Best Wifi mesh?

theyolksonyou

trying to do some research.  Lots of experts here. What's the best wifi mesh system for simple streaming, searching?  Have echo, dots, smart tvs, iPads, smart phones, etc. 

looked at Google and TP link this far. 

And go. 

JohnInCarolina

Paging @DMW and @cazzy

DMW

It's a space I haven't been watching closely. I have two discreet routers running DD-WRT with different SSIDs. I connect to an SSID based on where I am and if I want my traffic to go through my internet monitoring system.

The mesh systems that rely on wireless to get to another node and then get out will give you better coverage, but for the best possible performance, hardwire each access point rather than relying on WiFi to WiFi links if possible. Wireless is a bit of a black magic art, which is why I like data center networking where everything is connected physically via copper or fiber. If you are building a data center and need a modern network fabric that isn't shackled to legacy vendors' roadmaps, PM me.

jeffwit

DMW said:

It's a space I haven't been watching closely. I have two discreet routers running DD-WRT with different SSIDs. I connect to an SSID based on where I am and if I want my traffic to go through my internet monitoring system.

The mesh systems that rely on wireless to get to another node and then get out will give you better coverage, but for the best possible performance, hardwire each access point rather than relying on WiFi to WiFi links if possible. Wireless is a bit of a black magic art, which is why I like data center networking where everything is connected physically via copper or fiber. If you are building a data center and need a modern network fabric that isn't shackled to legacy vendors' roadmaps, PM me.

Is that English?

DMW

jeffwit said:

DMW said:

It's a space I haven't been watching closely. I have two discreet routers running DD-WRT with different SSIDs. I connect to an SSID based on where I am and if I want my traffic to go through my internet monitoring system.

The mesh systems that rely on wireless to get to another node and then get out will give you better coverage, but for the best possible performance, hardwire each access point rather than relying on WiFi to WiFi links if possible. Wireless is a bit of a black magic art, which is why I like data center networking where everything is connected physically via copper or fiber. If you are building a data center and need a modern network fabric that isn't shackled to legacy vendors' roadmaps, PM me.

Is that English?

It wasn't Russian...

dmourati

First some details on the area you are trying to cover would be helpful. I considered mesh but my research convinced me to use non-mesh in the end. 

theyolksonyou

DMW said:

It's a space I haven't been watching closely. I have two discreet routers running DD-WRT with different SSIDs. I connect to an SSID based on where I am and if I want my traffic to go through my internet monitoring system.

The mesh systems that rely on wireless to get to another node and then get out will give you better coverage, but for the best possible performance, hardwire each access point rather than relying on WiFi to WiFi links if possible. Wireless is a bit of a black magic art, which is why I like data center networking where everything is connected physically via copper or fiber. If you are building a data center and need a modern network fabric that isn't shackled to legacy vendors' roadmaps, PM me.

Thanks, but no.  I'm in manufacturing. Assume I'm a dumbass and start from there. 

4Runner

Hard wire as many devices as you can Ubiquiti gear is solid and relatively inexpensive commercial grade gear and pretty simple.   Good luck.  

JohnInCarolina

theyolksonyou said:

DMW said:

It's a space I haven't been watching closely. I have two discreet routers running DD-WRT with different SSIDs. I connect to an SSID based on where I am and if I want my traffic to go through my internet monitoring system.

The mesh systems that rely on wireless to get to another node and then get out will give you better coverage, but for the best possible performance, hardwire each access point rather than relying on WiFi to WiFi links if possible. Wireless is a bit of a black magic art, which is why I like data center networking where everything is connected physically via copper or fiber. If you are building a data center and need a modern network fabric that isn't shackled to legacy vendors' roadmaps, PM me.

Thanks, but no.  I'm in manufacturing. Assume I'm a dumbass and start from there. 

I always assume this, FWIW. 

Hotch

DMW said:

It's a space I haven't been watching closely. I have two discreet routers running DD-WRT with different SSIDs. I connect to an SSID based on where I am and if I want my traffic to go through my internet monitoring system.

The mesh systems that rely on wireless to get to another node and then get out will give you better coverage, but for the best possible performance, hardwire each access point rather than relying on WiFi to WiFi links if possible. Wireless is a bit of a black magic art, which is why I like data center networking where everything is connected physically via copper or fiber. If you are building a data center and need a modern network fabric that isn't shackled to legacy vendors' roadmaps, PM me.

I agree with everything he said.

nolaegghead

I'd rather have technical questions framed from the real-world failure of daily life, like "I can't stream porn from my garage".  Then we can work from there regarding technological solutions.

nolaegghead

BTW - I ran 3 CAT 5 cables to my shop when I built it.  One for phone, one for Wifi and one extra on the assumption I'd drive a nail through at least one cable when sheetrocking.  Turns out I ran a nail through the single coaxial cable.

dstearn

theyolksonyou said:

trying to do some research.  Lots of experts here. What's the best wifi mesh system for simple streaming, searching?  Have echo, dots, smart tvs, iPads, smart phones, etc. 

looked at Google and TP link this far. 


I use an Apple Airport Extreme for my entire home and it works well. However, I was researching the Google Home mesh and from what I read it was very easy to set up. If I were going the mesh route I would go with the Google set up. I also have dedicated Fiber 1GB wired and my wifi speeds range from 200MB to 500MB.

blind99

I went with google wifi.  I have 3 pucks, hardwired together - they use "wired backhaul" so all 3 points are speeding along as fast as xfinity lets me go.  (about 160-170 Mbps). I have a few simple switches as well, to hardwire stuff into the network. ("smart" TV, sonos, stereo)

wifi calling doesn't work with my AT&T phones, and there are some other drawbacks like you can't use the 192.168 subnet, if that matters.

Mine has been running > 6 months now without a hiccup.  beats every other crappy router I've used.

(BTW - if you get one of these systems - my advice is to figure out how to disable the router you already have.  if you don't, you have to pick between two headache inducing options - bridge mode or double NAT)

feel free to PM me if you want more details on the google

ColtsFan

I typically deploy Cisco Meraki for SMB's. To echo what @4Runner said, Ubiquiti is a decent system. I wouldn't say enterprise level, but definitely better than most consumer level devices. Just remember, wireless isn't a solution, it's a convenience. Have Cat6 ran and put in a switch.

jbreed

I just did a bunch of research on this.  not an expert but I put in Cisco Meraki for my doctors office (50 people + patients) and used Orbi by netgear for my home.  All running without fail.  Orbi is super simple to set up at home and just works.

johnnyp

This isn’t exactly what you’re asking, but in the wheelhouse.  

I use moca to eliminate as much wireless traffic as possible, then use those access points to expand my range via bridges where needed. 

OhioEgger

I've seen very good reviews of the Eero mesh, but it's pricey.

HeavyG

nolaegghead said:

BTW - I ran 3 CAT 5 cables to my shop when I built it.  One for phone, one for Wifi and one extra on the assumption I'd drive a nail through at least one cable when sheetrocking.  Turns out I ran a nail through the single coaxial cable.

I'm guessing you didn't use any of these:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Halex-1-1-2-in-x-5-in-Nail-Plate-Bulk-100-Pack-62851B/202241088?keyword=stud+nail+plates

northGAcock

Well I can tell you GoGo inflight sucks hind @ss. Four hours on a flight after a week off. Did I get caught up on email? Hell no. Did I mention GoGo inflight sucks? If I disn’t....well it does. 

Yall have a good week.

kl8ton

@northGAcock

1:50 in  :-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHaVqQfMkxY

northGAcock

kl8ton said:

@northGAcock

1:50 in  :-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHaVqQfMkxY

I am humbled by this video. It still sucked though. 

nolaegghead

HeavyG said:

nolaegghead said:

BTW - I ran 3 CAT 5 cables to my shop when I built it.  One for phone, one for Wifi and one extra on the assumption I'd drive a nail through at least one cable when sheetrocking.  Turns out I ran a nail through the single coaxial cable.

I'm guessing you didn't use any of these:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Halex-1-1-2-in-x-5-in-Nail-Plate-Bulk-100-Pack-62851B/202241088?keyword=stud+nail+plates

I did actually.  Screw slipped into a corner of the wall and ceiling.

paqman

I’ve been using a Netgear Orbi system (1 main router + 2 satellites) for a few months now and it has been rock solid.  I get 400+ Mbps throughout the house without any dead spot.  One of the satellite is installed on the 2nd floor wall facing the backyard so I also have signal throughout the backyard (110 feet).  The main router is installed in a less than optimal spot (on the floor underneath the electrical panel in the basement) so I am confident that it can work for anyone.  One thing that made me chose the Orbi over other systems is that it does not depend on the cloud.  I also wanted a system with satellites that could be plugged in instead of having to be installed on a table or shelf.

I use it in access point mode and disabled wifi on my ISP’s gateway.  It works well with all my devices including VPN on my work computer.

YukonRon

nolaegghead said:

BTW - I ran 3 CAT 5 cables to my shop when I built it.  One for phone, one for Wifi and one extra on the assumption I'd drive a nail through at least one cable when sheetrocking.  Turns out I ran a nail through the single coaxial cable.

My brother. You so not walk alone.

dmourati

What I like about this discussion is that so much relevant and useful information came out so quickly. I've marked the posts I particularly agree with.

Toxarch

nolaegghead said:

BTW - I ran 3 CAT 5 cables to my shop when I built it.  One for phone, one for Wifi and one extra on the assumption I'd drive a nail through at least one cable when sheetrocking.  Turns out I ran a nail through the single coaxial cable.

Just so you know, a single Cat5 cable can handle both a LAN and phone. And it was smart running more than 1 line while framing. I do that as well. Running Cat5e or Cat6 is better for future proofing for faster LAN network speeds.

Eggcelsior

Best mesh? ...Faraday cage?

nolaegghead

Toxarch said:

nolaegghead said:

BTW - I ran 3 CAT 5 cables to my shop when I built it.  One for phone, one for Wifi and one extra on the assumption I'd drive a nail through at least one cable when sheetrocking.  Turns out I ran a nail through the single coaxial cable.

Just so you know, a single Cat5 cable can handle both a LAN and phone. And it was smart running more than 1 line while framing. I do that as well. Running Cat5e or Cat6 is better for future proofing for faster LAN network speeds.

Thanks.  I ran 5e.  I wired much of 3 differents labs we've had and our house.  Cable is cheap, pulling another 75 foot underground run is expensive.

DMW

Toxarch said:

nolaegghead said:

BTW - I ran 3 CAT 5 cables to my shop when I built it.  One for phone, one for Wifi and one extra on the assumption I'd drive a nail through at least one cable when sheetrocking.  Turns out I ran a nail through the single coaxial cable.

Just so you know, a single Cat5 cable can handle both a LAN and phone. And it was smart running more than 1 line while framing. I do that as well. Running Cat5e or Cat6 is better for future proofing for faster LAN network speeds.

If you want to future proof, you need to do at least Cat6a. Gigabit Ethernet will run fine on Cat5, 10GBase-T requires Cat6a. Cat6 will get you 55m with 10GBase-T if you're lucky, but it's not a sure thing. Cat5e buys you a bit of buffer room for gig if you have crappy terminations. 

Legume

Nola has the very best cats.