Homes need to be built for better internet
Poor home Wi-Fi is traced less to broadband speeds than to how houses are built and wired, with metal enclosures, brick walls and single all‑in‑one routers creating dead zones and congestion. Commenters argue that new construction should treat networking like plumbing or electricity—adding Ethernet runs, ceiling drops for access points, and conduit or chases for future cabling—rather than relying on mesh kits to fix structural problems after the fact. Others broaden the point, calling for homes to be “future proofed” with EV-ready power, solar-friendly roofs, and better air and energy systems, while noting that builders have little incentive to add any of this unless buyers demand it.
Home Wi-Fi Design & Access Points
- Many argue the “right” solution is multiple low-power access points (APs), ideally one per room or at least per zone, often ceiling- or in-wall-mounted with Ethernet backhaul.
- Roaming between APs is reported as seamless for video and Wi-Fi calling when using modern gear and proper configuration.
- Others see “one well-placed router” as sufficient in small or wood/drywall homes, but this breaks down in larger houses or those with brick, concrete, or low‑E glass.
- Some welcome higher, less-penetrating frequencies (6 GHz, 60 GHz) or even LiFi to reduce cross-talk and improve per-room isolation.
Ethernet, Cabling, and Future‑Proofing
- Strong consensus that running Cat6 (often with PoE) during construction or remodels is cheap relative to total build cost and pays off in reliability and flexibility.
- Conduit (“smurf tube”) and vertical chases are seen as the real long-term win, allowing easy re-cabling (Ethernet, fiber, HDMI, etc.) as standards evolve.
- Debate over categories: some say Cat6/6a is plenty for residential; others push for fiber if >2.5–10 Gbps is desired. Cat7 is widely called “marketing.”
- A minority claims any in-wall tech becomes obsolete quickly and shouldn’t be deeply integrated; others counter that even “obsolete” Ethernet is still useful (e.g., AP backhaul).
Mesh Wi-Fi vs Wired Backhaul
- Consumer mesh (Google/Nest, Eero, Xfinity pods) is praised as “good enough” and easy for most households.
- Critics say wireless mesh wastes spectrum, struggles through solid walls, and shares bandwidth; they strongly prefer Ethernet backhaul between APs.
Structured Cabling Boxes & ISP Hardware
- A major practical complaint: ISP combo modem/router/Wi‑Fi units are often installed inside metal “structured media” boxes in basements or closets, killing signal.
- Suggested fixes: plastic boxes, external APs, separate router and AP, and bringing all cabling to a more central, Wi‑Fi-friendly location.
Trades, Cost, and Incentives
- There’s perceived to be no mature “home Internet pro” role comparable to plumbers/electricians; low-voltage contractors exist but are niche and sometimes expensive.
- Builders and developers are seen as minimizing cost and doing the bare minimum (random Cat5e drops, no conduit), because buyers don’t demand or pay for better networking.
- Some note running many drops can still be hundreds to a thousand dollars even DIY, but others argue this is small compared to typical home prices.
Broader Home Infrastructure & Privacy
- Several commenters broaden the topic: EV-ready 240V outlets, all‑electric homes, solar shingles, air-quality systems, and utility‑laid fiber are proposed as equally or more important upgrades.
- Some prefer Wi‑Fi‑blocking materials for privacy and reduced external interference, even if that requires more APs.
Documentation & “Digital Twins”
- A few describe scanning homes (e.g., Matterport, 360 cameras, video) before drywall to record wiring, plumbing, and structure.
- This “digital twin” is reported as extremely helpful for later repairs and upgrades and is seen as underused by builders.