Set up a mesh Wi-Fi system with several LAN ports throughout your home.
Set up a mesh Wi-Fi system with several LAN ports throughout your home.
I've gathered several LAN ports throughout my flat, each connected to a console switch. This setup lets me link all routers directly via LAN to the modem. It's a dual-mode connection, and you can see why the second-floor area had poor reception—signals were weak and slow. For now, I've purchased a TP-Link Archer C6 to set up a separate network for the upper floor. However, I'm not aiming for a permanent fix. I'm exploring mesh Wi-Fi options, but all I've found so far rely on Wi-Fi connections, which fail upstairs due to weak signals and slow speeds. Since my current plan uses LAN ports everywhere, I'm wondering if there are mesh solutions that support connecting each router over LAN to build a mesh network. Are there budget-friendly choices that offer this capability? Or is this a niche requirement with no widely advertised options for something like mine? Thanks ahead.
I've been using the Asus Aimesh. It supports Ethernet "backhaul." It's worth mentioning: the Wi-Fi mesh isn't very reliable, but the sections relying on Ethernet keep functioning. However, can you set this router up as an access point? If you already have a fixed Ethernet connection, those APs would be more dependable than a mesh setup.
It seems you're confirming the same SSID and password works without issues. As far as I understand, this is likely through DHCP on your AP router using the same credentials.
You don't require routers. You just need wireless access points. These connect to ethernet and provide wifi coverage. I suggest Ubiquiti models such as the AC-Pro and AC-Lite. The UniFi controller displays the entire network as a single WiFi network. I've set up two AC-Pros at home and successfully installed a full AC-Pro system at a client's residence without any problems.
Well, an Ubiquiti AC-Lite costs twice as much as a TP-Link Archer C6 XD. For the SSID, you don’t need to use the same name and password for both networks. Also, I’m curious if devices can smoothly switch between the AP router and the regular one without any issues.
Ensure archer C6 supports AP mode. Different brands often use varying mesh standards. You might face a situation where multiple WiFi networks share the same name or password but only allow one connection at a time. This could happen with a wireless AP controller, typically found in enterprise setups like Ubiquiti. The ASUS AI Mesh system looks good, but I’m not sure about connecting slaves. Still, using C6 as an AP, what router are you relying on?
The C6 supports an AP mode, and I'm currently linking it with a C7.