Best Mesh Wifi for home?

RedvGreen · 24 Oct 2018 at 16:52

Hi all,

Can anyone advise through experience/use which is the best Mesh Wifi for a home setup?

We have quite thick walls, so standard Wifi devices (Homehub, etc) are patchy. Currently have Extenders but it is annoying moving between rooms and the wifi drops as it seeks the next known base station.

Thanks!

ChrisD. · 24 Oct 2018 at 17:24

Ubiquiti Wifi, you'll probably find a single access point would suffice, if not you can scale out although you need a cable for each device.

Pyr0m@nI@]{ · 24 Oct 2018 at 17:42

I'm using 2x amplifi hd routers sucessfully here in an old house with thick walls.
I'm only using 2 routers as I wanted more ports upstairs, but it works really well.
I tried extenders and power lines but they were rubbish compared to the mesh setup

RedvGreen · 25 Oct 2018 at 13:18

So something like this: https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ubiq...o-802.11ac-wave-2-access-point-nw-00y-uq.html

Plus i'd also need a PoE-injection switch too?

Will that allow one "master" extender and then any other satellite 'mesh' extenders can either wired or wirelessly connect to it?

neil_g · 25 Oct 2018 at 13:25

Using the tplink deco here (vm hh in modem mode) with no real issues. Fairly big solid house.

bremen1874 · 25 Oct 2018 at 13:31

RedvGreen said:
So something like this: https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ubiq...o-802.11ac-wave-2-access-point-nw-00y-uq.html

Plus i'd also need a PoE-injection switch too?

Will that allow one "master" extender and then any other satellite 'mesh' extenders can either wired or wirelessly connect to it?

That isn't a mesh system.

They're good access points, but they'll all need to be wired (that's how they get their power for a start).

pcfarrar · 25 Oct 2018 at 14:19

RedvGreen said:
Will that allow one "master" extender and then any other satellite 'mesh' extenders can either wired or wirelessly connect to it?

Do you have an existing router to plug the UniFi AP into?

RedvGreen · 25 Oct 2018 at 14:21

bremen1874 said:
That isn't a mesh system.

They're good access points, but they'll all need to be wired (that's how they get their power for a start).

Understood, so basically what Pyromaniac said above - The Amplifi HD solution - one main 'router' and 2 antennae mains connected extenders?

pcfarrar said:
Do you have an existing router to plug the UniFi AP into?

My setup is this:

BT HH -> Cat 6 -> (loft) 24 port switch in cab -> Cat 6 -> Bedrooms x 4 // Lounge x 1

I have no issues laying more Cat 6, but it'll be a case of probably taking it out of the loft and down the side of the house now we've fully renovated and redecorated.

We will be installing a separate NVR (POE) for IPCCTV off the 24-port switch

pcfarrar · 25 Oct 2018 at 14:34

Put a UniFi US‑8‑60W switch in the loft and then just wire up a few AP's to it.

You'd probably be fine with a couple of AC lites or LR.

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ubiquiti-networks-unifi-ap-ac-lite-indoor-access-point-nw-002-uq.html

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ubiq...long-range-indoor-access-point-nw-001-uq.html

You can use the UniFI AP's in mesh mode but its not ideal for performance, always best to wire them up.

RedvGreen · 27 Oct 2018 at 15:42

So I’m going with Unifi US-8 Switch, 2 x LR ACs and a unifi controller.

Will this cause any issues if I patch this switch into my current switch (to enable internet connectivity), bearing in mind DHCP is just being controlled by my BT HH?

iamtheoneneo · 28 Oct 2018 at 10:26

I wouldn't bother with LR to be honest, two lite units are more than enough. Save the cash.

RedvGreen · 28 Oct 2018 at 12:26

Even with the Switch (POE) and the APs wired, this isn't mesh per-se is it? It is roaming between multiple APs but all sharing the same SSID? Would that involve any issues with switching as you're moving around (delays) or seamless? Would the Mesh setup be better?

neil_g · 28 Oct 2018 at 12:57

Shouldn't be too much of an issue. Some devices are useless at roaming to the strongest source however.

"Fast roaming" or 802.11r and 802.11k I imagine should be available on the Unifi settings somewhere. Should help in most situations.

RedvGreen · 28 Oct 2018 at 16:16

Any thoughts as to my other concern, about any DHCP conflicts from the BT HH performing this function - it's not a powerful box, and could this bottleneck it?

bremen1874 · 28 Oct 2018 at 16:27

DHCP isn't going to be an issue.

DHCP isn't something that in anyway needs a 'powerful box'.

You can't have DHCP conflicts unless you have more than one DHCP server on the same network.

RedvGreen · 4 Nov 2018 at 13:47

All installed and up and running!

Caged · 4 Nov 2018 at 17:22

Cabled backhaul will beat a wifi mesh in every situation, you'll be glad you put the work into the physical install.

RedvGreen · 4 Nov 2018 at 17:48

Caged said:
Cabled backhaul will beat a wifi mesh in every situation, you'll be glad you put the work into the physical install.

It definitely was a bit of work, had to lift floorboards and brave the loft (discovered a vertical roof support beam wasn’t actually fixed in place... when I lent against it, balanced precariously between plasterboard ceiling!).

Had to use a pull-through as several floorboards were too well nailed in place, luckily no issues. Crimping was OK, actually preferred it to punching cat6.