Mesh System decision help

orso7 · July 27, 2022

I am looking for a network solution for my mothers house.

Currently I have installed a TP-Link Powerlan, that seems to be a bit buggy from time to time and isn't the greatest with wifi connectivity (especially switching from one to another if you move in the house).

The house has 4 floors (including cellar) but no huge floor space on each, unfortunately the main entrance for the vDSL is in the cellar but I have installed a cat5e that goes to the top floor. My plan was to put the ISP Router in the cellar, mesh base station on the top floor and one repeater on 1st and ground floor. Putting the base station in the cellar might be a bad decision since the ceiling/floor is quite thick there. One Ethernet connection on each floor would be great but is only a must on the top floor to my brothers PC (he is the only one who needs a bit more bandwidth/faster ping).

I am tending to the TP-Link M4 or P9 (both 3-Pack), but I did read that the P9 is not really faster or more stable than the M4 and just costs quite some more.

Was also thinking of switching the ISP router for a AVM Fritzbox and buying a Fritz mesh repeater but that isn't cheap and even more important, if something doesn't work the ISP won't help you if the original router isn't connected.

What devices would you recommend without breaking the bank?

Any other recommendations for a solution?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Allan B · July 27, 2022

I have the Deco X20 3 pack and they work very well. They are in Access Point mode only (separate router) and I have all 3 of them connected over cat5e as the backend network. I have one on each floor (one in the basement, one of the main floor and one on the top floor).

In my research they were one of the few that supported a backend ethernet network and in my experimenting they will switch to wifi if you disconnect the cat5e cable. The app even shows you how they are connected to each other, so you can see in the Deco app if they are using ethernet or wifi to extend the range (i thought that was cool)

I believe the X20's are newer then the M4\M9, depending on where you live I would recommend getting the X20's if you can get them. For the cost and what they can do i am very happy with the purchase. The X60 or X90 seemed to be over priced for the gains.. I don't need 2+gbit wifi, 1.2gbit 5ghz is more then enough for me..

Note: you could also always get a 4th AP, the X20, X60 or X90 for your 4th floor if you wanted the higher speeds on one floor specifically.

Mellowie · July 30, 2022

If your looking for something simple, I would suggest the Eero. I have it installed at my parent's place and it just works for their needs. On the now older one that I got, I liked how I could just plug in the extender and not have to put it on a desk.

The newer ones have the option of being a access point and being able to connect an ethernet cable, but as I have not personally used it I can't verify how good of a connection that will bring.

If your trying to save some money, could see what you can buy used in your area.