Wi-Fi extender recommendations - UK

I have deployed 5 TP-Link Deco mesh units over the last 3 months and haven't heard a single complaint. I think I paid between 120-150 per 3 pack so they are definitely cheaper than than orbi I typically recommend. The first was a test in an office with all printers on wifi and after 2 weeks with no issues I figured they were somewhat solid. I have noticed the speeds aren't the greatest at the end of the chain but still average enough for wifi coverage.
 
The main problems with old limestone walls, are that they are thick and damp – a killer combination for RF propagation. If they also have a mud/clay infill, that just makes it worse.

Vertical propagation (between floors) should be good, provided there isn't any modern metallised insulation, so consider the two floors together. Remember that too many APs is at least as bad as too few; AP power can be reduced for improved cover without treading on adjacent APs' toes.
 
NJW said:
The main problems with old limestone walls, are that they are thick and damp – a killer combination for RF propagation. If they also have a mud/clay infill, that just makes it worse.

Vertical propagation (between floors) should be good, provided there isn't any modern metallised insulation, so consider the two floors together. Remember that too many APs is at least as bad as too few; AP power can be reduced for improved cover without treading on adjacent APs' toes.
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That's exactly right. And in this case, the wi-fi would need to penetrate two or three of said walls. There's no damp course, so your point about moisture is well-made. Apart from the cost factor, this is another reason why I'm leaning towards powerline. It's not perfect, but it's probably the best that can be done with limited resources.
 
Mick said:
And in this case, the wi-fi would need to penetrate two or three of said walls.
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Well, it absolutely won't! This situation is very familiar to me here and Powerline is my go-to solution.

Stick to 2.4 GHz (congestion will not be a problem :D ) and, if you're using TP-Link units, get familiar with their utility for device setting, which opens up some useful features (power adjustment, cloning settings, naming APs, ...). If the router has 5 GHz, disable it for improve roaming between the router and the other APs.

Doors between rooms provide a route through the walls for the Wi-Fi, but that's usually a disadvantage: place APs where they are shielded from covering adjacent areas (horizontally), at least initially. If you have overspill through a doorway, it can wreak havoc in the area it's spilling into.

If it starts getting too expensive for full cover, consider explaining that plug-in units can be moved seasonally – if there's room that's only used in summer, for example – and that additional APs can be added later, to spread the cost. Additionally, fixed clients (e.g., television, Firestick, sat. box) can be connected to a Powerline adapter by Ethernet cable, which may simplify things, and fewer Wi-Fi clients is always a good thing. The same goes for printers, if they have Ethernet ports. Disable the Wi-Fi on hard-wired clients.
 
NJW said:
Well, it absolutely won't! This situation is very familiar to me here and Powerline is my go-to solution.

Stick to 2.4 GHz (congestion will not be a problem :D ) and, if you're using TP-Link units, get familiar with their utility for device setting, which opens up some useful features (power adjustment, cloning settings, naming APs, ...). If the router has 5 GHz, disable it for improve roaming between the router and the other APs.

Doors between rooms provide a route through the walls for the Wi-Fi, but that's usually a disadvantage: place APs where they are shielded from covering adjacent areas (horizontally), at least initially. If you have overspill through a doorway, it can wreak havoc in the area it's spilling into.

If it starts getting too expensive for full cover, consider explaining that plug-in units can be moved seasonally – if there's room that's only used in summer, for example – and that additional APs can be added later, to spread the cost. Additionally, fixed clients (e.g., television, Firestick, sat. box) can be connected to a Powerline adapter by Ethernet cable, which may simplify things, and fewer Wi-Fi clients is always a good thing. The same goes for printers, if they have Ethernet ports. Disable the Wi-Fi on hard-wired clients.
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Thanks for that - all good advice. I hadn't considered the possible seasonal relocations - that could help.
 
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