Configuring a mesh network on a gateway involves connecting devices seamlessly across the network.
Configuring a mesh network on a gateway involves connecting devices seamlessly across the network.
Hey there, I saw your situation and wanted to share some thoughts. You're trying to set up a mesh network at home, which sounds cool! From what you described, it seems like the main issue comes from the routers treating each device as a separate network, causing instability. Since you're using Wi-Fi 6, that's a good choice for future-proofing. The problem might be related to too many devices connecting at once or the router not handling the load well. Have you checked if your gateways are properly configured and if you're using enough channels on Wi-Fi 6? Also, consider upgrading to a more powerful router or adding more access points if possible. Let me know if you want tips on optimizing your setup!
I’m adjusting my approach and sharing what I’ve tried so far. 1) Turning off DHCP on the gateway while keeping it enabled on the router. This seems like the most efficient option in my view. Result: couldn’t connect to the internet at all. Network functioned normally, devices connected, and latency stayed around 1-2ms on LAN. Still unclear why the connection failed. 2) Disabling router features and using them as access points only. Feels disappointing but functional. It’s like applying a band-aid over a deep cut. The original issue persists, though it’s much better. Previously, I would randomly time out in games and couldn’t reconnect to servers, even if I could browse the web. Now I get dropped packets periodically, causing spikes to "999" before recovery. Browsing remains unaffected. I waited for a connection spike and ran a speed test from the same machine without issues. Questions: Should I accept using these routers as access points despite the cost? Or should I investigate why disabling DHCP hampers internet access? Also, does turning off gateway DHCP and letting routers manage traffic really improve latency, or am I chasing something unseen?
I believe I’ve found the root of the problem. Since this is the PUMA 6 chipset my ISP uses, the known issue matches exactly with what I’ve been facing. Anyone got any reliable patches or solutions to fix the latency or timeout problems?
PUMA 6 has been a problem for a long time, and no fixes exist. The best option is to replace the hardware with a non-PUMA 6 chip. If you need a 32 channel modem, consider a Docsis 3.1 model—they’re reliable. Otherwise, downgrade to a 16x4 or 24x8 modem. You have two choices: set your gateway in bridge mode so it acts as a modem, using one router as the main router and the other as an access point, or keep both routers as APs for better handling of your network traffic. I’m not sure if that setup will work without further testing. Comcast doesn’t use gateways that support TV, only those combining modem, router, and phone functions.