shockwave538
New Around Here
Hello, maybe you guys can help me. I get internet via a rural wireless provider. The limits where I can put my "modem" ( actually an antenna, https://www.ui.com/airmax/nanostationm) to the front window upstairs in my house. It is currently in my attic and connected there to my my wifi router (Netgear 1750). Everything in my house currently has to run on wifi with this arrangement. There is one part of my house downstairs where the wifi is a little weak and occasionally devices can't connect reliably (though I can walk completely around the outside and connect easily). The house has no ethernet wiring, but the original owner paid for a plethora of extra power outlets, and have TV in several rooms.
I would like to move my router downstairs, preferably at my computer desk. This will allow me to easily use its printer and file storage sharing features, but more importantly put the wifi signal more central in the house. I would also like to get major components connected via wire (computer, PS3, TV, etc) to reduce wifi interference issues. Without running ethernet wiring (which isn't practical for various reasons), it seems my best bet is to use powerline adapters.
My first thought was to use powerline adapters (PLA) to remotely connect my router to my modem. Then I realized that I'd need another set to connect devices downstream of the router. I know you can have multiple powerline networks configured to run on the same building wiring, but this will reduce overall throughput capacity, especially if streaming on one device and playing saved media via LAN on another device. This option would put all the network parts in their ideal locations though.
An alternative is to leave the router where it is, and have one outlet from it go to the powerline network that all other items connect through. If I do this, I need an extra switch to replace the router at my computer. I will also need to boost the wifi in my dead zone downstairs.
In the midst of writing this and looking something up, I discovered MoCA adapters. I could use this with my first option to connect my modem to the router, but the router will no be near my computer due to lack of cable outlet. It would at least be easier to access downstairs, and would fix my weak wifi problem. I can then use powerline to connect everything downstream of my router.
Requirements:
-Currently get 5-15Mbps internet, but system is being upgraded soon and will be at least 30 Mbps, possibly 50+
-I plan on setting up media sharing between devices, up to 1080 video, so that will probably dictate minimum throughput rates needed
-Modem must stay upstairs, but can be relocated near unused cable outlet
-There is no cable outlet near my computer desk
-Need to connect 3+ devices at my computer desk. Having the router at the desk makes this easier, as it provides extra ports for sharing storage devices and printers via USB.
-Need to connect 3+ devices at my TV stand
-If wifi router stays upstairs, I need something to boost/extend the signal downstairs.
-Would really like the router to come downstairs. Attic gets pretty hot in the summer, and the cold winters cause it to need an occasional reboot. Very annoying when doing work VPN on occasion during a remote meeting.
-I will likely add more devices/adapters later, but that can be easily added on to whatever I do now.
-I know I can use multi-outlet PLAs or MoCA adapters, but I prefer to use single outlet devices that are cheaper and have more variety available, and connect to and inexpensive switch sized for that location. I want 3-4 outlets at the computer, and 4 at the TV, because I will probably be adding items.
Other info:
-House built in 2004. Wiring's in good condition. I can work around any surge protectors in place.
-I have a separate 200A feed supplying the breaker panel with most large loads (water pump, A/C, spa, etc), but it is still tied to the feed for the other breaker panel (including all standard outlets) upstream of that. Not sure if this would help powerline performance.
-I use DirecTV whole home service in the downstairs rooms.
What do you think the best option is, factoring in my stated requirements and limitations?I'm definitely literate in a bit of this, but very far from an expert. I'm leaning toward my first option (second drawn), either with PLAs or MoCA coming out of the modem. Are there any other pros/cons/limitations/options I'm not seeing? Thanks in advance!
I would like to move my router downstairs, preferably at my computer desk. This will allow me to easily use its printer and file storage sharing features, but more importantly put the wifi signal more central in the house. I would also like to get major components connected via wire (computer, PS3, TV, etc) to reduce wifi interference issues. Without running ethernet wiring (which isn't practical for various reasons), it seems my best bet is to use powerline adapters.
My first thought was to use powerline adapters (PLA) to remotely connect my router to my modem. Then I realized that I'd need another set to connect devices downstream of the router. I know you can have multiple powerline networks configured to run on the same building wiring, but this will reduce overall throughput capacity, especially if streaming on one device and playing saved media via LAN on another device. This option would put all the network parts in their ideal locations though.
An alternative is to leave the router where it is, and have one outlet from it go to the powerline network that all other items connect through. If I do this, I need an extra switch to replace the router at my computer. I will also need to boost the wifi in my dead zone downstairs.
In the midst of writing this and looking something up, I discovered MoCA adapters. I could use this with my first option to connect my modem to the router, but the router will no be near my computer due to lack of cable outlet. It would at least be easier to access downstairs, and would fix my weak wifi problem. I can then use powerline to connect everything downstream of my router.
Requirements:
-Currently get 5-15Mbps internet, but system is being upgraded soon and will be at least 30 Mbps, possibly 50+
-I plan on setting up media sharing between devices, up to 1080 video, so that will probably dictate minimum throughput rates needed
-Modem must stay upstairs, but can be relocated near unused cable outlet
-There is no cable outlet near my computer desk
-Need to connect 3+ devices at my computer desk. Having the router at the desk makes this easier, as it provides extra ports for sharing storage devices and printers via USB.
-Need to connect 3+ devices at my TV stand
-If wifi router stays upstairs, I need something to boost/extend the signal downstairs.
-Would really like the router to come downstairs. Attic gets pretty hot in the summer, and the cold winters cause it to need an occasional reboot. Very annoying when doing work VPN on occasion during a remote meeting.
-I will likely add more devices/adapters later, but that can be easily added on to whatever I do now.
-I know I can use multi-outlet PLAs or MoCA adapters, but I prefer to use single outlet devices that are cheaper and have more variety available, and connect to and inexpensive switch sized for that location. I want 3-4 outlets at the computer, and 4 at the TV, because I will probably be adding items.
Other info:
-House built in 2004. Wiring's in good condition. I can work around any surge protectors in place.
-I have a separate 200A feed supplying the breaker panel with most large loads (water pump, A/C, spa, etc), but it is still tied to the feed for the other breaker panel (including all standard outlets) upstream of that. Not sure if this would help powerline performance.
-I use DirecTV whole home service in the downstairs rooms.
What do you think the best option is, factoring in my stated requirements and limitations?I'm definitely literate in a bit of this, but very far from an expert. I'm leaning toward my first option (second drawn), either with PLAs or MoCA coming out of the modem. Are there any other pros/cons/limitations/options I'm not seeing? Thanks in advance!