Hi.
I currently have a hAP ac router to provide wifi in my apartment (It actually just acts like a dumb gateway, as all routing is done by a hEX placed in another part oft he apartment). Now, the problem is that the wireless signal from the hAP ac doesn’t seem have very long range and doesn’t even cover the full extent of my apartment.
So I have two questions:
The router is placed approximately 30cm above the floor. Is the a significant part of the problem?
My guess is that the hAP ac isn’t all that powerful a router, given its small size and no external antennas. If I want the larges possible area coverage (My apartment is on the ground floor, so any extra range will give me coverage on the lawn outside which is a Good Thing), what equipment should I buy?
Ad. 1. It COULD be a problem. Try to move it higher or to other place.
Ad. 2. hAP ac is good device. It’s dual band, it has AC … it is really good choice.
Wifi is not easy task to configure to cover apartment. 2.4GHz has more penetration range over 5GHz band.
You need to try. You could also install more devices, lower theit power and configure them with CAPSman.
A single floor apartment should be easily covered by a hAP AC, provided it’s in a central location with good line of sight. I’ve had great success wall mounting mine in just below the ceiling with a Stationbox Inspot (https://www.rfelements.com/products/integration-platforms/stationbox-inspot/stationbox-inspot/) but these days you can just get a wAP AC and mount that instead. A diagram of the apartment may help spot any coverage issues. Also make sure you’ve set the correct country and channels so you get the right output power.
You mentioned outdoor use - glass in particular can block RF quite heavily, so you may want to see feasibility of a wAP AC for outdoor use if you have any conduit you can run Ethernet through.