Current home configuration (mesh?)
Current home configuration (mesh?)
Welcome to the discussion boards! If these "portable" gadgets lean toward doing this, a full assurance isn't guaranteed just by purchasing any mesh network. Generally, we can't easily fix faulty devices, but there are aspects to consider that might help. Based on the operating system of each device, certain applications may offer finer control over Wi-Fi settings. I haven’t identified specific tools yet. The process of moving between networks involves many variables—something I addressed in a similar thread: Are you using a particular protocol (like 802.xxxxx) or a custom method for handing off a device from one network to another? If the devices differ in brand and don’t specify such a feature, check if they have their own way of transferring. Also, does your router have a unique approach to adjusting channel numbers or signal strength based on how strong the signal is? Some manufacturers, like ASUS, do this. Whether your router and AP come from the same company matters, as well as how intelligent they are at picking the right Wi-Fi channels and widths automatically. If not, you might need to manually set them. This impacts whether you prefer strict channel selection or flexible settings. How adaptable is your device to switch between Wi-Fi bands (6, 5, or 2.4 GHz) or different SSIDs? This decision can influence whether you want separate SSIDs for each network or multiple channels per band. Regarding overall network setup: the layout and power distribution in your home greatly affect performance. I’ve seen only modest speeds—around tens of Mbps—in a typical three-bedroom house, and most users haven’t reached over 100 Mbps. From my perspective, this would be a last option unless you require many APs and don’t connect them directly. You could limit the number of hops by wiring some devices together. Another idea not mentioned: using coaxial cables or MoCA technology. If you already have it throughout the house, this can boost speeds up to about 2.5 Mbps depending on your adapters. MoCA adapters usually cost similar to or slightly more than new Cat 6 cables, but they saved me a lot of time by avoiding the hassle of rewiring. Choosing CAT 7 is necessary if local codes require it or you want long-term flexibility. If you opt for Cat 6/6e instead, ensure you understand real-world speeds to your NAS and the internet—otherwise, it might become a bottleneck.
Consensus reached. The main concerns involving wireless client devices are actually client-side issues rather than server (AP) problems. You can find some APs with options to fine-tune their signal strength (I’m not sure what the exact setting is). I’ve used a few Orbi models, but honestly it didn’t really change much. My home is about 300 years old and covered in old ashes, so nothing gets through easily. I’ve tried various fixes. For some reason, my old SkyQ Mesh system performed best for coverage, though its slow speeds limited me to Amazon Eero devices. They still don’t fully resolve the roaming issue. Fortunately, I recently completed a big renovation, giving me access to Cat6 wiring in most areas. I recommend it if possible. I currently have four Eero devices covering two floors, an outbuilding, and the garden, using a wired connection with all the APs.
Thanks for your responses! I’m moving my old APs to the new house. They work well enough for picking bands and may even allow swapping devices between routers, since they’re all from the same brand (TP-Link EAP245) and include some central management tools. However, I need to upgrade to at least WiFi 6—preferably 6E or 7—not just for long-term security but because I want to stream PCVR wirelessly on my Quest 3. This means a fresh set of hardware in the new home. In the end, I plan to install 2–3 Ethernet connections per floor: one for the main access point and a few for PCs needing high-speed data to the NAS. A mesh network with 2–3 APs per floor should handle phones and other devices. It’s not about overall bandwidth (broadband is still poor in Germany), but more about fast internal speeds for HD video editing from the NAS and wireless PCVR streaming. Thanks for steering me away from the powerline adapter idea—it wouldn’t have been ideal. If I’m not careful, I’ll have to redo this in a few years anyway. Likely I’ll go with CAT 7 wiring.
Cat 7 isn't widely recognized as a standard. Cat 6E offers the best performance. For speeds exceeding 10gb, Cat 8 is an option, though consumer gear hasn't advanced to those rates soon. A complete Ubiquiti system would be ideal, with all access points managed via a single central panel.