I installed an Orbi mesh wifi system many years ago (old house, thick walls and the BT system just didn’t give much coverage). It is no longer supported and the latest app doesn’t work with it so I’m thinking of replacing it, probably with a router and 2 satellites system as that gives the best cover now and even reaches the garage.
I use the BT Home Hub just to connect to the internet, and feed that into the Orbi router. I know the BT system has improved in recent years but reviews seem mixed especially in older houses so I’m not too keen on that route.
I’m not a tech wizard so I want something easy to install and use, with an app on the iPhone that lets me see the basics are working - I am OK using a web interface for things that need setting up etc.
I’ve been looking at the Orbi 870 system which seems to do what I want (and more) but I’m not keen on paying a monthly fee for the security system, so I also looked at the Asus Zen AX XT8.
Does anyone have experience/views about these? Or thoughts about better alternatives?
I’ll watch this thread closely to see what people are recommending. I’ve had an Orbi RBR/RBS mix of 50s and 20s for the past 10 years. When stable, they’re good - when something moves around in the network, they’re fantastically bad for a few days.
Wondering if there’s better products out there or this performance is just a function of a large networks with numerous nodes.
I use a TP-Link Deco mesh. I have one unit plugged into the router and five satellites. Two of these satellites then plug directly into Naim ND5XS2 streamers in distant parts of the house. It’s a simple system to set up, coming with its own control app. I have simply added satellites as the number of WiFi connected items has increased.
Not sure this counts as “mesh” - but we now use a TP-Link Archer NX210 5G hub with 2x RE550 extenders. These provide for seamless coverage in our three storey house. An ancient WA850 in the shed gives basic WiFi in the garden.
The Tether App is excellent - much better than web-based interfaces.
I too have TP-Link mesh system, a 3 pods Deco X50, one connected to the modem and acting as router, and one at each floor above.
Works perfectly, the app is nice and with it you can assign fixed IP to the connected gears like TV, Dune HD, Core…
The Orbi router is connected to a Cisco unmanaged switch via ethernet cable, and both satellites are cabled back to the switch. up to now that has worked well, (now getting similar problems to Maury F) but I had endless problems trying to set things up initially without using ethernet cables.
As part of a full fibre broadband install, I have recently converted my house network over to a ubiquiti unifi setup using their u7 long range access points and a udr7 router/controller. The u7 ap’s can be poe powered using your existing cables but you would need a switch capable of poe supply. Set up is easy enough via web gui and there’s a plethora of youtube videos to guide you. The udr 7 supports voip, home protection (cameras, alarms and access etc) as well as wifi but i did find its wifi range a little limited hence the need for the access point install to augment the router’s range.
Currently use a Asus Zenwifi BQ16 system, 3 routers in a 4400 sq ft apartment with solid concrete walls. Works great. All my endpoints are connected via ethernet to the routers, my computer connects over wifi, internet connections 2 gbps fibre. App is extremely good and it was easy to set up all my endpoints, iOT devices etc. Speed is exceptionally good using the MLO capability of Wifi 7 on the backhaul between routers. Unlike Orbi Wifi 7 systems the security software on the routers is included in the cost with no monthly or annual charges. A bit expensive but as with anything in life you normally get what you pay for. No issues streaming music to enpoints at up to PCM 768 kHz and DSD 256. Recommended.
Looks god - at first glance as you say it looks expensive but worth exploring. At present though I’m leaning towards an Orbi system as research suggests I can do what I need without the subscription, and as I have Orbi now I know what to expect. Plus I suspect wifi 7 is a bit OTT for me.
One router on the ground floor and 5 APs around the house. They will frequently ‘lose’ one of the APs and then start reconfiguring the network leaving a large coverage hole somewhere. Usually my office.
We have Ubiquiti Access Points wired into the router. This allows for 500kbs + throughout the house (ground Floor 10m x 30m/ underground 8m x 20m and outdoor terrace 8m x 20m). Excellent WiFi coverage throughout. House construction concrete with rebars shell with brick/plaster between rooms. Innuos hard wired to the router and NAS (though I listen from Innuos hard drive). Downstairs we have a movie room served with Apple TV - never an issue watching streamed media
For me, regardless of the system you end up choosing, connecting as many of the access points as you can by ethernet really helps if you’re able to. Else you’re losing vital WiFi bandwidth to all the nodes keeping meshed together.