Mesh Wi-Fi Home Router Recommendations Wanted

Lcamelfarmer on 10/07/2021 - 16:57
Last edited 11/07/2021 - 14:17 by 2 other users

Hi ozbarginers!

Having recently moved, I'm looking to pick the minds of anyone IT or tech inclined for a new router/network setup for my home.
Any information, recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated. :)

As new nbn HFC connections are finally resuming, I'm in the market to update our home network equipment,

Our current router has been a champ for the price ASUS RT-AC1900U via ozbargain ;) but it has struggling to pass the signal from our temporary 5G setup across the new home. I also find with the increasing number of smaller iOT 'smart' devices the performance when using computers, tablets or streaming video has suffered with evermore latency/lag. Signal coverage has also been a problem, I had to add a cheap repeater to get signal to the rear living areas.

I'm now looking to upgrade:
I see that the latest 'set up and forget' routers seem to be the 3 pack 'mesh' type systems? With everything including light bulbs having wifi connectivity these days I'm thinking this is the way to go.

From my research and budget I've narrowed it to:
TP-Link X20 3 packs ~$330 TP-Link M5 3 Packs regularly for under $200 to Nest Wifi 3 packs for around $400.

As a ozbargainer I'd love to go for the budget option here if it would serve the same purpose but please do advise I'm Id be missing something major.

Some more information about the equipment/network needs:

  • 4 user household with a number of 'iOT smart' devices, aircon switches connected at all times
  • Work & leisure, WFH, video streaming, apps, online gaming use
  • single storey
  • no real need for wired routing via ethernet
  • Would love for the equipment to serve about 3 years if possible
  • Single time setup or minimal network maintenance would be great
  • Coming nbn connection will be '1000mbps' so to get the real world ~600mbps across the home when downloading would be fantastic.
  • Must have both 2.4 and 5GHz networks as some iOT smart devices only support the former. I'm still confused about 'Wifi 6' But my understanding is that anything with Wifi 6 also supports 5Ghz just fine
  • The family uses Apple wifi dependant features on devices for work/education so lots of 'AirDrop, Sidecar, AirPrint etc. so having this running smoothly (as it never does) 99% of the time would be excellent.

Again just posting to see what recommendations I can get or if there are any problems/concerns I am overlooking with the cheaper units.

Let me know if this post needs to be moved or belong in a different forum section.
I hope you all are safe and well during this time.

Looking forward to responses
Thanks :)

Internet Wireless Router

Comments

  • accuratecrisp on 10/07/2021 - 17:43
    +1

    I have just been through this same purchase decision. I ended up going with the Google Nest Wifi (2 pack) which I purchased through Good Guys commercial (if you have access you will find them much cheaper here).

    Wifi connection and speeds are now great. Easy to set up, easy to use, easy to control and connect to other devices through the Google Home app.

    Looking into it, the only thing I could find against the Google Nest Wifi was no wifi 6 support like you mention. However, that technology is a few years away from being fully adopted and if you are looking for roughly 3 years of service, that point would be a great time to upgrade to a wifi 6 system and I would imagine Google may well have their own version including wifi 6 support by then.

    • camelfarmer on 10/07/2021 - 19:14
      +1

      Nest is definitely on my list of considerations, pricey it has the appeal of being the most user friendly with a strong feature set tucked inside. Have you had any issues regarding coverage with the 2 units?

      Yep, I was thinking exactly the same, no real use for Wifi 6 at the moment. I hate the idea of disposable electronics it seems a 3 year cycle with mid level hardware is the way to go. My ASUS RT-AC1900U via ozbargain has served well since 2018!

      • accuratecrisp on 11/07/2021 - 15:48
        +1

        No issues with coverage and speed is great. I don't have the biggest place hence only getting the 2 pack.

        • camelfarmer on 11/07/2021 - 23:35

          Sounds promising! Thanks mate, yet to hear anything bad about the Nest units

          • Twix on 12/07/2021 - 10:43
            +1

            @camelfarmer: The cons for some are no Ethernet on the Nest Wi-Fi Points and no VLAN 802.1Q support for ISPs that use it.

            • camelfarmer on 13/07/2021 - 15:16
              +1

              @Twix: Wow! I actually completely looked over that.
              I assumed the Nest units wouldn't have at least one ethernet port for wired backhaul between the units. Cheers!

              • Twix on 13/07/2021 - 22:37

                @camelfarmer: Not in the bundle with the Nest Wi-Fi Router & Points. The way to do wired backhaul is to purchase two or three Nest Wi-Fi router single packs.

            • accuratecrisp on 17/07/2021 - 16:52
              +1

              @Twix: As there is one ethernet port on the back of the nest router, easy solution, purchase a switch/hub to solve for this. Something simple like this would do the trick:

              https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B07XBNH6YD/ref=ppx_yo_d…

              • camelfarmer on 12/09/2021 - 19:19

                @accuratecrisp: Thanks again for input mate, I finally completed this project, please see my latest post below for the final update.

  • Shadowsfury on 10/07/2021 - 18:17
    +1

    I've got the OG Google Wifi Mesh - 3 pack.

    Covers the house easily including driveway and backyard (50 squares) and been very happy.

    • camelfarmer on 10/07/2021 - 19:16

      This sounds promising!

      How long have you been running your setup now? Has it required any servicing on your behalf? I understand once setup, Nest Wifi is pretty much self managing.

      • 01001101 01000010 on 11/07/2021 - 08:01
        +1

        I've had the OG one's since launch and could count on one hand how many times I've had to restart them. Similar size house to @Shadowsfury and we get a reliable connection everywhere :)

        • camelfarmer on 11/07/2021 - 23:33

          Very promising! I understand the Nest/Google Wifi units are all managed via an app? Can you restart via the app or are you talking a manual restart

          • Twix on 12/07/2021 - 10:44

            @camelfarmer: Nest Wi-Fi and most mesh systems are managed via an app. Some also have a traditional web login.

    • camelfarmer on 12/09/2021 - 19:20

      Thanks again for input mate, I finally completed this project, please see my latest post below for the final update.

  • AutomationGuy on 10/07/2021 - 18:38
    +1

    I don't have an answer, I have been looking at the X20 and X60 myself. But I want to segregate my IOT devices on a secondary network and this is something that these routers don't support properly. I'm still on the hunt.

    • camelfarmer on 10/07/2021 - 19:21

      I had the same thought actually, Is there an advantage of having iOT devices (switches, fans, aircon, etc.) devices on a dedicated network?

      I love to tinker with IT gear but I want my home network to be solid and fuss free/reliable as it can. Less complexity now seems like a headache saver for the future.. I do believe the mesh systems can handle a decent number of clients

      • Twix on 12/07/2021 - 10:58

        Better security.

        The reasoning behind it is simple. By keeping all the IoT equipment on a separate network, any compromise of a "smart" device will not grant an attacker a direct route to a user's primary devices — where most of their data is stored. Jumping across the two networks would require considerable effort from the attacker.

        https://www.zdnet.com/article/fbi-recommends-that-you-keep-y…

        • AutomationGuy on 12/07/2021 - 11:33
          +2

          This exactly. I am very picky about what devices I buy and connect to my wifi network for security currently, until I segregate. Then my housemate goes out and buys $6 wifi bulbs from Kmart.

          If we are trusting our security to the level of security included in a $6 wifi bulb from ebay or Kmart then we are in for some serious issues.

        • camelfarmer on 12/07/2021 - 17:19

          An excellent point.
          I would like to imagine the chances of someone in physical range of your home network targeting you would be quite low. Would the greater risk be buying a compromised iOT product that is 'phoning home' or has a network security flaw by design?

          I'm wondering, would a good solution be to use my old router after the fact, (2.4GHz mode only) as a dedicated iOT 'smart device' network? Thus allowing the new mesh system to run at full steam serving only my high bandwidth devices?

          • Twix on 12/07/2021 - 22:31

            @camelfarmer: Those are the greater risks. Nah you want a proper segregated IoT VLAN.

    • Twix on 12/07/2021 - 10:48
      +1

      Ubiquiti Unifi or pfSense router with Unifi wireless access points.

      • AutomationGuy on 12/07/2021 - 11:34
        +2

        Cheers I'll look into it.

    • camelfarmer on 12/09/2021 - 19:20

      Thanks again for input mate, I finally completed this project, please see my latest post below for the final update.

  • perhaps on 10/07/2021 - 19:49
    +1

    I currently have 3 Deco M5's and can highly recommend them. Really good coverage, and consistent speeds (FTTN NBN). Set up was super easy through the app (which you can use to do firmware updates too). Although for your 1000mbps connection it might be worth having a look at the M9 (but it is a bit dearer) but should get better speeds.

    • camelfarmer on 11/07/2021 - 23:23
      +1

      Good to hear! Lots of positive reviews for the M5 series and TP-Link units all round. They look enticing given the price point, M9 is on my shortlist list as it supports a dedicated wireless backhaul, easy setup

  • achew on 10/07/2021 - 20:40
    +2

    I went with the Synology MR2200AC+RT2600AC combo for flexibility

    achew
    'scuse me

    • addrv on 11/07/2021 - 10:08
      +1

      I actually like this a lot! Thanks for the recommendation.

    • camelfarmer on 11/07/2021 - 23:28

      Good combo! How's the performance? Any notable downsides with this setup?

  • beaver2233 on 10/07/2021 - 20:55
    +1

    I recently switched from the original Google wifi (2 of 3 were damaged by lightning) to the Tp-Link Deco M9. Something worth considering fwiw, from my research a tri-band system provides a better overall experience as it has a dedicated 5GHz band for the wireless backhaul. I've noticed a fair bit better speeds on wifi at the nodes due to this.

    • camelfarmer on 11/07/2021 - 23:31

      That sucks! I'm sure Google might honour a warranty claim if you try? The TP-Link M9 units are on my shortlist, they seem to be right on the price/performance curve (for layman residential gear) anyway.. Do you have them setup purely wirelessly or with a ethernet backhaul?
      Have you had any notable issues with your setup?

      • beaver2233 on 12/07/2021 - 10:02
        +1

        They were a few years old, and probably not worth the hassle haha. I have them setup pure wirelessly and haven't had any issues yet (only 100Mbps though). As mentioned below, getting the most of your 1Gbps internet will be the biggest challenge.

        • camelfarmer on 13/07/2021 - 15:14

          You'd be surprised what companies offer even after warranty has expired! But fair enough, as long as the new units are working well for you mate

          Yes, I'd certainly love to make the most of the connection, real world speeds are around 500/600mbps I hear depending on the server/source. It looks like I'll most likely have to run a ethernet connection between the satellites to make the most of it.

          The TP-Link M9 units look to be a fantastic value/performance choice! They're on the top of my list as I eliminate my options

          • beaver2233 on 13/07/2021 - 15:39
            +2

            @camelfarmer: If you're looking at a wired-backhaul, the M9 may not be the best option (you're paying more for the tri-band for the wireless backhaul).

          • Twix on 13/07/2021 - 22:41

            @camelfarmer: Purchase the Deco X20 if you are going to run Ethernet.

            • camelfarmer on 12/09/2021 - 19:22
              +1

              @Twix: Thanks again for input mate, I finally completed this project, please see my latest post below for the final update.

  • avoidfullprice on 10/07/2021 - 23:03
    +3

    Work & leisure, WFH, video streaming, apps, online gaming use
    …
    Coming nbn connection will be '1000mbps' so to get the real world ~600mbps across the home when downloading would be fantastic.

    I wouldn't sign up to more than 250mbps plan just to do what you listed. And if you are going to pay for such high speed plan, you definitely want a wifi6 capable mesh system and wifi6 capable devices. It is not just wifi6 can use some 5GHz channels , it is also ability to use 160MHz wide in all available 5GHz channels.

    You also want the mesh to be tri-band, and use the third band for wireless backhaul. If you are not that tech savvy about the difference, think about tri band system being a 3 lane road, one is the 2.4GHz bus lane, middle has all your devices and the third lane is for your mesh network overtaking. You can pretty much forget bout using the 2.4GHz for fast download because it is not happening, but your IoT devices can use that. You also want to avoid your 4 X household downloads to congest your own mesh backhaul in a dual band only system.

    The two Tplink mesh system you listed are dual band, with a single 5GHz band operate up to 866Mbps. That means, 80Mhz 2x2 config and share the backhaul with your traffic. You might not get more than a quarter of the theoretical speed in your download, let alone 400mbps. I don't know much about Google nest. If I'm you I'll explore the new Amazon erro, and opt for two units.

    Lastly, you always get better ping using wired connection than wireless.

    • camelfarmer on 11/07/2021 - 23:27

      Some great info, thank you! Given the points you brought to light I'm now thinking of installing them through the home with a ethernet backhaul between the units. Might save some headaches further on…

      Are you very familiar with the TP-Link range? Please do PM me if we can discuss some more technical questions in detail.

    • camelfarmer on 12/09/2021 - 19:22

      Thanks again for input mate, I finally completed this project, please see my latest post below for the final update.

  • thatonethere on 11/07/2021 - 09:52
    +2

    You should look at getting one of the Asus aimesh capable products as that will just plug and play with the existing router.

    • camelfarmer on 11/07/2021 - 23:20

      I wanted to go this route, however I have one of the US T-mobile branded ASUS AC1900 routers, it doesn't natively support ASUS aiMesh. There apparently is ways to hack the original AC1900 firmware onto the unit, but its admittedly a bit beyond me..

    • camelfarmer on 12/09/2021 - 19:21

      Thanks again for input mate, I finally completed this project, please see my latest post below for the final update.

  • GTR12 on 12/07/2021 - 11:01
    +1

    Mesh systems aren't good for online gaming, but it depends how serious and competitive the person is, if it's just mostly casual, its fine.

    Also the ISP matters, if its a TPG group, it needs to support VLAN tagging.

    • camelfarmer on 12/07/2021 - 17:11

      Good point, noted!
      Although any gaming in the home is just casual console stuff. Hopefully the performance is fine otherwise will have to crank out a ethernet run to the entertainment unit

      • GTR12 on 12/07/2021 - 17:39
        +1

        As long as the person gaming isn't considering Esports, it's fine.

        • camelfarmer on 12/07/2021 - 17:59

          Just casual entertainment/console gaming, cheers

        • Atziluth on 15/08/2021 - 21:29

          What ping can I expect gaming with it?

          • GTR12 on 15/08/2021 - 21:46

            @Atziluth: It depends on so many different factors.

    • camelfarmer on 12/09/2021 - 19:21

      Thanks again for input mate, I finally completed this project, please see my latest post below for the final update.

      • GTR12 on 12/09/2021 - 19:30

        No worries, mind if I ask what the pings are? Eg; connected to base unit, then to a satellite unit

  • timmypete on 13/07/2021 - 07:49
    +1

    Have experience with the Netgear Orbi RBK50 two piece kit and the Orbi RBK23 3pc kit at three different install sites.

    Both are rock solid kits, if a little pricey since the pandemic. The core difference between the two models is size (RBK50 larger), internal radios (RBK50 has an extra dedicated backhaul radio, they both have equivent dual radios for the client-facing side) and price (RBK50 more expensive). There's also a newer wifi 6 model for crazy money.

    • timmypete on 13/07/2021 - 07:51
      +1

      If you're contemplating running ethernet cable between the units I'd use the 23s, as there's no practical difference when the backhaul is wired.

      Extra RBK50 satellites are hard to find and expensive, but the RBK23 are cross-compatible. I've got a single RBK23 satellite happily working alongside two wireless-backhauled RBK50s at a really large property with no issues at all.

      • camelfarmer on 13/07/2021 - 15:04

        Glad to hear! Sounds like a great approach for a more cost effective & bulletproof setup. Cheers

    • camelfarmer on 13/07/2021 - 15:02

      Looks like a solid recommendation! I've had Netgear stuff in the past (ADSL days) without issue.
      You're an IT installer?

      • timmypete on 13/07/2021 - 21:53
        +1

        Nah - more the family member that knows things about computers. But my 9-5 is non-ICT project management and I spent my uni days on a helpdesk, so I've had plenty of casual exposure to wifi rollouts and surveys to pick up some tricks along the way.

  • Squirmy Squid on 19/07/2021 - 21:45
    +1

    What did you end up choosing?

    • camelfarmer on 06/08/2021 - 22:13
      +1

      Hi,

      Sorry for the late reply; I missed this notification.

      After all the comments and some excellent discussion points brought up here, I'm leaning towards the TP Link M9 Plus (3 pack)

      Just waiting for my nbn HFC connection to be officially installed. They've finally scheduled an install appointment for the 12th.

      It looks to be a well reviewed, readily available unit at a decent price point; especially on sale.
      I'm doing a ethernet backhaul between the units and mounting them in open areas on the ceiling throughout the house to stay mostly wire-free

  • camelfarmer on 12/09/2021 - 19:17
    +1

    Firstly, Thank you to all that chimed in here and helped out.

    • Especially all those who shared their real-world experiences with particular gear & made recommendations, also those bringing up notable things to consider that I would have otherwise overlooked!

    Awesome community.

    Note; I'm by no means a computer tech. Just an average consumer Joe running with household/small business level networking needs sharing my experience. I do love tech & gadgetry, & ofcourse im after the best bang-for-buck before the law of diminishing returns kicks in too hard..

    —- So in the end, with all the above discussion considered:
    I had decided to go ahead a (3) pack M9 Plus Kit - Based on is being cheaper vs. competitors when you consider the feature set, well reviewed from a variety of sources, & they are pretty small/discreet units for my intended install.
    *They also carry ability to expand the mesh at anytime with a cheaper units (Deco M5) if for some reason after install there were deadspots after setup. (Was thankfully not required at all)

    —- Final hardware selection:
    I was able to nab a single Dexo X60 off marketplace which came in-box looking new for about a quarter retail?! So the final hardware selection was:

    A X60 dedicated unit in the home office, in the 'network cupboard' alongside the NBN box & hardwired network gear running through cheapo D-Link gigabit switch for anything hardwired in the office.

    This then connected via ethernet to the (2) M9 units installed in the ceiling (main living area + just outside hallway leading to bedrooms).
    An ethernet backhaul runs between the (2) M9 units.

    Running a Gigabit HFC nbn connection via Aussie Broadband (who are absolutely bloody amazing btw)

    Install was straightforward with the most difficult part being running ethernet down the wall back to the office. I ran 3 shielded Cat6 ethernet runs to each unit (2 runs for gigabit ports, the extra run being for future expandability) & the other to serve as the 12V power which I wanted plugged in at the office not in the ceilings).

    Set up the mesh network via web portal & app & haven't touched it since. Worked the first time!
    It works flawlessly with Apple devices, ie, Airdrop, Handover, Continuity etc. As well as Chromecast streaming features, alongside wireless printers & the range of iot devices.

    I took the advice ^ to throw all my IOT devices into the 2.4ghz band & main computers, tablets & the likes onto the 5ghz band.

    Moving through the house during a walk around test conducting a FaceTime video call Between a phone + laptop. There was no noticeable disruption in the experience when when switching between the mesh units. Very impressed.

    Getting more than enough speed/bandwidth throughout the entire property including the backyard/pool area & the loo.. ;)

    Any modern device with more than 2 wifi antennas connects & performs with 600+Mbps on speedtest.net anywhere in the home, with wired devices in the home office showing a constant 900+Mbps even at peak times with 10ms ping times (Aussie Broadband HFC)
    More than enough!

    The lowest speed test I observed (wireless) was in the garage (behind brick & multiple interior walls, even there I was getting 300+Mbps with a 12ms ping time. Again no complaints!

    Overall, the setup has made a noticeable improvement from the previous single router setup.

    Although I have to mention that the AC-1900 is an absolute beast. & It was only due to moving into a more challenging 2 storey home that we experienced slower real world performance. *I did consider ASUS aiMesh, however with my router being a T-Mobile branded one it did not carry the necessary firmware for this feature.

    Hopefully there's no dramas with this setup in the future, I don't plan on touching it unless required.

    For the overall price, setup experience & time, Couldn't be happier!

    Future plans:
    My only current concern is the consoles may benefit from a wired connection for online play, & also running a nvdia shieldTV that serves as a Plex server sharing 4K content throughout. (All works great with the current setup though)

    May consider running ethernet to the tv/media areas & bedrooms if feasible. (Will be a DIY project if I get around to it) But don't see the need for it in all honesty.. Current performance is more than adequate for what we're doing.

    I'll most likely recycle the old ASUS router to serve as a gigabit switch & network attached storage share for both general shared file storage & a networked Time Machine backup drive. (One feature that's been invited from this new setup)

    As before, any feedback/critiques or worthwhile changes/upgrades are welcomed.

    Next project is to retrofit smarthome switches, controls into the house. So look out for a new post!

    Cheers!

  • Twix on 12/09/2021 - 19:38
    +1

    Thanks for the update. Deco X60 and M9 mesh is pretty solid.

    There is a known problem with some D-Link switches and TP-Link Deco. If this ever happens the D-Link switch is probably the culprit.

    Q4: Why my Deco units become unstable once they're connected via a switch?

    It's probably that you're using a D-Link switch.

    The Deco Ethernet backhaul feature is based on the standard IEEE 1905.1 protocol. However, we find that some D-Link switches will not forward packets based on IEEE 1905.1 protocol, causing all Deco units in a network loop and becoming quite unstable. If you have a D-Link switch and encounter an unstable issue with Ethernet backhaul, we recommend to change the switch to another brand or contact D-Link support directly for a fix.

    If you're not sure which switch to use, TP-Link switches may be a good choice.

    General questions about Ethernet Backhaul feature on your Deco

    • camelfarmer on 12/09/2021 - 23:34
      +2

      Thanks for the head up mate, nichè info like this is really appreciated. Might save me a headache in the future.

      I did use a manual IP for each wired device over a pure DHCP setup if that makes any difference?
      It's been solid combo so far, so hopefully it stays that way.

      • Twix on 13/09/2021 - 09:24

        I'm not entirely sure. Perhaps it doesn't affect all D-Link switches and only certain models.

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