How Do I Decide What Mesh Wi-Fi System I'd Want for My Home?

Dr-StrangeLove on 24/02/2021 - 10:47
Last edited 24/02/2021 - 11:26

e.g, TP-link Deco M5 vs M9

I have a single storey house with around 500 sq mts area that I need to be covered. I currently have NBN connection with TP link VR1600v AC1600 wifi router-modem system. I have got NBN100 plan with the co-axial (I am not sure what this is called in terms of acronym). Recently I have been having a lot of issues with 2.4Ghz channel and it just doesn't work. I think the reason for it is the number of devices connected to it. I have at least 20 devices connected to 2.4GHz channel at any time due to device limitations of not supporting 5GHz. I have no data to back this reason that the sheer number of devices connected is bombing out the 2.4GHz channel. It is just a feeling as the 5Ghz channel works seemlessly. The service provider (MATE) also suggested to check with the TP-Link support as they cannot do much about this issue. Wondering if switching to mesh wifi system would resolve my issues.

Any suggestions about a better wifi system is much appreciated. I am kind of a tech neanderthal when it comes to this topic

Cheers.
Dr-SL

Computing Mesh Network TP-Link Wireless Router

Comments

  • geek001 on 24/02/2021 - 11:07
    +2

    I have the same tp link router and recently replaced the wifi with the Tenda MW6. My wifi was quite bad on the TP-link modem, 2.4Ghz was inconsistent and 5Ghz would sometimes not connect at all. I have stopped using the modem router for wifi and am using the Tenda in bridge mode. I was deciding between the Tenda and the Deco M5 previously, but the cheaper price won in the end. I think performance-wise the MW6 and M5 would be about the same, if you need high throughput on your network and has money to spare, the M9 might be the way to go.

    • Twix on 24/02/2021 - 11:21
      +2

      The TP-Link Deco M5 has a faster CPU, more RAM and overall performs better than the MW6.

      Tenda Nova MW6

      CPU - single core processor @ 1 Ghz.
      RAM - 128 MB.
      Ethernet - around 700Mbps.
      Wi-Fi - up to around 400Mbps.

      TP-Link Deco M5

      CPU - quad-core processor @ 638 MHz.
      RAM - 256 MB.
      Ethernet - around 850Mbps.
      Wi-Fi - up to around 460Mbps.

      • geek001 on 24/02/2021 - 12:09
        +2

        Yes, on paper the specs are better, but as end users what we really care about is how it actually performs. Here is a review of both with benchmarks for both: https://consumerreviews.store/tenda-nova-mw6-vs-tp-link-deco…

        Scroll down to the "Data transfer and distance for signal" section and draw your own conclusions. The M5 is probably faster, but it does come with a higher price tag. But my feeling is that in the real world, you probably will not feel much difference between the 2 in terms of actual performance.

        • Twix on 24/02/2021 - 12:20

          You won't notice much difference in performance on plans 100Mbps or less. The thing is the review doesn't say if they tested the same server and if it's set to auto it will pick any server it wants each time. Deco M5 is better than the MW6 for Gigabit connections and supports VLAN 802.1q if your ISP requires it.

          Consumer Reviews also have listed the wrong specs for the MW6 CPU, the Deco M5 is dual band not tri-band like they claim and TP-Link said there is no fee for the Deco M5 AV after 3 years.

  • SD2310 on 24/02/2021 - 11:09
    +2

    I have the deco m5 have had no issues with it. The Ethernet ports at the back make them great for the playstation.

  • wiipantz on 24/02/2021 - 11:11
    +1

    I typically set Dual band home routers up with a unified SSID and pass for both (I actually do a lot more tweaking but for this case that might help)
    There is plusses and cons to everything but this will let devices switch between bands as they see fit, could help somewhat? The other thing could be channel saturation and some tweaking could be done there. Saying all of that upgrading to a dedicated AP or mesh ect. should help as that all in one is a bit poxy at best, particulary for 500 squares.

  • Twix on 24/02/2021 - 11:14
    +1

    You are right in saying that some routers can't handle many devices all at one time. Deco M5 (3-pack) should do it. The main benefit of the M9 (3-pack) is that it's tri-band which helps with many connected devices. Are you connected to the NBN by FTTN, FTTB, FTTC, FTTP, HFC or FW?

    How fast is your plan? nbn50, nbn100?

    • Dr-StrangeLove on 24/02/2021 - 11:26
      +1

      Thanks for the additional questions. I have updated my description. I have got NBN100 plan with the co-axial (I am not sure what this is called in terms of the acronym).

      • Twix on 24/02/2021 - 11:29
        +1

        The acronym for coaxial is HFC. One of the Deco M9 or M5 gets hooked up directly to the NBN connection box and are suitable for nbn100 and faster.

        • Dr-StrangeLove on 24/02/2021 - 11:33

          I have got many connected devices and do not want any glitches. Should I still go for M9? I know it costs a lot more but I am just tired of this flakyness

          • Twix on 24/02/2021 - 11:35
            +2

            @Dr-StrangeLove: I would go with the M9. Do you have access to The Good Guys Commercial?

            TP-Link Deco M5 (3-Pack) $182, Deco M9+ (2-Pack) $243, Deco X60 (2-Pack) $303/ (3-Pack) $424 + Delivery/Free CC @ TGG Commercial

            • Dr-StrangeLove on 24/02/2021 - 11:37

              @Twix: That's a pretty good price. Unfortunately, I do not have TGG commercial :(

            • Dr-StrangeLove on 24/02/2021 - 11:39

              @Twix: What do you think of Netgear Orbi AX4200 mesh wifi systems? They have got some really good reviews. A bit pricey than M9 but are they like really really much better than M9?

              • Twix on 24/02/2021 - 11:53
                +1

                @Dr-StrangeLove: Where you will notice the most difference with the Netgear Orbi AX4200 is on Gigabit connection with Wi-Fi 6 enabled phones, laptops and so on.

                • Dr-StrangeLove on 24/02/2021 - 11:55
                  +1

                  @Twix: Great, thanks for all your help with this decision.

                  • Dr-StrangeLove on 03/03/2021 - 09:09
                    +1

                    @Dr-StrangeLove: Hey @Twix, I got the Deco M9 and configured it. It works quite well in a lot of aspects (e.g, security camera live feed now don't have any glitches). However I noticed that one of the smart plugs I've got is inside a metal shed which is unable to connect. It was however working ok with the previous router (signal strength was low but was working). Just for that one device, I have to move the other Deco box from TV to a closer position. Would you know if there is any setting that I can change or any technical aspect that I can tune to get a better coverage inside the metal shed?

                    • Twix on 04/03/2021 - 15:06

                      @Dr-StrangeLove: Metal blocks Wi-Fi signals. There are no setting to change that would help. A new smart plug might be a cheap way out or get Ethernet run into the shed connected to another Deco. It doesn't have to be a M9.

                      • Dr-StrangeLove on 04/03/2021 - 15:23
                        +1

                        @Twix: I spoke to a TP-Link customer support person about the same. They suggested about this setting 'Beamforming' and disabling it. It seems this setting caters more for the closer and more connected devices. Haven't had any performance issues so far but this may have done the trick. I have moved the deco box back near TV for a wired connection and am able to connect to the smart plug inside the metal shed. Thanks for your reply though.

  • John Kimble on 24/02/2021 - 11:24

    20 isn't that many…unless they are all active at the same time?

  • SurprisedEwe on 24/02/2021 - 12:13
    +2

    Based on personal experience I can corroborate that migrating from using the modem/router supplied by the ISP for wi-fi connections using a mesh system should help. I have FTTN connection on a 50mb/s plan.

    I probably had 30+ devices trying to connect to my router and would constantly find that the Internet would not be visible on some devices at times (despite being connected). For example my phone would say "Connected, No Internet" or the TV would not be able to stream Netflix despite being connected to the network, which especially seemed to happen when people would come over and want their phones/tablets connected to my network.

    When my wife and I started working from home last year I bought a Netgear Orbi mesh system (still using the ISP provided modem) and my connection problems have since disappeared. This on top of the much better wi-fi signal strength at the back of my (single story) house where the office is. I have also noticed significant improvement in the streaming services on my devices, where previously the services would buffer occasionally this has pretty much been eliminated.

    I would definitely would recommend a mesh system. Not sure about the TP-Link devices, but I'm very happy with the Netgear Orbi system (for reference this is the one I got https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/netgear-orbi-whole-home-h…, however the satellite for mine is also the speaker which is Alexa enabled - JB don't seem to have it any more)

    • Dr-StrangeLove on 24/02/2021 - 12:39

      Thanks, I think this is quite expensive for my budget. I'll go with Deco M9 if I get the TGGC access

  • ShortyX on 24/02/2021 - 12:54
    +1

    What about Google Nest WiFi?

    • Dr-StrangeLove on 24/02/2021 - 12:57
      +1

      That's good but I am not a big fan of the brand Google due to their handling of privacy stuff.

  • Nugs on 24/02/2021 - 13:00

    Have you tried mapping to determine dead zones?
    Try an app called WiFi Heatmap which will provide actual values and helps plan where to place access points. It works by walking around your house and clicking in each room (or multiple per room) to give a colour coded map of signal strength.
    .

    • Dr-StrangeLove on 24/02/2021 - 13:05

      Wow that's cool. Is that an iOS app? Can't seem to find it by the name WiFi Heatmap

      • Dr-StrangeLove on 24/02/2021 - 13:08

        Also, don't think the problem I am having is with the dead zone. I just can't connect to the 2.4GHz channel sometimes. A lot of my devices are connected to this channel due to their own limitations of not being able to connect to a 5GHz channel

      • Twix on 24/02/2021 - 13:11
        +1

        Search for Wi-Fi SweetSpot‪s‬ on iOS.

      • Nugs on 24/02/2021 - 14:43

        android
        .

        • Dr-StrangeLove on 26/02/2021 - 11:52
          +1

          Thanks Nugs/Twix. Looks like the signal strength is pretty decent in my place. Except for one security camera which is quite far, all others are at a decent distance to the wifi router. I ordered a deco M9 2 unit through TGGC. Hoping my internet woes would ease once I get it installed.

  • Indomietable on 24/02/2021 - 22:04

    Mesh network create its backbone to talk to each other using wireless. If you have signal issues ( ie having thick concrete walls, signal interference, or dead spot) then Mesh might not solve your problem. Mesh also cuts your bandwidth in half for every hop.

    If you want better coverage, reliability, and speed you might want to look up for access point capable of "fast roaming" with wired backbone . Hospitals and large universities use this method to serve thousand of devices concurrently. Major downside is that you'll need to run wire to the access point

    I highly recommend Ubiquiti U6-LITE : deals here.

    For 500sqm house you might want 3 or 4 access point around your house. I recommend running POE switch to power the access point , and while at it you might wire TV/office area with ethernet and/or prepare cabling for POE CCTV.

    Spend a bit more, but do it once , do it right and enjoy rock solid wifi connection & future proof infrastructure.

    • Dr-StrangeLove on 26/02/2021 - 11:50
      +1

      A while ago I had inquired about changing the NBN port which is sort of at a not-ideal place at my home. The cost of re-running it was quite high. I am not in a situation to change the infrastructure. The coverage I am looking for is not too much and I think an Deco M9 would do the job in my case so I'll go with it. Was just hoping that both the units in M9 have ethernet ports so that I can plug in wired connection to some regularly used devices (e.g TV). Based on the info on the internet, looks like that is the case. But I still wonder if both of these support ethernets, don't they still communicate with each other wirelessly.

      • Twix on 26/02/2021 - 15:00

        Both of the Deco M9 communicates over the wireless signal. On each Deco M9 is 2 Ethernet ports so you get 4 in total and yeah you can plug in your TV.

  • the_brewer on 25/02/2021 - 09:28

    I've got Deco M5 setup and last time i checked i have 35 devices running. Most smart switches and older devices will only work on the 2.4Ghz band.
    I've looked at upgrading to the M9 but its a lot more cash and it just runs another dedicated 5Ghz network.

    IMHO i don't believe you will see any difference using the M9 over the M5.
    If you want to plug into the ethernet and transfer at high speed within the network the M9 may come out on top.

    Also the TP-link has wifi interference checking to help make the most of the wifi too, but that will be on both models

    • Dr-StrangeLove on 25/02/2021 - 09:43

      That's exactly the situation I am in. There are just too many 2.4GHz-only supported devices connected. When you say if I want to plug into the ethernet and transfer at high speed - do you mean I can do that on both the devices in the M9 pack? I am planning on getting 2 pack one. If both of these support ethernets, don't they still communicate with each other wirelessley? Or is that a stupid question? :)

  • rake on 06/03/2021 - 00:22

    I live in a double brick single storey unit which is like a loong rectangle. NBN is capped for our FTTC @ 46mbps. I use Optus 4G which mostly gives us ~150mbps almost always. After trying 2x Tenda MW6, I chose to go with 3x Deco x60 kit. The gains have been significant in comparison. The opposite end of our unit from the Optus 4G modem has improved from ~20mbps to 100+mbps. I went with x60 over others just to sort of future proof us as well. (Even though we may not have many WiFi 6 devices at home currently.)

    The only thing that I disliked about Deco (and I wish I knew before I purchased it) is that the router/mesh is completely managed by TPLink cloud. I could be wrong here - but there is no/minimal settings that can be changed without an active internet connection!

    • Dr-StrangeLove on 06/03/2021 - 00:47

      Hey thanks. I got the Deco M9 twin set. It’s going very good so far specially streaming from my security cameras has been glitch free

      • rake on 06/03/2021 - 00:48

        Great to hear that, cheers!

    • Twix on 06/03/2021 - 12:59

      Is there something wrong with your FTTC line?

      Request a quote for nbn FTTP

      Nah you're right about router cloud management. Nest Wi-Fi does it too.

      • rake on 06/03/2021 - 13:30

        I live in a unit. The cable between the curb and our building is a limiting factor and Nbn won't fix it because we are getting the minimum 25mbps speed.

        I'm paying lesser for a higher 4G speed. The upload speeds tho are always around 5-7 Mbps. Something we can live with.

        • Twix on 06/03/2021 - 13:44

          nbn are looking into FTTC upgrades this year. Yeah if you are on a good 4G deal stick with that.

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