WIFI Mesh VS AP

[emo_121]

Running on PfSense (Everything wired backhaul)
Budget $125 for each AP

I am planning to replace my existing 1x Netgear AC1200 Router (configured as AP) with 2x Unifi ac Lite or 2x Unifi AC-Pro. OR from carousell 2x Asus router that support AiMesh. Hoping to get at least 1Gbps on 5ghz (theoretical)

With AiMesh, it's easy to configure them as AP

But for unifi AC Lite, I would need to set up both units as roaming and with same ssid, PW, rssi strength and wireless channel.
Is this the correct method? I want to know if this is the same working principle as consumer mesh network system??

Or anyone have tried out libre mesh?

 

[giraffey]

Unifi devices can be centrally managed and gives more flexibility and control. Mesh is just a “buzz word”, it can already be achieved in enterprise APs way before it existed. As unifi APs are prosumer devices, you can achieve mesh like plus much more.

However, unifi devices require some networking knowledge. But, if you can setup pfsense, you should not have an issue.

 

[ZrE0_Cha0s]

1Gbps on 5G probably u need a AX wifi setup....AC is hardly possible

 

[irbadboyz]

Running on PfSense (Everything wired backhaul)
Budget $125 for each AP

I am planning to replace my existing 1x Netgear AC1200 Router (configured as AP) with 2x Unifi ac Lite or 2x Unifi AC-Pro. OR from carousell 2x Asus router that support AiMesh. Hoping to get at least 1Gbps on 5ghz (theoretical)

With AiMesh, it's easy to configure them as AP

But for unifi AC Lite, I would need to set up both units as roaming and with same ssid, PW, rssi strength and wireless channel.
Is this the correct method? I want to know if this is the same working principle as consumer mesh network system??

Or anyone have tried out libre mesh?

AiMesh is not bad. And a much better solution. Ap routers without controllers are not really that good to be honest, at least the asus system has AiMesh to act as a controller in between the two.

Whereas two AP on the same SSID is a very analog and raw way to capture the signal from the closest device to each AP and relay the signal within the hardware infrastructure.

 

[ss2000]

Reviving this thread as my question is related to wired mesh vs AP using same SSID.

Here’s the theory:
1) Mesh originally means wireless back haul and a wired mesh is actually the same as APs which use wired back haul. Wired back haul is best for speed and range.
2) Mesh handles seamless roaming / handoff better than APs because of 802.11krv protocols. APs are “dumb”; they need a WLAN controller.
3) Mesh uses the same channel throughout the network whereas each AP can be configured to use a different channel and hence has better bandwidth than mesh.
4) Handoff depends on speed and strength. If speed falls below 50 Mbps, a wireless client will switch, OR if noise level is set to -70/-90 dBm, then seamless handoff will take place.
5) Set transmission power to about 50% to reduce overlap and aid handoff

Given all these, I still cannot decide whether to go with
1) Asus AX5400 router + 3 Asus XD6 nodes (wired) for my home (AiMesh)
2) Asus AX3000 router + 3 Asus XD5 nodes (wired) for my home (AiMesh)
3) TP-link WLAN controller, Omada router, 3 APs

I have laid Cat5 cables from ONT to the three bedrooms.

I’m using StarHub 1 Gbps plan and my wireless devices are all 2x2 MIMO which max out at
- 1201 Mbps at 80 MHz, 1024-QAM or
- 2402 Mbps at 160 MHz, 1024-QAM
on AX routers but having 4x4 routers also useful as I have many devices at home.

My key objectives are to get the best speed for 2x2 devices (max 1201 Mbps at 80 MHz, 1024-QAM is good enough) and to achieve seamless roaming around the house. I’ve asked a couple of contractors that do network installation but they don’t know deep enough to advise.

 

[xiaomao87]

Running on PfSense (Everything wired backhaul)
Budget $125 for each AP

I am planning to replace my existing 1x Netgear AC1200 Router (configured as AP) with 2x Unifi ac Lite or 2x Unifi AC-Pro. OR from carousell 2x Asus router that support AiMesh. Hoping to get at least 1Gbps on 5ghz (theoretical)

With AiMesh, it's easy to configure them as AP

But for unifi AC Lite, I would need to set up both units as roaming and with same ssid, PW, rssi strength and wireless channel.
Is this the correct method? I want to know if this is the same working principle as consumer mesh network system??

Or anyone have tried out libre mesh?

U are getting
Wifi 5 mesh/router which would never hit more than 650mbps in real life

Ax - wifi 6
Ac - wifi 5
Don't think of 2gb

With lan cable u will hit UP TO 980mbps max speed

EG:
500mb fibre speed
Ax router
Supported PC/HP
=
Wifi 6 network + 500mbps speed

Or

1gb fiber speed
AC router
Supported wifi6 PC/HP
=
Wifi 5 network + 650mbps speed
Why not 1gb speed ?
Wifi 5 speed support UP TO 650MBps
With lan cable u get ip4 950mbps

This give u a rough idea

 

[xiaomao87]

Reviving this thread as my question is related to wired mesh vs AP using same SSID.

Here’s the theory:
1) Mesh originally means wireless back haul and a wired mesh is actually the same as APs which use wired back haul. Wired back haul is best for speed and range.
2) Mesh handles seamless roaming / handoff better than APs because of 802.11krv protocols. APs are “dumb”; they need a WLAN controller.
3) Mesh uses the same channel throughout the network whereas each AP can be configured to use a different channel and hence has better bandwidth than mesh.
4) Handoff depends on speed and strength. If speed falls below 50 Mbps, a wireless client will switch, OR if noise level is set to -70/-90 dBm, then seamless handoff will take place.
5) Set transmission power to about 50% to reduce overlap and aid handoff

Given all these, I still cannot decide whether to go with
1) Asus AX5400 router + 3 Asus XD6 nodes (wired) for my home (AiMesh)
2) Asus AX3000 router + 3 Asus XD5 nodes (wired) for my home (AiMesh)
3) TP-link WLAN controller, Omada router, 3 APs

I have laid Cat5 cables from ONT to the three bedrooms.

I’m using StarHub 1 Gbps plan and my wireless devices are all 2x2 MIMO which max out at
- 1201 Mbps at 80 MHz, 1024-QAM or
- 2402 Mbps at 160 MHz, 1024-QAM
on AX routers but having 4x4 routers also useful as I have many devices at home.

My key objectives are to get the best speed for 2x2 devices (max 1201 Mbps at 80 MHz, 1024-QAM is good enough) and to achieve seamless roaming around the house. I’ve asked a couple of contractors that do network installation but they don’t know deep enough to advise.

My point of view
Use ax6000 4x4 at rm2 split 2.4/5ghz
Hide 2.4ghz to connect to ur smart home device
PC/HP use 5ghz
This ax will cover all rm

Default router maining cover kitchen + main

Issue settle

 

[ss2000]

My point of view
Use ax6000 4x4 at rm2 split 2.4/5ghz
Hide 2.4ghz to connect to ur smart home device
PC/HP use 5ghz
This ax will cover all rm

Default router maining cover kitchen + main

Issue settle

I have Starhub TV in all three rooms. And the walls between the rooms are concrete. Not sure if the Wi-Fi signal penetrates the walls well?

With your proposed setup I will end up with 2 SSIDs? It’s two networks right? One outside with the main router and the other in the second room.

 

[xiaomao87]

I have Starhub TV in all three rooms. And the walls between the rooms are concrete. Not sure if the Wi-Fi signal penetrates the walls well?

With your proposed setup I will end up with 2 SSIDs? It’s two networks right? One outside with the main router and the other in the second room.

Ya 2 network
Wifi6 is good a penetrating walls

main router to convert signal from ONT
No choice

 

[ss2000]

Ya 2 network
Wifi6 is good a penetrating walls

main router to convert signal from ONT
No choice

I am thinking of the Asus mesh solution: a Asus AX5400 router + 3 Asus XD6 nodes (wired backhaul) to be very sure of good uninterrupted signal and also one single SSID with roaming around the house. It sounds easy to set up and I read recently that these nodes will also use auto channel to spread out the load.

in this case, it would be a better solution than using APs.

what do you think?

 

[xiaomao87]

I am thinking of the Asus mesh solution: a Asus AX5400 router + 3 Asus XD6 nodes (wired backhaul) to be very sure of good uninterrupted signal and also one single SSID with roaming around the house. It sounds easy to set up and I read recently that these nodes will also use auto channel to spread out the load.

in this case, it would be a better solution than using APs.

what do you think?

Method is good but I won't go for it.
Why ?

This period of time u going to buy new router w/ mesh?

Dec this yr going to announce wifi 7
I assume the IT show is to clear old stock/ inventory

Teleco goin to think of way to market it
Even it wifi 7 out than content creator will market time to change phone/pc for wifi 7


Just use what u have atm

I didn't setup ax5400tuf / xd6 b4 I can't advise on this

I did set u xt8 b4 its a damn power mesh !
On old condo w 3/4rm
2 settle issue lol
If I rmb correctly 2nd mesh is connect to data point which not alot of mesh can

Some 2nd mesh dun support input , only support output N smart device as it need 2.4ghz

Do take noted

As long as u r comfortable w/ ur option

 

[ss2000]

Method is good but I won't go for it.
Why ?

This period of time u going to buy new router w/ mesh?

Dec this yr going to announce wifi 7
I assume the IT show is to clear old stock/ inventory

Teleco goin to think of way to market it
Even it wifi 7 out than content creator will market time to change phone/pc for wifi 7


Just use what u have atm

I didn't setup ax5400tuf / xd6 b4 I can't advise on this

I did set u xt8 b4 its a damn power mesh !
On old condo w 3/4rm
2 settle issue lol
If I rmb correctly 2nd mesh is connect to data point which not alot of mesh can

Some 2nd mesh dun support input , only support output N smart device as it need 2.4ghz

Do take noted

As long as u r comfortable w/ ur option

Thanks! You have a point about Wi-Fi 7 routers coming out soon. But with only 1 GBPs plan, not much use for me to spend so much on WiFi 7. In fact I also looked at the XT8 solution but because it’s pricey and I wasn’t sure if the signal could penetrate the walls so I thought of the router+XD6 solution to be safe.

May I know what’s the size of that old condo? And what’s the speed like around the different rooms especially the room that is furthest from the router or node? And did you manage to use one SSID for the mesh? And was the roaming seamless?

 

[xiaomao87]

Thanks! You have a point about Wi-Fi 7 routers coming out soon. But with only 1 GBPs plan, not much use for me to spend so much on WiFi 7. In fact I also looked at the XT8 solution but because it’s pricey and I wasn’t sure if the signal could penetrate the walls so I thought of the router+XD6 solution to be safe.

May I know what’s the size of that old condo? And what’s the speed like around the different rooms especially the room that is furthest from the router or node? And did you manage to use one SSID for the mesh? And was the roaming seamless?

Bro u ask me the size of the condo lol !!!
I'm a fibre installer bro -.-!

The last rm speed range <650mbps on wifi
The lowest 500mbps in the MBR toilet

Cus hubby at home told me toilet need speed!
Haha I look at him n laugh it out and reply
But it's truth fact
As long as owner is reasonable w/o any arrogant I try to get it done as best I could

He happy
I happy
Win win

 

[ss2000]

Bro u ask me the size of the condo lol !!!
I'm a fibre installer bro -.-!

The last rm speed range <650mbps on wifi
The lowest 500mbps in the MBR toilet

Cus hubby at home told me toilet need speed!
Haha I look at him n laugh it out and reply
But it's truth fact
As long as owner is reasonable w/o any arrogant I try to get it done as best I could

He happy
I happy
Win win

Ah I see! Thanks for the info! Much appreciated!

 

[elvintay07]

Mesh gives you that seamless integration and also solid handshake when you move from main to node. Only complain is mesh routers are huge. Really got difficulty positioning the main/ node. Also no way to guesstimate how many nodes you need

 

[ss2000]

Mesh gives you that seamless integration and also solid handshake when you move from main to node. Only complain is mesh routers are huge. Really got difficulty positioning the main/ node. Also no way to guesstimate how many nodes you need

I thought to play safe, just place a node in each room, hence, 3 XD6. And a main router for the sitting, dining and kitchen.

 

[elvintay07]

I thought to play safe, just place a node in each room, hence, 3 XD6. And a main router for the sitting, dining and kitchen.

Yes u can. But what is the point? You want to spend reasonable amount of money to have full coverage mah. Just like airbus 380 need 4 engine, u can definitely put 8 but what is the point tio bo. Haha

 

[ss2000]

Yes u can. But what is the point? You want to spend reasonable amount of money to have full coverage mah. Just like airbus 380 need 4 engine, u can definitely put 8 but what is the point tio bo. Haha

Definitely if can save money sure but as you said, hard to estimate how many nodes needed. I could buy one XD6 node at a time to try out but it's also a hassle to buy multiple times. I got a good price at Sim Lim so must go there to get. If get from Shopee, must wait. The thing is that it's difficult to have downtime in the house since everyone is using the wifi everyday. Was hoping that someone who stays in a HDB EA like mine and have used Asus mesh could share experience on speed and handoff.

 

[elvintay07]

Definitely if can save money sure but as you said, hard to estimate how many nodes needed. I could buy one XD6 node at a time to try out but it's also a hassle to buy multiple times. I got a good price at Sim Lim so must go there to get. If get from Shopee, must wait. The thing is that it's difficult to have downtime in the house since everyone is using the wifi everyday. Was hoping that someone who stays in a HDB EA like mine and have used Asus mesh could share experience on speed and handoff.

It depends on ur type of house. Old HDB is totally gone case with the steel beams etc. also no lan 6 within whole house. New BTO or condo usually no issue. All lan 6 cables. You put 1 inside db box and the other one just trial and error. I don’t think got issue. Most house 1 main 1 node work. Some need 1 main 2 node. No more than that unless you stay landed or good class bungalow

 

[ss2000]

It depends on ur type of house. Old HDB is totally gone case with the steel beams etc. also no lan 6 within whole house. New BTO or condo usually no issue. All lan 6 cables. You put 1 inside db box and the other one just trial and error. I don’t think got issue. Most house 1 main 1 node work. Some need 1 main 2 node. No more than that unless you stay landed or good class bungalow

My HDB EA is the old one. I laid Cat5 cables on my own. So I guess still safer to use 3 nodes.