[SOLVED] Mesh Networking System Recommendation

[shobuddy]

I'm looking for mesh wifi system recommendations. I currently have Verizon Fios 200Mbps service with ONT (no router needed). I was using the G1100 Fios Quantum Gateway Router and it worked well but being as I'm in a two story home and the router is in the basement, some areas on the top floor had spotty coverage. I purchased an Orbi RBK50 AC3000 two weeks ago and am not pleased with the performance. Without getting into that, here is what I'm looking for in a mesh system:

1. Two devices (2-pack), router and satellite.
2. Uses same SSID for 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz.
3. Has wired backhaul for satellite.
4. Has minimum 3 ethernet ports on router and at least one on satellite (prefer more).
5. Can show data usage by device w/out requiring a subscription.

Any input would be greatly helpful.

 

[SamirD]

Budget?

 

[shobuddy]

$300 tops.

 

[bill001g]

Go back to using the FIOS box and use MOCA and AP rather than a mesh system. The FIOS router has a built in moca adapter. You would then put a moca in the remote room and hook up a cheap router running as a AP or a actual AP to get the wifi coverage. This will be massively better than any mesh system you can buy. You could use the orbi units as AP if you want.

Mesh will not solve the problem of the signal not being able to get out of the basement. Mesh is really just a fancy marketing term for repeater.

 

[shobuddy]

Go back to using the FIOS box and use MOCA and AP rather than a mesh system. The FIOS router has a built in moca adapter. You would then put a moca in the remote room and hook up a cheap router running as a AP or a actual AP to get the wifi coverage. This will be massively better than any mesh system you can buy. You could use the orbi units as AP if you want.

Mesh will not solve the problem of the signal not being able to get out of the basement. Mesh is really just a fancy marketing term for repeater.

I have ethernet ports on all floors, thats why I was looking for a system with wired backhaul. An AP would be fine but is there an AP that would let me monitor data usage by device and has ethernt port(s)? I can disable the wifi on the G1100 and just use the AP. The house is open concept so if the AP is on the main floor, the whole house gets good coverage. I'm planning on returning or selling the Orbi.

 

[bill001g]

Not sure most AP are pretty simple device. You could check ubiquiiti since these AP are designe for bussiness but do not cost much more than consumer grade stuff. I would add a switch to get more ethernet ports. You could use a router as a AP but when you run them as a AP the traffic bypasses the cpu so the device can not give you any utilization/usage information.