Consider your needs and coverage; 5GHz offers faster speeds but shorter range.
Consider your needs and coverage; 5GHz offers faster speeds but shorter range.
I've faced some issues with 802.11ac mesh networks. Even with the latest version, speeds stayed around 90Mbit even through gateways, while my old Asus 802.11ac router struggled to maintain them. I suggest using a 5GHz band and a solid router that supports at least 802.11ac.
I own the Linksys Velop MX4200. It's a Wi-Fi 6 setup, performs well. The signal reach is average, but using two devices together gives solid coverage and the units come with many features.
I received coverage but not fast speeds. How do your speed tests perform? At my townhome, which is tall yet compact, I use one Ubiquiti U6 Enterprise (WiFi 6E) access point. I fully utilize the 1Gbit link on the 6GHz band, but it functions as a single access point rather than a mesh network. This setup offers another alternative. Would you consider a high-end router instead of a mesh system? It could be more cost-effective while still delivering strong performance. I previously used two different Openmesh 802.11ac mesh systems at my parents' place, but they delivered poor throughput and unreliable repeater uptime (just two gateways and one repeater). The newer A60 access points reached up to 90Mbit, typically in the 80s, whereas older AC1750 models maxed out around 60Mbit. After these disappointing experiences with multiple generations of hardware, I now doubt mesh solutions.
I have the central hub set up on the second level in a storage area where the fiber link enters and my home server resides. It receives the complete 500/500 bandwidth across the entire floor. The unit below is at the end of the living room. It links back to the main node through a wireless extension. It serves the guest bathroom, a compact workspace, the backyard, and a small part of the front garden. That point usually drops to about 300/300 outside its coverage area. The Wi-Fi 6 and 6E mesh networks, especially tri-band devices, perform exceptionally well. My own setup and similar tri-band models typically use either 2.4/5/5 GHz or 2.4/5/6 GHz radios (Wi-Fi 6) or 2.4/5/6 GHz radios (Wi-Fi 6E). When using wireless backhaul, either the 5GHz or 6GHz spectrum will be fully dedicated to the mesh network.