwave oven that is in use will cause problems with wireless networks. Just wanted to alert you to this, in case you hadn't already heard about it.
Hope this helps!