This is a link to my current and proposed network structure:
IMGUR Linky
Via a post on Reddit I've determined that I think the biggest thing I need is a router with proper QOS. I've chosen the TP-Link 4300 and plan to install OPEN-WRT.
Now I need to figure out my AP plans. The Router is in the basement and will probably stay in the basement. The Airport extreme I have now does not cover all corners of the house (probably because it is in the finished portion of the basement and there are large portions of the house over slab and crawl that aren't getting good signal). I am not expecting the 4300 to necessarily be any better in terms of wireless signal strength. Therefore, I suspect I will need a wireless bridge or AP on the main floor.
My thought is that I already have POE on the network so why not get a POE AP and let it do the heavy wireless lifting. I suspect I can place it to get adequate signal in my basement, but could always put a bridge down there if need be (less common area for use anyway).
Access point choices. Everyone loves the Ubiquiti Unifi. I'm annoyed they didn't follow 802.3af or 802.3at POE standards since I already have POE in place. The second choice would probably be the Cisco WAP321 which doesn't do nearly as well in SNBs tests. Thoughts anybody? EDIT: ZYXEL looks to be the dark horse candidate I just discovered.
TL;DR: Access point? Use my router in basement with a bridge on main floor, OR add separate POE AP. If separate AP, Ubiquiti or cisco, or Zyxel?
IMGUR Linky
Via a post on Reddit I've determined that I think the biggest thing I need is a router with proper QOS. I've chosen the TP-Link 4300 and plan to install OPEN-WRT.
Now I need to figure out my AP plans. The Router is in the basement and will probably stay in the basement. The Airport extreme I have now does not cover all corners of the house (probably because it is in the finished portion of the basement and there are large portions of the house over slab and crawl that aren't getting good signal). I am not expecting the 4300 to necessarily be any better in terms of wireless signal strength. Therefore, I suspect I will need a wireless bridge or AP on the main floor.
My thought is that I already have POE on the network so why not get a POE AP and let it do the heavy wireless lifting. I suspect I can place it to get adequate signal in my basement, but could always put a bridge down there if need be (less common area for use anyway).
Access point choices. Everyone loves the Ubiquiti Unifi. I'm annoyed they didn't follow 802.3af or 802.3at POE standards since I already have POE in place. The second choice would probably be the Cisco WAP321 which doesn't do nearly as well in SNBs tests. Thoughts anybody? EDIT: ZYXEL looks to be the dark horse candidate I just discovered.
TL;DR: Access point? Use my router in basement with a bridge on main floor, OR add separate POE AP. If separate AP, Ubiquiti or cisco, or Zyxel?
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