Introduction
As more and more homes adopt smart devices, ensuring a strong and reliable WiFi signal throughout the house becomes crucial. In this case study, we will discuss how AST IT helped a customer, residing in Damai Residences Kemuning Utama, Shah Alam, Selangor, extend their WiFi coverage to accommodate all their smart devices.
Project Scope
The project’s scope was to extend WiFi coverage in the home for smart devices. The customer had an internet plan of UniFi 100 Mbps, but the WiFi signal was weak on the first floor and the ground floor laundry area.
Customer Requirement
The customer’s requirement was to extend the WiFi signal so that all smart devices, including Smart Fridge, Smart washing machine, smart light, smart TV, smartphone, laptop, could connect to WiFi.
Solution
AST IT selected the TP-LINK EAP235 Omada AC1200 Wireless MU-MIMO Gigabit Wall Plate Access Point to extend the WiFi signal on the first floor. For the switch, we chose the TP-LINK TL-SG105PE 5-Port Gigabit Easy Smart Switch with 4-Port PoE+. One port was for the connection from the router to the switch, and the other four ports were for the PoE function to connect the access point and another three to connect for the ground floor foyer, first floor bedroom 1, and bedroom 2.
Outcome
We installed the switch with the modem and router on the ground floor inside a cabinet. The access point was installed at the first floor family hall, which was previously an RJ45 Wall Plate. We removed the wall plate and replaced it with an RJ45 connector directly connected to the access point. The rest of the LAN cables were plugged into the switch connected to the foyer, bedroom 1, and bedroom 2. After installation, we conducted speed tests on both the ground floor and first floor to ensure the WiFi signal’s strength. The speed test results are as follows:
- Speed test result on the ground floor: Living room (AP: 35Mbps, Router: 51Mbps), Open Kitchen Area (AP: 68Mbps, Router: 66Mbps), Laundry Area (AP: 29Mbps, Router: 26Mbps)
- Speed test result on the first floor: Master Bedroom (AP: 71Mbps, Router: 39Mbps), Family Hall (AP: 76Mbps, Router: 33Mbps), Bedroom 1 (AP: 69Mbps, Router: 24Mbps), Bedroom 2 (AP: 74Mbps, Router: 25Mbps).
Challenges Faced
We faced some challenges during the installation, such as a lack of plug points inside the cabinet. We purchased a plug point extension from a nearby grocery store. Another challenge we faced was that the customer’s home was still under renovation, and the smart devices were not yet switched on and in use, making it impossible to test the impact of our service for the customer.
Suggestions
We suggested that the customer relocate the network device outside the cabinet on top of it, which is an open area for better signal.
Conclusion
The project was a success, and we were able to extend the WiFi coverage in the customer’s home for their smart devices. At AST IT, we are committed to providing our customers with the finest after-sale service and support. Need assistance with setting up a smart home or office network? Contact us today at 016-3344672 (Andrew) and let us guide you through the process.
