Internet access point in the attic

JoeJoe · 2017-01-17T13:23:02+00:00

I've been using one of these: positioned on the landing upstairs, and plugged into a power socket and a cat5e socket connected to a switch for the last couple of years, and it has worked very well. The router is downstairs, where the walls are very thick, and with limitation on where to position it, the signal is just about OK downstairs, but very poor upstairs. With the WR710N in place all is working well: portable devices (Android-based) automatically switch between the networks using an app, and fixed-position devices use the strongest signal available. Problem I have is that there is no obvious place to put the WR710N (it has accidentally been kicked several times, and look pretty ugly where it is now...), so I am looking to move it to the attic. Running power and Cat5 cables there is not a problem. I did some experiments with signal strength when placing it in the attic using extension cables. I had to leave the hatch door open as a result (almost immediately below where I intend to place it). The results were very similar to the signal strength received from its current position. The attic is dry, floored (for storage only) with chipboard, and has several ventilation opening to the outside. My questions are: 1. It is stated in the manual that operating temperature is between 0-40c. It regularly drops below 0c here in the winter, but unlikely to drop below 5c. Would that be a problem? 2. Would having the attic hatch closed likely to greatly affect the signal strength? Just trying to save me running the cables if not going to work... 3. I intend to provide the power by adding a spur socket connected to one of the sockets on the ring main upstairs. Would it be a good idea/necessary to connect the spur socket using a fused switch (placed next to it)? i.e. because it is in an inhabitable attic space that is somewhat open to the the elements and although dry, humidity can be pretty high there?

Jan 17, 2017 22 Replies

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Michael Chare 9 years ago

I have had various routers in my attic for the past 12 years. I chose that location because that is where the telephone line enters the house. I now have a couple of NAS boxes a network switch and some VOIP telephone equipment. I use an old router as an additional WiFi access point in one of the bedrooms. I have not had any problems because of the temperature.

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JoeJoe 9 years ago

Thanks a lot!

Not too much work, so worth a try.

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DICEGEORGE 9 years ago

high up in the attic so the wifi only has to go through the ceilings not any brick walls ?

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