Mesh Wi-Fi options

I am trying to find a reasonably priced mesh wi-fi solution for my house. My problem is that I don't want equipment which handles the PPPoE(A) connection but something which simply needs to be connected to my existing router to provide my wi-fi in the house just like an access point would. Apart from the BT Home stuff I have yet to find anything which clearly states it can be used like this. I don't want to have to use a separate modem and then a LAN switch to provide my needed wired LAN connection, but continue to use my existing router as a modem/router with its LAN connections and turn off the wi-fi.

Does anyone know if there is anything like this which clearly states it can work like this in the documentation, apart from the BT stuff which does not seem to get good reviews?

Stuart

I have just bought the Zyxel mesh system after months of trying to pick a decent platform. So far its working just fine and does what it says on the tin.
Zyxel Multy

Read some of the reviews and watch some of the YouTube clips.

I have it sitting behind a standard Openreach modem although you can use a normal router set to bridge mode the same way.

I discounted the Netgear Orbi after reading extensively about the constant firmware problems and also I have recently sent back a Netgear D7800 because of another issue regarding not being able to detect the DSL cable.....

If you have any specific questions that I can answer about it please feel free to ask.

Thanks for that. I have a problem with all of these devices I have read about so far and that is they seem to all connect to a modem rather than a local Lan port on a router. I do not want to use my router in modem only mode as I need telnet access to it for line stats and although it can be done when in modem only mode it complicates things and would need messing around to get it connected.

Also this set is rather more money than I wanted to spend.

So I guess I still need to ask is there a device which connects via the local Lan on a router and not direct to a modem?

Stuart

Instead of paying £100s on a mesh system, buy a router such as the Netgear R7800 or Synology RT2600AC (currently the best routers for wifi range) and use them in Access Point mode by connecting them to the LAN port of your existing router.

I tried that but it is a problem in our house for a number of reasons and means devices get interrupted when they switch between signals.

Stuart

In that case you will need to invest in a mesh wifi system but it has nothing to do with your modem. The system will simply extend your existing wifi from your current router.

https://www.the-ambient.com/reviews/best-wifi-mesh-s...

Probably worth going for the BT mesh system as its priced reasonably (starting from £99) and gets good reviews:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/BT-seamless-connection-ever...

Edited by deleted (Tue 25-Sep-18 08:29:07)

Funnily enough I have a Netgear R7800 router and also the BT mesh wireless system.

BT Mesh system works very well - much better than the R7800 wireless offering. I now get decent WiFi reception throughout the property (Victorian terrace with proper walls) using 3 dishes.

I picked mine up from Amazon Warehouse deals when they had the 20% off deal and bought two double packs and sold the additional dish on eBay which pretty much covered the cost of the second pack.

Edited by deleted (Tue 25-Sep-18 12:48:36)

What's wrong with the BT Whole Home system? It is the cheapest on the market and does exactly what you want. The D-Link COVR is routerless as well I believe. The only issue with both IMHO is lack of PoE.

Note I would strongly advise moving heaven and earth to get a wired backhaul for any access points you use.

I went for this ApliFi system.

https://linitx.com/product/ubiquiti-amplifi-hd-kit-h...

It's very good. Originally tried the Netgear Orbi but wasn't that impressed and you couldn't get (at the time) an additional satellite for it. The antennas were massive however and a bit unsightly.

The UBNT stuff is much nicer and is streamlined with the plug socket so you don't need cables all over the place.

Solved my coverage issues and has been very very reliable since installation.

Matt

In reply to a post by jabuzzard:

What's wrong with the BT Whole Home system? It is the cheapest on the market and does exactly what you want. The D-Link COVR is routerless as well I believe. The only issue with both IMHO is lack of PoE.

Note I would strongly advise moving heaven and earth to get a wired backhaul for any access points you use.

I have read some less than favourable reviews of it, however obviously I have no knowledge of any of this kit yet.

Stuart