[SOLVED] Thoughts on trying a mesh system instead of buying another router?

[axlrose]

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Smart-Whole-Home-System/dp/B07N1NZ99R?th=1

Was thinking of trying one of these after inline wall units failed. I have no experience with mesh systems. Was disappointed that the inline system failed and I don't really want more paper weights.

Thanks.

 

[kanewolf]

Mesh units work best with a wired interconnect between the units. If you were using powerline before, it doesn't sound like you have an ethernet cable infrastructure available. It is unknown if you would be happy with the performance of a wireless backhaul based mesh network.
Best long term investment is to pay a professional to install ethernet cabling. Then stationary devices like PCs, game consoles and TVs can have wired connectivity. Save WIFI for roaming devices.

 

[axlrose]

House wasn't wired for anything. I am wiring the office for my pc and a line for an upstairs tv. I'm mostly looking for coverage for phones and echo dots that most often stream music to the bedrooms. If I run ethernet to the middle of the house on all three floors, then would a mesh system make more sense?

 

[kanewolf]

If you can get wired ethernet to each floor. Then I would recommend quality access points rather than mesh. A set of Ubiquiti AC-LITE access points.

 

[jsmithepa]

Sounds like a Mesh can "potentially" up your speed by 50%. Try it, Amazon returns after all cannot be any easier, no risk of buying paper weights.

 

[axlrose]

I should look into that for my other amazon paperweights then too.

 

[axlrose]

Now to look into access point vs mesh...

 

[kanewolf]

Now to look into access point vs mesh...

The reason I recommend quality access points vs mesh is that the touted benefits of mesh aren't guaranteed. "Seamless roaming" between WIFI sources is hit or miss. The mesh systems try, but may not succeed any better than access points.

 

[jsmithepa]

I should look into that for my other amazon paperweights then too.

30 days that's all you got. and $6 re-stocking fee for each item, no big deal. Original packaging required.

 

[axlrose]

Gotcha. Thanks.