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WiFI Mesh systems


Guest vagabond

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Guest vagabond

We have a two level house, downstairs also has a large extension with rooms at the back (12 meter long main room, then rooms behind that). Main internet/wifi router is upstairs and I'm currently running a wifi router downstairs as an extension via POE, but it isn't really cutting it these days so I need to upgrade everything.

 

Does anyone have an opinion on the better of the mesh systems (I notice the usual networking suspects netgear, linksys etc) for this sort of setup?

 

TIA.

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I have the Orbi. Its plug and play type, just little units that sit there. Works for my whole house, split level thing. Can't really complain about it.

 

If I could be bothered, maybe one day, I'd go the units that look like smoke alarms and hardwire to power, ceiling mounted, throughout the house. Easy to do in new builds, bit more of a pain in existing.

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If you want a plug and play unit that will cover off wifi blackspots around the house and surrounding area, then the Orbi will do this rather well.  If you want a more comprehensive router software facility then the Asus is a better option IMO.   I have used both and but kept the Asus instead.

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Guest vagabond

I ordered an Orbi AC3000 pair. I have a worry that if I need to extend it Netgear no longer offer the satellites separately (you have to get the AC2200 version). That aside, I'll see how it goes.

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  • 4 weeks later...

Does anyone use the google system?

Tech radar review.

https://www.techradar.com/au/news/networking/routers-storage/best-router-9-top-wireless-routers-on-test-1090523

 

1. Google Wifi

The future of wireless networking gets affordable

Speed: 802.11ac 5GHz down: 101.41 Mbps, 2.4GHz down: 47.53 Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports per Wifi point (1 WAN and 1 LAN port each) | Features: AC1200 2 x 2 Wave 2 Wi-Fi, TX beamforming, Bluetooth Smart ready

Super simple setup
Great value
Limited hardware control
Lower AC rating

The days of traditional wireless routers is almost at its end – the age of the wireless mesh router has come. Google Wifi is the best evidence we have to prove that we are in this mesh revolution. You can finally say goodbye to the days when the only way to achieve wireless freedom was to install a bunch of wireless extenders. The premise of Google Wifi is simple – buy a set of points and position them in strategic areas around your home. Then, simply scan a QR code, and you’re good to go. It’s not only the best wireless router of 2019, but it’s also the most effortless to set up and get going.

 

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On 15/05/2019 at 4:23 PM, vagabond said:

I ordered an Orbi AC3000 pair. I have a worry that if I need to extend it Netgear no longer offer the satellites separately (you have to get the AC2200 version). That aside, I'll see how it goes.

How did the Orbi go?

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While I can see the point and attraction of a mesh system, I'd be worried about the health impacts of such a concentrated high level of HF EMR in a domestic installation, especially in relation to the reproductive genetic material carried by girls.  You can look that up if you like.  If you think it's a joke,  my Dad was chief electrical engineer in heavy industry and it was part of his degree.  He told me about it in the late 60s or early 70s, so it isn't new, it came out of WW2 weapons research.

 

If at all possible, I think it is worth going for a wired network instead.  This is my eventual aim but for not I too have WiFi (a single server) though I have no children at home.

 

I am aware that there are some YouTube videos on it that are so badly done by ignorant people that it just looks like foil hat nutter material.  However, as far as I know, there is a real underlying science/engineering and medical truth behind it.

 

Well, up to you, just thought it best to you all know.

 

Ken

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Guest vagabond
On 07/06/2019 at 10:38 PM, PKay said:

How did the Orbi go?

It runs well, I have some issues with some devices dropping out/reconnecting periodically but that's all. I get full coverage so it's solved that problem.

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  • 2 months later...

I’ve been looking at a pair of these...

 

https://www.tp-link.com/au/home-networking/deco/deco-m5/

 

...mainly for cost reasons. A set of two can be had for as little at $170 (my house is not big so 2 is fine) and they don’t seem to give up too much to the more expensive ones in term of performance.

 

On 12/08/2019 at 8:40 PM, swarve78 said:

If you know a bit about tech, Ubiquiti gear is awesome.

I’ve definitely heard that, if you are a networking nerd, Ubiquiti are the way to go.

 

I’ve had half an eye on a mesh system ever since I started hearing ads for Eero on podcasts. I’d have bought a set of them early on if they were in Australia. Now, my coverage is not bad enough to justify spending multiple hundreds of dollars but for under $200 I think it will be worth it.

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  • 10 months later...
  • Volunteer

Just reviving this thread.

 

For reasons I want to replace my google mesh system.

My requirements are that I need something relatively simple to set up that can cover a "difficult' house. Double brick walls make coverage a bit tricky (I have to wire in the google mesh point at the furthest point from the main hub).

 

Friends have recommended the Ubiquiti Amplify system. Does anyone have any alternatives?

 

Also, maybe a dumb question, do any of these systems have a built in modem (I'd love to reduce the box count)

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Asus have intenet wireless routers that will combine to create what they call AiMesh.

Basically you choose a wireless router (I have the RT-AC68U), it has Ethernet WAN to connect to your NBN box/modem/ntu.

It creates your wi-fi network, and has Ethernet switch ports to connect wired equipment.

Then you add compatible additional devices (routers and/or access points) to cover your environment.

There's a microsite that shows exanples, has a configurator tool (input your environment and needs) to show you what equipment should work for you.

 

https://www.asus.com/Microsite/AiMesh/au/index.html

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14 minutes ago, sir sanders zingmore said:

anyone know how the asus compares with ubiquiti?

The Orbi kills it, I have the Orbi and so does  @Snoopy8   
 

The thing about the Orbi is that you can buy that at Bunnings and not a specialised retailer.

 

You’ve been to my place @sir sanders zingmore  I have the Orbi down stairs in  kitchen corner is where NBN FTTC 100/40 comes in, the Satellite is upstairs in the main bedroom where the balcony is, that’s 13m diagonal one flight of stairs and up stairs anywhere I get full 100/40 no difference....  the speed drops a little but not by much......  never had an issue with it....  this is wifi done right, and i don’t have to rewire the house, it’s still all wireless.... 

Edited by Addicted to music
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3 minutes ago, Addicted to music said:

The Orbi kills it, I have the Orbi and so those @Snoopy8   
 

The thing about the Orbi is that you can buy that Bunnings and not a specialised retailer.

 

You’ve been to my place @sir sanders zingmore  I have the Orbi down stairs in  kitchen corner is where NBN comes in, the Satellite is upstairs in the main bedroom where the balcony is, that’s 13m diagonal one flight of stairs and up stairs anywhere I get full 100/40 no difference....  the speed drops a little but not by much......  never had an issue with it....  this is wifi done right, and i don’t have to rewire the house, it’s still all wireless.... 

you are saying that the Orbi is better than ubiquiti and Asus?

 

The issue with my house isn't just size, it's that internal walls are double brick. I have always had issues with wifi coverage

Edited by sir sanders zingmore
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Quite different kettles of fish, The Ubiquity gear is aimed at prosumers, small business and people who have an inkling for tinkering with computer networks.

They work extraordinarily well if you choose the right combination of hardware for the environment, but take a fair bit more technical knowledge to set up from scratch and maintain.

They do have a more consumer focused line called Amplifi, however It is priced in the higher end of the consumer space. (apart from some "Gaming" routers, which are 100% marketing and should be avoided)

 

Consumer devices from Asus, TP-Link, Google, netgear and the likes are all aimed at being quick and easy to set up and maintain, however more advanced features are usually hidden away or simply not provided.

 

My recommendations for simple, reliable home wireless networking as someone who does IT on the side would be the TP-Link Deco series, or the latest generation version of google Wifi. They both offer simple app based setups, have flexible wireless meshing or wired backbone options, they can be added to if you have a weak spot in the house and they simply "just work".

 

 

Edited by GaryT
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Just now, sir sanders zingmore said:

you are saying that the Orbi is better than ubiquiti and Asus?

 

The issue with my house isn't just size, it's that internal walls are double brick. I have always had issues with wifi coverage

If you look at the reviews and the tests the Orbi beats both,  even if you have multiple satellites....  I’ve seen a utube that extends around 20-35mtrs and the only way to fixed the speed at the other end of the house is to have a satellite installed; Orbi 3000.   

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Currently have Netgear Orbi, TP Link and Ubiquity gear at home.  The Orbi is easy to set up and gives a superb wifi coverage of a large double storey house.  TP Link make value for money gear with sometimes flimsy plastic but performs well. Not sure TP-Link does a mesh network?  In contrast, Ubiquity has a solid metal case, performs very well, has some excellent network tools but does need configuration.  Adding Ampifi creates the mesh network.

 

Given the networking troubles that @sir sanders zingmore. encountered, my recommendation is the Netgear Orbi because it is easy to setup and provides. everything (I think?) required.  Ubiquity will be challenging to put together and setup.  Whatever is selected, it is important to learn how to login to the administration page using a browser.  Unfortunately, no networking is plug and play.  The Orbi App on the phone makes things much easier but does not do everything.

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17 minutes ago, Snoopy8 said:

Currently have Netgear Orbi, TP Link and Ubiquity gear at home.  The Orbi is easy to set up and gives a superb wifi coverage of a large double storey house.  TP Link make value for money gear with sometimes flimsy plastic but performs well. Not sure TP-Link does a mesh network?  In contrast, Ubiquity has a solid metal case, performs very well, has some excellent network tools but does need configuration.  Adding Ampifi creates the mesh network.

 

Given the networking troubles that @sir sanders zingmore. encountered, my recommendation is the Netgear Orbi because it is easy to setup and provides. everything (I think?) required.  Ubiquity will be challenging to put together and setup.  Whatever is selected, it is important to learn how to login to the administration page using a browser.  Unfortunately, no networking is plug and play.  The Orbi App on the phone makes things much easier but does not do everything.

Thanks @Snoopy8.

Assuming that I can get help setting up my network from friends who are experts, which one would you say is the best (given my brick-induced coverage problems)?

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3 minutes ago, sir sanders zingmore said:

Thanks @Snoopy8.

Assuming that I can get help setting up my network from friends who are experts, which one would you say is the best (given my brick-induced coverage problems)?

The best coverage is a mesh network with a wired backbone.  In other words, an Orbi unit upstairs or one end of house and another downstairs or other end of the house. The units are connected with Ethernet cable.  It can also work well without cable, but units must be closer together. The standard pack comes with 2 units and it is easy to add a 3rd unit.  Orbi works! 

 

I suspect a Ubiquity/Amplifi setup will be better BUT it is more complicated to setup and requires more networking knowledge.  Troubleshooting becomes harder as well.

 

Suggest Orbi.

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https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/Networking/Modems-&-Routers/76343-RBK23-100AUS?gclid=CjwKCAjwxLH3BRApEiwAqX9arZDPCwh-4_V5ER7rq5PtiR_oQn-oR374v5ZXRXJ-_ESPw5pU0injMRoC5q8QAvD_BwE
 

here’s a 3 satellite Orbi.  
I’m not familiar with the Asus or others but am familiar with Billion. .   With the Orbi I can set up an open port to gaming and I’ve done that with my daughters Nintendo switch, now that’s a prick To get right especially with older FW.  
Even with a Orbi 3000 system I’m 13m upstairs diagonal and no matter where I am I get up to FTTC 100/40,  

FWIW, I had a Billion that’s considered corporate and I couldn’t  get the 100/40 FTTC speeds at the other end of the house, it’ll dropped to 1/2 of 20/1  at ADSL + speeds while it have FTTC 100/40.  Now I’m wireless all the way, no need to use physical wiring.

 

Heres some of the speeds I’m getting. 
The top 36/17 is standing in the far corner of the backyard with the rumpus room in front of where the main unit is.   That test was done 2x with different server settings.   The rest is done inside the home....  The worst would be in the toilet up stairs but those figures are not on those results..... 

The Billion 7400 would struggle and I’d be getting devices to buffer.....

Like I said the Orbi is Wi-Fi done right,  I wouldn’t bother with expensive SOTA single units or the other mesh systems, there are many reviews out there that compared them all and the Orbi  beats them all, just do a google search. 

063A0B48-6037-4289-9E3C-F10D9F7AB8E1.png

Edited by Addicted to music
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