Recontracting, need help with configuration

[Best2plays]

So currently, I'm using a 2Gbps plan (contract from 2 years ago) from Singtel. Read through some threads saying this plan is ****. Thinking to change to the 1+1Gbps Gamer Bundle but no idea if will support my home. Used to having weak WIFI to master bedroom, but now weak WIFI to all bedrooms and also keeps disconnecting. Also started to have random lag spikes when gaming.

I only have 1 ethernet port in the DB, and another by the living room. All other ports in the room is telephone port. Can compromise by running long ethernet cable for better connection.

I have put an image of floor plan and how my current home broadband is setup.

 

[xiaofan]

So currently, I'm using a 2Gbps plan (contract from 2 years ago) from Singtel. Read through some threads saying this plan is ****. Thinking to change to the 1+1Gbps Gamer Bundle but no idea if will support my home. Used to having weak WIFI to master bedroom, but now weak WIFI to all bedrooms and also keeps disconnecting. Also started to have random lag spikes when gaming.

I only have 1 ethernet port in the DB, and another by the living room. All other ports in the room is telephone port. Can compromise by running long ethernet cable for better connection.

I have put an image of floor plan and how my current home broadband is setup.

With your current setup, basically you are wasting money paying for 2Gbps as you are only utlizing 1Gbps. The limting factor is the single Ethernet connection between the ONR and Linksys E9450.

There is no point using Singtel 1+1 Gbps plan either for your use case.

Rather you can downgrad to Singtel 1Gbps plan. Then you can upgade the Singtel Mesh Extender mesh to something more proper.

One potential solution is to upgrade to Netgear RBK752 at S$599. You can get rid off all your current wireless routers including the Linksys.
https://netgearstore.sg/products/orbi-rbk752-ax4200-tri-band-2-pack-wifi-6-mesh-system-1
Connection scheme and setup guide.
https://netgearstore.sg/blogs/knowledge-base/orbi-singtel-tv-vlan-tag

 

[xiaofan]

If you can run long Ethernet cables, then you can go for cheaper solution like the RBK353 (S$329).
https://netgearstore.sg/products/orbi-rbk353-ax1800-dual-band-3-pack-wifi-6-mesh-system
Connection scheme and setup is similar to the RBK752. But you need to use Ethernet cable to connect the mesh nodes to the ONR or the main node in the living room.

 

[xiaofan]

If you do not want to go for Netgear, then you can keep the Linksys E9450 because of Singtel TV Box. In that case, you can go for different mesh solution to replace your Singtel Mesh Extender AC2600.

1) Wireless backhaul -- triband mesh solution like Asus Zenwifi XT8, TP-Link Deco X75, etc.

2) Wired Ethernet backhaul (long Ethernet cable) -- cheaper dual band mesh solution, like Asus RT-AX55, Zenwfi XD4/XD6, TP-Link Deco X20/X50/X60/etc.

Reference: how to choose mesh router
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/how-to-choose-a-mesh-router.6452151/

 

[Best2plays]

Thank you for your help xiaofan, I will look more into this and decide my plans.

 

[Best2plays]

@xiaofan I got a few questions to ask

1. So u recommended tri-band meshes for wireless backhaul, however they are pricey, would using dual-band meshes with wireless backhaul is fine right? (Just that the signal might be weaker)
2. Was thinking to get a dual-band triple pack, 1 to replace the node in the living room, 1 in bedroom 3 and 2 as per floor plan. Would the signal in bedroom 2 be too weak to bother putting one there? What if I connect the node in the living room to the one in bedroom 3 via wired backhaul, then have the one in bedroom 2 via wireless backhaul, would that work?
3. Also right now with the linksys router, and the singtel mesh, there are 2 separate wireless networks. Would this be a problem? Cuz if I were to follow your last option, I think it might follow the same issue.
4. My current plans is the 2gbps which I contracted 2 years ago, I’m planning to just let it run instead of trying to re-contract as I was told it was an option (Its cheaper then downgrading as I am playing $60/m, while the current singtel plans for 1gbps are around the same price) Would switching to starhub have any benefits / drawbacks? Right now looking at the plan 1gbps is much more cheaper per month compared to Singtel.

 

[xiaofan]

@xiaofan I got a few questions to ask

1. So u recommended tri-band meshes for wireless backhaul, however they are pricey, would using dual-band meshes with wireless backhaul is fine right? (Just that the signal might be weaker)
2. Was thinking to get a dual-band triple pack, 1 to replace the node in the living room, 1 in bedroom 3 and 2 as per floor plan. Would the signal in bedroom 2 be too weak to bother putting one there? What if I connect the node in the living room to the one in bedroom 3 via wired backhaul, then have the one in bedroom 2 via wireless backhaul, would that work?
3. Also right now with the linksys router, and the singtel mesh, there are 2 separate wireless networks. Would this be a problem? Cuz if I were to follow your last option, I think it might follow the same issue.
4. My current plans is the 2gbps which I contracted 2 years ago, I’m planning to just let it run instead of trying to re-contract as I was told it was an option (Its cheaper then downgrading as I am playing $60/m, while the current singtel plans for 1gbps are around the same price) Would switching to starhub have any benefits / drawbacks? Right now looking at the plan 1gbps is much more cheaper per month compared to Singtel.

1) Yes triband AX Wifi is rcommended for wireless backhaul and yes they are more expensive. But if you have budget consttaints then you can go with dual band AX mesh solution.

2) Both should work but you will get much better performance is you can connect one of the mesh node to the main node using Ethernet cable. If using pure wireless backhaul, the performance from the master room may be reduced by quite a lot.

3) Using two SSIDs is not a problem. Personally I actually use two SSIDs myself. But some people prefer to use single SSID.

4) Singtel 2Gbps is totally not worth the money. As for 1Gbps pricing, people have negotiated with Singtel to get at S$40.40 per month or even lower. So you need to try your negotation power here.

a) S$40.40 per month offer with free Wifi 6 router or mesh node.
b) 8 month free (effective price S$50.37 x 16/24 = S$33.58 per month), with no free routers.
c) 7 month free (effective price S$53.40 x 17/24 = S$37.825 per month) Singtel 1Gbps Enhanced Plan recontract offer, with free Wifi 6 router or mesh node

If you are happy with Singtel and you can negotiate a good price, then probably no need to switch to Starhub.