Network kit builder: Wi-Fi and networking for homes and businesses

Network kit builder: how it works

Choose home or business. For a home, tell us the floor area, the number of floors and the walls, and the builder suggests a Deco mesh Wi-Fi system with enough units to reach every room, plus cables for a smart TV, console or desk. For a business, add each area that needs Wi-Fi: the builder counts the access points, then sizes the PoE switch, gateway, controller, cabinet and Cat6 cable to match.

Every product shown is in stock, with live prices. At the end you can add the whole kit to your basket in one go, or press “Ask us to check it” and our team will look over the list before you order.

How many access points do I need?

It depends on the size of the space, the walls and how many people use it at once. TP-Link plans an indoor Omada access point for a coverage radius of about 15 metres and about 70 devices on a dual-band model. Walls cut that down: thick concrete and metal block Wi-Fi far more than plasterboard. The builder allows more access points for brick and concrete, and adds more again for busy spaces such as classrooms, bars and halls.

Wall-plate access points suit hotel rooms and student rooms: they fit on a back box in the room, so the signal is where guests are. The builder counts them by area; set one per room with the + button if you want every room covered. Outdoor models are weatherproof for car parks, yards and beer gardens.

Deco mesh or Omada?

Deco is TP-Link's mesh Wi-Fi for homes: set up in the Deco app, with units that link to each other. TP-Link recommends keeping wireless Deco units within about 15 metres (50 feet) of each other, and up to six units for most models when they link over Wi-Fi. Running cable between units gives the fastest result.

Omada is TP-Link's business range: ceiling, wall-plate and outdoor access points, managed switches and gateways, all run from one controller. Choose Omada for offices, shops, schools, hotels and large homes that need many access points or cabled points. See the Omada range and Deco mesh Wi-Fi.

PoE switches and power budgets

Omada access points take their power over the network cable (PoE), so the switch must have enough PoE ports and enough power for all of them. Each port standard has a limit: 802.3af up to 15.4W, 802.3at (PoE+) up to 30W and 802.3bt (PoE++) up to 60 or 90W. The builder adds up what every access point, IP camera and IP phone draws and adds 15% spare, in line with TP-Link's advice to leave a 10 to 15% margin.

Wi-Fi 7 access points such as the EAP723 and EAP772 have a 2.5G port. The builder looks for a switch with enough 2.5G ports so they are not held back. Browse PoE switches.

Do I need an Omada controller?

Omada access points can work on their own, but a controller lets you set up and watch every access point, switch and gateway from one screen and the Omada app. There are three ways to do it: a hardware controller (TP-Link recommends the OC200 for up to 25 devices, the OC300 for up to 160 and the OC400 for up to 500), the free Omada Cloud Essentials service, or a Fusion gateway with the controller built in for up to 30 devices. The builder picks the right size for your site.

Cable, cabinet and patch panels

Each access point, camera, phone and desk point needs its own Cat6 cable back to the cabinet. Ethernet runs must be 100 metres or less. The builder works out the boxes of cable, a patch panel for every 24 cables, brush panels, shelves, a PDU and the right size of wall cabinet with spare space. For a home, short runs use ready-made Cat6 leads up to 20 metres, so no tools are needed. Browse network cable and wall cabinets.

Planned it in Omada Design Hub?

TP-Link's free Omada Design Hub draws a Wi-Fi coverage map from your floor plan and exports an equipment list. Choose “I have a Design Hub list” in the builder, paste the model numbers and quantities, and we match them to products we stock.

Questions

How many Wi-Fi access points does my office need?
It depends on the floor area, the walls and how many people connect at once. TP-Link plans an indoor access point for a coverage radius of about 15 metres and about 70 devices on a dual-band model. The builder counts them for each area and adds more for brick or concrete walls and busy spaces.

Should I choose Deco or Omada?
Deco mesh suits most homes and is set up in the Deco app. Omada suits businesses and large homes that need several access points, managed PoE switches and one controller for everything.

How far apart should Deco units be?
TP-Link recommends no more than about 15 metres (50 feet) between Deco units that link over Wi-Fi. Linking them with a cable gives more freedom and the fastest speeds.

What PoE budget do I need?
Add up the power each access point, camera and phone draws and allow 10 to 15% spare, as TP-Link advises. The builder does this and picks a switch with enough PoE ports and power.

Do Omada access points need a controller?
No, they can work on their own, but a controller lets you manage everything from one screen and the Omada app. Use a hardware controller, the free Omada Cloud Essentials service, or a Fusion gateway with the controller built in.

Can I use my Omada Design Hub equipment list?
Yes. Choose “I have a Design Hub list” in the builder, paste the model numbers and quantities, and we match them to products we stock.

Do you install?
No, we supply the kit. Use “Ask us to check it” and we will look over your list before you order.

How fast is delivery?
In-stock orders are delivered within 1–2 working days to England, Scotland and Wales.