Do I Need a Mesh Network?

LMrrMagic on 14/07/2022 - 10:29

Hi, first forum post.

We've recently moved into our new house with FTTP, our telstra modem is located in the garage where the nbn hub is.

Our house is 30sq and the wifi doesn't reach half of the house, I do use Ethernet for my pc and the TV'S.

We have alot of wifi devices (trying to make the home smart) am I better spending my money on a new router or is mesh the new thing?

I don't really know how they work, I thought they were just wifi extenders haha. I was looking at the google mesh system but it doesn't have the best reviews from this community.

Would love some suggestions

Thanks!

Computing Wireless Router

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2022 - 10:32
    +3

    mesh is good, but a wifi extender works, just not as well as mesh.

    i have a wifi extender and i find it is adequate for my needs (streaming, online gaming, a lot of youtube). i would buy mesh, but the extender honestly fixed all my dropping out problems and i don't want to buy a new router when the old one is working perfectly.

  • Cheaplikethebird on 14/07/2022 - 10:33
    +1

    If you're running ethernet to your PC/TV couldn't you just move your router there instead of having it next to your NBN box?

    • MrrMagic on 14/07/2022 - 10:54

      All my wired connection cctv etc terminate at the hub, easier to keep the modem there.

      I also don't have a central Ethernet point, they are all in the corners of the house

      • Cheaplikethebird on 14/07/2022 - 11:00
        +1

        You could get an Edgerouter and set up some Unifi WAPs, or get a second hand wifi router and set it up in bridging mode.

      • OldSchoolHarry on 15/07/2022 - 13:13

        It shouldn’t matter, you can still move the wifi router to your TV ethernet point and plug back to network switch in garage where all the devices terminate. And plug your TV into router directly.
        Otherwise, do the same but with a Unifi Access point and disable wifi on telstra router.

  • jv on 14/07/2022 - 10:33
    +4

    Do I need a mesh network?

    yes

    • samp365 on 14/07/2022 - 10:58
      +8

      yes Yes.

  • jv on 14/07/2022 - 10:35
    +3

    I don't really know how they work, I thought they were just wifi extenders haha.

    haha. They are similar to extenders, but better.

  • chittaz on 14/07/2022 - 10:41
    +2

    I bought one due to poor signal in one room. It has made a massive difference. I got one a TP-Link Deco E4 (2-pack) AC1200 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System for $101. Great price.

    I would go the mesh system for sure!

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 14/07/2022 - 10:58
    +2

    Mesh has many advantages, first being simplicity and ease of use.

    Highly recommend Ubiquiti gear. It's truly "pro-sumer". Set and forget.

  • USER DC on 14/07/2022 - 11:23
    +1

    Our house is 30sq and the wifi doesn't reach half of the house, I do use Ethernet for my pc and the TV'S.

    Answers your question. that you need a second wifi point, whether that be from running ethernet or wirelessly upto you

  • redforever on 14/07/2022 - 11:54
    +1

    A bit more expensive but you can look into the Telstra WiFi boosters. They are mesh units compatible with the Telstra smart modem. This way you don't have to play around too much and they offer up to 3 units for the same cost if you need more than 1 to work.

  • oscargamer on 14/07/2022 - 12:37
    +1

    Budget?

  • crentist on 14/07/2022 - 12:45
    +1

    Another option would be ethernet over power. Basically you get a couple of power adaptor type things that plug into existing powerpoints, and automatically connect to each other. Wired connection, without running new wires

    I use this in a townhouse, with one hooked into the router on lower floor, and the other a couple levels ups that has a built-in wifi hotspot (plus a couple of ethernet ports).
    I've never tried mesh, but before this I had spent years trying to get spare routers set up as wifi extenders which never worked well.

  • FirstWizard on 14/07/2022 - 12:56
    +2

    I say mesh, will give you an example,

    Most of the calls I make now use Wifi - whether it's WhatsApp or Mobile via WiFiCalling. Before I had my TP-Link Deco M4 mesh, I had a wired range extender.

    If I make a call while in my room and go to the living room(upstairs in the other corner) the call quality would go very bad because the phone refuses to switch over to the other extender network even though it's configured with the same SSID. Or the switch over might drop the call.

    However, with the mesh (satellite APs are also wired) they seamlessly hand over the connection from one AP to the other and I can just walk around the apartment and the call will not drop.

  • HairyChickens on 14/07/2022 - 13:48
    +2

    I impulsively bought an average mesh system on clearance at Officeworks and it's been working pretty well.
    One of the rare instances where I have a use for an impulsive purchase.

    buy now, think later

  • localhost on 14/07/2022 - 13:55
    +1

    Find a good WiFi modem and connect it to the router via cable. After that disable DHCP on router and enable it on modem.
    Put modem in the best place to have coverage for the entire house.
    You can find many second hand modems on gumtree/ebay/here…
    Something like this - https://www.amazon.com.au/TP-Link-Dual-Band-MU-MIMO-Supporte…

    • Karfaffel on 16/07/2022 - 11:41
      +1

      I think you're getting your modems and routers backwards here.

      • localhost on 16/07/2022 - 14:14

        Yep, thanks.
        He already has a modem, find a good WiFi router :)

  • JimmyF on 14/07/2022 - 14:42
    +1

    Do I Need a Mesh Network?
    Our house is 30sq and the wifi doesn't reach half of the house

    Yes.

    our telstra modem is located in the garage where the nbn hub is.

    You get get extenders from the Big T that work with the smart modem.

  • uzz30 on 14/07/2022 - 16:44
    +1

    Do I Need a Mesh Network?

    Yes, LinkSys have a page and video that explains it quite well

    https://www.linksys.com/us/r/resource-center/whole-home-mesh…

    Check out the Eero range of devices from Amazon, they are well reviewed and my personal experience has been excellent with top notch support from Eero tech support.
    Unfortunately you've just missed some good discounts on Prime Day on these.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/711807

    • RichardRides on 15/07/2022 - 10:51
      +1

      +1 for Eero.
      Best investment we made during lockdown.

  • ThePunchingBag on 14/07/2022 - 19:03
    +1

    I believe you definitely do… I myself purchased an Orbi System RBK353 (Router & 2 x Satellite's) for FTTN & works almost flawlessly… The App can be a bit frustrating at times but the system itself is providing internet to all parts of the house with many WIFI Devices connected.

  • vince088 on 14/07/2022 - 20:25
    +1

    yes you need a mesh system

  • Chandler on 15/07/2022 - 10:11
    +1

    Since no one else has mentioned it, and it may be too late for this to matter/make a difference, but also consider if you even want your smart home gear to be wireless. Yes, it's convenient, but it means you have them all chattering on the same network spectrum that your actual devices (phone, laptop, etc) are trying to use, and with more important and generally much greater loads.

    I currently have solely WiFi smart home equipment, but am looking at what devices I want to get in a move to Zigbee; primarily for a move away from WiFi for smart home equipment. It also makes things easier to connect to non-proprietary controllers, as most Zigbee devices will talk to any Zigbee coordinator, which you can then look at getting coordinators which aren't tied to a particular ecosystem. A lot of wifi smart devices are locked to their own cloud/ecosystem, and some even have locked down APIs that mean you can't use them with anything else.

    • bamzero on 15/07/2022 - 11:21

      ZigBee is also on the 2.4GHz band like most WiFi smart home gear, though could still help if the wifi router can't handle that many devices. Best to push your phone, laptop etc to 5GHz if you can.

      Home Assistant is a good way of getting everything working together, and in some cases with local control instead of relying on the cloud.

  • MrrMagic on 15/07/2022 - 10:16

    Thanks everyone for the replies! Looks like I'll be buying a mesh system.

    If there is any suggestions on which one to get that's less then $500 it would be greatly appreciated.

    • GaryG on 15/07/2022 - 10:26
      +1

      Have a look at the Netgear Orbi range. They have been great for my use and my mates and are often on offer at bargain prices if you don't got for the latest and greatest models.

      • MrrMagic on 15/07/2022 - 10:58

        Is tri band a must? big jump from dual band

        • GaryG on 15/07/2022 - 11:03
          +1

          Not sure. Mine is dual band.

  • r2160 on 15/07/2022 - 11:26

    Just go and buy a Ubiquity AC LR wireless access point. Will resolve your issues.
    I have one currently running and get wifi 50m from the access point with good service

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