A challenging Wifi Problem

I have three Wi-Fi networks (one based on a Virgin SuperHub 4; one on a Zen FTTP Fritzbox; and a Technicolor Router serving an FTTC Andrew and Arnold connection).
The problem is wifi is too weak to enable a stable connection to be established on the ground floor, where I’m attempting to run a Ring Light and Camera network.
Is it possible to run a Mesh system that would operate with all three connections, or would I need a separate solution for each?

Yes it is possible, complex but possible,

you would require a managed switch and a cable from each router to the switch, you would then connect an AP with VLAN and mesh capability. You would be better running cables to each of the areas requiring Wi-Fi.

You would configure an access port for each VLAN, on the AP create a SSID for each network and tag with the revenant VLAN and connect to a trunk port on the switch.

Thanks for that copex. And yes does sound complex. Given my ineptitude and limited experience when it comes to networking (particularly at this level of complexity!), I may need help with the installation and configuration.

In reply to a post by kam67:

Thanks for that copex. And yes does sound complex.

Do you need all three ISPs available via WiFi in every room (with different WiFi names / SSIDs)...? Out of interest what is the reason for the separation?

No don’t really need all three available via Wi-Fi in every room. This somewhat self- indulgent and idiosyncratic habit has developed over decades of being on the receiving end of flakey and unreliable providers and/or telecoms infrastructure. It’s an extreme case of “not putting all one’s eggs in one basket.”
The sad truth is time and time again, my pessimism has been justified.

In reply to a post by kam67:

I have three Wi-Fi networks (one based on a Virgin SuperHub 4; one on a Zen FTTP Fritzbox; and a Technicolor Router serving an FTTC Andrew and Arnold connection).
The problem is wifi is too weak to enable a stable connection to be established on the ground floor, where I’m attempting to run a Ring Light and Camera network.
Is it possible to run a Mesh system that would operate with all three connections, or would I need a separate solution for each?

VLANs via a managed switch is one method of doing this.

Another method is to run the individual ISP connections to a separate router that you manage

You can then be a bit more creative / selective with how you choose which "gateway" (ISP connection) is used.

Thanks for the suggestion, Pheasant. How would that work? I’m intrigued by the idea but not quite sure I understand how one would route different ISP connections via one router?

Also, if I were to abandon the idea of routing all three ISP connections via one channel - instead choosing one connection (eg either the Zen FTTP, the A&A FTTC or the Virgin Media 1GB Cable connection), what would be the most effective way to amplify/extend the Wi-Fi capabilities of the chosen connection?

Edited by kam67 (Sat 18-Feb-23 18:21:57)

In reply to a post by kam67:

choosing one connection (eg either the Zen FTTP, the A&A FTTC or the Virgin Media 1GB Cable connection), what would be the most effective way to amplify/extend the Wi-Fi capabilities of the chosen connection?

A mesh WiFi is usually the simplest answer, perhaps one that plugs into an existing router's Ethernet port. I would choose the highest performance service you have. Then if that service goes down, you can plug the mesh into a different ethernet port, and the home WiFi moves to the other ISP.

Such as the BT WholeHome range (also available at Amazon and other shops):
https://shop.bt.com/brands/bt/whole-home-wi-fi

Edited by jchamier (Sat 18-Feb-23 19:47:52)

So taking the BT discs as an example - would you plug that in to one of my routers’ Ethernet ports? Would they need further configuring?

Edit: After a bit of browsing, it would seem not all mesh systems can be added to existing routers. Any recommendations if one’s that are as plug and play as possible?

Edit2: I ended opting for this router which was highly recommended to me.

ASUS RT-AX86U 5700 Dual Band + WiFi 6 Gaming Router, PS5 Compatible, upto 2250 sq ft & 35+ devices, NVIDIA GeForce Now, Lifetime Free Internet Security, Mesh WiFi support, 2.5G port gaming port.

I notice it is advertised as having Mesh Wi-Fi support. Does that mean that it is compatible with any Mesh nodes minus the router?

Edited by kam67 (Sat 18-Feb-23 20:53:33)

I have the BT discs in three locations. One on a virgin media router. One on a Plusnet router and one plugged into a switch from a leased line.

The discs only do wifi they don’t attempt to do NAT or routing which is why I tend to prefer the simplicity.