How much did you pay to read it? You work for free? I have no idea if Macrumors was paid or not, though i trust the many statements in the past that if they are then they post it.
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Eero Reveals 2nd Gen Router, Wi-Fi Extending 'Beacon', Internet Security Service, and iOS App Update
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Well that defeats the entire purpose of mesh in the first place as that behavior is that of stand-alone WAPs. I'd be interested in hearing which ones you tried. I agree a test that includes handoff performance would be helpful.
Apple abandoned WiFi router market and Eero is probably the most Apple-like replacement. So I welcome the article, even if MacRumors was paid (which it probably wasn't but it's not like I am paying MacRumors any money either).
Nope, by asking about the amount, you expressed that you assume that MR was paid something. Asking about the amount means that you expected a non-zero number. And since MR has repeatedly said that they disclose any payments, you have de facto accused MR of lying and deceiving the public.
MacRumors does label paid product reviews. But this one is just a product announcement, so I don't see where dishonesty comes from?
Question for you.... I recently had a handyman run cat6 throughout my home (spread out ranch style with lots of walls and energy efficient windows... tuff on wifi signals) and I'm wanting to add APs in the areas of my home that are furthest from my central router....
1) Do you name the wireless networks the exact same as the central router so that devices auto switch between the APs depending on signal strength? Does the internet connection on the device drop during this transfer?
2) I have misc older routers and an AirPort Express, etc... I was just going to use those for the APs. I'm not too strapped on $ so should I look at keeping everything consistent for the APs and just getting AirPorts?
I'd definitely prefer to not have to manually switch between the networks when moving around the property. Hoping setting up the APs exactly the same as the central router will make auto switching work without a complete drop in connection with the internet.
IMHO it's a mistake for Apple to leave the WiFi router business.
But I also think that…. just a hunch, Apple will see the error of their ways and the Airports will return in a couple of years. Just like the "discontinued" Apple Cinema Displays. It will come back.
Most client devices will avoid switching between access points at all costs because it causes a drop in service. Some devices might have settings to set the aggressiveness of roaming but most don't.
If you want to go the multiple wired APs route then pick up some Ubiquiti Unifi APs, since they support zero handoff. Fair warning, for zero handoff to work you have have the Unifi controller app running 24/7.
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Good post, I add a bit.
Unifi controller runs on computers but can also be installed on a RaspberryPi (Difficult) or buy the dedicated UniFi Cloud Key.
Agreed. Ubiquiti Uniti is an enterprise product with a Java-based software designed for enterprise user. Ubiquiti also makes a consumer line of product called AmpliFi, but it is not as well received as Eero and Netgear Orbi.
Since my testing was nearly a year ago, there is a chance the mesh roaming technologies have improved. The problem is when you end up over saturating areas and the devices hunt between APs. Less is more when it comes to AP placement. TLDR I went with a single "pro" version ceiling mount unit that improved direct line of sight to the devices and it provides full coverage ~3300 sqft.
Yes, the Unifi stuff takes some thought to set up, but you don't need to be an enterprise network wizard either. The Unifi web interface is very nice and pretty user friendly. If you buy the Cloud Key and can follow some basic documentation instructions you can set them up. I mean, its no worse then all the other clunky web interfaces of your typical consumer all in one routers.
That said I understand the value in these "turn key mesh" systems, can't fault anyone for choosing one over the other.
We can't be sure they have, that was just a rumour. Even if they announced it, we've seen what happens when they announced they were out of a product market before so who knows
Yes, I have both AP's on ethernet to a central router. AP's are set to bridge mode. They use the same SSID for everything (both bands and both AP's) in Wifi Roaming. This seems to work well. IMO, its worked better than when you run different SSIDs for AP (or band) and then have trouble with the device letting go of the connection and transitioning. *I don't walk around when streaming video but FaceTime stays HD and doesn't freeze when walking around the house (as it did with different SSIDs) so that's my test.
Mesh is good and all but only necessary when you don't have ethernet backhaul. Ethernet and AP's in bridge mode are always my preference (unless bridge mode is cancelling certain features like the G Wifi example).
Using the above configuration, over the past 3 months I've tried 3 different hardware vendors; 1. Apple Airport Extremes only, 2. an Asus / Netgear marriage of 2 AP's and 3. Google WifI. The Asus / Netgear combo was the most trouble. The Airport Extremes may be a bit slower on the backplane than newer routers but honestly, it is still rock solid. No reboots. No multitude of configurations and solid, consistent WiFi. Wifi speeds throughout the house are 100+Mbps. If you are starting fresh, Google/Eero/Ubiquiti are good choices. If you have existing Airports and can run ethernet, I would ride this out a bit longer until we know 100% Apple is out of the game.
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If you're trying to hack what you have, go with the same SSID across all AP's and bands (2.4 & 5). Be sure to set the AP's and bands to different channels (Wifi Explorer for Mac is a good one). That is the best you can hope for. As others have said, there are better, more enterprise grade AP's and controllers out there that can better manage these transitions.
I know for me, I got all caught up in the "Apple is abandoning us" "The grass is greener" and hot new newness hype but in the end, mesh doesn't perform better than good ol ethernet wired AP's. I already had the Airports and couldn't justify the $250-$400 everyone is getting for these new set ups. If you have old, old AP's, or want 802.11ac sure, upgrade. But even at going on 4yrs old now, the Airports are holding their own. I'll wait for Apple to reveal their hand before moving on.
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My hope is that some of these fairly pricey consumer solutions will take cues from the enterprise space.
https://meraki.cisco.com/blog/2016/09/fast-tracking-mobile-devices-and-apps-on-meraki/
I agree with you on over saturation. I've seen posts here with people raving about how their new mesh network improved performance in their 900 square foot studio apartment. The likely answer is that the original problem was inadvertently solved with the new gear and the "mesh" had little to do with it. Neighbors may have another opinion altogether
You could be right. After all, iPod Hi-Fi from 2006 is returning 11 years later as HomePod. But like iPod Hi-Fi, you could be looking at similarly long wait.
In the mean time, I think I will upgrade my aging 802.11n Time Capsule with new Eero.
Speaking of HomePod, many were hoping for mesh router feature on the speaker. Considering AirPort team has been disbanded, that was a wishful thinking, but that could've been an awesome integration. HomePod = Siri + Speaker + HomeKit Hub + Router. BTW, all three are true except router.
Agree and could be.
But until they change their minds, if ever, I'd like to know whose product drivers and UIs are most integrated and Apple-like. Just curious as, for the first time, I'm forced to consider a non-Apple WiFi setup next.
WiFi routers don't need drivers per say.
But Eero does look very Apple like. New routers have a strong design influence of Apple Magic Mouse 2 (especially half sized Eero Beacon) and iOS app looks very capable and native (no web-based app nor macOS app, however).
Honestly, don't even think about it. Just get what has best signal. Routers and meant to be set and forget. If you're worried about what a router UI looks like, you're looking at the wrong features and honestly you're in for a doozy if router UI is important to you.
Thx but I don't care what the device looks like. It probably wouldn't be in plain view anyway. I care how integrated it is into the OS and the use/configuration experience.
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Signal isn't really that critical in a mesh network with the current gen like eero. They're all pretty good and a mesh is protective. But I don't underestimate the UI. It's not just about being sure the lasted firmware installed correctly. I want to know that network and security settings are straightforward and easily understood.
Meanwhile on the front page for me today I see the following articles which are simple rewordings of Apple announcements...
1. Article announcing a Sierra beta with no known features or fixes
2. Article announcing a iOS 10 beta with no known features or fixes beside new wallpapers
3. Article quoting an Apple press statement about renewable energy financing
4. Article announcing new iPads available in store
5. Article presenting Apple statements on autonomous cars
6. Article collating Apple announcements on Safari new features in High Sierra
And in the sidebar...
7. Article on Pages, Numbers etc relaying Apple's notes on new features
8. Article announcing a new tvOS beta with no known features or fixes
9. Article announcing a new watchOS beta with no known features or fixes
That's 9 out of 20 article are just reformatted versions of Apple announcements, statements or presentations. Why does nobody ask how much Apple are paying?
I have Google Wifi. Signal strength is really, really weak. Units need to be within 30ft of each other and practically line-of-sight.
Don't believe the hype when thinking that signal strength doesn't matter for mesh systems. Obviously it depends upon your setup, but in my experience it took 6 google wifi pods to replicate an AirPort Extreme extended with a single airport express aired by Ethernet.