Mesh Network Drops when Switching Between Nodes

[ToastedCrumpets]

Have a really frustrating problem where my mesh network does not seem to be operating as a mesh network should. My understanding is that I could wander all over my flat on a WhatsApp call and never lose connection?

 

What actually happens is that when I move between rooms, my WiFi stays connected displaying the same SSID; however, as an example, the WhatsApp call I'm on loses connection.

 

Am I misunderstanding how mesh networks work? I thought they allowed for a continuous stream even when you switched nodes. My setup is below, and just to confirm, I have enabled OneMesh (TP-Link's brand of mesh) on all the extenders.

 

Is there anything I can do to allow a continuous stream so that things like WhatsApp calls don't lose connection when I move between rooms?

 

All TP-Link

Router: Archer C7 https://www.tp-link.com/uk/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-c7/

Range Extender: RE505X https://www.tp-link.com/uk/home-networking/range-extender/re505x/

Powerline + WiFi: AV1300 https://www.tp-link.com/uk/home-networking/powerline/tl-wpa8630p-kit/ 

[Falcon1986]

3 hours ago, ToastedCrumpets said:

Is there anything I can do to allow a continuous stream so that things like WhatsApp calls don't lose connection when I move between rooms?

Wow! I’m impressed that TP-Link is doing this. I thought Deco was their approach to mesh. Seems like they’re trying to do what Asus does with AiMesh.

 

Did the Archer C7 originally come with OneMesh or was it implemented in a later firmware?

 

Here are my thoughts on your setup. While OneMesh claims to unify everything under a “mesh network”, they’re all different devices with different hardware specifications. The reason mesh kits are sold as they are is because each unit is the same, so no single unit should slow down the other. Your mix of a wireless router, range extender and powerline adapters means that if any point in the network underperforms (and I’m looking at powerline and range extenders as the culprits), then the whole network will be reduced to the speed and responsiveness of the slowest member.

 

Range extenders, for example, when working in their traditional range extender mode, need a good primary signal to extend a good secondary signal. They also work at half-duplex speed most times. Your RE505X is unique in that it can work in AP mode or mesh mode. In this scenario, I don’t think mesh mode on this device is much different than extender mode. You’d get much better performance if you ran it in AP mode if you could wire it directly to the Archer C7.

 

Are the powerline adapters still linked to the Archer C7 over powerline? Or do they create a mesh by acting like range extenders? Powerline is notorious for being slow with high latency, especially if used on old electrical wiring.

 

When OneMesh is active you have the same SSID broadcast from several different devices, each with their own limitations with regards to speed. Your phone only sees the single SSID so as it moves between wireless zones, it tries to connect to the strongest signal that is nearby. If that signal is coming from a node in the mesh system that has difficulty carrying out its function, then it will cause a brief slowdown. My belief is that the handoff is happening, but it’s not seamless as you still have call interruption.

 

You shouldn’t get this problem with a proper mesh system or multiple properly configured APs.

[ToastedCrumpets]

Thanks for replying! What you've said is really insightful. I think I'll have to purchase a proper mesh network. If you do have any recommendations I'm all ears!

 

On 3/3/2021 at 10:53 PM, Falcon1986 said:

Did the Archer C7 originally come with OneMesh or was it implemented in a later firmware?

I'm uncertain however I assume the latter where it was later implemented.

 

On 3/3/2021 at 10:53 PM, Falcon1986 said:

Are the powerline adapters still linked to the Archer C7 over powerline? Or do they create a mesh by acting like range extenders? Powerline is notorious for being slow with high latency, especially if used on old electrical wiring.

One range extender is connected via powerline (it's a powerline range extender combo). The other is traditional range extender so wireless only.

 

We've just moved into our first home, and I really want to get it set up with a proper network and useable ethernet ports.

 

In traditional useless fashion, the router is located at the front of the house in the sitting room, with the study and PCs right at the back - making running ethernet a real pain!