Mesh vs Router

Hi All,

So i want to improve the Wifi Coverage and speed around my home. I currently use an AC68u which i find is a fine router. the coverage is a little poor with a fair few dead spots. I added a second ac 68 u and that fixed the dead spots but i feel like spending some money!

The question is, should I buy a mesh system or a single new AX router? I have been looking at the Asus AX11000 and the TP Link AX11000. The RAX 200 i think is outside of my price bracket.

I recently tried the Tenda Mesh MW6 but i was dissapointed.

We have around 30 devices on the network and have 350 meg internet. I move large files from my PC to my server, server is wired but PC is wifi.

Any thoughts?

Disappointed how?

Disappointed with the speed. I want to get as close to or over the 1Gbps mark at my pc. If I move my Ac68U close I can get 1.3 so I’m thinking maybe just get another and extend the mesh, the alternative is move to Wi-Fi 6. Decisions!

Maybe a little early to move to Wi-Fi 6? Thoughts or suggestions?

Its genuinely still worth learning to run network cables and fit RJ45 plugs :) - invest in cable, a good crimper and some plugs.. practice for a few on a short piece not connected anywhere.. then crack on.

I was arsing around with wifi for ages and finally bit the bullet, ran some Cat5 (nothing posh, easy to bend) to a few essential places, and it's been superb. Utterly superb. Then in theory you could fit a wifi point to the end of a Cat5 run if needed too.

Simple and short answer for me (I had a Asus RT-68u and the speed / coverage was poor and seem to get worse with each firmware release) I got a triple pack of BT Whole Home Wi-Fi mesh setup ( I have a VM Cable connection btw) and i haven't looked back; wish i had done it sooner.

BT Have launched their new AX version of this out but am waiting till there are more reviews before deciding to take the plunge (i'll cycle this triple pack to my mums)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by chavo

Disappointed with the speed. I want to get as close to or over the 1Gbps mark at my pc. If I move my Ac68U close I can get 1.3 so I’m thinking maybe just get another and extend the mesh, the alternative is move to Wi-Fi 6. Decisions!

Maybe a little early to move to Wi-Fi 6? Thoughts or suggestions?

---

I think you may have a problem with mesh in general because by definition you're going to take a hit on overall performance with a mesh setup. I've only ever come across these as solutions for providing great wifi coverage for normal use. If you're trying to squeeze out every last bit of speed I'm not sure a mesh solution will work for you.

I've just seen Zak has mentioned wiring things up, and the reality is that's the only way to go if you want to max. out your speed and performance. But perhaps wiring just isn't a possibility?

And... Apex has thrown in the BT solution that he says is great. I've never used it. How many devices are you running on that network Apex?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Galant

I think you may have a problem with mesh in general because by definition you're going to take a hit on overall performance with a mesh setup. I've only ever come across these as solutions for providing great wifi coverage for normal use. If you're trying to squeeze out every last bit of speed I'm not sure a mesh solution will work for you.

I've just seen Zak has mentioned wiring things up, and the reality is that's the only way to go if you want to max. out your speed and performance. But perhaps wiring just isn't a possibility?

And... Apex has thrown in the BT solution that he says is great. I've never used it. How many devices are you running on that network Apex?

---

I'm using the same - only bothered with 2 discs (wired backhaul to router) and I have:

4 smart tvs
4 alexa speakers
5 iPhones
A handful of tablets
5 or 6 laptops
Xbox 360
Xbox One X
PS4
Philips smarthub etc etc

First solution that's 'just worked' and this is in a 3 floor house with a pre fab in the back garden. One disk is on the ground floor, one disk in the prefab building.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Zak33

Its genuinely still worth learning to run network cables and fit RJ45 plugs :) - invest in cable, a good crimper and some plugs.. practice for a few on a short piece not connected anywhere.. then crack on.

---

Couldn't agree more.

As with everything, its horses for courses. If speed is crucial factor, run a wire.

WIFI is an awesome technology but its not always fit for purpose.

How about powerline adaptors as a 'half-way house' between running ethernet cable & wi-fi. It's very dependent on your properties' mains wiring, but it can work well if you don't need large numbers of connections...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Galant

I think you may have a problem with mesh in general because by definition you're going to take a hit on overall performance with a mesh setup. I've only ever come across these as solutions for providing great wifi coverage for normal use. If you're trying to squeeze out every last bit of speed I'm not sure a mesh solution will work for you.

I've just seen Zak has mentioned wiring things up, and the reality is that's the only way to go if you want to max. out your speed and performance. But perhaps wiring just isn't a possibility?

And... Apex has thrown in the BT solution that he says is great. I've never used it. How many devices are you running on that network Apex?

---

Tripple Pack for me with Ethernet back haul over the home plugs

4 Laptops
2 Tablets
2 WiFi IP-Cams
4 Smart-Phones
XBox One
PS4

And like b0redome, first solution i have had that just works.

https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/bt-...i-trio-3393273