Upgrading from WiFi 5 to WiFi 6 requires some equipment tips! (Last updated 09-05-21 – check comments for more.)
Upgrading from WiFi 5 to WiFi 6 requires some equipment tips! (Last updated 09-05-21 – check comments for more.)
I've been considering the post I wrote last night and decided I need the right networking equipment for WiFi 6. I'm planning to upgrade from WiFi 5 to WiFi 6. The setup will use a wired fiber optic connection for my mom's room, while I'll be limited to a Wi-Fi signal. I have two computers in the house, which is quite small. I'm not very experienced with networking, so someone should help me understand things better. I've picked up some basics from the official resources. Here’s what I’m looking for [prices and availability are essential]: 1. An EPON Optical Network Unit that supports WiFi 6. [Best Buy doesn’t have any after speaking with an agent earlier today, and it looks like Amazon might too.] 2. A WiFi 6 router offering gigabit speeds or higher. I don’t want something overly expensive, just something solid and dependable. 3. Finally, a WiFi 6 repeater since my connection is over 50 feet from the internet equipment in my mom’s room, and I can’t get it closer. Hopefully, someone can suggest good options! Feel free to ask for more details or anything else if you have. Thanks! Edited September 5, 2021 by Kjennings92
You prefer avoiding repeaters—they often create more issues than they help and tend to be a source of frustration. Right now, I'm preparing to move into a three-story home, which puts me in a comparable scenario. I bought a TP-Link Deco X68 mesh, but haven’t installed it yet. I’ll make sure to revisit this later and update my notes. Overall, I believe a mesh network is the most effective option, though it appears to be inconsistent in this market based on my research.
Considering a Mesh WiFi setup seems like a good idea. I was thinking about this before, but I really want to make sure it’s affordable. I should have noted earlier that our home is a single-story building. The issue with the current arrangement is that mom’s room has the internet equipment on the south side, while my gaming room is on the east side, about 50-60 feet away. It’s odd I’m surprised you’re one of those who advise against using a WiFi repeater. How can I ensure a strong, stable connection at least 50 feet from the main gear? Any other tips would be appreciated!
Fourth option: use a powerline adapter; its effectiveness depends on your home's wiring and can easily outperform any wireless setup...
You're asking for a fiber gateway. You won't find these on the shelves of brick and mortar stores. And even if you did, WiFi 6 still hasn't penetrated to these types of units. If you do find one, they're likely being sold by ISPs as part of your internet package with them. I wouldn't be surprised if Chinese manufacturers are trying to build these as fast as possible, since western ISPs tend to rebrand their units for use on local networks. You can get ONT/router replacements from manufacturers like Ubiquiti, who specialize in pro-sumer and ISP equipment. However, because you can't just drop in your own unit on a fiber ISP's network, you'll have to call them to find out first and the process involved in setup. I suspect that this might be easier on business-grade connections, but you'll only know for sure by talking to your ISP. As you might surmise, just this part is going to get expensive rather quickly. I don't suspect your mom needs such an advanced setup. ISP-provided ONTs are decent-ish. This would be a better way to go. What does "without being too pricey" mean? Please state a budget. Here is a list of options for around $100. Asus also has some that are closer to $200; I'm considering testing out the AX86U myself. You can find alternatives here . Again, since this is for your mom's house, I'd recommend you keep it simple. Don't try to get into advanced setups with pro-sumer level hardware and SDNs if you're not prepared to be the eternal tech support when problems need troubleshooting. Personally, I don't mind doing such work for my family, but if a simpler solution exists that provides for what they need without being expensive, it tends to work out better in the long term. I agree with what was said before with regards to the argument against repeaters or range extenders/boosters. If you decide to go ahead with them, be prepared to deal with their quirks. People tend to have more problems with them than not.
It might be tricky to locate the specific gear you need, especially if its availability is limited. Perhaps sharing your concerns with your ISP would help—hope they can assist with a minor upgrade at a reasonable cost or even free of charge. I’ll need to reach out and find out what they can offer. Thanks for the advice! Edited September 5, 2021 by Kjennings92
I also wondered if anyone has ideas beyond adding a WiFi repeater, especially given your situation. Since you won’t be near the router and can’t relocate it, are there other options you’ve thought of that might help improve the signal over that distance? I’d love to know if any suggestions came up that you missed!