Best Mesh System?

[Marakith]

Hello!

I'm currently running a Mesh system using Linksys Velops. I've found them a bit unreliable (dropouts/ failure to recognise passwords etc). And I also want to get really granular control over internet access to limit devices to certain times only, or to restrict content. I also would like to be able to create separate VLANs if possible.

Would appreciate strong recommendations! Thanks!

 

[Hutch]

Interested if anyone has any advice here too. Reviews and real world reviews seem so mixed for so many systems. I need to replace my now ancient setup as it occasionally has failures.

 

[sandys]

There is so much choice and it comes down to budget, the speed and features you want, I doubt there is a right answer, In addition the failures might not be solved by new gear if the problem is your environment rather than the hardware. Typically the best answer is to wire your APs for robustness if your environment is the issue.

I have been running both ASUS BQ16 and some BT10 for a year, using Asus Ai mesh, reliable, zero issues, apart from price

They do have cheaper devices but I have no first hand experience.

This guy has compared them

 

[Marakith]

There is so much choice and it comes down to budget, the speed and features you want, I doubt there is a right answer, In addition the failures might not be solved by new gear if the problem is your environment rather than the hardware. Typically the best answer is to wire your APs for robustness if your environment is the issue.

I have been running both ASUS BQ16 and some BT10 for a year, using Asus Ai mesh, reliable, zero issues, apart from price

They do have cheaper devices but I have no first hand experience.

This guy has compared them

Thanks - wow this series is super pricey but maybe worth the upgrade. Food for thought - thanks!

 

[matgsi]

I've got 4 Deco X10's. Bought them in a bit of a rush and without much research when we moved to a house with 2 ft thick walls.

They're not for advanced users (i.e. you can't split the 2.4 and 5ghz SSID's), but they have been pretty reliable, no dropouts etc. Ethernet backhaul on one of the units, connected to my old switch with no issues.

 

[Firegod]

Hello!

I'm currently running a Mesh system using Linksys Velops. I've found them a bit unreliable (dropouts/ failure to recognise passwords etc). And I also want to get really granular control over internet access to limit devices to certain times only, or to restrict content. I also would like to be able to create separate VLANs if possible.

Would appreciate strong recommendations! Thanks!

Yeah as mentioned, run of the mill mesh systems like TP-Link, Eero, Orbi, etc are not going to give you any advanced controls. They are basic admin and are more just plug in and go. Asus does offer a lot more features, but they are not great for security and often you pay a premium for the name. Although Netgear Orbi kit isn't exactly cheap.

If you want that granular control then something more in the AP space might be better, like Zyxel Nebula or Ubiquiti Unifi. But that involves Access Points and not mesh.

You might be able to do some more controls by sticking with Mesh and potentially putting something like a Firewalla in the mix.

 

[Avalon]

I've got 4 Deco X10's. Bought them in a bit of a rush and without much research when we moved to a house with 2 ft thick walls.

They're not for advanced users (i.e. you can't split the 2.4 and 5ghz SSID's), but they have been pretty reliable, no dropouts etc. Ethernet backhaul on one of the units, connected to my old switch with no issues.

Wi-Fi settings, Advanced, band… then knock yourself out. Equally you could just add an IoT 2.4Ghz only SSID if you prefer.

Yeah as mentioned, run of the mill mesh systems like TP-Link, Eero, Orbi, etc are not going to give you any advanced controls. They are basic admin and are more just plug in and go. Asus does offer a lot more features, but they are not great for security and often you pay a premium for the name. Although Netgear Orbi kit isn't exactly cheap.

If you want that granular control then something more in the AP space might be better, like Zyxel Nebula or Ubiquiti Unifi. But that involves Access Points and not mesh.

You might be able to do some more controls by sticking with Mesh and potentially putting something like a Firewalla in the mix.

ASUS are a garbage tier OEM with more ‘Oh hell no’ moments than any reasonable company should ever have.

If you want good, Ubiquiti, Omada or Aruba are options, but you need to run local management of some description, for simple mesh, I really like Deco, it’s what I put in for friends and family as it’s inexpensive compared to UniFi and idiot proof. Literally the only calls I get on Deco installs is where someone unplugged a node, that’s why I recommend the range.

 

[matgsi]

Wi-Fi settings, Advanced, band… then knock yourself out. Equally you could just add an IoT 2.4Ghz only SSID if you prefer.

ASUS are a garbage tier OEM with more ‘Oh hell no’ moments than any reasonable company should ever have.

If you want good, Ubiquiti, Omada or Aruba are options, but you need to run local management of some description, for simple mesh, I really like Deco, it’s what I put in for friends and family as it’s inexpensive compared to UniFi and idiot proof. Literally the only calls I get on Deco installs is where someone unplugged a node, that’s why I recommend the range.

Thanks for that, either that's a recent software update or I'm blind. Could be either to be honest . Thank you .

 

[Avalon]

Going from memory (always dangerous), it wasn’t a thing in 2023, but was in 2024, I think around the time they let you add guest and IoT as opposed to just a guest network.

 

[Arcane]

I'm looking for a new mesh system too, currently using the Deco X55. Fine when using wired backhaul but the third node had to be wireless backhaul and it's been a massive PITA, (they even sent me a beta firmware for it). Looking for something that is reliable with an actual working wireless backhaul.

 

[Showboat]

Moved from deco P9 to the deco xe75.
It’s really good, I had areas I could only get half speed with the p9. But full speed with xe75.
For whatever reason it slower in the attic, every other room is better.