I just moved into a new fire station, and I'm in charge of setting up the Internet. It's a spacious firehouse with lots of rooms, metal structures, and electronic devices that could interfere with the Wi-Fi signal. When everything slows down in the evenings, we'll be spending our 24-hour shifts relaxing—watching movies and gaming. We'll have TVs in 11 bedrooms and the living room, all using streaming services, plus around 4 people gaming in their rooms, playing titles like Call of Duty and NBA 2K. I know Ethernet would be ideal, but running it to every room isn't an option for us. We're set to get a high-speed connection, likely around 1 Gbps up and 50 Mbps down. I'm debating whether to invest in a powerful gaming router with Wi-Fi 7 or a mesh system that we can place throughout the building to minimize dead zones. What do you think is the best approach for our setup? We're willing to invest a bit since we can share the cost.
4 Answers
Firehouses often have thick concrete walls, which can seriously hamper Wi-Fi signals. I'd suggest getting as many Ethernet cables run as possible to connect high-quality access points throughout the building. That's where you'll get the best signal and performance. Investing in good access points, like those from Ruckus, could solve your issues rather than relying on mesh, which may struggle in your setting.
I really recommend going for a UniFi system. It's professional-grade and gives you the best control over your network. You might need to run Ethernet to each access point, preferably mounted on ceilings for optimal coverage. This way, you ensure solid performance for all your streaming and gaming needs. As for consumer-grade gear, I'd advise against it for a building like yours.
If possible, consider installing some access points in various spots throughout the firehouse. You can place them in hallways or common areas for better coverage. Brands like TP-Link Omada or Unifi AP Pros are solid options. While mesh systems can work, they're not great for gaming due to added latency. So if gaming performance is key for you, I'd lean towards access points instead of a full mesh setup.
If you're really invested in quality, consider hiring an expert to do a wireless survey. They can assess your layout and help decide on the number of access points needed. If budget's a concern, a mesh system might suffice, but remember, it can reduce speed and increase latency. A professional system will yield better results in the long run.
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