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!

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?

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

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?

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?

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?

RedvGreen · 4 Nov 2018 at 13:47

All installed and up and running!

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.