Environment - Climate Change

May 11, 2023 Published by Grand River Chapter - By Dushan Divjak

Internet, Wi-Fi, and TV in High-Rise Buildings

In today’s world, Wi-Fi and television have become an integral part of our daily lives. However, using them in high-rise condos and apartment buildings can be quite challenging due to various factors such as signal interference, congestion, and distance from the router.

In today’s world, Wi-Fi and television have become an integral part of our daily lives. However, using them in high-rise condos and apartment buildings can be quite challenging due to various factors such as signal interference, congestion, and distance from the router. In this blog post, we will explore the challenges of using Wi-Fi and TV in high-rise condos and apartment buildings and discuss the different types of wiring and set-top boxes used in these situations.

One of the main challenges of using Wi-Fi in high-rise condos and apartment buildings is signal interference. Due to the large number of people living in these buildings, there are many Wi-Fi networks operating in the same frequency range, which can cause interference and result in slower speeds and connectivity issues. Additionally, the thick concrete walls and steel-stud walls of these buildings can also weaken the Wi-Fi signal.

Another challenge of using Wi-Fi in high-rise condos and apartment buildings is congestion. In densely populated areas, there may be too many devices trying to connect to the same Wi-Fi network, which can result in slower speeds and connectivity issues. This is particularly true during peak hours when everyone is using their devices at the same time. 

While we typically only think of those devices that are used by us, such as computers, phones, and tablets there can be dozens of other devices in the unit that are connected to the same Wi-Fi router.  Devices such as thermostats, light and fan controls, curtains, stoves, fridges, dishwashers, and even coffee machines are connected to the internet these days and can be controlled by an app on your phone.

One way to alleviate congestion is to use a mesh network. A mesh network consists of multiple Wi-Fi access points that work together to provide seamless coverage throughout the unit. This can help distribute the load and ensure that everyone has a reliable connection.  Mesh network devices such as “eero” can be bought independently from stores like Best Buy or can be supplied by service provides such as Bell or Rogers.

When it comes to TV, high-rise condos and apartment buildings can face challenges related to wiring. There are three main types of wiring used for TV: coax, fiber, and twisted pair.

Coaxial cable (coax) is the most common type of wiring used for TV in residential buildings. It consists of a copper core surrounded by insulation and a shielding layer. Coax is used for cable TV and can also be used for internet and phone services.

Fiber optic cable (fiber) is becoming more common in residential buildings. It uses glass or plastic fibers to transmit data as light signals. Fiber is faster and more reliable than coax and is ideal for streaming video content.

Twisted pair wiring is used for IPTV (internet protocol television) services. It consists of two insulated copper wires twisted together to reduce interference. Twisted pair wiring is less common than coax and fiber but can be used in situations where the other options are not available.

In addition to wiring, set-top boxes (STBs) are used to connect to the provider’s modem and access TV channels. There are several types of STBs available. They use coax cable, fiber, network cable (cat 5e or 6) or Wi-Fi to connect to the main modem in the unit’s communication cabinet.

Cable STBs are used for cable TV services and connect to the provider’s coaxial cable network. They typically provide access to hundreds of channels and may also include DVR (digital video recorder) functionality.

IPTV STBs are used for internet-based TV services and connect to the provider’s internet network. They provide access to a range of channels, including on-demand content, and may also include DVR functionality.

In summary, Wi-Fi and TV in high-rise condos and apartment buildings pose unique challenges. Signal interference and congestion can impact Wi-Fi access, and thick concrete walls and floors can weaken the signal. DAS and mesh networks are potential solutions to these issues. Wiring options include coax, fiber, and twisted pair, and STBs offer a range of features for accessing TV channels. Building managers and residents should work together to find the best solutions to ensure reliable Wi-Fi and TV access in these types of buildings.

Dushan Divjak
Retired Telecomm IT Project Manager
www.cci-grc.ca