WiFi 7 routers (including WiFi 7 routers without 6GHz band support)

[xiaofan]

The supersized lugguage I brought is definitely more than enough to fit this in.

ZTE BE7200 Pro+ (RMB 599) is quite a bit larger than my existing Asus RT-AX86U and RT-AX82U.

On the other hand, I still think it looks a bit better than Xiaomi BE7000 at RMB799 (same form factor as Xiaomi AX3600 and Xiaomi AX6000). Performance wise, this XIaomi BE7000 is the way to go.
https://www.mi.com/xiaomi-routers/be-7000

For those who like internal antenna (yet with good wireless signal), Xiaomi BE6500 Pro is the way to go (RMB 699).
https://www.mi.com/xiaomi-routers/6500pro

Some people may like the form factor of TP-Link TL-7DR6560 (BE6500) as well, even though its performance is not as good as the above three mentioned.
https://www.tp-link.com.cn/product_3286.html

If you read the first post of this thread, this is what I mentioned there.
My recommended China version of WiFi 7 router now.
Xiaomi BE10000 triband (dual 10G ports, maybe good for 10G plans): RMB1499
Xiaomi BE7000 (quad 2.5G ports, good match for 2.5G plans): RMB799
Xiaomi BE6500 Pro (quad 2.5G ports, good for 2.5G plans): RMB699
ZTE BE7200 Pro+ (中兴问天BE7200Pro+, dual 2.5G ports, good match for 2.5Gbps plans) RMB 599
TP-Link TL-7DR6560 BE6500 (quad 2.5G ports, good match for 2.5G plans), RMB 559

 

[Singrish]

If need seamless roaming then routers and client devices need to support 802.11 k/v/r. Of course the number of nodes must also be proportional to the size and complexity of the house

No need bah? My current humble set up of AX88 in living room as main AImesh unit and AX58 in master bedroom as node is fine for my needs.

Whether its YouTube, netflix or even WhatsApp video call, when i move from living room to MBR & vice versa, seamless handover from AX88’s 5ghz to AX58’s 5 ghz & vice versa with no loss of data or interruption or phone going to 5G data mode or to any 2.4 ghz channel.

 

[Apparatus]

No need bah? My current humble set up of AX88 in living room as main AImesh unit and AX58 in master bedroom as node is fine for my needs.

Whether its YouTube, netflix or even WhatsApp video call, when i move from living room to MBR & vice versa, seamless handover from AX88’s 5ghz to AX58’s 5 ghz & vice versa with no loss of data or interruption or phone going to 5G data mode or to any 2.4 ghz channel.

You can use the below utility to detect whether your routers support 802.11 k/v/r ( r may not be shown with this tool)

Test it and post the result here, ok?

https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/wifi_information_view.html

As for your phone what brand/model you are using?

And if you have any of the following top 3/4 of the Intel WiFi adapter cards in your laptop for Win10/11 you also have 802.11 k/v/r support for fast roaming

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000021562/wireless.html

 

[Singrish]

You can use the below utility to detect whether your routers support 802.11 k/v/r ( r may not be shown with this tool)

Test it and post the result here, ok?

https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/wifi_information_view.html

As for your phone what brand/model you are using?

And if you have any of the following top 3/4 of the Intel WiFi adapter cards in your laptop for Win10/11 you also have 802.11 k/v/r support for fast roaming

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000021562/wireless.html

Iphone 14PM. Laptop is a MBP from dunno 2019 or 2020

 

[Apparatus]

Iphone 14PM. Laptop is a MBP from dunno 2019 or 2020

Apple products listed here which support fast roaming

https://support.apple.com/en-my/guide/deployment/dep98f116c0f/web

Have you tested the routers with the utility?

 

[xiaofan]

No need bah? My current humble set up of AX88 in living room as main AImesh unit and AX58 in master bedroom as node is fine for my needs.
Whether its YouTube, netflix or even WhatsApp video call, when i move from living room to MBR & vice versa, seamless handover from AX88’s 5ghz to AX58’s 5 ghz & vice versa with no loss of data or interruption or phone going to 5G data mode or to any 2.4 ghz channel.

Asus AImesh supports 802.11 k and 802.11 v, it does not support 802.11r.

Asus AImesh also uses some proprietary technology on top of 802.11 kv to achieve better roaming performance.

Reference:
https://www.asus.com/microsite/aimesh

AiMesh connects multiple compatible ASUS routers to create a whole-home mesh WiFi network. The flexible and scalable technology lets you mix different AiMesh-compatible routers, and add new ones at any time to improve coverage.* All devices in an AiMesh network enjoy access to all the features of the main router, including gaming features, AiProtection commercial-grade security and more. Most ASUS routers already support AiMesh.

*AiMesh supports the 802.11k/v standard.

 

[xiaofan]

TP-Link Deco mesh supports 802.11 k/v/r. I believe they also have some proprietary technology on top to help better roaming.

Reference:
https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/forum/topic/180194

 

[Apparatus]

TP-Link Deco mesh supports 802.11 k/v/r. I believe they also have some proprietary technology on top to help better roaming.

Reference:
https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/forum/topic/180194

Ha.....ha.....so not good for fixed IoT devices

Quote from above link

If you want to stop your clients especially for stationary devices from roaming, you can try to disable the Mesh Technology option for these clients. Deco doesn’t support the feature to fix clients to specific Deco at present.

Unquote

ASUS is better

[AiMesh] How to bind my device to one specific AiMesh router or AiMesh node?​

https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1046957/

 

[Apparatus]

@xiaofan

FI, the ability to bind device to DECO router/node has been added in firmware version 1.6.0 for selected Deco models only. You need to check your Deco model

https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/kb/detail/412754

https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/...a preferred signal source for a client device.

 

[xiaofan]

For mesh usually single vendor solution is preferred.

WiFi Alliance tries to change the situation and comes out with EasyMesh certification program, unfortunately it does not gain much traction in the consumer router market. Asus does not support it at all. Linksys only has a few WiFi 6 routers are using it (E series). TP-Link has more support of EasyMesh but recommend to stick to TP-Link's own EasyMesh enable router (not compatible with Deco either). Netgear Nighthawk WiFi 6 Mesh system uses EasyMesh (not compatible with Netgear Orbi).

1. TP-Link info:
https://www.tp-link.com/sg/support/faq/3529/

Q4. Can I use TP-Link EasyMesh devices with EasyMesh products from different manufacturers or companies? Are they compatible?
A. Theoretically, TP-Link EasyMesh will work with any EasyMesh-certified products due to the standardized EasyMesh technology. However, EasyMesh networking methods can vary based on the manufacturers, we highly recommend using TP-Link EasyMesh products together to ensure the best performance and full compatibility.

2. Netgear info:
https://kb.netgear.com/000061555/Wh...es-it-work-with-my-NETGEAR-Mesh-WiFi-6-System

3. References from WiFi Alliance
1) Wi-Fi CERTIFIED EasyMesh®
https://www.wi-fi.org/discover-wi-fi/wi-fi-easymesh
Wi-Fi CERTIFIED EasyMesh® brings a standards-based approach to Wi-Fi networks that utilize multiple access points (APs), combining the benefits of easy to use, self-adapting Wi-Fi with greater flexibility in device choice that comes with interoperable Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ devices. Wi-Fi EasyMesh™ networks employ multiple access points that work together to form a unified network that provides smart, efficient Wi-Fi throughout the home and outdoor spaces.

Wi-Fi EasyMesh is very simple to install and use. Network setup and device onboarding involves minimal user intervention. Once established, the network self-monitors to ensure optimized performance. Leveraging mechanisms from Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Agile Multiband™, Wi-Fi EasyMesh can guide devices to the AP providing the best Wi-Fi service for that device. Wi-Fi EasyMesh networks can also modify the network’s structure based on changing conditions to provide a consistent experience.

2) Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Agile Multiband™
Wi-Fi Agile Multiband is a standards-based technology that brings improved network management to devices across a variety of vendors.

• IEEE 802.11k: enables APs and clients to exchange information about the Wi-Fi environment
• IEEE 802.11v: uses network information to influence client roaming decisions and facilitate overall improvement of the network
• IEEE 802.11u: allows client devices to gather information prior to connection to other networks
• IEEE 802.11r: brings fast transition between APs within a Wi-Fi network (optional)
• Wi-Fi Alliance-defined technologies: supplement information exchanged, identifies preferred channels, bands or APs to increase intelligent Wi-Fi network management

 

[xiaofan]

@xiaofan

FI, the ability to bind device to DECO router/node has been added in firmware version 1.6.0 for selected Deco models only. You need to check your Deco model

https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/kb/detail/412754

https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/3480/#:~:text=Part 2. Select a preferred signal source for a client device.

Nice findings. Thanks for the updates.

Asus usually provides much more FW functions than TP-Link and I will usually recommend Asus wireless routers over TP-Link.

On the other hand, for people to look at a reliable router at lower cost than Asus, TP-Link seems to be the way to go.

Netgear Orbi will be for those who are willing to pay -- their high end product is just too expensive.

Linksys seems to lag behind as well compare to Asus, TP-Link and Netgear. They do not seem to have higher end product to compete with the above three now. I think their Velop/Atlas line of mesh solution is still okay for use but maybe TP-Link is a better choice at lower cost.

D-Link is falling behind as well. If you go to Challenger, they still have low end mesh solution on sale but not many people are talking about D-Link in this forum.

 

[Apparatus]

For mesh usually single vendor solution is preferred.

WiFi Alliance tries to change the situation and comes out with EasyMesh certification program, unfortunately it does not gain much traction in the consumer router market. Asus does not support it at all. Linksys only has a few WiFi 6 routers are using it (E series). TP-Link has more support of EasyMesh but recommend to stick to TP-Link's own EasyMesh enable router (not compatible with Deco either). Netgear Nighthawk WiFi 6 Mesh system uses EasyMesh (not compatible with Netgear Orbi).

1. TP-Link info:
https://www.tp-link.com/sg/support/faq/3529/

Q4. Can I use TP-Link EasyMesh devices with EasyMesh products from different manufacturers or companies? Are they compatible?
A. Theoretically, TP-Link EasyMesh will work with any EasyMesh-certified products due to the standardized EasyMesh technology. However, EasyMesh networking methods can vary based on the manufacturers, we highly recommend using TP-Link EasyMesh products together to ensure the best performance and full compatibility.

2. Netgear info:
https://kb.netgear.com/000061555/Wh...es-it-work-with-my-NETGEAR-Mesh-WiFi-6-System

3. References from WiFi Alliance
1) Wi-Fi CERTIFIED EasyMesh®
https://www.wi-fi.org/discover-wi-fi/wi-fi-easymesh
Wi-Fi CERTIFIED EasyMesh® brings a standards-based approach to Wi-Fi networks that utilize multiple access points (APs), combining the benefits of easy to use, self-adapting Wi-Fi with greater flexibility in device choice that comes with interoperable Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ devices. Wi-Fi EasyMesh™ networks employ multiple access points that work together to form a unified network that provides smart, efficient Wi-Fi throughout the home and outdoor spaces.

Wi-Fi EasyMesh is very simple to install and use. Network setup and device onboarding involves minimal user intervention. Once established, the network self-monitors to ensure optimized performance. Leveraging mechanisms from Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Agile Multiband™, Wi-Fi EasyMesh can guide devices to the AP providing the best Wi-Fi service for that device. Wi-Fi EasyMesh networks can also modify the network’s structure based on changing conditions to provide a consistent experience.

2) Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Agile Multiband™
Wi-Fi Agile Multiband is a standards-based technology that brings improved network management to devices across a variety of vendors.

• IEEE 802.11k: enables APs and clients to exchange information about the Wi-Fi environment
• IEEE 802.11v: uses network information to influence client roaming decisions and facilitate overall improvement of the network
• IEEE 802.11u: allows client devices to gather information prior to connection to other networks
• IEEE 802.11r: brings fast transition between APs within a Wi-Fi network (optional)
• Wi-Fi Alliance-defined technologies: supplement information exchanged, identifies preferred channels, bands or APs to increase intelligent Wi-Fi network management

Not just from a single vender. I mentioned before it's also best with same family and same model. Intermixing within single brand is acceptable provided they support the same mesh type

Like for ASUS you have the different families but only using AiMesh

ExpertWiFi
ZenWiFi
RT..........etc

For TP-LINK you have different mesh. Can mix different models using them? A tough one ah

Deco Mesh
One Mesh
EasyMesh
Omada Mesh

https://www.tp-link.com/au/support/faq/3749/

 

[Apparatus]

No need bah? My current humble set up of AX88 in living room as main AImesh unit and AX58 in master bedroom as node is fine for my needs.

Whether its YouTube, netflix or even WhatsApp video call, when i move from living room to MBR & vice versa, seamless handover from AX88’s 5ghz to AX58’s 5 ghz & vice versa with no loss of data or interruption or phone going to 5G data mode or to any 2.4 ghz channel.

If you are using ASUS routers which support AiMesh then 802.11 k/v are supported for fast roaming

https://www.snbforums.com/threads/asus-aimesh-technology-802-11kv-detected-but-no-802-11r.81879/

802.11 r not needed for home use as per above article.........unless you are using VoIP or video conferencing and moving around

So, to conclude, with your apple products supporting fast roaming too means you have fast roaming lah

 

[xiaofan]

1. For consumer mesh solution, usually single vendor solution is preferred. And even within the same vendor, they may have different incompatible mesh solutions (eg: TP-Link Deco vs EasyMesh, Netgear Orbi vs Easymesh based Nighthawek mesh system, Linksys Velop vs Easymesh based E-series).

2. On the other hand, some experts in this forum may not like to use the word "mesh". Their definition of mesh is more like the 802.11s.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11s

3. And some other experts may treat mesh as not necessary either -- they can use different APs together and use other measures to achieve seamless roaming (carefully seperate the APs, tune the transmission power, etc). And indeed commercial grade APs may have good roaming assistant to help achieving roaming performance. Comsumer routers configured in AP mode may not have good roaming assistant though.

4. Yet there are other experts may think it is okay to use different brand together as long as they support 802.11 k/v/r (usually 802.11 kv or 802.11 kvr).

5. Some people also prefer to use cheaper OpenWRT router and use 802.11s (or 802.11r) to form cost effective mesh solutions.

6. All in all, there are different opinions, as long as the end results can be met, that is good enough.

7. I think Dongknows covers good basic of consumer mesh solution. He mentioned that some online experts mock him since they think mesh with wired backhaul is no longer a mesh. But in reality consumer mesh now supports both wired backhaul and wireless backhaul.
https://dongknows.com/mesh-wi-fi-system-explained/

In a sentence, a mesh consists of multiple centrally managed Wi-Fi broadcasters working together to form a unified Wi-Fi network. Among them, there's one primary router that handles routing, network settings/features, and Internet connectivity. The rest only expand the network's coverage.

A mesh system consists of multiple Wi-Fi broadcasters (access points or extenders) that work together and can be managed in one place, such as a mobile app or the primary router unit's web user interface.

In a mesh with wireless backhauling, each satellite unit is essentially a centrally managed Wi-Fi extender. In a mesh with wired backhauling, each satellite unit is essentially a centrally managed access point.

The most significant difference between a mesh system and using multiple individually managed broadcasters is that the former gives you better ease of use, low (or no) interference between broadcasters, and seamless handoff, while the latter doesn't.
++++++++++++

 

[xiaofan]

2. On the other hand, some experts in this forum may not like to use the word "mesh". Their definition of mesh is more like the 802.11s.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11s

There is a reason for the above. Commercial AP vendors like Ubiquiti calls only mesh solutions using wireless backhaul as wireless mesh. This is different from consumer vendors which calls mesh solutions "wireless mesh" no matter using wired backhaul or wireless backhaul.

Reference from Ubiquiti
https://help.ui.com/hc/en-us/articl...iderations-for-Optimal-Wireless-Mesh-Networks

What is a Mesh Network?
A mesh network consists of access points (AP) that are wirelessly connected to each other with client devices connected wirelessly to them, opposed to everything being hardwired to your network. This enables you to minimize dead-zones and create a continuous wireless network when it is difficult to run cable to certain locations.

Note: Wireless Meshing must be enabled in your Network Application settings.

Mesh networks should only be supplemental.
It is always preferable to hardwire your equipment to your central router/gateway for optimal performance and stability. This is because meshed networks are heavily impacted by their environments. Too much radiofrequency (RF) noise may result in client or AP disconnections.

 

[hereiam7788]

Guys, need recommendation for an affordable wifi 6 mesh that is enough to cover a 882 sq ft apartment unit.

my main requirement is to boost the coverage/speed and most importantly latency comparing to the linksys wifi 5 mesh i am using currently.

thanks in advance.

 

[pawn_king]

I'd better update my post about China WiFI 7 router.
Updated on 24-March-2024

Chinese WiFi 7 router options (no 6GHz band, no 320MHz channel bandwidth, got MLO, 4096QAM, MRU, etc)

1) My recommended China version of WiFi 7 router now.
Xiaomi 6500 Pro (quad 2.5G ports, good for 2.5G plans): RMB699
Xiaomi 7000 (quad 2.5G ports, good match for 2.5G plans): RMB799
TP-Link TL-7DR6560 BE6500 (quad 2.5G ports, good match for 2.5G plans), RMB 559
ZTE BE7200 Pro+ (中兴问天BE7200Pro+, dual 2.5G ports, good match for 2.5Gbps plans) RMB 599

In terms of performance and feature:
Xiaomi BE7000 (fast CPU, quad 2.5G ports) > Xiaomi BE6500 Pro (quad 2.5G ports) >= ZTE BE7200 Pro+ (dual 2.5G ports) > TP-Link TP-Link TL-7DR6560 (quad 2.5G ports) > Huawei BE3 Pro (single 2.5G port)

2) Huawei
Huawei BE3 Pro (1G port version, 512MB RAM): RMB399, not recommended as no 2.5G port
Huawei BE3 Pro (2.5G port version, 512MB RAM): RMB499

3) Xiaomi
Xiaomi BE3600 (2.5G port): RMB 299 (just announced) -- not recommended as main router since it has only 256MBRAM, okay as an AP
Xiaomi 6500 Pro (quad 2.5G ports, good for 2.5G plans): RMB699
Xiaomi 7000 (quad 2.5G ports, good match for 2.5G plans): RMB799
Xiaomi 10000 triband (dual 10G ports, maybe good for 10G plans): RMB1499

4) TP-Link:
https://www.tp-link.com.cn/product_cat_wifi7.html
TP-Link TL-7DR3610 BE3600 (512MB RAM), RMB 229, not recommended as no 2.5G port
TP-Link TL-7DR3630 BE3600, RMB 249 (single 2.5G port, 512MB RAM)
TP-Link TL-7DR5130 BE5100, RMB 279 (single 2.5G port, 512MB RAM)
TP-Link TL-7DR6560 BE6500 (quad 2.5G ports, good match for 2.5G plans), RMB 559
TP-Link TL-7DR7280 BE7200 (quad 2.5G ports, good match for 2.5G plans), RMB 1699
TP-Link TL-7TR13090 BE13000 triband (dual 10G ports, maybe good for 10G plans), RMB 2199

5) ZTE
https://www.ztedevices.com/cn/product/中兴问天be7200pro路由器/
ZTE BE7200 Pro+ (中兴问天BE7200Pro+, dual 2.5G ports, good match for 2.5Gbps plans) RMB 599

6) H3C
https://www.h3c.com/cn/Products_And...lProducts/Star_Products/Home_Network/BE18000/
H3C BE18000 triband (one 10G port and three 1Gbps port) -- RMB 1799

Hi xiaofan, any reason to get the highly recommended wifi 6 asus tx-ax6000 over equivalent priced wifi 7 Xiaomi/ZTE?

Using on a 1/2.5gbps network, as sole/main router.

 

[xiaofan]

Hi xiaofan, any reason to get the highly recommended wifi 6 asus tx-ax6000 over equivalent priced wifi 7 Xiaomi/ZTE?

Using on a 1/2.5gbps network, as sole/main router.

Asus TX-AX6000 has more firmware features (including English FW), long term firm support as well as future official OpenWRT support (now with snapshot release). If you value the above, TX-AX6000 is a better buy. If not, go ahead with Xiaomi BE70000, BE6500 Pro+ or ZTE BE7200 Pro+.

I am using my ZTE BE7200 Pro+ as an AP after OpenWRT (Intel N100 Mini PC.

 

[tkdboi]

Guys, need recommendation for an affordable wifi 6 mesh that is enough to cover a 882 sq ft apartment unit.
my main requirement is to boost the coverage/speed and most importantly latency comparing to the linksys wifi 5 mesh i am using currently.
thanks in advance.

Asus Xt8? I was using this for quite a while before changing to ET12


Read HWZ Forum Rules!

 

[xiaofan]

I'd better update my post about China WiFI 7 router.
Updated on 25-April-2024

Chinese WiFi 7 router options (no 6GHz band, no 320MHz channel bandwidth, got MLO, 4096QAM, MRU, etc)

1) My recommended China version of WiFi 7 router now.
Xiaomi 6500 Pro (quad 2.5G ports, good for 2.5G plans): RMB699
Xiaomi 7000 (quad 2.5G ports, good match for 2.5G plans): RMB799
TP-Link TL-7DR6560 BE6500 (quad 2.5G ports, good match for 2.5G plans), RMB 559
ZTE BE7200 Pro+ (中兴问天BE7200Pro+, dual 2.5G ports, good match for 2.5Gbps plans) RMB 599

In terms of performance and feature:
Xiaomi BE7000 (fast CPU, quad 2.5G ports) > Xiaomi BE6500 Pro (quad 2.5G ports) >= ZTE BE7200 Pro+ (dual 2.5G ports) > TP-Link TP-Link TL-7DR6560 (quad 2.5G ports) > Huawei BE3 Pro (single 2.5G port)

2) Huawei
Huawei BE3 Pro (1G port version, 512MB RAM): RMB399, not recommended as no 2.5G port
Huawei BE3 Pro (2.5G port version, 512MB RAM): RMB499

3) Xiaomi
Xiaomi BE3600 (2.5G port): RMB 299 (just announced) -- not recommended as main router since it has only 256MBRAM, okay as an AP
Xiaomi 6500 Pro (quad 2.5G ports, good for 2.5G plans): RMB699
Xiaomi 7000 (quad 2.5G ports, good match for 2.5G plans): RMB799
Xiaomi 10000 triband (dual 10G ports, maybe good for 10G plans): RMB1499

4) TP-Link:
https://www.tp-link.com.cn/product_cat_wifi7.html
TP-Link TL-7DR3610 BE3600 (512MB RAM), RMB 229, not recommended as no 2.5G port
TP-Link TL-7DR3630 BE3600, RMB 249 (single 2.5G port, 512MB RAM)
TP-Link TL-7DR5130 BE5100, RMB 279 (single 2.5G port, 512MB RAM)
TP-Link TL-7DR6560 BE6500 (quad 2.5G ports, good match for 2.5G plans), RMB 559
TP-Link TL-7DR7280 BE7200 (quad 2.5G ports, good match for 2.5G plans), RMB 1699
TP-Link TL-7TR13090 BE13000 triband (dual 10G ports, maybe good for 10G plans), RMB 2199

5) ZTE
https://www.ztedevices.com/cn/product/中兴问天be7200pro路由器/
ZTE BE7200 Pro+ (中兴问天BE7200Pro+, dual 2.5G ports, good match for 2.5Gbps plans) RMB 599

6) H3C
https://www.h3c.com/cn/Products_And...lProducts/Star_Products/Home_Network/BE18000/
H3C BE18000 triband (one 10G port and three 1Gbps port) -- RMB 1799

7) Asus
https://www.asus.com.cn/store/gallery-476.html
ROG ROG八爪鱼7电竞路由器, triband, dual 10G ports, quad 2.5G ports, RMB 4999
RT-BE88U, BE 7200, dual 10G ports, quad 2.5G ports, RMB 1999
TUF GAMING小旋风Pro WiFi7 BE6500电竞路由器, quad 2.5G ports, RMB 799 launch price, usual price RMB 899
TUF GAMING小旋风WiFi7 BE3600电竞路由器, single 2.5G WAN/LAN port, RMB 499 launch price (usual price RMB 549)

Just updated this post.