Advice Required - Setting up a SOHO Network

[bluenapkin]

Hi all,

My first post

I am part of a small start-up and we are moving into a new place which has 3+1 stories, a basement, ground floor, 1st story and roof terrace. Building is concrete and each level is small, about 400sqf. Diagram below...

To save cost, I have been tasked to DIY our own network for the entire office...

My requirements are simple -

1) Single Wireless SSID access covering all 4 levels; all client access will be wireless; there will be a few devices that may use wireless or LAN ports such as TV, Nintendo Wii etc.
2) Apple time capsule and a Dlink NAS (DNS-323) will be at the basement plugged into LAN ports; they need to be accessible through the wireless network.

I can think of 3 options:
1) Laying of cat6 cables with LAN points at all 4 levels. Place a L2 switch at basement and have Wireless AP at basement and level 1 providing full wireless coverage for entire premise.
2) Get a powerful Wireless Access point and place it at ground floor to (hopefully) cover all wireless requirement for all 4 stories. If need be, use wireless repeater / bridge to extend coverage.
3) Similar to (1) above, but instead of structured cabling, use Homeplug.

There are obvious pros / cons but I would be grateful for any advise or experience to share with me with regards to the requirements above... I am looking for something which works, not exorbitantly expensive and the simplest to implement and manage.

thanks in advance.

 

[thiggins]

If you don't want to have network administration as a full-time job, use Ethernet to connect multiple APs, at least one per floor.
The Best Way To Get Whole House Wireless Coverage

 

[stevech]

I'll chime in too .. in a corporation/LLC, don't cheap out such that you skip or go vulnerable on WiFi security. Data compromise = troll lawyers = big $.