The ideal Internet network in your flat: what you should consider at the renovation stage

Home /

Blog

10.05.2025

Internet

353

If you are planning to renovate your flat, it's time to think not only about tiles or lighting, but also about the future Internet network. After all, high-quality and stable Internet today is not a luxury, but a basic necessity. Especially if you have a Smart TV, video surveillance, “smart home” or several gadgets running at home at the same time. So that you don't have to puzzle over why Wi-Fi “doesn't work” in your bedroom, we tell you how to properly plan your Internet network before the renovation is complete.

Typical mistakes: when it's too late to think about the Internet

Many people start thinking about the Internet only after the renovation has already been completed. But this can lead to a number of unpleasant moments. Here are some common mistakes that can occur if Wi-Fi is not taken care of during the renovation phase:

The router is installed in an inappropriate location.
Often after renovation we put the router anywhere without thinking about its location. For example, we hide the device in the closet, on the balcony or behind furniture, hoping that the Wi-Fi signal will still “cover” the whole flat. In fact, this approach leads to the fact that the signal does not reach remote rooms or is significantly weaker when passing through walls or metal objects. The router should be in the centre of the flat, standing freely in the space, so that the signal spreads evenly.
Cables are not wired.
You have to take into account that technology is evolving. And if you want your Internet connection to be faster and more stable a year from now, you need to plan for gigabit Internet cabling or prepare for fibre optic connections. If your provider doesn't do this during the renovation phase, you'll have to rewire when it's time to upgrade your Internet connection.
Not enough connection points are provided.
During renovation, the right number of outlets for Internet devices is not always provided. If the cables are not laid in the right places and the number of connection points is limited, you will have to use extension cords or additional adapters to connect your computer, TV or games console. This is not only inconvenient, but also looks unaesthetic. Therefore, it is worth creating the appropriate conditions in advance: prepare locations for sockets and cable entry points into the flat.
The Wi-Fi signal does not cover the entire flat.
If you have a large flat or a room with many partitions, one router will not cover the entire space. This is especially true if you have thick walls or metal structures.

To avoid such mistakes, the Wi-Fi network should be planned at the same time as the electrics and furniture placement.

Router location is the key to a stable signal

One router in your flat may not be enough, and here's why:

Weakening of Wi-Fi signal due to the presence of walls and ceilings (especially made of concrete or metal), as well as a large area of the flat (more than 70-80 square metres).
Uneven signal propagation due to poor location of the router: it stands in a corner or hidden (for example, in a closet).
Router overload due to simultaneous connection of many devices (smartphones, laptops, Smart TV, cameras).
Using an outdated router model that does not support the latest standards (e.g. Wi-Fi 6 / 6E), which provide sufficient Internet speed and stability for modern use.
Neighbourhood Wi-Fi networks, cordless phones or microwave ovens that interfere with the router, especially at 2.4 GHz.

The best place to place a Wi-Fi router is in the centre of the flat. From here, the Wi-Fi signal spreads evenly in all directions. Therefore, the closer the router is placed to the centre of the flat, the more stable the coverage will be in all rooms. The ideal option is to install it in the corridor or living room.

Since Wi-Fi signal is very sensitive to obstacles (especially metal, mirrors and thick walls), do not hide the router in a wardrobe or pantry. After all, such obstacles can reduce the connection quality by 30-50%.

What to consider when laying cables

Today there are three types of cables that are most commonly used for Internet networking:

Twisted pair.
This type of cable consists of 2 (4-core cable) or 4 (8-core cable) pairs of twisted conductors with bandwidths ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, respectively. To maximise data transmission efficiency, signal stability and cable durability, twisted pair should be made from quality material.
Also, do not save money by splitting an 8 core cable into different sockets with 4 cores each, because this will limit the data transmission speed to 100 Mbps.
Optical cable.
This is an ideal option to connect home Internet using GPON technology. But keep in mind that due to the fragility of the material, it is necessary to protect the optical fibre from mechanical damage. For this purpose, it is better to lay the optical cable in a corrugation, as well as avoid bending it. Since the optical fibre is actually used to connect to the provider's network, and further from the terminal is already twisted pair, it is sufficient to run it only to the network node of the flat.
Coaxial cable.
Previously used mostly for analogue television or analogue video surveillance connections. Due to the fact that modern services and solutions work through the Internet protocol, nowadays coaxial cable has lost its relevance, being replaced by twisted pair and optical fibre.

It is better to install cables in the walls or ceiling before finishing work. The alternative is cable ducts, but they are less aesthetically pleasing.

As for connection points, tentatively they should be placed:

near the TV;
near the router;
in the working area (computer, laptop);
for a game console;
additionally — for IP cameras, video calls, NAS storage.

Also, given that the field of Internet communication is developing very rapidly, you should not forget about the possibility of using advanced technologies.

Gigabit and GPON are already a reality. In order not to have to redo the cabling in a few years, it is better to provide everything for connection to modern technologies at once. This will allow you to use the Internet at a speed of 1 Gbps and stay in touch even in the absence of light.

If you have a lot of gadgets in your flat, you should take care to support Wi-Fi 6 / 6E. These standards provide a stable signal, lower latency and high speed even with a large number of connections.

Socket outlets and power back-up: the most frequently forgotten of all

One of the most common repair mistakes is ignoring the power needs and proper placement of network equipment. This often results in the Wi-Fi router having to be placed where there is an outlet rather than where it is appropriate for a good signal. Or there is no outlet near the ceiling or in the wardrobe where the access point or repeater was planned.

To solve the problems mentioned above:

During the renovation, plan additional outlets at strategic points: hallway, centre of the flat, high places under the ceiling.
For equipment that needs to be hidden (e.g. in a technical cabinet), provide not only outlets but also ventilation.

Plan outlets where you really need them: near routers, TVs, video cameras. This avoids the need to use tees and extension cords.

Also note that apartment buildings often have unstable power supply. Plus, Wi-Fi is lost during a power outage. To continue using the Internet even during a short-term power outage, don't forget about backup power:

Install a small uninterruptible power supply (UPS) at least for the router and GPON terminal.
If there is a separate server/distribution cabinet, connect a NAS or other critical equipment there as well.
In new buildings, it is worth laying a line for backup power supply in advance.

Mesh systems or access points

If your flat is 70 square metres or more or has several partitions, the future Wi-Fi signal may not reach all rooms. In this case, it is worth taking care at the renovation stage:

Mesh system — a decentralised Wi-Fi network, which usually consists of 2 or 3 routers (modules), among which there is no primary and secondary one. Thanks to this organisation of the system, if one unit fails, the others will continue to work. As a result, you will be able to use absolutely seamless Wi-Fi. That is, there will be no places in the flat without connection and the Wi-Fi signal itself will not be interrupted, because all routers will work with the same settings. And when you move around the house, the devices you will use will automatically switch to the router with the best connection quality.
Additional access points connected by cable. It is important to place access points so that they provide good coverage but are not too far apart. Provide Ethernet cabling to all key rooms. This will allow the APs or Mesh system to be connected via cable for maximum stability.

Consultation with your provider before renovation: why is it important?

A provider can greatly assist you in planning your home Internet with a router, especially if you want stable coverage and good speeds in every room. Professional advice can be helpful in matters such as:

Coverage and claims assessment.
It is the responsibility of the ISP representative:
- Request a plan of the flat or measure the Wi-Fi signal on site.
- Determine the “dead zones” of the flat's wireless Internet and the signal strength at different points.
- Assess the number and type of devices you will be using (smartphones, TVs, game consoles, etc.).
Equipment selection.
Internet providers often offer powerful routers, Mesh systems or Wi-Fi extenders. Also, specialists can advise whether it is worth putting an additional access point in remote rooms. In addition, the master will take into account the selected type of connection (optical Internet, Ethernet) and, if possible, provide the appropriate equipment.
Installation and configuration.
A specialist will place the router or Mesh devices in your flat, taking into account the best location for coverage. He will also help you set up the Internet, including 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency separation, QoS (traffic priority), guest networks, parental control, etc.
Support and service.
In case of coverage or connectivity problems, reliable providers provide 24/7 technical support. Some providers provide remote monitoring of the network status, replace faulty equipment or upgrade when changing tariffs.

After consultation with an Internet provider, you will know exactly where to put the cables, how to place the equipment and which technology to choose.

Maxnet specialists are ready to connect at the stage of planning the renovation and design an ideal home network for your flat. This is a guarantee of stable Internet without alterations and surprises after the renovation is completed.