Sonos / Orbi / BTHH
Discussion
I've been procrastinating over switching to a mesh wi-fi system for ages for various reasons (blackspots, constant switching onto the weakest signal etc) and after popping to a mates last night and using his (Orbi-mesh) wifi i've bitten the bullet.
Currently using a BTHH6 for the gruntwork and 7 or so Sonos units, which have been rock solid. Anything i need to be aware of to cleanly integrate the Orbi system without screwing my Sonos setup? I'll still use the BTHH as the modem, but i'll switch off the wifi and follow the instructions thereafter.
Cheers in advance.
Currently using a BTHH6 for the gruntwork and 7 or so Sonos units, which have been rock solid. Anything i need to be aware of to cleanly integrate the Orbi system without screwing my Sonos setup? I'll still use the BTHH as the modem, but i'll switch off the wifi and follow the instructions thereafter.
Cheers in advance.
The August edition of PC Pro has a feature on mesh networking. Unless you've actually placed an order read the feature.
Netgear Orbi (£336 - two units) doesn't actually use mesh networking (each satellite only talks to the base station and not each other)
P.S. Google Wifi (£229 - two units, £129 - each extra unit) was the labs winner with BT Whole Home Wi-Fi (£200 - three units) getting a recommended status.
Netgear Orbi (£336 - two units) doesn't actually use mesh networking (each satellite only talks to the base station and not each other)
P.S. Google Wifi (£229 - two units, £129 - each extra unit) was the labs winner with BT Whole Home Wi-Fi (£200 - three units) getting a recommended status.
As it sounds like you've ordered the Orbi system I'll concentrate my comments on that. However, as previously stated, at this time the Orbi has a 'star' topology' rather than a true mesh. There is talk of a future software update introducing satellite-to-satellite mesh capability but it's certainly not there yet.
I looked at many 'mesh' options and decided on Orbi as it offered two key capabilities that I wanted:
The ability to configure the DHCP i.e. IP address range and assignment.
The ability to establish a Guest network.
I ditched the BT Smart Hub (I still have it as a back-up should it ever be required) and use a Draytek Vigor 130 modem.
I had no issues with Sonos (5 devices) when I set up the Orbi. It was seamless, no reconfiguration. I did use the same SSID and WiFi password as my previous network. Don't bother with the Orbi app for configuration; it's extremely limited - use a browser to access the settings and configure as you would any router.
The system has been really solid with excellent WiFi coverage all around the house (a large converted barn with some thick walls) and just two momentary internet dropouts (lasting 20 to 30 seconds) in my 3 months of use.
Have a read through the Netgear forums HERE. There's a thread on here about constant internet dropouts and issues with connections to cameras. I haven't experienced these issues.
I looked at many 'mesh' options and decided on Orbi as it offered two key capabilities that I wanted:
The ability to configure the DHCP i.e. IP address range and assignment.
The ability to establish a Guest network.
I ditched the BT Smart Hub (I still have it as a back-up should it ever be required) and use a Draytek Vigor 130 modem.
I had no issues with Sonos (5 devices) when I set up the Orbi. It was seamless, no reconfiguration. I did use the same SSID and WiFi password as my previous network. Don't bother with the Orbi app for configuration; it's extremely limited - use a browser to access the settings and configure as you would any router.
The system has been really solid with excellent WiFi coverage all around the house (a large converted barn with some thick walls) and just two momentary internet dropouts (lasting 20 to 30 seconds) in my 3 months of use.
Have a read through the Netgear forums HERE. There's a thread on here about constant internet dropouts and issues with connections to cameras. I haven't experienced these issues.
Cheers for taking the time to reply.
Indeed I had ordered the Orbi and can now say, other than a few teething issues with switching to the new WiFi, all is well... And I now get full strength WiFi across the garden and in the garage.
It does still seem to drop out momentarily from time to time moving around but I am hopeful moving the satellite coukd resolve that.
Indeed I had ordered the Orbi and can now say, other than a few teething issues with switching to the new WiFi, all is well... And I now get full strength WiFi across the garden and in the garage.
It does still seem to drop out momentarily from time to time moving around but I am hopeful moving the satellite coukd resolve that.
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