Wifi mesh systems

Shefwedfan · 30-04-2020 9:07am

ANyone seen or heard of these from Huawei: https://www.amazon.co.uk/HUAWEI-Gigabit-Seamless-Roaming-Everywhere/dp/B07ZTPZCBT

Performance looks good and the ability to add satellites also looks good, smaller devices to the TP-Link ones.

I can't find the satellites as a standalone sale is the only issue. Reviews seem good

ablelocks · 30-04-2020 6:15pm

towger wrote: »

Anyone who has got Google Nest WiFi, where did you get it ? Not launched in Ireland yet.

got mine in currys last year (maybe an older model though?)

Ray Donovan · 30-04-2020 7:12pm

So this is how much of a tech dope I am - I'm pretty sure it turns out I have the appropriate CAT 5 cabling running through my walls to set up a mesh system with ethernet backhaul and I have 3 access points downstairs and one upstairs.

So any recommendations out there in the TP Link series for a Deco system that would be suitable for this job for a 2700 sq ft house? Because the ethernet backhaul option is available to me I'm provisionally thinking of going with the Deco M5 (3 pack).

bk · 30-04-2020 7:14pm

whowantstwoknow wrote: »

Thanks for this info. Considering doing something to improve the wifi in the house seeing it has SIRO coming in. I have 2 points with Ethernet cables currently in use and possible another location which has the LAN via a powerline. bk, can you recommend a suitable system for such a setup?

If the system would consume the existing cable and I'd like to keep the hardwire uses, could one use a small 1gb POE switch/hug inbetween?

Definitely, my place has two ethernet ports in each room and I'm using two standard cheap ethernet switches to connect multiple devices to the ports. Mine are powered by a plug. POE is even neater, though the gear for it a bit more expensive.

The absolute gold standard are the Ubiquiti access points. Though they are more enterprise grade kit and a bit more techy to set up. Others on this forum have them and can lively advise.

GinSoaked recommendation of the TP-Link good too from what I've seen of reviews.

If you want a straight consumer versions, some of the Google Wifi units support ethernet backhaul. But double checker, I think some of the newer units don't.

2011 wrote: »

Really? I would have said that Ethernet would ideally be wired in "star" i.e. all home runs back to a common point.

Ha, yes, "star" is correct, but that is what I was actually thinking when I replied to that question!

Of course series and parallel, mean something very different with electrical cable!

I was thinking two parallel ethernet cables from the WAPs back to a central router. Which of course is fundamentally a star topology.

Having said that, some WAP's do support series routing if that is more convenient, but not all, so you would need to double check.

bk · 30-04-2020 7:26pm

Ray Donovan wrote: »

So this is how much of a tech dope I am - I'm pretty sure it turns out I have the appropriate CAT 5 cabling running through my walls to set up a mesh system with ethernet backhaul and I have 3 access points downstairs and one upstairs.

So any recommendations out there in the TP Link series for a Deco system that would be suitable for this job for a 2700 sq ft house? Because the ethernet backhaul option is available to me I'm provisionally thinking of going with the Deco M5 (3 pack).

Yes, looks like the Deoc M5 supports ethernet bakchaul:
https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/1794/

Also interesting graph there of how the M5 can be wired. Looks like it supports both star and series connection.

GinSoaked · 30-04-2020 7:39pm

I've installed both Ubiquiti and TP-Link AP's and links and its hard to put a cigarette paper between them. The interfaces are often very similar with near identical features. I've only recently put in three Ubiquiti long range wireless links but could have just as easily used similar TP-Link products. tbh next time I will use TP-Link gear because its a bit cheaper, thought Ubiquiti was going to be much better which is why I started using it but it really isn't.

One reason I'd never use Ubiquiti access points is that their PoE is all 24Volt so can't be plugged into a standard supply from a normal PoE switch. You need to be a 25 quid adapter to use Ubiquiti equipment on a normal PoE switch. The TP-Link AC1750 and most of their other access points take a standard 48 volt PoE supply.

Gooey Looey · 30-04-2020 7:47pm

GinSoaked wrote: »

I've installed both Ubiquiti and TP-Link AP's and links and its hard to put a cigarette paper between them. The interfaces are often very similar with near identical features. I've only recently put in three Ubiquiti long range wireless links but could have just as easily used similar TP-Link products. tbh next time I will use TP-Link gear because its a bit cheaper, thought Ubiquiti was going to be much better which is why I started using it but it really isn't.

One reason I'd never use Ubiquiti access points is that their PoE is all 24Volt so can't be plugged into a standard supply from a normal PoE switch. You need to be a 25 quid adapter to use Ubiquiti equipment on a normal PoE switch. The TP-Link AC1750 and most of their other access points take a standard 48 volt PoE supply.

Depends on which you buy,the cheaper ones maybe but there are plenty of Unifi are 802.3af and 802.3at poe

https://help.ui.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000263008-UniFi-Supported-PoE-Protocols

GinSoaked · 30-04-2020 8:54pm

Gooey Looey wrote: »

Depends on which you buy,the cheaper ones maybe but there are plenty of Unifi are 802.3af and 802.3at poe

https://help.ui.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000263008-UniFi-Supported-PoE-Protocols

I'm not quite with you, are you saying if you buy Ubiquiti AP's and want to power them from a switch then you have to buy a Ubiquiti PoE switch as referenced in your link? Thats my understanding anyway either that or buy the Ubiquiti adapters. Maybe I've got that wrong but when the Ubiquiti device says its 24V passive and your switch is 48V I won't be plugging it in.

Gooey Looey · 30-04-2020 9:22pm

GinSoaked wrote: »

I'm not quite with you, are you saying if you buy Ubiquiti AP's and want to power them from a switch then you have to buy a Ubiquiti PoE switch as referenced in your link? Thats my understanding anyway either that or buy the Ubiquiti adapters. Maybe I've got that wrong but when the Ubiquiti device says its 24V passive and your switch is 48V I won't be plugging it in.

Most Unifi are now 48v and 802.3af or 802.3at Poe compliant to work with any third party Poe switch.

Legacy devices were mostly 24v

towger · 01-05-2020 1:00am

ablelocks wrote: »

got mine in currys last year (maybe an older model though?)

Thanks yes, that would be the older model.

whowantstwoknow · 01-05-2020 3:02pm

Being doing some reading up on these mesh system. Is the normal practice to dis-engage the wifi+DHCP server on the router?

I have this setup on the router to allow kids wifi access to a virtual wifi-spot at the flick of an app on parents phones and inturn allows me to control the DNS servers used to provide some form of content-filtering etc.

If the above is done I need to see how this can be replicated on the mesh system. Alternatively are extenders an alternative using the existing SSIDs/credentials if I want to keep the router setup. Assuming this would make roaming not as efficient, nor the same sort of throughput of the mesh system?

Thanks
W.

kala85 · 01-05-2020 6:37pm

They way it is set up at moment is I have an eir router and from that router , I have a ethernet cable going to a desktop PC and then I have another ethernet cable going to an eir vision box. The eir TV vision box doesnt have wifi or wireless so I need to have a ethernet connection going into it in order for it to work.

I want to take the cable from the eir vision box and put it into a router or device in order to give wifi to that room and also take an ethernet cable from that new router and device and put it into the eir vision box .

What device or router could do this?

Shefwedfan · 01-05-2020 6:42pm

whowantstwoknow wrote: »

Being doing some reading up on these mesh system. Is the normal practice to dis-engage the wifi+DHCP server on the router?

I have this setup on the router to allow kids wifi access to a virtual wifi-spot at the flick of an app on parents phones and inturn allows me to control the DNS servers used to provide some form of content-filtering etc.

If the above is done I need to see how this can be replicated on the mesh system. Alternatively are extenders an alternative using the existing SSIDs/credentials if I want to keep the router setup. Assuming this would make roaming not as efficient, nor the same sort of throughput of the mesh system?

Thanks
W.

You turn off the wifi on the router

You might look at the Linksys which has Linksys Shield which allows you to putting settings at the device level.

Most come with option to set up a guest network, so you could use that for kids either

Shefwedfan · 01-05-2020 6:46pm

kala85 wrote: »

They way it is set up at moment is I have an eir router and from that router , I have a ethernet cable going to a desktop PC and then I have another ethernet cable going to an eir vision box. The eir TV vision box doesnt have wifi or wireless so I need to have a ethernet connection going into it in order for it to work.

I want to take the cable from the eir vision box and put it into a router or device in order to give wifi to that room and also take an ethernet cable from that new router and device and put it into the eir vision box .

What device or router could do this?

My setup, I have changed

I had the internet router with 4 ethernet ports. Turned off wifi on it. Ethernet cable connected direct into smart tv and android box. The 3rd port was then connected into the mesh wifi box. Everything else then connects via wifi into the mesh

degsie · 01-05-2020 7:16pm

kala85 wrote: »

They way it is set up at moment is I have an eir router and from that router , I have a ethernet cable going to a desktop PC and then I have another ethernet cable going to an eir vision box. The eir TV vision box doesnt have wifi or wireless so I need to have a ethernet connection going into it in order for it to work.

I want to take the cable from the eir vision box and put it into a router or device in order to give wifi to that room and also take an ethernet cable from that new router and device and put it into the eir vision box .

What device or router could do this?

That doesn't make sense to me as you are going to lose connectivity to your eir vision box. Do you mean to take another cable from your eir router and connect it to a wifi access point?

kala85 · 01-05-2020 8:24pm

degsie wrote: »

That doesn't make sense to me as you are going to lose connectivity to your eir vision box. Do you mean to take another cable from your eir router and connect it to a wifi access point?

No I want to see i if I can take the cable that is going into the eir vision box at the moment and "Split" it by taking out the cable from the eir vision box and put it into a router or some sort of device and then from that device ( say repeater or access point - Im not certain on the techinical name) to give wifi around the room and ALSO to get two ethernet outputs - one that can then go to the eir vision box and another to another TV device.

Is there anything that I can buy that will do that?

degsie · 01-05-2020 8:41pm

kala85 wrote: »

No I want to see i if I can take the cable that is going into the eir vision box at the moment and "Split" it by taking out the cable from the eir vision box and put it into a router or some sort of device and then from that device ( say repeater or access point - Im not certain on the techinical name) to give wifi around the room and ALSO to get two ethernet outputs - one that can then go to the eir vision box and another to another TV device.

Is there anything that I can buy that will do that?

something like this.....

https://www.huntoffice.ie/netgear-wac104-radio-access-point-4-ports-wi-fi-dual-band-wac104-100uks-3998573.html

bk · 01-05-2020 10:27pm

whowantstwoknow wrote: »

I have this setup on the router to allow kids wifi access to a virtual wifi-spot at the flick of an app on parents phones and inturn allows me to control the DNS servers used to provide some form of content-filtering etc.

If the above is done I need to see how this can be replicated on the mesh system. Alternatively are extenders an alternative using the existing SSIDs/credentials if I want to keep the router setup. Assuming this would make roaming not as efficient, nor the same sort of throughput of the mesh system?

Many of the modern wifi systems have features like family control, content filtering, monitoring, controlling the access of certain devices to the internet and scheduling of that. Obviously you should check for those features for whichever mesh system you are interested in.

bk · 01-05-2020 10:52pm

kala85 wrote: »

Is there anything that I can buy that will do that?

A simple €20 Ethernet Switch? Might end up looking like this:

Eir Router -> | Mesh Device 1 -> | Desktop PC |
Eir Router -> | Mesh Device 1 -> | Ethernet Switch -> | Mesh Device 2
Eir Router -> | Mesh Device 1 -> | Ethernet Switch -> | Eir Vision Box

Note, above there is really only one ethernet cable going from the Eir Router to the Mesh Device 1 and likewise from the Mesh Device 1 to the Ethernet Switch.

Only thing I'm not sure about, is if the Eir Vision box has to be connected to the Eir Router directly for any reason. Might be best to check on the Broadband forum.

Daveq · 01-05-2020 11:29pm

Anyone any experience of Asus AiMesh? I already have an Asus rt-ac68u. If I was to pick up another one of these sounds like I could get setup with a mesh system for less than investing in a Google/nest mesh or similar?

Shefwedfan · 05-05-2020 6:47pm

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01N5M9NNB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am returning my set of these, I paid 210 UKP but so just looking for that if anyone interested......if not will return for refund

kala85 · 05-05-2020 7:49pm

Shefwedfan wrote: »

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01N5M9NNB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am returning my set of these, I paid 210 UKP but so just looking for that if anyone interested......if not will return for refund

How did you find these lyksys velops. Do you think they are worth buying. They look to be very expensive.

Shefwedfan · 05-05-2020 7:58pm

kala85 wrote: »

How did you find these lyksys velops. Do you think they are worth buying. They look to be very expensive.

Very good, great performance and the aware looks to be something which long term could be really good

The shield if you have young kids could be good as well

Best so far of everything I have tried, mate has them as well and loves them

My problem, my house...block walls and bungalow means I need to spread it out. My problem is a sub room which is out into the garden and tv is at far end, so I need a point in it, so I would need 4 nodes and maybe another at other end of house

I’m going with the TP-Link because I can buy the cheaper unit for those specific areas....

If I had a two storey these would be perfect.,..not saying because I’m selling either

I bought the dual band cheaper ones and they performed very well too

The app is good and very plug and play

GinSoaked · 05-05-2020 8:27pm

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Very good, great performance and the aware looks to be something which long term could be really good

The shield if you have young kids could be good as well

Best so far of everything I have tried, mate has them as well and loves them

My problem, my house...block walls and bungalow means I need to spread it out. My problem is a sub room which is out into the garden and tv is at far end, so I need a point in it, so I would need 4 nodes and maybe another at other end of house

I’m going with the TP-Link because I can buy the cheaper unit for those specific areas....

If I had a two storey these would be perfect.,..not saying because I’m selling either

I bought the dual band cheaper ones and they performed very well too

The app is good and very plug and play

Why are you persevering with a WiFi Mesh when it doesn't seem to suit your needs?

A bungalow is normally easy because of roof access. AP's are great installed in the middle of a room on the ceiling. I've even installed them by leaving them in the roof not quite as effective but did save on drilling a few holes and the look of the AP's on the wall/ceiling.

Shefwedfan · 05-05-2020 8:30pm

GinSoaked wrote: »

Why are you persevering with a WiFi Mesh when it doesn't seem to suit your needs?

A bungalow is normally easy because of roof access. AP's are great installed in the middle of a room on the ceiling. I've even installed them by leaving them in the roof not quite as effective but did save on drilling a few holes and the look of the AP's on the wall/ceiling.

The house doesn't suit putting in wire in attic....I have a number of high ceiling rooms and I dont really want to run wires around

05-05-2020 8:35pm

Sooo I just purchased Google Nest Wifi. It should be here in a few days. I plan to install one upstairs and one downstairs.

The important devices in my house (iMac, TV streaming devices, Smart TVs, AV amp) all have hardwired Ethernet connections. These will be mainly for IoT devices, smart phones, school iPads and a child's Xbox.

I like the idea of being able to set up schedules for certain devices so that the kid's are not playing Xbox or streaming Netflix at 3am. This is more important to me than loosing a bit of broadband speed.

So did I make the correct choice?

Opinions welcome.

Sesame · 05-05-2020 8:40pm

Yes, I've been using my Google Nest WiFi for a few weeks now and you can do exactly that.
I've moved a few devices into their own group (very easily in the Google home app) and they have restricted content and a cut off time.

Shefwedfan · 05-05-2020 8:40pm

How much was two of them?

05-05-2020 8:46pm

Shefwedfan wrote: »

How much was two of them?

Wifi router + wifi point cost €259 in total.

Shefwedfan · 05-05-2020 8:52pm

2011 wrote: »

Wifi router + wifi point cost €259 in total.

Sorry for a dual band system that is crazy money

Especially when you are only getting 2 units.

Leroy42 · 05-05-2020 9:14pm

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Sorry for a dual band system that is crazy money

Especially when you are only getting 2 units.

What are the other systems priced at? I mean the ones that you'd recommend

05-05-2020 9:55pm

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Sorry for a dual band system that is crazy money

Especially when you are only getting 2 units.

Really? What should I expect to pay for this? I only need 2

Due to a few issues I needed to get a good WiFi system in place quickly. I also have several Google Homes, a Nest Hello and Nest smoke detectors (that have disconnected from my current WiFi and won’t reconnect).

Apart from the cost do you think it is a good setup ?

Shefwedfan · 05-05-2020 10:19pm

2011 wrote: »

Really? What should I expect to pay for this? I only need 2

Due to a few issues I needed to get a good WiFi system in place quickly. I also have several Google Homes, a Nest Hello and Nest smoke detectors (that have disconnected from my current WiFi and won’t reconnect).

Apart from the cost do you think it is a good setup ?

All of the mesh wifi will work with google, you dont need to buy google

So you dont think I am making it up, this is from earlier in thread

bk wrote: »

Last option is dual band only system. The only reason to consider one of these systems, is if you are using it with ethernet backhaul or if you budget is very limited and you can't stretch to any of the above options. Now if all you care about is getting connectivity where you currently don't have any, then yes, they do work, but performance is slow. Though that might not really bother some people, as long as it is fast enough to do one HD stream, they are happy. However I wouldn't pay much for this, if this is your goal, you should be looking at the cheaper systems.

So just to give example I piad 210UKP for the Tri-Band Linksys which will come in at circa the same price you paid. It is 3 units as well which will help you with coverage. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Linksys-WHW0303-UK-Tri-Band-Extender-Whole-Home/dp/B01N5M9NNB/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp?cv_ct_cx=deco+tp-link&dchild=1&keywords=deco+tp-link&pd_rd_i=B01N5M9NNB&pd_rd_r=f0acb830-b427-4f06-914a-a46151ec2c89&pd_rd_w=a2NHV&pd_rd_wg=l7M62&pf_rd_p=d9b87ec0-c7c2-464c-b8a6-2e7b5576127a&pf_rd_r=31E0WQ57C4V5QPMG2VSS&psc=1&qid=1588713625&sr=1-1-718396de-69ac-46a0-9195-9669ab0086b2

Im selling as per post

Even if you wanted to stay on the dual band I would suggest these will give better coverage and are faster, I have them: https://www.amazon.co.uk/BT-seamless-connection-everywhere-complete/dp/B01NBMMVG7/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=mesh+wifi&qid=1588713333&sr=8-5

05-05-2020 10:29pm

Shefwedfan wrote: »

All of the mesh wifi will work with google, you dont need to buy google

I know, I have been using the same Apple airport devices for Over 10 years.
I suspect I have an increased chance of resolving my Nest smoke detector connection issue though.

So just to give example I piad 210UKP for the Tri-Band Linksys which will come in at circa the same price you paid. It is 3 units as well which will help you with coverage. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Linksys-WHW0303-UK-Tri-Band-Extender-Whole-Home/dp/B01N5M9NNB/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp?cv_ct_cx=deco+tp-link&dchild=1&keywords=deco+tp-link&pd_rd_i=B01N5M9NNB&pd_rd_r=f0acb830-b427-4f06-914a-a46151ec2c89&pd_rd_w=a2NHV&pd_rd_wg=l7M62&pf_rd_p=d9b87ec0-c7c2-464c-b8a6-2e7b5576127a&pf_rd_r=31E0WQ57C4V5QPMG2VSS&psc=1&qid=1588713625&sr=1-1-718396de-69ac-46a0-9195-9669ab0086b2

Sounds good (although I only need 2) and they are £283 now + delivery so quite a bit more (although you get 3). As above the main objective is to have better control of what is connected for the reasons given above. Will they provide that? I like what the Google app can do in terms of schedules etc.

un5byh7sqpd2x0 · 05-05-2020 10:33pm

towger wrote: »

Anyone who has got Google Nest WiFi, where did you get it ? Not launched in Ireland yet.

It’s in the Irish Google Store now.

towger · 05-05-2020 10:35pm

Taylor Black Barbershop wrote: »

It’s in the Irish Google Store now.

Yes it went live on it today. Thanks.

05-05-2020 10:43pm

Taylor Black Barbershop wrote: »

It’s in the Irish Google Store now.

Yes, that is where I bought it.

davo2001 · 05-05-2020 10:49pm

GinSoaked wrote: »

One reason I'd never use Ubiquiti access points is that their PoE is all 24Volt so can't be plugged into a standard supply from a normal PoE switch. You need to be a 25 quid adapter to use Ubiquiti equipment on a normal PoE switch.

This is not true, I've my unifi AC pro AP running off a standard Meraki PoE switch without issues.

Shefwedfan · 05-05-2020 10:53pm

2011 wrote: »

I know, I have been using the same Apple airport devices for Over 10 years.
I suspect I have an increased chance of resolving my Nest smoke detector connection issue though.

Sounds good (although I only need 2) and they are £283 now + delivery so quite a bit more (although you get 3). As above the main objective is to have better control of what is connected for the reasons given above. Will they provide that? I like what the Google app can do in terms of schedules etc.

It will give you a huge boost in coverage. Im flogging mine, or if you want when I return they will pop up on Amazon as used item for fairly similar price to what I paid.....so you could buy direct from them....it is the 3 unit

You could go with Linksys shield whihc you can limit sites based on age group, It also allow when a device can be turned on/off

You could also create a seperate wifi and then turn that on/off.

shaveAbullock · 05-05-2020 10:54pm

davo2001 wrote: »

This is not true, I've my unifi AC pro AP running off a standard Meraki PoE switch without issues.

Yes, aren't most PoE devices voltage adapting?

Gooey Looey · 05-05-2020 11:55pm

shaveAbullock wrote: »

Yes, aren't most PoE devices voltage adapting?

Nope, there's adaptive and passive

shaveAbullock · 05-05-2020 11:57pm

Gooey Looey wrote: »

Nope, there's adaptive and passive

Do you know if the unifi hardware uses some unusual system that would not work with most PoE switchs from other brands?

Gooey Looey · 06-05-2020 12:06am

shaveAbullock wrote: »

Do you know if the unifi hardware uses some unusual system that would not work with most PoE switchs from other brands?

I posted the link a few days ago. Their legacy devices were mostly 24v passive but their newer ones are all 802.3af or 802.3at Poe compliant except for the budget models. Look at the specs for what you are intending to buy

Marlow · 06-05-2020 12:13am

On the pricey end, but the AVM Fritz!Box routers have a real good mesh system. You can mesh on ethernet cable or on wireless or a mix of both. And you can even use phone across the mesh.

My place is a disaster for thick walls as it's very old, so I went with cabled mesh:

Here is an early overview. I'm actually at 14 routers now. But it's a big place and a lot of thick walls. The result though: seemless coverage. Their stuff also does a fair bit of smart home. Specifically heating.

/M

Gooey Looey · 06-05-2020 12:38am

Marlow wrote: »

On the pricey end, but the AVM Fritz!Box routers have a real good mesh system. You can mesh on ethernet cable or on wireless or a mix of both. And you can even use phone across the mesh.

My place is a disaster for thick walls as it's very old, so I went with cabled mesh:

Here is an early overview. I'm actually at 14 routers now. But it's a big place and a lot of thick walls. The result though: seemless coverage. Their stuff also does a fair bit of smart home. Specifically heating.

/M

You living in a castle there lord Marlow ^_^

Marlow · 06-05-2020 12:40am

Gooey Looey wrote: »

You living in a castle there lord Marlow ^_^

You are not far of the reality. I'm living in an old church, that has been converted to a very high standard about 15-20 years ago.

/M

bk · 06-05-2020 2:20pm

2011 wrote: »

The important devices in my house (iMac, TV streaming devices, Smart TVs, AV amp) all have hardwired Ethernet connections. These will be mainly for IoT devices, smart phones, school iPads and a child's Xbox.

This is key IMO and worth repeating. If you can use ethernet for fixed devices. It not only gives greater reliability to the fixed devices, but it also takes the strain off the wifi and leaves more bandwidth for mobile and non wired devices.

BTW Will you be connecting all the Google Wifi devices using ethernet too?

That is the ideal and the Google Wifi devices actually perform very well when using ethernet backhaul. The fact that they are dual band only, isn't a big deal then, it is only when using wifi backhaul that they suffer versus tri-band systems.

Though you are paying a premium then compared to other dual band systems. But if it works for you and you are happy with it, then nothing wrong with that.

2011 wrote: »

I like the idea of being able to set up schedules for certain devices so that the kid's are not playing Xbox or streaming Netflix at 3am. This is more important to me than loosing a bit of broadband speed.

Well most Mesh wifi systems give you parental controls from an app now. In fairness to Google, they were one of the first to do this well, but pretty much everyone else has copied them now.

Of course any system you are considering, you should look up reviews and videos of the parental controls to see if they give you what you want.

2011 wrote: »

I know, I have been using the same Apple airport devices for Over 10 years.

Ah, I used those myself for years. Such nice devices and well ahead of their time. Such a pity Apple stopped making their own wifi routers. I'd buy a new Apple Wifi router or mesh system in a heart beat if this released one.

Marlow · 06-05-2020 3:06pm

bk wrote: »

This is key IMO and worth repeating. If you can use ethernet for fixed devices. It not only gives greater reliability to the fixed devices, but it also takes the strain off the wifi and leaves more bandwidth for mobile and non wired devices.

BTW Will you be connecting all the Google Wifi devices using ethernet too?

Fact. I bought a Chromecast Ultra at some point, which is ethernet wired in my case. The performance difference is like night and day. Best thing I've done. Probably replacing the other Chromecast modules with Ultra ones also eventually.

/M

Gooey Looey · 06-05-2020 4:29pm

Marlow wrote: »

Fact. I bought a Chromecast Ultra at some point, which is ethernet wired in my case. The performance difference is like night and day. Best thing I've done. Probably replacing the other Chromecast modules with Ultra ones also eventually.

/M

Off topic
Upgrading Chromecast with Chromecast is pointless these days, just buy an Android TV device like a Mibox S or Nvidia Shield as it comes with all the goodies of Android TV and also Google Cast and Assistant built in and you'll get a remote

06-05-2020 4:54pm

bk wrote: »

This is key IMO and worth repeating. If you can use ethernet for fixed devices. It not only gives greater reliability to the fixed devices, but it also takes the strain off the wifi and leaves more bandwidth for mobile and non wired devices.

The house was prewired in CAT5E, so I just punched down RJ45's where it made sense. I know the cable is a bit dated, but it was there and I wasn't going to tear the house apart to upgrade.

BTW Will you be connecting all the Google Wifi devices using ethernet too?

The Wifi router, yes the 2nd Wifi point, no. I know it would be better if I did but as the devices that require most Wifi bandwidth are closest to the router (which is Ethernet connected) this is not a concern.

That is the ideal and the Google Wifi devices actually perform very well when using ethernet backhaul.

Good point, perhaps I should have gone for 2 WiFi routers instead as only these can connect to Ethernet.

Though you are paying a premium then compared to other dual band systems. But if it works for you and you are happy with it, then nothing wrong with that.

Yes I understand that I am paying a bit more but I don't think I am paying a lot more (I am open to correction) from what I have seen posted so far when you consider that I only need 2.
A nice little extra is that the WiFi point also has built in Google Assistant.

Well most Mesh wifi systems give you parental controls from an app now. In fairness to Google, they were one of the first to do this well, but pretty much everyone else has copied them now.

I'm prepared to pay extra to have the ability to block individual devices and set up schedules for these devices with such a user friendly interface. They also have a number of other nice features available through the app.

Of course any system you are considering, you should look up reviews and videos of the parental controls to see if they give you what you want.

Done, positive review.
However I expect a more honest / independent review here.

Wifi mesh systems

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