Anybody using Singtel Mesh?

[vindceawth]

Hi Singtel,

I'm getting the same message "you are connected to your home gateway not an airties nod". any advise on this?

I am getting the same messages too? Please advise next step

 

[Whizdom]

Wifi (singtel) at living room and im living in 4rm hdb and im having a poor connection in my room. Using this round singtel mesh like no diff and whenever i play fifa ill get red bars. Any tips to improve?
should i get a better mesh?

 

[xiaofan]

I am getting the same messages too? Please advise next step

Just give up on SingTel Askey/Airties based mesh solution and move on to proper mesh solution from Netgear/Asus/TP-Link.

 

[xiaofan]

Wifi (singtel) at living room and im living in 4rm hdb and im having a poor connection in my room. Using this round singtel mesh like no diff and whenever i play fifa ill get red bars. Any tips to improve?
should i get a better mesh?

Answered in SingTel thread as well.

Yes it is better to get a better mesh. But you need to post your floor plan and state the position of the ONT/ONR, LAN ports location, placement of the main wireless router and the SingTel Mesh Extender.

You may have to go with more expensive triband mesh solution if you do not have LAN port in the rooms.

 

[xiaofan]

Just got a free pair of Askey AP5100W for my Singtel 1Gbps recontract (S$39.90 per month, SMS offer) and did some simple tests. I do not plan to use the units though as my existing setup (Asus RT-AX82U) is already working well.

Existing Hardwarezone review (September 2018, updated in March 2020)
https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/review-askey-ap5100w-mesh-wi-fi-system-review-singapore-singtel
My fIrst impressions.
1) Mobile app based setup is pretty simple. But you do need to crreate an Askey account in order to proceed (similar to TP-Link Deco).

2) Web UI default user name: admin; password: admin. It will ask you to change upon first login.
Features are pretty limited but better than the mobile app. Firmware version: Dual_SIG_1.01.107

3) Mobile app features are very limited.

4) Near range speed to the main node is decent (AC1750 rated=1300 Mbps 3x3 AC on 5GHz and 450Mbps on 2.4GHz), tested at 3m away, with Acer Windows 11 laptop and built-in Intel AX201 wifi adapter (2x2 AX/AC).

5) Wireless backhaul performance will be limited as this is a low end dual band mesh solution. The recommendation from the app is that the mesh node should be about 4-5m away and have a line of sight (no obstruction).

Test setup:
a) mesh node is about 4m away from main node
b) using wired connection to the mesh node using the above-mentioned laptop

Wireless connection to the mesh node will be even worse.

6) The wireless coverage is actually not bad, at lease better than my low end TP-Link Deco M4 mesh. For example, I can still get the mesh node to have green 5GHz Wifi LED in the more challenging place like the far corner of my master room or the kitchen. Of course the performance further reduced (say about 100Mbps from the wireless client).

7) Overall, this is a simple low end mesh solution which is probably good for small to medium sized household. It may be a good match with Singtel ONR users who do not require many features and just want better wireless coverage. For better performance, Ethernet backhaul is a must. The other use case is for the wireless connection of Singtel TV box -- you can still use your own mesh solution and then use the Askey (or Airties) just for the Singtel TV box.

 

[xiaofan]

From the posters inside SERV+, Singtel mentioned the following three mesh solution.
1) A pair of Askey AP5100W (AC1750) for medium-sized homes
2) A pair of Singtel Mesh Extender (AC2600) for households with multiple connections
3) Netgear RBK752 (triband AX4200) for multi-storey homes

It may work as above if the floor plan is not challenging (even with Wireless backhaul). But in reality the situation may not be so ideal. In that case, Askey and Singtel Mesh Extender may only be good for small size homes or medium-sized homes if using Ethernet backhaul. For wireless backhaul, probably only small size flats are suitable.

For larger flats or flats with more difficult floor plans, the Netgear will be a better solution in case wireless backhaul has to be used since it is triband. For multiple storey setup, RBK752/753 or even RBK852/853 may be necessary.

 

[xiaofan]

Interesting info about TR-069, from the Web UI of the Askey AP5100W. I am not so sure what will be the outcome if I disable the "Inform" option or change any settings.

***********
WAN Management Protocol(TR-069) allows a Auto-Configuration Server(ACS) to perform auto-configuration, provision, collection, and diagnostics to this device Select the desired value and click "Apply" to configure the TR-069 client options.

 

[xiaofan]

Singtel has added two AX5400 Wifi 6 Mesh Extender options, one from Arcadyan and the other from Askey. This should improve the Wifi performance for Wifi 6 clients, compared to the older Wifi 5 mesh solution like Askey AP5100W (AC1750) and Singtel Mesh Extender (AC2600). Hopefully the users can post their reviews here.

Singtel Wifi 6 Extender Askey is free with the SIngtel 1Gbps Enhanced plan (one unit only) at S$47.90 per month, promotional price S$42.90 per month for new sign-up.
https://www.singtel.com/personal/products-services/broadband/eform/newhomes
Singtel Wifi 6 Extender Askey is free with the SIngtel 2Gbps Enhanced plan (one unit only) at S$67.90 per month [not really recommended as 2Gbps plan offers no real benefits compared to 1Gbps plan).

Info about the Singtel routers:
https://www.singtel.com/personal/support/broadband/routers-onthttps://www.singtel.com/personal/support/broadband/routers-ont/Wi-Fi-6-Mesh-Extender (Arcadyan)
https://www.singtel.com/personal/support/broadband/routers-ont/Wi-Fi-6-Mesh-Extender-Askey

 

[deadman1368]

Just got a free pair of Askey AP5100W for my Singtel 1Gbps recontract (S$39.90 per month, SMS offer) and did some simple tests. I do not plan to use the units though as my existing setup (Asus RT-AX82U) is already working well.

Existing Hardwarezone review (September 2018, updated in March 2020)
https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/review-askey-ap5100w-mesh-wi-fi-system-review-singapore-singtel
My fIrst impressions.
1) Mobile app based setup is pretty simple. But you do need to crreate an Askey account in order to proceed (similar to TP-Link Deco).

2) Web UI default user name: admin; password: admin. It will ask you to change upon first login.
Features are pretty limited but better than the mobile app. Firmware version: Dual_SIG_1.01.107

3) Mobile app features are very limited.

4) Near range speed to the main node is decent (AC1750 rated=1300 Mbps 3x3 AC on 5GHz and 450Mbps on 2.4GHz), tested at 3m away, with Acer Windows 11 laptop and built-in Intel AX201 wifi adapter (2x2 AX/AC).

5) Wireless backhaul performance will be limited as this is a low end dual band mesh solution. The recommendation from the app is that the mesh node should be about 4-5m away and have a line of sight (no obstruction).

Test setup:
a) mesh node is about 4m away from main node
b) using wired connection to the mesh node using the above-mentioned laptop

Wireless connection to the mesh node will be even worse.

6) The wireless coverage is actually not bad, at lease better than my low end TP-Link Deco M4 mesh. For example, I can still get the mesh node to have green 5GHz Wifi LED in the more challenging place like the far corner of my master room or the kitchen. Of course the performance further reduced (say about 100Mbps from the wireless client).

7) Overall, this is a simple low end mesh solution which is probably good for small to medium sized household. It may be a good match with Singtel ONR users who do not require many features and just want better wireless coverage. For better performance, Ethernet backhaul is a must. The other use case is for the wireless connection of Singtel TV box -- you can still use your own mesh solution and then use the Askey (or Airties) just for the Singtel TV box.

Can I check for the web ui login. I successfully setup my mesh last time through it but now I cant seems to login. After entering the password it just stuck at the login screen with a red bar appearing. Do you have this problem before?


https://postimg.cc/xcSK6G6Y

 

[xiaofan]

Can I check for the web ui login. I successfully setup my mesh last time through it but now I cant seems to login. After entering the password it just stuck at the login screen with a red bar appearing. Do you have this problem before?

https://postimg.cc/xcSK6G6Y

Sorry I have just got the Askey recently and I have not encounter this issue.

In fact, I am not even using them now. I was just opening them up for testing only as they came free for my recontract offer (1Gbps at S$39.90 per month, free two units of Askey AP5100W). Take note I do not recommend to go with Singtel Mesh solutions at all (Askey, Airties, or Arcadyan).

 

[deadman1368]

Sorry I have just got the Askey recently and I have not encounter this issue.

In fact, I am not even using them now. I was just opening them up for testing only as they came free for my recontract offer (1Gbps at S$39.90 per month, free two units of Askey AP5100W). Take note I do not recommend to go with Singtel Mesh solutions at all (Askey, Airties, or Arcadyan).

yeah to be honest it's really not that during the past year of using it. I just recontract my contract plan and got the Linksys E9450 and thinking of getting another 1 for mesh setup so my Wifi will be on Wifi6 instead. But the price seems expensive and I'm not sure how good it is yet.

 

[xiaofan]

Singtel is pushing the 2Gbps plan hard and indeed quite some people signed up for the 2Gbps plan. Now people are selling the pair of Singtel WiFi 6 mesh extender (Arcadyan) at about S$180. The price may go down further.

Take note I do not recommend either Singtel 2Gbps plan (due to the use of ONR) or Singtel Mesh solutions (Askey, Airties or Arcadyan). But if you have already using Singtel Mesh Wifi 5 Solution and only care about wireless performance, then you may considering upgrade to these Singtel Wifi 6 mesh solution (Askey or Arcadyan) when the cost is right for your budget.

Ref:
Singtel ONT, ONR and Router list
https://www.singtel.com/personal/support/broadband/routers-ont
Singtel 2Gbps plans
https://www.singtel.com/personal/products-services/broadband/fibre-broadband-plans/2gbps
Singtel Wifi 6 Mesh Extender (Arcadyan)
https://www.singtel.com/personal/support/broadband/routers-ont/Wi-Fi-6-Mesh-Extender
Singtel Wifi 6 Mesh Extender (Askey)
https://www.singtel.com/personal/support/broadband/routers-ont/Wi-Fi-6-Mesh-Extender-Askey

 

[sacredrays]

Singtel is pushing the 2Gbps plan hard and indeed quite some people signed up for the 2Gbps plan. Now people are selling the pair of Singtel WiFi 6 mesh extender (Arcadyan) at about S$180. The price may go down further.

Take note I do not recommend either Singtel 2Gbps plan (due to the use of ONR) or Singtel Mesh solutions (Askey, Airties or Arcadyan). But if you have already using Singtel Mesh Wifi 5 Solution and only care about wireless performance, then you may considering upgrade to these Singtel Wifi 6 mesh solution (Askey or Arcadyan) when the cost is right for your budget.

Ref:
Singtel ONT, ONR and Router list
https://www.singtel.com/personal/support/broadband/routers-ont
Singtel 2Gbps plans
https://www.singtel.com/personal/products-services/broadband/fibre-broadband-plans/2gbps
Singtel Wifi 6 Mesh Extender (Arcadyan)
https://www.singtel.com/personal/support/broadband/routers-ont/Wi-Fi-6-Mesh-Extender
Singtel Wifi 6 Mesh Extender (Askey)
https://www.singtel.com/personal/support/broadband/routers-ont/Wi-Fi-6-Mesh-Extender-Askey

the singtel wifi 6 mesh won't work as a router right?

 

[xiaofan]

the singtel wifi 6 mesh won't work as a router right?

Correct. It is the same for the older Singtel Mesh Extender (AC2600), or the Askey/Airties mesh. They can not work as a standalone router, but rather work with Singtel ONR, or Singtel ONT + Singtel Mesh Router.

Reference: you can check out the installation guide to see that Singtel usually only mentions Singtel ONR for these non-router (work as AP or mesh node)
https://www.singtel.com/personal/support/broadband/routers-ont
Askey AP5100W WiFi Mesh -- not a router
Singtel Mesh Router
Singtel Mesh Extender -- not a router
AC Plus
AC Elite (AC1900)
Aztech DSL7003GRV(AC)
Aztech DSL 7009GR(AC)
AirTies Air 4960R -- this is a Wifi 6 router (NEW)
Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Extender (Arc) -- not a router (NEW)
Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Extender (Askey) -- not a router (NEW)

 

[sacredrays]

Correct. It is the same for the older Singtel Mesh Extender (AC2600), or the Askey/Airties mesh. They can not work as a standalone router, but rather work with Singtel ONR, or Singtel ONT + Singtel Mesh Router.

the airties 4960r can work in a pair? as in, will it have fast roaming?

 

[xiaofan]

the airties 4960r can work in a pair? as in, will it have fast roaming?

I do not think so. It is not meant to be a mesh solution. It is a router and works with Singtel ONT directly.

Edit to add: it seems to work with another device (Airties 4960R Wifi Extender) to form a mesh solution. But Singtel is not offering the Airties 4960R Wifi Extender. I am not so sure if Singtel customized FW will have this feature or not.

Ref:
https://airties.com/2019/10/10/airties-introduces-smart-wi-fi-6-portfolio-for-service-providers/

 

[sacredrays]

I do not think so. It is not meant to be a mesh solution. It is a router and works with Singtel ONT directly.

i see.. thanks. i guess there isn't a proper wifi 6 solution from singtel for ont users that wants 2 ap. their solutions are just add-ons behind router which is undesirable tbh.

 

[xiaofan]

i see.. thanks. i guess there isn't a proper wifi 6 solution from singtel for ont users that wants 2 ap. their solutions are just add-ons behind router which is undesirable tbh.

For Singtel ONT users, the following works fine. It is not wifi 6 though.

Singtel ONT -- Singtel Mesh Router -- Singtel Mesh Extender

Ref: https://www.singtel.com/content/dam/singtel/personal/support/broadband/broadband-troubleshooting/singtelmeshextender/Singtel Mesh Extender.pdf

But there is no point using the above solution, it is just easier using other mesh solutions from Asus, TP-Link, Netgear or Linksys, for Singtel ONT users.

Singtel actually offers Linksys E9450 and Netgear Orbi RBK752.

 

[sacredrays]

For Singtel ONT users, the following works fine.

Singtel ONT -- Singtel Mesh Router -- Singtel Mesh Extender

Ref: https://www.singtel.com/content/dam/singtel/personal/support/broadband/broadband-troubleshooting/singtelmeshextender/Singtel Mesh Extender.pdf

But there is no point using the above solution, it is just easier using other mesh solutions, for Singtel ONT users.

but.. i was talking about wifi 6...

and yea, looking elsewhere. just happened to see the replies here and made me think about if there are any current solutions by singtel

 

[xiaofan]

but.. i was talking about wifi 6...

and yea, looking elsewhere. just happened to see the replies here and made me think about if there are any current solutions by singtel

There is anyway no point using the Singtel customized mesh solution for ONT users. It is just easier using other mesh solutions from Asus, TP-Link, Netgear or Linksys, for Singtel ONT users.

BTW, Singtel actually offers Asus RT-AX86U (Singtel exclusive), Linksys E9450 and Netgear Orbi RBK752.

Ref:
https://www.singtel.com/personal/products-services/broadband/wifi6