Weapons-grade home WiFi suggestions
Discussion
RizzoTheRat said:
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Another option is see what extras BT can offer with the new router, they have thier own mesh system and guarantee the network quality in the house, but you pay monthly for it so long term is more expensive than just buying your own system.
Unless you just buy the disks from the BT shop or Amazon.Another option is see what extras BT can offer with the new router, they have thier own mesh system and guarantee the network quality in the house, but you pay monthly for it so long term is more expensive than just buying your own system.
RizzoTheRat said:
The E4 only has 100 Mbps ethernet ports, while the S4 has Gigbit ethernet, might not be an issue compared to you internet speed, but will make a different transferring stuff locally.
If you struggle with thick walls, also consider the P9, which is basically the S4 with built in powerline as well.
Another option is see what extras BT can offer with the new router, they have thier own mesh system and guarantee the network quality in the house, but you pay monthly for it so long term is more expensive than just buying your own system.
So for, say, the S4 kit, if you connect the first one to your router by cable, do the others form a mesh wirelessly or do they all require a wired connection to deliver the wifi? And if I want to set them up using my existing SSID and password, I just turn the wireless off on the ISP router?If you struggle with thick walls, also consider the P9, which is basically the S4 with built in powerline as well.
Another option is see what extras BT can offer with the new router, they have thier own mesh system and guarantee the network quality in the house, but you pay monthly for it so long term is more expensive than just buying your own system.
Also, do you know what the difference is between the S4 and the M4? Both gigabit, I can't see any tech difference on the TP-Link website?
Edited by CAPP0 on Saturday 20th November 23:25
They can do both, connect wirelessly or you can connect them via cable to get longer range or cope with really thick walls. You can also use them as a wireless bridge, connecting non wireless devices to one of the nodes (eg my raspberry pi is connected to one of the satellite Decos via an ethernet cable)
I *think* the the S4 is just the newer version of the M4, specs look the same but a slightly smaller case.
Your should be able to set them up with the same ssid and password as the existing network but I've not tried, not sure what happens if you use a different encryption. Easy enough to try though, you set up the Decos via a really easy to use phone app.
In terms of what to turn off on the existing modem, the box supplied by the ISP essentially does 3 things: Modem (connects to the outside world), Router (manages your local network, assigning addresses etc), and wireless access point (gives a wifi signal as part of your network).
The Decos (and presumably other similar systems), can operate in 2 modes; Wireless router (does the router and Wireless access point functions) and Wireless Access point.
This means there's 2 ways to set things up, either turn off wifi on the ISP's box, and use the Decos in Access Point mode, or switch the ISP box to Modem only (often called Passthrough or Bridge mode, google your particular device to check how) and use the Decos in Wireless Router mode.
If you have both the ISP box and the Deco's doing the router function it's referred to as "Double NATing" and will probably work most of the time but tends to cause problems with things like VPNs, secure connections and computer games so isn't advised.
I *think* the the S4 is just the newer version of the M4, specs look the same but a slightly smaller case.
Your should be able to set them up with the same ssid and password as the existing network but I've not tried, not sure what happens if you use a different encryption. Easy enough to try though, you set up the Decos via a really easy to use phone app.
In terms of what to turn off on the existing modem, the box supplied by the ISP essentially does 3 things: Modem (connects to the outside world), Router (manages your local network, assigning addresses etc), and wireless access point (gives a wifi signal as part of your network).
The Decos (and presumably other similar systems), can operate in 2 modes; Wireless router (does the router and Wireless access point functions) and Wireless Access point.
This means there's 2 ways to set things up, either turn off wifi on the ISP's box, and use the Decos in Access Point mode, or switch the ISP box to Modem only (often called Passthrough or Bridge mode, google your particular device to check how) and use the Decos in Wireless Router mode.
If you have both the ISP box and the Deco's doing the router function it's referred to as "Double NATing" and will probably work most of the time but tends to cause problems with things like VPNs, secure connections and computer games so isn't advised.
Edited by RizzoTheRat on Sunday 21st November 07:49
RizzoTheRat said:
They can do both, connect wirelessly or you can connect them via cable to get longer range or cope with really thick walls. You can also use them as a wireless bridge, connecting non wireless devices to one of the nodes (eg my raspberry pi is connected to one of the satellite Decos via an ethernet cable)
I *think* the the S4 is just the newer version of the M4, specs look the same but a slightly smaller case.
Your should be able to set them up with the same ssid and password as the existing network but I've not tried, not sure what happens if you use a different encryption. Easy enough to try though, you set up the Decos via a really easy to use phone app.
In terms of what to turn off on the existing modem, the box supplied by the ISP essentially does 3 things: Modem (connects to the outside world), Router (manages your local network, assigning addresses etc), and wireless access point (gives a wifi signal as part of your network).
The Decos (and presumably other similar systems), can operate in 2 modes; Wireless router (does the router and Wireless access point functions) and Wireless Access point.
This means there's 2 ways to set things up, either turn off wifi on the ISP's box, and use the Decos in Access Point mode, or switch the ISP box to Modem only (often called Passthrough or Bridge mode, google your particular device to check how) and use the Decos in Wireless Router mode.
If you have both the ISP box and the Deco's doing the router function it's referred to as "Double NATing" and will probably work most of the time but tends to cause problems with things like VPNs, secure connections and computer games so isn't advised.
Thanks Rizzo, much appreciated. I have some powerline adaptors to return to Currys and they stock the M4s at the same sort of money as Amazon so I'll do an exchange ands get some of those.I *think* the the S4 is just the newer version of the M4, specs look the same but a slightly smaller case.
Your should be able to set them up with the same ssid and password as the existing network but I've not tried, not sure what happens if you use a different encryption. Easy enough to try though, you set up the Decos via a really easy to use phone app.
In terms of what to turn off on the existing modem, the box supplied by the ISP essentially does 3 things: Modem (connects to the outside world), Router (manages your local network, assigning addresses etc), and wireless access point (gives a wifi signal as part of your network).
The Decos (and presumably other similar systems), can operate in 2 modes; Wireless router (does the router and Wireless access point functions) and Wireless Access point.
This means there's 2 ways to set things up, either turn off wifi on the ISP's box, and use the Decos in Access Point mode, or switch the ISP box to Modem only (often called Passthrough or Bridge mode, google your particular device to check how) and use the Decos in Wireless Router mode.
If you have both the ISP box and the Deco's doing the router function it's referred to as "Double NATing" and will probably work most of the time but tends to cause problems with things like VPNs, secure connections and computer games so isn't advised.
Edited by RizzoTheRat on Sunday 21st November 07:49
The Netgear Orbi didn't shift a penny on Black Friday, so just invested in Eero Pro 6 as well. Was meant to arrive yesterday, but it appears Hermes haven't coped very well with Black Friday as it's still sitting at their depot - first world problems.
I'll update with how it goes. Looks like a decent balance of speed, price and the kit not looking like cheap crap, which is important when it's prominently in the house.
I'll see how I get on with 3 before adding any more.
I'll update with how it goes. Looks like a decent balance of speed, price and the kit not looking like cheap crap, which is important when it's prominently in the house.
I'll see how I get on with 3 before adding any more.
Orbi seems to have dropped for Black Friday week according to the three camels...
Both the RBK753 and RBK353 at their lowest ever (so far) now.
https://uk.camelcamelcamel.com/product/B089NN5N8V
https://uk.camelcamelcamel.com/product/B08FT9BLQX
Both the RBK753 and RBK353 at their lowest ever (so far) now.
https://uk.camelcamelcamel.com/product/B089NN5N8V
https://uk.camelcamelcamel.com/product/B08FT9BLQX
nebpor said:
Need the 853 though - I did see the 753 pack was reduced and seemed a good deal
The Eero is possibly the wrong choice but I’m willing to give it a go on the strength of their brand
Yeah the 853 is a dear bugger. Dropped by about £100 but only for what looks like a number of hours, and still pricey.The Eero is possibly the wrong choice but I’m willing to give it a go on the strength of their brand
https://uk.camelcamelcamel.com/product/B081SF349N
Yes, Eero must be worth a go, and see what happens.
Edited by Deep Thought on Sunday 21st November 19:10
nebpor said:
Need the 853 though - I did see the 753 pack was reduced and seemed a good deal
The Eero is possibly the wrong choice but I’m willing to give it a go on the strength of their brand
I’m interested why you would look at something like the 853 over going with something from unifi, Omada or Aruba ?The Eero is possibly the wrong choice but I’m willing to give it a go on the strength of their brand
Unifi appears to need wireless back haul for good speed, which I’m not going to do anytime soon, so want a wireless backhaul mesh for the next few years
Omada/Aruba haven’t hit my radar TBH but I’ll have a look thanks - I am as technical as they come (I’m a 25 years experience security guy for a living), but for the house I just want something simple, but at the same time fast - requirements are ability to roam the mesh without wifi calling dropping, Alexa to work and the kids not to moan ;-)
Orbi seems very hit and miss in terms of software, Eero seem to have had a bad release recently but that’s unusual for them - they seem good at banging out improvement
Omada/Aruba haven’t hit my radar TBH but I’ll have a look thanks - I am as technical as they come (I’m a 25 years experience security guy for a living), but for the house I just want something simple, but at the same time fast - requirements are ability to roam the mesh without wifi calling dropping, Alexa to work and the kids not to moan ;-)
Orbi seems very hit and miss in terms of software, Eero seem to have had a bad release recently but that’s unusual for them - they seem good at banging out improvement
Interesting I’ve heard about issues with Orbi sw, I’ve deployed a couple systems for friends and tbh wasn’t overly impressed with range or penetration, though tbf that was a couple or years back.
Omada is a tp-link product line very similar with unifi I run it at home with a pfsense fw/router but I’m wired and get good coverage from a single ap
Aruba is a hp brand (I think) but gets reasonably good reviews and is certainly in the prosumer/pro space
But I believe both are like unifi they will mesh wirelessly but at the expense of throughput
Have you considered using homeplugs for the backhaul?
I know a lot of folk have a downer on them but I’ve found the more resent ones to have reasonable speed and stability
Just the thought of spending nigh on a grand on orbi is scary
Omada is a tp-link product line very similar with unifi I run it at home with a pfsense fw/router but I’m wired and get good coverage from a single ap
Aruba is a hp brand (I think) but gets reasonably good reviews and is certainly in the prosumer/pro space
But I believe both are like unifi they will mesh wirelessly but at the expense of throughput
Have you considered using homeplugs for the backhaul?
I know a lot of folk have a downer on them but I’ve found the more resent ones to have reasonable speed and stability
Just the thought of spending nigh on a grand on orbi is scary
I’ve only spent 400 on Eero for that reason - a grand seemed mental for 3 boxes worth of aerials and arm CPUs!
The Orbi seems to get the best range at distance in the tests, but given I’m placing a mesh then ultimate range isn’t an issue - mesh to mesh throughput is
From the reddit groups, netgear seem all over the place in terms of woeful updates - Eero make constant upgrades a feature, albeit this means you don’t choose to update - they are pushed, so if it’s an update that moves backwards then that’s your lot until such time as they fix it
And I thought I remembered Aruba as being an enterprise network company, or was it just what HP branded their switches? So that makes sense
Last time I built a pfsense firewall was around 2010 and I have no intention of ever needing to run one again
The Orbi seems to get the best range at distance in the tests, but given I’m placing a mesh then ultimate range isn’t an issue - mesh to mesh throughput is
From the reddit groups, netgear seem all over the place in terms of woeful updates - Eero make constant upgrades a feature, albeit this means you don’t choose to update - they are pushed, so if it’s an update that moves backwards then that’s your lot until such time as they fix it
And I thought I remembered Aruba as being an enterprise network company, or was it just what HP branded their switches? So that makes sense
Last time I built a pfsense firewall was around 2010 and I have no intention of ever needing to run one again
They were but as is the norm they were brought out, I think 2014-15 was when hp got involved.
I don’t find pfsense to bad, better than the Omada router for sure, that didn’t allow you to have a segregated IoT vlan but allow traffic initiated from your trusted vlan, kinda defeats the IoT point.
I don’t find pfsense to bad, better than the Omada router for sure, that didn’t allow you to have a segregated IoT vlan but allow traffic initiated from your trusted vlan, kinda defeats the IoT point.
Can you mix the Ubiquiti UAP-AC-PRO with the AC-Lite units?
I have two lites, which dont really cover the whole house, suggestions are the pro have better coverage, plenty on ebay used for £60/pop.
Can I mix or should I replace the lot and sell the Lites on?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304229237697?
I have two lites, which dont really cover the whole house, suggestions are the pro have better coverage, plenty on ebay used for £60/pop.
Can I mix or should I replace the lot and sell the Lites on?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304229237697?
dhutch said:
Can you mix the Ubiquiti UAP-AC-PRO with the AC-Lite units?
I have two lites, which dont really cover the whole house, suggestions are the pro have better coverage, plenty on ebay used for £60/pop.
Can I mix or should I replace the lot and sell the Lites on?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304229237697?
They should mix seamlessly. I've got a blend of Lite, Pro, and and HD. Works seamlessly with no issues.I have two lites, which dont really cover the whole house, suggestions are the pro have better coverage, plenty on ebay used for £60/pop.
Can I mix or should I replace the lot and sell the Lites on?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304229237697?
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