Mesh Wireless Networks

still-one

still-one

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Apr 5, 2013
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SE Michigan
I have been fortunate using a older 802.11n Apple Time Capsule and a even older Airport Extreme as a extender to cover all +5000sq. ft. of our home. I use the available ports on the back of each device to attach nearby devices as required. These devices just work and were so easy to configure.

Now that Apple is out of the router business I have been considering updating to a 802.11ac device(s) while I can still pick up available Time Capsules and Extgenders which I know will be easy to set up and work. (I know a new standard (AX) is coming in the next couple of years).

I was wondering if anyone has moved to one of the newer Mesh set-ups such as Linksys Velop, Netgear Orbi, Google WiFi, Amplfi............

Some of these devices have a limited number of ports which might require adding a switch or two around the house.
 
My house has a few dead wireless zones and repeaters/extenders did not help much. I ended up using the Trend net thru the Electrical gadgets and ethernet cables. Other areas of my house are perfect for reception.
 
I used to have the Linksys EA7500 router and various Linksys and TP-Link extenders but found it a pain as:

- there was a speed loss from using extenders, which I eventually discovered

- different network names, which makes it rather cumbersome as my server/streamer is connected to the extender in my listening room, which is in a different room from the main router. I would have issues if I do not select the extender's network name, which also meant that I would have no internet access via my ipad while playing music.

After reading up about the various mesh systems and available in my home market, I decided on the Netgear Orbi. The Linksys Velop works as well but is slower and only has 2 internet access / LAN ports vs 3 (main unit) or 4 (satellite unit) for the Orbi for direct / wired connection to the devices.

Rather simple to set up after familiarising myself with the system and it's been reliable. Same network name for both the main router and satellite so there is a seamless transition when moving between rooms.

Plus, no speed loss since the main and satellite units communicate using a dedicated back end channel (essentially a dedicated wireless link between both units) which is not shared with the household devices (computers, phones, tablets).

Plus, the Orbi or the Velop both have a better design aesthetic than routers / extenders with multiple protruding antennas.
 
Using an ASUS mesh network setup in my house and have had great success to date.

Main router is on the 2nd floor of a 1940’s Brick house with plaster walls. Second node is in the addition off the back off the house and is connected to my wired network. Coverage in entire house is great for both 2.4g and 5g wireless connection. Even the detached garage is covered via wireless and music streaming has not been an issue once moving to the mesh setup.
 
I bought a mesh system (forgetting the brand) but I run my business from home anddo lots of backups to NAS, etc. I found it difficult to mix wired with wireless and still use my wired gigabit network. Hopefully this will improve as these products mature.
 
I have been an early adopter of EERO. You will notice EERO usually lags it's competitors in data throughput when PC Magazine and others do their testing. I will tell you that each one of their reviews were with early software, whether it be with version 1 or version 2 of the EERO. Additionally, the distances they use as throughput is pretty much meaningless when they do their comparisons.

I can vouch that EERO constantly improves their firmware, is simple to use and I can recommend it. None of these home mesh work as well as dedicated commercial mesh networks however, EERO, is now starting to implement many commercial features into their firmware. Since their very first firmware upgrade with their V1 EERO, I have never had dropouts and my speeds in the most distant part of my home has excellent throughput.

No matter how good, I still don't use wireless to stream music and have a dedicated network for my music which I have relatively isolated from the my home network.
 
Been using the EERO also. No drops and great coverage all over the house as well as the basement. I was thinking about doing a dedicated router for the audio system into teh server. I assume I'd need a new modem for that also??? thanks.
 
You won't need another modem. You can add a separate network for the audio router which will segment that network from your regular home network. You can then plug the audio router into your original router. For traffic within the house the audio network will not traverse the regular home network. If you need to reach the internet from your audio network it will traverse the regular home network and then out the modem.
 
wow, thanks. I have a close friend on a computer audio site who distributes the Waversa products and they are just sick. I'll look into his router, but I know it's around 1500 or so. I know a few who have heard it over in Asia and say it's DEAD QUIET and worth every penny if you stream. Considering what we pay for other things, it makes sense.
 
The Waversa is a switch, not a router. You therefore won't have a separate network, but it'll still work the same. Plug the Waversa into your current home router. Anything that is plugged into the Waversa will communicate directly with each other without going through your home router. If a device off the Waversa needs to reach the internet it'll look the same as any other device in your house.
 
Actually they make both. They have two types of switches I believe (I'm not a tech guy per say). they also make a router.
 
I have been using Netgear's Orbi for over a week now. I had to return the first 3 pack I purchased when the reset button on the main router failed. The second unit has been working well and with the assistance of some knowledgable audiophiles I repurposed my old Apple Time Capsule for Time Machine and some network storage. Only one mimic hiccup with one Wemo light switch that I'm dealing with.
 
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Oh OK, I only saw the switch on their website. Well, in your setup a switch would be better anyway since you plan on keeping the existing router in place. This way no special configuration is needed on the Waversa switch and there is no double NAT happening when going from the audio network to the internet. Just keeps it all simpler with the same end result.
 
Funny as I got the Netgear one first and it wouldn't work. I spent over 5 hours on the phone with them in the course of 2 days and it wouldn't work. Friend had a similar experience and we both went to EERO and have been happy.
 
Ctsooner said:
Funny as I got the Netgear one first and it wouldn't work. I spent over 5 hours on the phone with them in the course of 2 days and it wouldn't work. Friend had a similar experience and we both went to EERO and have been happy.
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At one point I considered returning the units and just picking up New Old Stock Apple Time Capsule and a AirPort Extreme or two. I am happy with the speeds I am getting everywhere now.
 
vortrex said:
Oh OK, I only saw the switch on their website. Well, in your setup a switch would be better anyway since you plan on keeping the existing router in place. This way no special configuration is needed on the Waversa switch and there is no double NAT happening when going from the audio network to the internet. Just keeps it all simpler with the same end result.
Click to expand...

I’m not sure what John has on his site as he’s just launching it. He sent me a link to all the products. I was going to do the switch, however he had me get a special Ethernet filter first fromEMO. Let me see how that goes
 
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