Recommend Affordable Wi-Fi Mesh?

cooni on 25/01/2020 - 16:55

I live in a small apartment with 100/40 FTTP (Exetel, Exetel provided wifi modem) and find that with the wifi modem placed next to the NTD in the bedroom, the 5ghz signal is hit and miss at the other end of the apartment.

We have gigabit ethernet in the wall (cat6?) at the NTD and the other end of the apartment and if I move the modem, then predictably the 5ghz signal is hit and miss in the bedroom.

So (I think?) I want a simple 2 node mesh wifi setup to get reliable 5ghz everywhere. Power and ethernet connection are both available at both sites.

Can anyone recommend an affordable solution? Wifi 6 would be great for future proofing but AC is fine if it's a lot cheaper.

Thanks all :)

Computing Wireless Router

Comments

  • 87percent on 25/01/2020 - 17:20

    What about 2.4ghz, how is that at the other end? Have you done a wifi channel scan?

    • cooni on 25/01/2020 - 20:45

      2.4 carries through the whole place easily but I don’t get my full downstream speed.

      • JungliChilli on 27/01/2020 - 18:05

        So it carries through easily but you don't get 100mbps? What do you get then?

        • scuderiarmani on 27/01/2020 - 18:30

          You aren't likely getting 100 on 2.4 anyway…

          • JungliChilli on 27/01/2020 - 19:16

            @scuderiarmani: That depends on a lot of factors including the type of router you have, but it is capable of giving you more than 100.

  • Gronk on 25/01/2020 - 17:34
    -2

    If it's a small place I'd go with a dual band range extender, you could probably get the job done for under $100.

    • vince088 on 25/01/2020 - 19:30
      +6

      range extender is straight away 50% speed lost penalty as its re-broadcasting the signal

      wifi mesh is the best at extending wifi atm

    • Ramrunner on 27/01/2020 - 13:53
      +1

      Oh god no.

      What vince said.

  • John Kimble on 25/01/2020 - 18:01
    +3

    Cheapest is Tenda or Kogan

  • vince088 on 25/01/2020 - 19:29
    +4

    i have Tenda mw3 3-Pack, got it on sale for $90. Love it

    i had a router in the front room and a range extender at the rear room of the house, speed was about 20-40megabits from the rear room

    with a mesh 3 pack i put main unit in front room, 1 in kitchen, 1 in rear room. Rear room gets 80-90megabits

    im on a 100 megabit connection btw

    ps. to OP, 5ghz wifi have a much shorter ranger thats why it wont reach your rear room, wifi mesh will definitely fix this

    • cooni on 25/01/2020 - 20:46

      Thanks for the suggestion.
      Yep I know 5ghz has much shorter range :)

      • [Deactivated] on 27/01/2020 - 20:13

        Have a Tenda works great.

        You can't choose wifi channel. So might be an issue if there are other wifi networks from neighbours on the same channel.

        Tenda is dual band 5ghz/2.4ghz. So interference from neighbours should be less of an issue with 5ghz.

  • thatonethere on 25/01/2020 - 20:33
    +2

    Just pick up a second hand router with Wi-Fi and use the cat6 to plug it in at the other end of the apartment (connected back to your main router). If you use the same ssid but different channel number your devices should roam.

    • cooni on 25/01/2020 - 20:47

      Are… you sure this will work without problems?

      • vince088 on 25/01/2020 - 20:49
        +1

        having a long enough cable from front of house to the end, thats the problem lol

        • cooni on 25/01/2020 - 20:54

          Well the apartment is already wired…
          Won’t I get drop outs as it switches between base stations?

          • thatonethere on 25/01/2020 - 21:51

            @cooni: Maybe if you are walking and watching an HD video stream at the same time. Bur mostly you arent doing that.

      • JungliChilli on 27/01/2020 - 18:12

        Yup it'll work as long as your router can support bridge mode.

    • dimitryp on 26/01/2020 - 10:39
      +4

      this wont work well. A device will stick to the same wifi-network (router) until the signal is lost, it wont switch to another one that's slightly better signal. And even if it did that, that'd probably be an awful experience - lets say you're in a spot where both signals are of similar strength, your wifi would disconnect-reconnect every few seconds

      • skillet on 01/02/2020 - 22:59

        Unless you have clever equipment like Ubiquiti that have smart roaming handling. Most home AP are stupid.

    • Ramrunner on 27/01/2020 - 13:55

      Unless his original router is mesh enabled (AVM and some newer ones) - then no.

      Mesh is only thing with proper roaming hand-off between APs.

      • alvian on 28/01/2020 - 05:35
        +1

        Can you explain how only a mesh system can perform "proper roaming hand-off between APs" when it is the STA that decides whether, when and where to roam?

        • Ramrunner on 28/01/2020 - 12:49

          Sorry - let me re-phrase I used bad terminology.

          I said Mesh is the only thing with proper roaming.

          I should have said Mesh is the only thing with SEAMLESS roaming. This is backed up by your link.

          My apologies.

          If you read reviews on the latest batch of Orbi RBK852 Mesh systems (for example), a lot of the tests show no packet loss moving between the WiFi mesh points seamlessly to give a very consistent signal when moving between the points.

          You CAN roam the way you describe but there tends to be a more lengthy re-connection phase moving between the broadcast points. In practicality though, even though devices are supposed to preempt targeting broadcast points as they are roaming for the best signal, they often hold on much longer on non-mesh systems.

          But your correction stands.

          • alvian on 28/01/2020 - 13:07

            @Ramrunner:

            If you read reviews on the latest batch of Orbi RBK852 Mesh systems (for example), a lot of the tests show no packet loss moving between the WiFi mesh points seamlessly to give a very consistent signal when moving between the points.

            This is a very interesting and important technological advance and I wish to know more, but my google-fu has failed me today. Can you please link to tests of the Orbi RBK852 (or any mesh system) that showed no packet loss during roaming? Do the results depend on STA support for 802.11 k,r,v?

  • cooni on 25/01/2020 - 20:57

    Am I misunderstanding what mesh Wi-Fi is for?
    I am more than happy to have the two APs/modes/whatever’s connected via ethernet.

    • vince088 on 25/01/2020 - 21:43

      Google wifi mesh and you will understand how it works i guess

      With wifi mesh i have 1 ssid and its is on BOTH 2ghz and 5gz which ever the device can connect to. Full 80-90 megabit speedtest result throughout the house

      • cooni on 25/01/2020 - 21:47

        I mean connected via Ethernet but with the one SSID.

        Mesh is what I want, right?

        • vince088 on 25/01/2020 - 22:22

          Yes each mesh should have atleast 1 ethernet port, my rear room is mesh connected then ethernet cable to a tv box so my mum can watch overseas tv

        • alvian on 26/01/2020 - 00:28
          +1

          NTD — Wi-Fi router — In wall Ethernet wiring — Access point
          is what you want. This is classical multi-access-point Wi-Fi and it is not mesh Wi-Fi.

          NTD — Mesh point 1 (with router) ~~ Wireless Ethernet through the air ~~ Mesh point 2
          is mesh Wi-Fi.

          Classical multi-access-point Wi-Fi is vastly superior to mesh Wi-Fi in every way, be it speed, reliability, performance, efficiency, or cost. Mesh is not what you want when your apartment is already hard wired.

          • cooni on 26/01/2020 - 07:03

            @alvian: Classical multi-access-point Wi-Fi can have the same SSID?

            Is classical multi access point wifi different to mesh wifi with wired backhaul?

            Would a Tenda MW3 twin pack work for my circumstance?

            NTD - MW3 - in wall ethernet working - MW3

            I’m hesitant to just add another single router because the performance of the Exetel provided wifi router (modem?) is up and down and want to replace it.

            • alvian on 26/01/2020 - 11:50

              @cooni:

              Classical multi-access-point Wi-Fi can have the same SSID?

              Same or different is up to you. It is recommended to use the same SSID & password but different channels.

              Is classical multi access point wifi different to mesh wifi with wired backhaul?

              Mesh Wi-Fi has other characteristics that make it a "mesh", but you won't notice the differences with only 2 mesh points.

              Would a Tenda MW3 twin pack work for my circumstance?
              NTD - MW3 - in wall ethernet working - MW3

              No idea. I only use classical MAP because of its superiority. I don't go for inferior solutions. I read somewhere that MW3 does not have gigabit Ethernet ports but I could be mistaken. Check carefully before you buy.

              I’m hesitant to just add another single router because the performance of the Exetel provided wifi router (modem?) is up and down and want to replace it.

              You can replace the Exetel router with a better model, or replace the Wi-Fi section of the Exetel router.

                NTD -- A better Wi-Fi router -- In wall Ethernet wiring -- Access point

  NTD -- Exetel router (Wi-Fi turned off) -- In wall Ethernet wiring -- Access point 2
                  |__ Access point 1
  • Densor on 26/01/2020 - 08:04
    +4

    I've got a Tp-link Deco mesh 2 pack which works perfect in a long narrow house. If you have an available ethernet cable to link the two it will work even better. Roaming in the house is seemless and has always been rock solid. Even the units themselves are small and stylish.

  • giftcardinspector on 26/01/2020 - 09:10
    +3

    If you have cat6 then install a dedicated AP.
    I use a ubiquiti at home, I have it installed in my ceiling.
    https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/Networking/Access-Points…
    Really good product.

    • Ramrunner on 27/01/2020 - 13:58
      +1

      This is also a good suggestion, and is indeed a really good product.

      To be fair this solution would be best if you can mount the device smack in the middle of the apartment and use it as the only source of WiFi.

      Some of the Unifi LR range are rated for like 183 metres and I can verify flawless operation even in huge (single storey) residences.

      • giftcardinspector on 27/01/2020 - 16:16

        Yeah mine floods the whole house easily

        I have an ISP (ABB) supplied modem router with the wifi turned off. Then out the back of the modem, into a PoE, up into the ceiling in the middle of the house.

  • giftcardinspector on 26/01/2020 - 09:12

    And you can have the same SSID, just set them both up the same, with the same password, and you will roam between them

    • Ramrunner on 27/01/2020 - 13:59

      Not sure whether you are talking mesh or two APs, but if two APs, not seamlessly, no - see other comments about this.

  • snooksy on 26/01/2020 - 09:21
    +1

    I live in a large single level four bedroom house and I don’t have any issues with 5ghz across my house and even outside at my carport. I’m wondering what modem/router you are using? Is it a cheap ISP supplied one or a decent name brand one? I see all these people needing wifi extensions and I don’t really understand why. I wired all my televisions and desktop computer points with copper Ethernet. In my house a single modem is used to deliver 2.4ghz to about 20 smart devices and the 5ghz is shared for about 10 portable devices. I also have many neighbours wifi signals competing for channel bandwidth but we don’t have any issues. Even now I’m using my phone on 5ghz wifi about 15m away from the router and through 4 walls with full reception. I don’t trust any wifi for streaming blu ray Isos and und video so all those TV points are wired. My modem is a good TP-Link one. If I had issues I would do as others have suggested and just add another access point. I’ve looked at those ceiling APs but it would be overkill for my house.

    • Ramrunner on 27/01/2020 - 14:06

      I'm the same as you with one exception which is my son's bedroom only 4 walls way no more than 15 metres. The signal is there but poor quality causing his Lenovo Smart clock to drop out.

      I THINK it's because the signal has to travel through a mirror. From my reading what I understand is mirrors and things like fish tank cause the signal to reflect/refract. Signal is good enough even further distance to the other side of the house and even outdoor to my Ring doorbell. Just a little grey signal spot.

      I think it really depends quite a bit on the layout of a house, and the materials in roof/walls. You get lucky or you don't.

      A good AP in the middle of the dwelling or good mesh pretty much guarantees good signal everywhere.

      • snooksy on 02/02/2020 - 09:20

        Why is a smart clock running on 5ghz? Can it run on 2.4? Then problem solved for free? Does the smart clock receive wifi audio? 2.4ghz is enough.

  • regretfulshopper on 26/01/2020 - 10:52
    +3

    +1 for the Tp-link Deco Mesh.I live in a 3 story house and it's transformed household connectivity

  • HeWhoKnows on 26/01/2020 - 13:40
    +1

    Your problem is the 5GHz signal ! yes thats right!!!!!!

    Its great in open areas but terrible through walls as you have discovered.

    Switch to the standard 2.4GHz signal for better indoors signal strength throughout the apartment.
    Also placing the wifi modem in a central location gives the best results throughout the apartment.

    I can guarantee you this is absolutely correct as I have done tests from same wifi modem placed in different rooms and tested with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz signals to confirm.

    5GHz is a joke! Only good for open plan areas with no walls

    • Ramrunner on 27/01/2020 - 14:07

      True, only thing is be aware of more signal competition in 2.4GHz range. Even a microwave oven can knock the signal. But yes for distance 2.4 is king.

  • hunterhalo on 27/01/2020 - 14:15
    +2

    Tplink deco m4 or m5

  • bodymovin on 27/01/2020 - 15:25
    +1

    How big is the apartment? I had a two bedroom apartment and used an asus ac68u worked fine for the apartment but it was located centrally In the apartment.

    I’ve now bought a 4 bedroom house with two stories. Like you I was thinking about mesh but ended up buying a ubiquity UAP AC LR. I have this one mounted in the hallway on the ceiling of the second story and was surprised how such a small little thing could deliver the best wifi I’ve ever had. In every room I have full wifi signal. I’ve also used this with a cloud key 2 and have a lot of control of the unit and what wifi networks I want it to run. The access point is PoE and it’s been rock solid once it was setup I’ve had no issue at all with it never been happier. Used to have some issues with the Asus but not with this bad boy.

    I use both 2.4 and 5 ghz but there’s no real difference for me it’s super fast and not sluggish at all.

    • jeozb on 27/01/2020 - 17:26

      +1 for UAP AC LR (I bought for ~$150) if you can somehow place it centrally (need ethernet output somewhere in middle of apartment; just send power via PoE). Unless you have tons of walls or have a really big/long apartment, this will hopefully work as good if not better than a mesh system with one AP in each far end. You must BYO ethernet cables but the AP comes with PoE injector in the box.

      Note: UAP AC LR is not the fastest thing out there, but should be more than fast enough for anyone not doing lots of large file transfers over Wi-Fi.

  • scuderiarmani on 27/01/2020 - 18:34

    It seems really odd to me that a small apartment isn't getting good signal all around? Is it one level?

    • cooni on 28/01/2020 - 13:14

      Yeah single level, not particularly large.

      When we drilled through one wall inside (between a room and winter garden) there was a relatively thick sheet of metal. Maybe this is attenuating the signal a bit?

      • Ramrunner on 28/01/2020 - 13:38

        Yeah mate, microwave ovens (2.4GHz), mirrors, fish tanks, and tin sheeting all affect wireless GREATLY. I'm thinking a thick sheet of metal would absolutely be affecting the signal…..

        I always advise my customers to wire up whatever they can. Wireless is still tricky sometimes.

        • cooni on 28/01/2020 - 13:48
          +1

          So it looks like I’m back to mesh or just a second AP.
          At least we have cat6 from one end to the other

  • justwii on 27/01/2020 - 18:41

    I don't get these new mesh thing, aren't range extenders already on single SSID way back? My setup currently is one router with 2.4GHz turned off, only using 5GHz as wifi, then two range extenders both using 5GHz to talk to the router and accept only 2.4GHz connection from my devices. This way if I am too far away from my router, I can still be connected to the network using 2.4GHz. if I am close enough to my router my device automatically switches to the faster 5GHz. Please do educate me why I need mesh system?

    • Ramrunner on 28/01/2020 - 13:43

      Nobody did. Using the two bands like that will work.

      Mesh does all of that automatically without having to know how to do all that stuff. Not everybody understands how everything works as well as you do :).

      The only thing I can think of is that 5GHz signals can provide faster bandwidth so the 2.4GHz may be a bit limiting 600Mbps maximum I think whereas 5GHz more than double that.

      https://www.howtogeek.com/222249/whats-the-difference-betwee…

    • vince088 on 06/02/2020 - 19:59

      Mesh does all this without disabling any bands it broadcasts both 2 and 5ghz without the speed penalty lost. All on the 1 Ssid.

  • 00000000 on 27/01/2020 - 19:23
    +1

    https://www.pccasegear.com/products/37432/ubiquiti-amplifi-h…

    thi is all you need

    • cooni on 28/01/2020 - 13:12

      Yeah but a bit more than I want to spend just so I can get max speeds everywhere…

  • JetBombat on 27/01/2020 - 19:30

    Need MS Paint diagram of the setup and wifi modem model.

  • Jammar on 27/01/2020 - 20:07
    -2

    Just do a cheap ethernet over power adaptor with one end a AC wifi repeater. Then use 5ghz instead of 2.4ghz, your smart device should be smart enough to switch depending where you go in the apartment.

    Any cctv, cam, security system should go on 2.4ghz, any streaming, Xbox, PS4, laptop, branded tablets should go on 5ghz.

    This is because in general the cctv, cam or simsang/iBad tablets you buy from China/Vietnam/bangladesh is the one that slow down the network, not the router.

    • cooni on 28/01/2020 - 13:10

      I mean I appreciate everyone’s responses but there’s so much wrong with yours.

  • ShortyX on 27/01/2020 - 20:39
    +1

    Perhaps just buy a better router? We have a Netgear R8000 (with ABB) and we have full strength for 2.4 and 5 throughout our whole house.

    • cooni on 28/01/2020 - 13:11

      Mmm very possible this Exetel supplied router isn’t performing great.

      • scuderiarmani on 28/01/2020 - 15:52
        +1

        That metal thing you mentioned would probably be the issue….

        2 pack Google Wifi if you like a user friendly setup. Could easily buy 2 older model pucks and be done with it. They'd be better than the new model as they can be wired up.

      • snooksy on 02/02/2020 - 09:23

        Switch the clock radio to 2.4g. Replace your Exeter modem with a decent modem/router with a strong wifi signal.

  • skillet on 01/02/2020 - 23:07

    Simple and cheap mesh TP-Link Deco E3 2pk under $99. Works very well for me.

  • brendanm on 02/02/2020 - 19:29
    Merged from Which Budget Mesh System?

    Hey all. Looking to get a budget Mesh system to replace my POS tplink router. At the moment have found-

    D-Link Covr 3 pack
    Asus lyra trio 2 pack
    Tenda nova MW3 3 pack

    House is only 210m2 approx, have never used many advanced router functions so not sure I need any. Have ethernet throughout the house.

    Any recommendations?

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 02/02/2020 - 20:35

      I highly recommend Asus. I currently run this Their AImesh is great and super simple to configure. It uses legit antennas so the range is amazing. The router software is one of the best out there (except for their top end models).

      I'll be honest, I hadn't heard of the Lyra trio tho. A quick peek on reddit indicates it's had/got a few issues.

    • Feeblely on 02/02/2020 - 21:15

      Tenda nova

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