Suggestions for Home Mesh Wi-Fi Network

sigplay on 24/09/2025 - 17:20
Last edited 24/09/2025 - 19:45 by 1 other user

I currently have a 3-pack Google Nest Wifi mesh setup which is good enough when it works. The problem is the access points drop out every day which is very annoying. I read in another forums that this is a common issue which Google hasn't resolved and looks like they will never do.

I am now on the market for a new mesh network but am overwhelmed by so many choices (Deco X75, Mercusys 9300, etc) which unfortunately I am too much of a noob to understand. Can I have recommendations on a good mesh network?

Here are some background information:

  • House is timber
  • 3 basic users working from home and with less than 20 smart devices in total. I would say we'll have 30 devices connected to the network at most
  • Currently have a 500/50 nbn plan
  • During weekdays, most traffic will be due to 3 simultaneous Teams calls
  • Future proofing with Wifi 7 will be nice but not really a priority
  • We have a 3 pack because with a 2-pack, the speed at our granny flat was only around 10mbps. However, is it fair to assume that newer systems have larger ranges and better at going thru walls which means a 2-pack might suffice? Note that distance from router to the granny flat's access point is approx 15m with 4 timber walls in between

Thanks in advance!

Internet Mesh Network Wireless Router

Comments

  • jv on 24/09/2025 - 17:22
    -1

    Suggestions for Home Mesh Wi-Fi Network

    Google Nest

    The problem is the access points drop out every day which is very annoying.

    Mine don't… I have one router and 3 nodes.

    Sounds like you might need to move your nodes around a bit…

    • Murkymerv on 24/09/2025 - 19:23
      +8

      Eero 6+ or later , mines been very good with fibre to the property đź’Ż

      • gromit on 26/09/2025 - 14:54

        AVOID Eero, their range is subpar and feature wise you get far less bang for your buck.

      • CrypticM on 26/09/2025 - 17:05

        +1 for Eero 6+.

      • jasiano on 26/09/2025 - 17:06

        I have the same. It just works, easy to setup, some pretty decent monitoring and config options for different device types (eg. gropuing/limiting all your kids' devices).

        Moving from one end of the house to the other I don't get dropouts.

    • speedyjonzalas on 24/09/2025 - 22:34
      +1

      So i thought the same but the google home app is misleading. If you run the speed test within the app, it will give you full speed, like for me which was 950mb download on a 1000mb connection. Its mega fast as thats the router speed, direct cable.

      But if you run speed tests away from there on your phone etc, a huge amount of google mesh customers are finding they are extremely slow, often 10 to 20% of that. Like if i stand right beside the router im at 250mb download speed on the phone, and it gets worse for every metre you move away from it.

      Last night mine more or less ground down to 50mb and after doing a full reset im back to around 200mb. Its really poor.

      People have switched to othet mesh networks and found massive increses in speed, its clearly a problem with googles hardware. Go search google mesh throttling and you will see its a major issue.

      • jv on 24/09/2025 - 23:17

        But if you run speed tests away from there on your phone etc, a huge amount of google mesh customers are finding they are extremely slow, often 10 to 20% of that.

        Depends if you are connecting to the router or a node. If the node is far away and the connection is weak, the speeds will obviously be slower…
        When I connect to my router, speedtest ookla often shows faster speeds than the google nest speedtest.
        The other option is to use a second router on the other side of your house and backhaul back to the main router.

        • speedyjonzalas on 25/09/2025 - 00:11

          Yes i get that, however the problem is there is some key issues with google mesh hardware that a huge amount of people are experiencing.

          Like standing right beside the router and getting 200 to 300 on a 1000 connection, then installing a different mesh network and the results in the exact same setup but non google hardware are showing 8 to 900.

          Setting up a second router isnt going to do much good when the issue is the google hardware itself. Going for another brand seems to fix most peoples problems.

          • jv on 25/09/2025 - 00:14

            @speedyjonzalas:

            that a huge amount of people are experiencing.

            How many people is a 'huge' amount?

          • jv on 25/09/2025 - 00:16

            @speedyjonzalas:

            Like standing right beside the router and getting 200 to 300

            Maybe they are connecting to 2.4 Ghz ?

            • speedyjonzalas on 25/09/2025 - 00:59

              @jv: Nope i have mutlipe devices conmecting via 5 and its the same problem.

              Its a widely known issue, im not sure why you are being so defensive over google? I get in your case your hardware is working okay, but so was mine… and now it runs like crap like many others.

  • mskeggs on 24/09/2025 - 17:36
    +4

    is it fair to assume that newer systems have larger ranges and better at going thru walls which means a 2-pack might suffice?

    No. The advances are more about jamming more data into a chunk of bandwidth than extending range etc. The limit on range is mainly a factor of the limits on transmission power, and there isn't much that can be done to overcome that, except additional paths, like with a three point mesh.

  • Hybroid on 24/09/2025 - 17:46
    +4

    Eero system. It just works.

  • 87percent on 24/09/2025 - 18:40
    +2

    Recently picked up the XE75 3 pack from Good Guys Commercial, and quite like it. Had a Google
    wifi (the first one) that was getting a bit sluggish with the new NbN speeds

  • vince088 on 24/09/2025 - 19:51
    +2

    I got the cheapest wifi 7 (3-pack) mesh when i upgraded to 1000mbps speed.

    got 950 all around house, even with wireless backhaul

    I then got my house data data cable they are now all wired backhauled

    https://www.amazon.com.au/Mercusys-Dual-Band-Streaming-Halo-…
    Got this on prime day for $220

  • oscargamer on 24/09/2025 - 20:55
    -1

    3 x XE75 from Bunnings is $499

    • LongJohn92 on 26/09/2025 - 17:31

      $445 at the Good Guys Commercial. I just picked some up myself. Quite happy with them.

  • DannyC on 24/09/2025 - 21:04
    +2

    If you have the funds for the wifi 7 mesh system, ASUS ZenWiFi BT10.

    For wifi 6, ASUS ZenWiFi XD6's is great as well.

    • Crimzic on 26/09/2025 - 16:39

      This, with Ethernet backhaul which isn't as prone to interference and leaves more WiFi channels for clients.

  • speedyjonzalas on 24/09/2025 - 22:04
    +3

    I was literally about to post this after discovering my google mesh is throttling the speeds in my house. It got so bad that ny actual speeds were under 100mb, when i have a 1000mb connection.

    Its a joke that their mesh actively does this!

  • aboabo on 25/09/2025 - 00:55
    +1

    I found that preferable to a mesh system, an extendable router acts as a node with four extra ethernet ports.

  • shertiger on 25/09/2025 - 07:16
    +1

    Mercusys works great for me. Only issue is that it is a hub spoke model. So each node connects to the main hub.

  • paul02 on 25/09/2025 - 07:29
    +3

    If you have your original router connected, try removing it and go straight into the Mesh units WAN port.

  • Indiana1501 on 25/09/2025 - 09:29
    +2

    Similar story - Fed up with my existing "telstra" setup & switch to a Deco X20 3 node mesh for my house. Works an absolute treat. My gaming children, when I do get a word out of them, are stoked at the increased speed. For reference, this is what I purchased:
    https://www.amazon.com.au/TP-Link-3-Pack-AX1800-Whole-System…

    No router, NBN box straight to 1st node.

    • apptrack on 27/09/2025 - 07:52

      +1 the Deco (TP-Link AX3000) has been great for me too, the Ethernet backhaul is good as well (although haven’t needed it).

  • TheFreaK on 25/09/2025 - 09:33

    Asus supremacy

  • sigplay on 25/09/2025 - 12:47
    +1

    Thanks all for your responses! I will review your recommendations and will try to identify one that works best for us. But being an ozbargainer, I will wait until it goes on sale before buying. Thanks again!

    • madseason on 25/09/2025 - 13:30
      +1

      Same boat as you, even the same old google setup. Been eying the X75pro and the Asus Zenwifi BT8 but waiting to see prices shift.

    • DangerNoodle on 26/09/2025 - 16:01

      Have you looked at something like the Deco BE63?

      It uses wifi7 MLO for the backhaul so the nodes can connect to each other across 2.4ghz, 5ghz and 6ghz bands simultaneously to maximise the bandwidth if you need the speed throughput, at least according to their website. YMMV though.

      • madseason on 27/09/2025 - 08:42

        Actually that was on the list. I think the multitude of tp link devices has been confusing me. I’m gonna try focus on the latest models and go for future proof and longevity. Really just want to make sure if the internet conks out that the smart home continues to hum away

  • SRV on 25/09/2025 - 14:27
    +2

    Purchased Eeros recently after reading a ton of reviews. As a couple of others have mentioned, they just work. Also as they're owned by Amazon, the support has been great and there's frequent firmware/app updates/improvements.

    Purchased a set for my mum as well and I can manage hers from my app (Not that there's been any issues)

    • madseason on 25/09/2025 - 15:25

      Hey @SRV, I've got Eero on my list but the only downside is the paywall stuff they have been implementing. if the internet goes down can you still work through the internal lan using the eero app? Just wondering because I have home assistant running things and wouldn't want to see it go down or lose control of the internal network.

      • gromit on 26/09/2025 - 14:57

        made the mistake of getting Eero pro 6E, stay the F away from the stuff. basic features are paywalled, requires online to be able to configure and lacks a lot of features which should be standard for the cost. The range is also pretty average. Basically if you are an advanced or professional users they suck balls, if you are a basic user their are cheaper options that provide everything the Eero does.

        No internet means no eero app.

        • infinite on 26/09/2025 - 17:31

          basic features are paywalled

          Basic features aren't paywalled at all.

          Every Aussie ISP that sells the v6 or v7 of this unit includes the life-long version of the subscription for free.

          The stuff in that additional subscription part of the app = IP based Ad Blocking through the router app UI, additional Parental Controls via the router app UI, a free sub to third party software Malwarebytes / 1Password & then a free sub to a third party VPN.

          There's nothing in the additional subscription that you can't already do via the existing router settings - you just have to manually access it and set it yourself. The additional subscription just add's in an extra 1-button mobile UI option to do things already existing in the settings suite that you set manually.

          • gromit on 26/09/2025 - 19:00
            +1

            @infinite: BS, you call DDNS not a basic feature? something that also requires the subscription, same with radio traffic analysis (I don't consider that basic, but having to pay for it when purchasing the pro version is complete BULLSHIT). They also completely lack OpenVPN support. You also are restricted to only using the app for config.

            • infinite on 27/09/2025 - 14:33
              -1

              @gromit:

              You also are restricted to only using the app for config.

              The app isn't paywalled. It's completely functional and free.

              It's also specifically advertised on the product that the app is how you config the router. That's it's selling point - it's a point & click basic setup for everyone that anyone who isn't blind can do in a matter of seconds. It's not a prosumer product, nor does it pretend to be.

  • Megatron on 25/09/2025 - 16:08
    -2

    Dont buy the Deco XE75.. pain in the bump since thier firmware upgrades :(

    Go Eero 7 pro if you want the latest Wifi 7 tech.. otherwise Eero 6E is pretty good too.. dont go other Eero 6 model as they dont have Wifi 6e.

  • Preet on 26/09/2025 - 15:02

    Deco BE85 here, admittedly they are hard wired together but never had any problems. Very happy with them.
    Also making sure to use Wifi 6 or 7 if the device supports it

  • ReaperX22 on 26/09/2025 - 15:30
    -2

    Ubiquiti UCG Gateway with a U7 AP?

    Does it need to be mesh? Like how big is the place..?

    I've got a u7 pro wall facing from front house to rear, and I still get 6ghz (sometimes) and 5ghz (functionally always) from the furthest room. We're in a villa but it's detached from other dwellings.

    Yes it's a bit more of a faff to setup initially but it can still be mostly set/forget. Add another AP down the line as needed. Generally a single well placed AP will cover the distance of a standard house area, but it's all about placement, IMO.

  • bryans on 26/09/2025 - 18:01

    The best thing you can do is make sure all your mesh nodes have a wired (eth) uplink to the primary access point. Also doesn't have to be the latest and greatest wifi7 to get good coverage.

  • imurgod on 26/09/2025 - 18:01

    Avoid Deco M4. So many issues with the backhaul.

    I recently got a D-Link E30 and it's pretty decent for a cheapie.

    Going through 3 double brick walls on 5Ghz, I get solid connection.

  • snapper17 on 26/09/2025 - 18:19

    check to see if you can add another 3 google nests to your network

    Some rsps are doing half price on eero pro 7 devices check with your provider
    Leaptel allow you to make monthly installment with no fees or extra charges. Others might too

  • lonewolf on 26/09/2025 - 18:37
    +1

    Asus Ai-Mesh, can get cheap units and upgrade them later if you want.

    • supersabroso on 26/09/2025 - 22:29
      +1

      Agreed! I got the 3 pack of the ASUS ZenWiFi XD5 AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System as it has all the advanced settings that you need. I had the same issues with Google Wifi, Nest Wifi & Nest Wifi Pro all dropping out with dodgy settings on switching. What I've learnt is that if a device is within range and can hop onto the 5Ghz network, force it to be on that as it's so much better than the dodgy 2.4Ghz network which is really only for smart devices like a wifi plug, not data transfer like a computer.

  • kzrocky on 26/09/2025 - 19:32
    +1

    I have been using Asus Ai-Mesh for a long time, its quite awesome in a large multi-story double brick home.
    I recently "upgraded" to Ubiquity, it has cost me a lot, its a long story why I did that, but I havent gained any performance advantage.

  • webtonmoy on 26/09/2025 - 20:40
    +1

    Using Deco AX1500 for about 3 months, so far all good.

  • Poor Ass on 26/09/2025 - 21:08
    +3

    Deco M5 3pack old but never any issues

    • Alpine58 on 27/09/2025 - 13:47
      +1

      Got this too - just works, seamlessly.

      Even recently hard wired one of the units and the system just worked it out.

      • Poor Ass on 28/09/2025 - 01:23

        Ozbargain's favourite mesh

  • eddyah on 27/09/2025 - 08:58
    +1

    Wired backend to granny flat is the best way.

  • scottySK on 27/09/2025 - 10:42
    +1

    Asus ai mesh is the most flexible

  • TB0n3 on 27/09/2025 - 14:40
    +1

    ASUS kit works very well, in both an ethernet or wifi backhaul configuration.

    I've run the following setup with an ethernet backhaul for the last 4.5yrs with Aussies 1000/100 plan.

    ASUS RT-AX88U > RT-AX86U > RT-AX86U

    Only one problem experienced - TCL TV and Foxtel didnt like a version of firmware released earlier this year. Had to rollback and installed later version with no issues.

    I opted for the 88U because I needed the 8 ports to feed consoles, NAS, etc and rain out of powerpoints to run a small switch instead.

    ASUS GUI is very easy to use - at a minimum we prob have 25 devices online, almost double that when family visits.

    Recently setup a wireless version of 2 x RT-AX86U's at my brothers place and its working quite well considering. Routers are on the same level of the house, but about 40m apart. His office at the back of the house was struggling a bit with just the one (lucky to see 10mbps) - added another and he's constantly getting over 260mbps now. Its a rental, so with didnt bother with wired, conduit etc….

  • hydravirgo on 27/09/2025 - 16:26

    Got two XE75 Pro. Two storey house so one on each floor. Never had any issues and easily covers the whole house. On 500/50 nbn with the recent upgrade. Range is so good, got the router at the end of the house downstairs and still connects to the doorbell at the front of the house. Got a similar setup at the in-laws with no issues as well.

  • counterpoint on 27/09/2025 - 23:43

    I have a Deco that I have been running for the past few years. It helps if you can use Ethernet as the backhaul.

  • FlyingMiffy on 28/09/2025 - 00:52

    I've had the ASUS Zenwifi XT9s on two nodes for a few years now. They've been OK.

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