Mesh router time?

[bag99001]

Hello everyone

I have an AirPort Extreme that had up until a few months ago been rock solid. I added two web cams for kids rooms that required me to split the network to 2.4 and 5ghz to support them and I think that’s caused connectivity issues. I’m wondering if it’s time to get something like an eero and if that would make a difference at this point? I live in a 1200 sq foot house and I’ve tried the router in various locations but I continue to have connectivity problems with my XSmax especially but also occasionally my Apple TV which is downstairs from the router. It seems to connect to the 2.4 ghz network reliably but not the 5ghz. I’ve tried turning off auto join to the 2.4 but at least half the time it still has problems with the 5ghz network. My understanding is that 5ghz has issues going through walls/range as the balance for potentially higher speed, hence my question on whether a mesh router with a couple beacons around the house may serve me better. Any suggestions on steps to try and or models to buy? Thank you!

 

[satcomer]

Depends! Does your place have Garage too? If you have kids then IMHO is the Synology RT2600ac and later on get it’s satellite router Synology MR2200ac. It can have two satellites!

 

[bag99001]

No garage. Kids are babies so not using devices (yet!)

 

[Fishrrman]

I've done very well with the Linksys Velop (3-band version).
Apparently Apple liked it as well, because they started selling it their stores, but I bought mine before they did that.

I use the 2-node version, no problems in a 2-story house with about 725sq. ft. on each floor.
For a larger home, you might want the 3-node version.

Be aware that some mesh systems use "an extra channel" for the backhaul (as I mentioned above).
The Netgear Orbi does this as well.

There are cheaper mesh systems, but they rely on one of the existing 2 channels to "do the backhaul". This would tend to slow down traffic on that channel.

It's worth paying a little more for "the third channel", in my opinion...

 

[Banglazed]

To troubleshoot network issues, you will need to try to scan the surrounding area to see how saturated channels in your surrounding area. Your neighborhood WiFi could be causing interferences. Try to change non-overlapping channel.

I normally would not separate SSID because the connecting device will automatically connect to supported band without having to separate them and the router can switch band depending on the client’ needs.

I started to use mesh network recently since I didn’t want to run cable to the other end of the house. I’ve tried Orbi and Velop but they didn’t meet my expectation. At first, they would great but receive no data or slow speed despite excellent coverage after a few hours. I will need to reboot the device. Currently, Arris AX11000 tri-band mesh system is working great for me. However, the downside of most mesh is there is a single app to configure it with limited configuration option for advanced user and no access to console logs.

 

[wardie]

I use two “normal” ASUS routers (one more high end, one lower end) that both work in mesh mode together. Gives me some features I wanted on the main high end one, plus expansion. They talk to each other via wired LAN but they do work wirelessly together if you want.

 

[sboychuck]

I am using a Netgear Nighthawk AX12 (RAX 120) (AX6000) router, along with a Netgear WIFI Mesh Range Extender EX8000. The extender is a trio-band so it does not slow down the 2.4 and 5 networks when communicating with the router. I have had very good luck with them. We have a two story house and an 8000 square foot lot. I have excellent 2.4 and 5 coverage beyond the lot lines. We stream to two 4K tv's as we do not have cable, along with several devices (phones, tablets, computers, AppleTV) and all is good. The Netgear Genie software on my iMac also allows you to scan the area to see what channels are busy and the best channel for you to use. Thanks...

 

[bag99001]

So I found an old airport express in my electronics cabinet and saw online I could extend my network with it....set it up and it appears my problems are solved! 110mbps down which is what I was getting when connected to the AirPort Extreme so I’m happy for now. Maybe when I move into a bigger place or internet speed jumps up more I will try a different router but for now I’m happy to not have to buy another device.