Which Orbi Mesh System

[dogz]

Hi,

The WIFI in our house is abysmal with many blackspots especially upstairs where the wife works. We also have 2 kids who both use iPads around tea time which means there can be issues if I'm on Teams or Zoom calls

The house is a 1920 detached with thick walls and is c3500ft2. We have BT fibre

I've been looking at mesh options as I think this will give us a good solution but am unsure whether to go for the Orbi AX4200 or AX6000 and whether we will realistically need either 2 or 3 units? I guess I'm also trying to understand if the price differential is worth paying between the two options

Any help appreciated

[xeny]

Don't forget the mesh units need to be able to communicate with each other, so depending on how thick the walls are, consider if you'll ultimately benefit from running some network cables for that purpose if nothing else.

See Rule 8 here - https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/02/the-ars-te... the whole article is probably worth glancing through.

[nyt]

I used: https://www.tp-link.com/uk/home-networking/deco/de...

They link using both wireless and mains cabling and worked a treat for me (old house, thick walls)

Price varies a lot - about £160 seems to be 'reasonable'

[Magnum 475]

xeny said:

Don't forget the mesh units need to be able to communicate with each other, so depending on how thick the walls are, consider if you'll ultimately benefit from running some network cables for that purpose if nothing else.

See Rule 8 here - https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/02/the-ars-te... the whole article is probably worth glancing through.

This x 100.

I've said it before, I'll say it again: If you can get a cable to it, then use cable. If you have to go mesh, make sure you go tri-band so you have a dedicated channel for back-haul. The other factor to consider now is that Wifi 6 is becoming more readily available, is the latest standard, and should be around for a good number of years.

So, in order of preference:

- Wired Wifi 6 access points
- Wifi 6 Tri-Band mesh system

[camel_landy]

I've been using the Orbis for a few years and they're brilliant. However, I'll reiterate the point that you need a dedicated backhaul, so tri-band is a minimum but cable is preferred.

FWIW - I do find the performance of the 3x unit networks to be noticeably better than the 2x unit (I've got a couple of each) but ultimately it'll be down to the specifics of your building.

M

[dogz]

Thanks for all the replies

The ones I am looking at are all triband so should fit the bill

I can't fit wires for the backhaul as we have wood floors and I cant be bother with the effort of lifting the floors up to run it

I think I might try 3 x AX4200 and see how we go

[Zed Ed]

Went for 3 Orbi WiFi 6 rbk853s in my 1905 London semi. Couldn’t recommend more and it’s as remarkable as when man first made fire. You won’t look back. On virgin gig.

Also put in a tp link deco m5 3 unit setup at my dad’s. Transformed his terrible WiFi. His house 1990s with what must be lead lined walls. 17mb bt.

[vladcjelli]

With a hard budget from the lady of the house of £300, where should I put my cash for a three node (router and two satellites) system.

I can get tp link deco m9’s for £249, or netgear orbis for £269.

The decos are tri band, the orbis are dual band and wifi6. I can’t seem to get both features in one system at the price.

What do you think?

[vladcjelli]

Couldn’t wait, so bought dual band orbi Wi-fi 6 three pack on the understanding I can wire the back haul, probably via power line.

Hope the Wi-fi 6 future proofing is worth it.