Mesh Wifi

[Matt1632]

My Linksys WRT 3200acm which I've had since early 2017 has given up. I am not sure how to go about replacing it, I need WiFi coverage of 10000sqft (the previous router did not actually do this but an upgrade is due). I am intrigued by the ubiquiti access point solution but this will require wiring and I cannot get an electrician till lock down is over. The other option I am looking at is a Mesh wifi system, either the Linksys Velop or the Netgear Orbi. I require more than the max of 3 access points that each of these come with. Is it possible to have 6 of one of these systems in a mesh? I have thick walls (some exceeding 1m) which I am worried will stop an effective mesh if anyone has any experience could you let me know how it works?

[paddy-stone]

Can you run some cat 6 ethernet where you want these access points situated? if so that's the best option IMO and very easy to do with a few pieces of equipment. Then you don't have to worry about the walls blocking the signals so much. There are a few brands that do mesh or similar, but with wired access points to make up the "mesh" rather than relying on a dedicated wifi backbone. I think some of them may allow a fair number if units if required too, so might be worth checking it out. Unless you only want this mesh system temporarily until you can get a techy out to do it for you?

[Matt1632]

2 minutes ago, paddy-stone said:

Can you run some cat 6 ethernet where you want these access points situated? if so that's the best option IMO and very easy to do with a few pieces of equipment. Then you don't have to worry about the walls blocking the signals so much. There are a few brands that do mesh or similar, but with wired access points to make up the "mesh" rather than relying on a dedicated wifi backbone. I think some of them may allow a fair number if units if required too, so might be worth checking it out. Unless you only want this mesh system temporarily until you can get a techy out to do it for you?

This would be a permanent solution, I am very limited in what I can wire in to the building cause it is listed. Is there a way to run a discrete ethernet cable along the outside of my house?

[paddy-stone]

On 5/18/2020 at 1:21 PM, Matt1632 said:

This would be a permanent solution, I am very limited in what I can wire in to the building cause it is listed. Is there a way to run a discrete ethernet cable along the outside of my house?

You can get Ethernet cable that is suitable for outside conditions, yes.