Networking problems? Mesh solutions could help.
Networking problems? Mesh solutions could help.
I attempted to adapt to a new living situation. We settled into a rental property and set up my Asus RT-B96U router. It worked fine at the previous home but struggled with weak signals in the attic two stories above. Intermittent connectivity would drop while I was away, prompting family members to restart the modem and router. I also manage a home server with an AdGuard DNS and a micro PC running a synchronized backup DNS. The main bedroom had poor reception, making streaming unreliable—speed tests on Wi-Fi 7 averaged around 32 Mbps. Turning off Wi-Fi 7 would leave me at about 6 Mbps, suggesting only 5 GHz was active. I relied on MLO and one SSID for connectivity.
I tried a few fixes: upgraded the ZenWiFi BT8 with new firmware, connected it via a wired link through a high-speed port (using my 10Gbps port), and even attempted Ethernet backhaul over Cat 5e. The results were inconsistent—frequent disconnections, slow speeds, and intermittent reconnection. Eventually, I concluded the ZenWiFi setup wasn’t reliable.
Next, I switched to the ZenWiFi BT8 again, updated firmware, and connected it via a wired link using one of my 10Gbps ports (the other ports were limited). This improved stability somewhat, though still experiencing drops. I explored other options: enabling Ethernet backhaul settings, turning off roam assist, separating Wi-Fi channels, and even testing wireless backhaul in the hallway. The results varied—sometimes solid speeds, other times frustratingly slow.
I’m now leaning toward using ZenWiFi again, possibly with a wired connection for the bedroom Cat 5e and wireless across the floor to the living area. I’m also considering upgrading to a Cat 5e cable if needed. My firmware is still causing issues, so I’m planning to update it.
I’ve had mixed experiences with Eero models—some users reported good performance, while others faced drops. I’m leaning toward Eero 5GHz for better wireless options, but I’ll keep an eye on the latest firmware updates.
My internet has been unreliable since moving. I’ve tried everything: different routers, cables, settings. The signal issues seem to be affecting all devices, especially when I’m away from home. I’m frustrated and planning to return to a more stable setup soon.
I also checked with my ISP about the poor speeds I’ve been getting—2.7Gbps tests were over-provisioned, but now I’m seeing 1.5Gbps in ideal conditions. They mentioned the street-to-gateway signal is weak, which aligns with my observations.
Looking ahead, I might need to invest in a better wired solution or explore alternatives like TP-Link or Netgear. My current setup has its pros and cons, but I’m determined to find a more dependable connection.