[SOLVED] TD-W8970 with Mesh-Networking

[morker]

Hi guys,

Have a quick question regarding mesh-networking and my TP-Link Modem/router. So basically I have the TP-W8970 Modem/Router option that from my understanding is only able to transmit on a 2,4 GHz frequency and am currently residing in an apartment building with concrete walls, pillars and a series of other obstacles that reduce and impede the signal. Since I will be changing my Internet provider from ADSL (7Mbps lol) to a Fiber optic option (300Mbps)and am trying to future proof everything and get the whole household decently covered (right now about only 1/3 is covered; it's a mess). The Apt is about 200 square meters. After reading a few reviews and options I have my eye on a Mesh-Network option like the Eero Pro kit. My question for you guys is:

1) Would you guys think that this combination would be a good fit or should I also change the TP-link?
2)Since the TP-Link can only transmit on 2,4Ghz will the Eero also be similarly restricted or since it will be directly connected by Ethernet will it then be able to transmit 5Ghz on its own?
3) Do you guys have any better ideas? Ideally, I would like to not have to change the TP-Link since I already have it but I am open to other Mesh ideas or other options.

Thank you all in advance!

 

[jojesa]

Hi guys,

Have a quick question regarding mesh-networking and my TP-Link Modem/router. So basically I have the TP-W8970 Modem/Router ...

1) Would you guys think that this combination would be a good fit or should I also change the TP-link?

Yes, it could be a good combination.

2)Since the TP-Link can only transmit on 2,4Ghz will the Eero also be similarly restricted or since it will be
directly connected by Ethernet will it then be able to transmit 5Ghz on its own?

The TP-Link can only transmit on 2,4Ghz via WiFi but you will be plugging an eero or eero Pro directly into one of your modem/router Gigabit (1000Mbps ) Ethernet port.
So with the Eero you will have a 5GHz and 2,4GHz bands. You could even disable the TP-Link 2,4GHz band so it won't interfere with the Eero's.

3) Do you guys have any better ideas? Ideally, I would like to not have to change the TP-Link since I already have it but I am open to other Mesh ideas or other options.

I wouldn't replace the TP-Link W8970 with the speed you have and the one you're getting.

 

[LWFG001]

Let me toss in the Netgear router list for you to assess: https://www.lifewire.com/best-netgear-routers-4159862 with perhaps the Nighthawk X6 as a primary router which other devices that are 2.4Ghz/5Ghz dual wireless access points can attach to.

 

[bill001g]

Just don't get too excited there really is no magically solution the coverage problem. The new so called mesh units are still just wifi repeaters and suffer from the same issues.

Key is careful placement. The device must be able to get good signal to repeat. So for example if you get poor signal upstairs placing the repeater upstairs does not help much. It just gets the poor signal and then makes it even worse by retransmitting it. Many times you can not fix this when the issue is a wall or ceiling between the main signal source and your end devices. Either you put it on the side with good signal and then the repeater trys to push it through losing a lot or you put it on far side and it repeats a bad signal.

In addition the more wifi hops you have the chance you have for your signals to be interfered with. It is extremely hard now days to even find a small piece of bandwidth that does not have massive amounts of neighbors using. The more you attempt to use the more you compete....of course your neighbors are using these devices too so everyone just stomps on each other...especially in high density apartments.

 

[LWFG001]

Good points bill001g. That's why for that environment I'll actually pull a network cable from the primary router to the other floor and hook up a second router configured as a wireless access point.

Then I'll manually set the channels as needed on the routers. Solves both the wifi connection range problem and the saturated channel wifi performance problem.

 

[morker]

Thanks guys! I hear what bill001g is saying, but we are coming from a situation with only 1 poorly placed router for entire apt (all distributed on 1 single floor) where the starting speeds are already cut down to 4-5Mbps directly next to the router. Therefore I think any kind of gain will most likely be a significant quality of life improvement. Honestly, this is my in-laws' place and I'm trying to get everything up to speed without spending too much (were it my apt I would splurge for new equipment without hesitating) and by using the TP-link router that their computer guy had them buy. Do you guys think that the Eero (+/- Pro) is overkill or is there a better solution where I can get more bang for my buck? I'm pretty sure that the most important areas of the house can probably be covered with max 2 devices (3 might be overkill, since not every room of the house must be diligently covered). Maybe by buying another Modem/Router to set as the main wifi propagator and then the TP-Link as a repeater (but then again it would be only over a 2,4GHz channel?????)?.

 

[jojesa]

Thanks guys! I hear what bill001g is saying, but we are coming from a situation with only 1 poorly placed router for entire apt (all distributed on 1 single floor) where the starting speeds are already cut down to 4-5Mbps directly next to the router.

I have to disagree with bill001g statement : "The new so called mesh units are still just wifi repeaters and suffer from the same issues.".
No all "mesh" routers are created equal and the Eero is a true mesh platform.
I have covered a 3 story brick house with the Eero, with several Wi-Fi devices on each floor (including security cameras, smart heating and cooling devices, etc.)...eliminating all dead zones.
There are devices (Netgear Orbi old models) that are not true mesh, since satellites connect only to the main unit...and even those units are very good covering a vast area and perform a lot better than just repeaters. I have installed the Netgear Orbi RBK50 and it is a tremendous improvement over installing a repeater to an outdated router.
I found that the speed of the Orbi was faster than the Eero.
I have also setup several Orbi models depending of the area to be covered.

Do you guys think that the Eero (+/- Pro) is overkill...

Yes, a good dual band modern router should be able to cover a 200 sq meter space.
I have a TP-Link Archer AC2300 covering twice that area.
For that area I would go with the TP-Link Deco M5 or even an Orbi RBK20W (if wall aren't thick)

Maybe by buying another Modem/Router to set as the main wifi propagator and then the TP-Link as a repeater (but then again it would be only over a 2,4GHz channel?????)?.

I would advice against that. A repeater will help cover your area with Wi-Fi signal but your old router speed will be cut in half.

Either go with a modern dual band router or a mesh unit.