So we ...I mean my grandparents just got gigabyte fios installed in their house. the contract gives them free router rental for 3 years but with the idea that they will use their own.
Devices are a bunch of phones, tablets, streaming stuff, switch and upstairs is a gaming PC but with an 8 year old this could in theory expand to other PCs
The house is a 2 story concrete outerwall, inner wood framing. current wifi is mostly ok but we definitely have dead spots in the rooms on the opposite side of the house and outside.
The system comes into the garage. I need to snake an ethernet line to the attic but I thought ahead when we did some upstairs rooms and had some 5e line run through the walls into the attic. I have some ductwork to 'easily' get to the attic from the basement.
will eventually run an outlet to the living room but priorities.
So a couple of questions.
Since it is prime day what is a good router to look for? With the deadspots could I just plug an ethernet line into one of the wireless mesh systems?
In terms of security etc. what should I be doing in terms of setting these things up? I know nothing about networks etc.
babysteps are good.
Posts
Google Home
Eero
Orbi
All pretty good. If you want to go more traditional, I recommend any of the Netgear Nighthawk routers. (this is what I'm currently using: LINK)
The general idea for decent Wifi coverage is to use an "umbrella" effect: place the router centrally and in an upper floor. For mesh systems, you can be a bit more targeted on your placement. Set the base at a convenient location for ethernet, then place the satellites where reception is spotty (there are various wifi analyzer apps you can add to a phone or tablet and walk around your house).
Regarding security and such, it's pretty much plug-and-play unless you're looking for something specific. Just change the default admin password for the routers, and add a password for the wifi network (use WPA, not WEP).
Edit: you'll want to disable the wifi on the ISP-provided router, so that you have less interference and only have to manage one wifi network.
I have them for my house and set them up for my clients all the time. I swear by them.
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197970666737/
hmm that does seem nice.
you would run a cable between the attic and basement right?
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197970666737/
Fuck Orbi. And Velop, while we're on the subject.
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197970666737/
google wifi 2 for 180 , 3 pack for 220
or
eero pro x2 for 200. I guess the 3 pack for 300 is in play but considering I don't think i need the 3rd and 200 is easier to convince. alternative
eero pro + 1 beacon and 1 pro for $250
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197970666737/
thanks
@Shadowfire for helping me decide