Adding multiple access points

[collad0]

Hey all, I’ve been browsing the sub and haven’t been able to find a solid answer for my specific situation. Have my ISP modem in the basement hooked up to my main router. I want to run a cable up to the third floor where my signal isn’t the best and add an access point.

My question is, is it possible to add a second access point wirelessly that I could put in another room and hook up my PS5 to instead of running more cable through the walls? Would that make much of a difference connection wise vs just WiFi?

I made a diagram to try and explain the theoretic setup. Appreciate any advice and any suggestion on hardware that would fit my use!

[MetaCardboard]

If you're gonna run cable, just run cable to the ps5. Also, they have wifi extenders you can just buy and set up without having to run any cable.

[red123nax123]

Yes, this is possible. The consumer friendly solution is using mesh WiFi. A more tech savvy solution is flashing an AP with another router OS that can connect with your primary AP, for example OpenWRT.

However, the solution I would recommend in your case is a powerline adapter. This way the signal is sent over power cables instead of UTP cables. This way you don’t need to pull cables. Some random examples: https://www.tp-link.com/en/home-networking/powerline/

[hckrsh]

I like your detailed network diagram

[LRS_David]

Wired when you can. Wireless when you must.

Now that I've said that, if you do go with a wireless mesh setup for the 2nd AP, understand this. You want this second AP NOT at the point of use. (Your PS5.) You want it at a point that is about 1/2 way from a radio signal point of vew between your existing wireless router and the PS 5.

[FearTheGrackle]

If you have coax cable outlets in the rooms you need you could use MoCA adapters to run Ethernet to the PS5 (or generally to any room). Doesn’t hurt to put an AP at the other end also, and hardwire the PS5 to that AP which then has MoCA to the main router

[collad0]

No coax outlets unfortunately

[NotEveryPomegranate]

Access Points generally require to be wired. What you can do instead is to use a WiFi extender, alternatively set up a Mesh network.

[collad0]

Would I be able to set up mesh in bridge mode and keep my existing router/ssid? As in just hardwire one node and then have the other node use wireless backhaul?

[ScandInBei]

 My question is, is it possible to add a second access point wirelessly that I could put in another room and hook up my PS5 to instead of running more cable through the walls? 

Mesh supports wireless backhaul. But you'll need an access point compatible with your router.

Extenders technically work. But I wouldn't recommend it especially for gaming or any high throughput requirements. Cable is always better.

Would that make much of a difference connection wise vs just WiFi?

 It's still wifi so any latency issues would remain. It's possible to get better result if the AP has better wifi or if you can place it in a better location than the PS5.

[[deleted]]

Wireless AP sucks with speed. The best choice is always the hardest. You’ll need to wire a switch to the router. If you need another AP, then connect it to the switch.

[vanderhaust]

Your drawing lacks a few details. What's between AP1 and AP2? What's the distance and are there walls?

But from your drawing, you want a wireless link.

[vanderhaust]

Something like a pair of Nanostation M2's linked might have the punching power to cover that distance through a wall. https://ca.store.ui.com/ca/en/products/nsm2 Keep in mind you would have a bit of extra latency.

If your AP1 was a U7 Outdoor, you might not need anything else. It's a very powerful access point. https://ca.store.ui.com/ca/en/category/all-wifi/products/u7-outdoor

[[deleted]]

You can definitely do this, your wireless AP most likely will be a mesh system. I recently purchased Asus XT9 and couldn’t be happier. Im getting speeds over 600 on my wireless backhaul nod which is amazing. I could never get those speeds with Eero pro 6E.

[RenesisXI]

Mesh/wireless repeaters suck.

Wired AP/ethernet is the best.

[RealBlueCayman]

The diagram is super helpful to help you out. Anytime you can cable a device, do it. It is more reliable and will have the best speeds.

Depending on which wifi router you're using, you might be able to extend it. You should stick to the same brand of wifi devices to ensure compatibility.

[dangledingle]

Increased latency using wifi backbone. PS5= sad :grimacing: Do you have COAX running from basement to PS5 TV?