F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Networks Comparing Wi-Fi mesh networks to various branded routers functioning as access points

Comparing Wi-Fi mesh networks to various branded routers functioning as access points

Comparing Wi-Fi mesh networks to various branded routers functioning as access points

S
Seemo
Junior Member
33
06-21-2025, 11:42 PM
#1
I noticed some unused 1Gbps routers nearby. I thought I could pass them on to a friend as access points, turn off DHCP, keep the same SSID and password, and create a mesh network where each device connects directly via Ethernet. It seems smartphones are moving more freely between devices today, and they don’t seem to cling to the first connection they make. Could this be a viable idea? Or are there other considerations I’m missing (like handling power outages)? Ty!
S
Seemo
06-21-2025, 11:42 PM #1

I noticed some unused 1Gbps routers nearby. I thought I could pass them on to a friend as access points, turn off DHCP, keep the same SSID and password, and create a mesh network where each device connects directly via Ethernet. It seems smartphones are moving more freely between devices today, and they don’t seem to cling to the first connection they make. Could this be a viable idea? Or are there other considerations I’m missing (like handling power outages)? Ty!

J
jerrydog01
Senior Member
703
06-22-2025, 07:31 AM
#2
Ensure 802.11R is active; otherwise, results vary. For multiple SSIDs, adjust device antennas and limit coverage overlap to speed up reconnections—typically causing 10-15 seconds on most Android devices. Laptops may detect weaker signals and connect automatically, so manual steps are often needed.
J
jerrydog01
06-22-2025, 07:31 AM #2

Ensure 802.11R is active; otherwise, results vary. For multiple SSIDs, adjust device antennas and limit coverage overlap to speed up reconnections—typically causing 10-15 seconds on most Android devices. Laptops may detect weaker signals and connect automatically, so manual steps are often needed.