Builder is still at the stage where I can add network drops before drywall goes up, so I’m trying to plan this now instead of regretting it later.
This is a single-floor new build. One of the bedrooms will probably be used as a home office, and I’d like solid WiFi across the house without relying on extenders. I’m thinking 2 ceiling APs should probably do it, and I’d like to run Ethernet to the obvious spots too. I’m a beginner and would like to DIY as much of this as possible before drywall is up.
Any obvious good / bad ideas on AP placement or drop locations from this floor plan?
If possible, try using a network planning app first. NetSpot is a great place to start — it’s simple and easy to use for beginners, unlike sophisticated professional programs. The app will allow you to consider wall materials and allow you to test different access points directly on the plan. This is really important: concrete, brick, and mirrors dampen the signal more than you might think. This way, you can see how the network will perform in advance and choose the ideal location and router model for your needs.
You could try Wi-Fi Designer by Cambium Networks. It’s free.
@Sharp-Homework187 It’s a decent tool, but the name itself is a bit of a catch. Wi-Fi Designer is primarily designed for Cambium equipment. It can be useful for general understanding or rough sketches, but if you don’t plan to buy their hardware specifically, keep in mind that you’re modeling a network for a specific ecosystem, not a universal project.
The main rule for placing access points is to place them as high and centrally as possible. But this is, let’s say, a beginner’s guide, to avoid making some truly obvious mistakes. In reality, proper Wi-Fi design is a science in itself. Once you start considering wall materials, the abundance of plumbing fixtures, mirrors, user density, and how devices switch between access points as they move, everything becomes much more complicated. You need to understand what’s more important to you: having the signal reach every corner or having the network operate smoothly even under heavy load. So, “high and central” is a great start, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
@Circuit_Breaker_4 Thanks, I didn’t even know there were tools like that for planning WiFi.
