For most, WiFi is synonymous with the free router you get with your broadband package. Some may have also tried boosters, powerline adaptors, extenders and possibly ‘whole home’ mesh systems. So how is a professional WiFi installation different and what’s actually involved? This is the first of an occasional series of posts taking a step by step look. First off, wireless access point installation.
Why WiFi access points?
The vast majority of our WiFi installations involve hard wiring wireless access points. This is by far the most reliable way to get your full broadband speed via WiFi wherever you need it. Whether you’re a home or business WiFi user.
Unlike WiFi routers, access points are not ‘jack of all trades’ devices. They are dedicated pieces of hardware whose sole purpose is to broadcast a WiFi signal.
They are different to boosters or repeaters as they don’t create separate WiFi networks per device. Instead, they form a single, seamless network. This means no signal drop-outs as you move out of the range of one device to another.
Wireless Access Point Installation Step by Step
Time needed: 30 minutes
WiFi access points come in many different shapes and sizes. This example shows a wall-mounted Ubiquiti Networks UniFi AC Pro model fitted in a home environment.
- Mounting point preparation
Firstly, the location for the new access point needs to be prepared. This involves fitting a mounting plate where the network cable enters the room. The plastic plate is screwed onto the wall to provide a solid base to fit the access point.
- Trim and prep the network cable
Next, the ethernet network cable is trimmed to the correct length. The outer casing is stripped and the 8 individual cables inside are separated, ready to add an RJ45 connector. (A bit like preparing an electrical cable to wire a plug.)
- Terminate the cable with an RJ45
A specialist crimping tool is used to terminate the cable with an RJ45 connector. This allows the cable to be be plugged into a network socket.
- Plug in the WiFi access point
The new RJ45 connector is plugged into the network socket in the back of the wireless access point. This is now ready to feed the internet connection from the router.
- Attach the access point to the wall
The final step of the installation process is to clip the wireless access point securely to the mounting plate. This fixing ensures it won’t accidentally fall off the wall. However, it can still be removed without damaging the wall or the access point, if and when required.
- The fitted access point
With the installation complete, the access point is ready to be connected to the internet.
- Final touches – spot the WiFi access point!
Customers sometimes find ingenious ways to hide access points.
Your local WiFi installer in Bath & Bristol
Interested in finding out more about installing wireless access points to improve the WiFi in your home or business? If you’re in the Bath and Bristol area we can help!
Contact us today for friendly local help and advice and a quote for your ideal WiFi solution.
