WiFi
How to design a WiFi network for a villa
By IPProtec · · 7 min read
Quick answer
To design WiFi for a villa, coverage is spread across several wired access points: usually one per floor or indoor area and one or more outdoor units for garden and pool, all connected to a PoE switch and managed under a single network name.
Step 1: map areas and uses
Before talking about equipment, sketch the plot: floors, rooms where WiFi is used most (living room, study, bedrooms), outdoor areas (terrace, pool, porch) and outbuildings (garage, shed, guest house).
Step 2: the obstacles
- Concrete slabs between floors: they attenuate the signal heavily.
- Load-bearing and very dense walls.
- Low-emissivity glazing, which reflects part of the signal.
- Outdoor distances: a pool 25 metres from the house is another coverage zone.
Step 3: access points and placement
As a guide, one access point per floor in the centre of the area of use, and outdoor access points on the façade to cover garden and pool. In specific rooms, a wall or in-wall access point also provides network outlets for TV or console.
| Area | Typical equipment |
|---|---|
| Main floor | Ceiling access point (U7 Pro) |
| Upper floor / bedrooms | Ceiling or in-wall (U7 In-Wall) |
| Garden and pool | Outdoor on the façade (U7 Outdoor / U7 Pro Outdoor) |
| Outbuilding without cable | Point-to-point wireless link |
Step 4: cable wherever possible
Each wired access point delivers maximum speed and stability. In new builds conduits are planned; in a finished house we look for routes through false ceilings, cavities or discreet trunking. Wireless mesh is a one-off resource, not the basis of the design.
Step 5: use the same cabling for cameras and access
If you're going to install cameras, a video doorbell or gate control, plan it at the same time: the same PoE switch powers everything and cabling is done once.
Common mistakes
- Putting the ISP router at the entrance and hoping it reaches the whole house.
- Chaining repeaters: every hop reduces speed.
- Forgetting the outdoors until summer arrives.
- Choosing equipment by power instead of by placement.