Need a new network layout

shinegull · September 8, 2019

Currently my household has 3 users, each with their own laptop and or desktop, as well as phone, and 1 shared tv.

2 desktops are connected via powerline adapter,with the second also connected via wifi as backup. all other devices are connected to wifi.

The garage door also has remote open and close.

We have the main router from Telus at 300 speed with a second router? extender? from Telus as well on the other side of the house. The main router is on the rear right side, and the second is on the rear left side.

We are currently slowly renovating the basement to rent out. At that time, we would consider changing our internet speed to 600 or 1000.

Before it was a big problem for the further reaches of the house as we would just kind of ignore the blank spots and work with it. but I'd still like to solve that problem once and for all.

What I would like to do is be able to is

1) replace the Telus router that we were provided (I heard while, usable, they were not the greatest, and also want to maximise control and limit how much bandwidth each device can get.)

2) keep the powerline adapter as we are actually hoping to add 1 more work desktop as well as a NAS beside one of the desktop. ( I've been looking at the TP Link PA9020, but not sure if it is the best for my situation)

3) expand the wifi so every corner has a connection. I would like it so that there is 1 network name and pass for my family with a second one under a different name for temporary guests, downstairs. so first one will be faster and more bandwidth and 2nd will have less.

I don't mind spending more for devices, but i will be the one setting it all up.

All in all, 4 pc will be connected to powerline +1 more to router and will need wifi accessible everywhere.

What devices do i need and how will need to set it all up?

homeap5 · September 8, 2019

You can use your current router as switch with wifi. If you set static IP from main router address, then if you plug network cable to lan1 port, in most of routers you'll get managable switch with shared address range, but separate wifi.

For main router, for big house, I recommend some of top Tp-Link models, especially if you need remote control your network (including WOL from shutdown).

shinegull · September 8, 2019

Do the tp link poweline adapaer come with mesh wifi? Or do i need to think of the mesh wifi and powerline adapter as seperate things for the best results?

AngryBeaver · September 8, 2019

I would look at a mesh setup. They can be had for 75 bucks or so for a 3 piece setup. Depending on the location of these items connected via powerline and the mesh system you get you could get one with lan from the mesh. The speeds would probably be similar if not better than the powerline. You would get whole home coverage and overall I just think it would be a much cleaner solution.

shinegull · September 9, 2019

So just go for mesh with no powerline? I dont mind doing both but not sure if i will get the results i hope for since not every desktop has wifi. And the ones that do, well wifi is kinda meh. Its usable and stable but speeds are like 30-50 vs the 90-120 i get from powerline.

Also in regards to the telus router, is it possible to replace it entirely rather than just adding some on? I have fibre optic installed. Telus package has phone internet and tv.