Router / WiFi suggestion request [Archive] - Talk of The Villages Florida

Tom C

06-28-2019, 12:54 PM

In our current home, we have a Netgear Nighthawk R7000 AC1900 Smart WiFi Router. It does ok, but when we move to TV, I want to explore the new mesh network hardware as I want to be sure we don’t have any areas of weak signal.

Our home in TV has exterior block wall construction.

Can anyone share their personal experiences / suggestions about how well these new systems work and the speed / signal strength / overall coverage (acceptable or not) you get with the Mesh systems vs the single base that my existing router uses.

I am looking to get a nice strong signal throughout the house and outside the back of the house (within a birdcage area).

Thanks in advance!

villagetinker

06-28-2019, 02:35 PM

If you end up with Comcast, they offer equipment to do just that, have not tried it yet. I will be following this, as we have a weak area in the lanai/birdcage.

Tom C

06-28-2019, 02:47 PM

Nucky

06-28-2019, 03:14 PM

Yes, we will have Comcast (I know not a favorite from reading here for the past ~18 months), at least to start.

Do they offer the equipment for purchase or is it one of those monthly rental plans?

I will post the results, however that is still a month away...

Tom, Comcast isn't really that bad it's just a compilation of bad things that happen over the years and they don't know how to communicate with their Valued Customers. We have the Starter Package and it's just fine. $19.99 a month. I never really searched for bargains before we moved here to Boca Del Vista next to The Seinfelds. :) Love a bargain.

We let them set it up with their Equipment then switched to a Motorola Router of our own with I think 4 Linksys Boosters and we're good to go. We Stream our TV and rarely run into any Buffering unless the Microwave is on. that seems to trigger an outage on one side of the house for a couple of minutes.

If I had to set it up again I would have gone for better more expensive Boosters. I may do it anyway, we'll see.

Good Luck and hurry up and get here already! LOL

dewilson58

06-28-2019, 03:42 PM

I've like Linksys equipment. I'm running it with Spectrum.

Linksys has a number of different units, with different coverage areas.

I booster can help with a weaker unit.

Bring the Netgear and try it. Maybe you'll just need a booster.

MorTech

06-28-2019, 04:30 PM

Consider a Netgear C7800 DOCSIS 3.1 AC3200. Place in center of house. You will be fine..at least on 2.4G.

MorTech

06-28-2019, 05:04 PM

Consider Arris DOCSIS 3.1 WiFi 6 802.11ax. Should be out Q32019

https://www.arris.com/products/touchstone-tg9442-cable-voice-gateway/

kansasr

06-28-2019, 05:32 PM

We have been using the Eero system for over 2 years in conjunction with a Arris SB6141 modem that we bought on Ebay which has worked very well with Comcast. We have the main unit towards the front of the house where the modem is connected and one beacon towards the back....great coverage, even out on the lanai. Simple setup and easy to manage.

Tom C

06-28-2019, 10:02 PM

I should have also mentioned that our home in TV was set up as a somewhat “smart” home.... :ohdear: (honestly, the technology can make this more of a challenge than it should be - like early FORTRAN ...:shocked: ). Anyway, we have 14 ceiling fans, lots of appliances, blinds, security system, pool functions and of course the HVAC that all ties into ”THE HOUSE” that can (and will) control them all... and probably me too :bigbow:

Anyway, what I am saying is that I don’t want to add to my problems by putting in a “less than capable” system, or a spotty system. Lots of good recommendations so far.

Anyone using a Mesh system?:popcorn:

PS - i will be changing my Avatar when i move to TV.

Altavia

06-28-2019, 10:47 PM

I've had really good luck with these, you can add units to enhance weak areas.

Ubiquiti Networks Unifi 802.11ac Dual-Radio PRO Access Point (UAP-AC-PRO-US) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015PRO512/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_S6TfDb4C8EDY2

valuemkt

06-29-2019, 06:20 AM

I have not used a mesh router but will do some further research as a result of this. I became a fan of TP-LINK routers several years ago around the advent of N technology. I had a very large house in Atlanta, requiring wireless in 3 floors, and I placed the router in the worst place.. the basement.. I tried both Linksys and Netgear, with and without extenders, and still had dead spots. The TP Link router handled the entire house without issue. I have an identical one here in the Villages, with no issues in a much smaller home, including streaming in the glass enclosed lanai.

In the home we plan to build south of 44, every room will have a CAT 6 port, and the router will be in a closet in the middle of the house. So all TVs will have direct Internet connections and not have to rely on wireless. Likewise for the security system. If for any reason teh signal weakens in the backyard, I'll put an access point in the lanai. At that point I could make a mesh decision.

Out of curiosity, what home automation system did you choose ( Control 4, savant, crestron, elan ??) and which security system ?
We're at the pre wire stage so have a ton of options.

Appreciate the thought provoking post

dewilson58

06-29-2019, 07:11 AM

Be careful of mesh systems............there are lawsuits out there...........

Have you or a loved one had surgery using a surgical mesh, possibly for a hernia or a C-section? You may be eligible to join a surgical mesh class action lawsuit if you had another surgery to remove the mesh or if you suffered any side effects, including:

Bleeding
Bowel obstruction
Fluid buildup (seromas)
Infection

Mesh migration
Nerve damage
Pain

To qualify, the surgical mesh can be of any type, including Gore-Tex, C-QURTM, Ethicon’s PhysiomeshTM or any other brand.

:1rotfl:

biker1

06-29-2019, 07:31 AM

If your router supports dual-band (2.4 and 5 GHz), try switching your streaming device to use the 5 GHz band. Microwave ovens operate at a frequency of 2.45 GHz.

Tom, Comcast isn't really that bad it's just a compilation of bad things that happen over the years and they don't know how to communicate with their Valued Customers. We have the Starter Package and it's just fine. $19.99 a month. I never really searched for bargains before we moved here to Boca Del Vista next to The Seinfelds. :) Love a bargain.

We let them set it up with their Equipment then switched to a Motorola Router of our own with I think 4 Linksys Boosters and we're good to go. We Stream our TV and rarely run into any Buffering unless the Microwave is on. that seems to trigger an outage on one side of the house for a couple of minutes.

If I had to set it up again I would have gone for better more expensive Boosters. I may do it anyway, we'll see.

Good Luck and hurry up and get here already! LOL

Dan9871

06-29-2019, 08:06 AM

Can anyone share their personal experiences / suggestions about how well these new systems work and the speed / signal strength / overall coverage (acceptable or not) you get with the Mesh systems vs the single base that my existing router uses.

Someone I know who has a pretty large house and documented his experience here in setting up his house with Ubiquiti.

Troy Hunt: Ubiquiti - Troy Hunt (https://www.troyhunt.com/tag/ubiquiti/)

Troy Hunt: Wiring a home network from the ground-up with Ubiquiti (https://www.troyhunt.com/wiring-a-home-network-from-the-ground-up-with-ubiquiti/)

And his parents' house here:
Troy Hunt: How I Finally Fixed My Parents Dodgy Wifi With AmpliFi (https://www.troyhunt.com/how-i-finally-fixed-my-parents-dodgy-wifi-with-amplifi/)

duhbear

06-29-2019, 01:07 PM

Consider Linksys Velop mesh networking. Extremely easy to set up and extremely easy to maintain. Only drawback is it's not inexpensive.

Mikeod

06-29-2019, 01:16 PM

We decided on the Netgear Orbi. I liked the idea that it had a dedicated channel for communication between the main unit and the satellites so the throughput to our devices is not affected. We got the 3000 series with two satellites. The main router is in the front room with a satellite in the kitchen eating area and the other in the garage. We have a Lantana model. This arrangement works well with our TVs, laptops, tablets, and all our connected switches, lights and thermostat.

mitchbr47

06-29-2019, 03:00 PM

We went with Netgaer's Orbi. No more weak signal wifi areas. It uses triband mesh technology. I found it on sale at Costco. Also available at Best Buy and Amazon. Orbi: Whole Home WiFi System for Better WiFi Everywhere | NETGEAR (https://www.netgear.com/orbi/default.aspx)

PoolBrews

06-29-2019, 03:10 PM

The Netgear Orbi is the best and most reliable MESH router out there. Just make sure you get the right model - you want AC3000 (the RBK50 model). They offer the AC2200 at a much better price, but you get what you pay for.

I was running CenturyLink at 1GB and was seeing WiFi speeds in the 600 - 750 MB range. Amazing speed and range. I am now on Comcast at 175 MB speed, and my Wifi runs at 175 MB - same speed as when hard wired.

Comcast says you will get great coverage, but they pale in comparison to Orbi. Just hook up the Orbi, and turn off wifi on the comcast router. I have installed these at our church and 2 doctor's offices - they are phenomenal.

I tried Google - range was not as good, and Google couldn't push the same speeds through (well, not when I was running 1GB). Also... Google is not a true MESH system. The backhaul radio is not on par with the Orbi.

If you install an Orbi, you'll never look back.

MorTech

06-29-2019, 09:38 PM

Then you should definitely go with WiFi 6 and DOCSIS 3.1
It will eventually pay for itself by not having to rent a Comcast modem/router.

New Englander

06-30-2019, 10:44 AM

Tom C

06-30-2019, 12:48 PM

Thanks for all the feedback and discussions. I am using it all.

I am leaning toward the Orbi system, as it strikes a good balance between functionality and a good user interface (easy and self explanatory).

Then you should definitely go with WiFi 6 and DOCSIS 3.1
It will eventually pay for itself by not having to rent a Comcast modem/router.

I have a tough time finding specs, so I don’t know if it is WiFi 6 / DOCSIS 3.1 or the older. What they have on their website is: “WiFi Technology 3 (tri-band, 4x4, 2x2, 2x2)”

Anyone currently using the Orbi system? If so, are you using the RBK-50 (AC3000)? How do you like the user panels on the application?

Thanks!

Nucky

06-30-2019, 01:31 PM

If your router supports dual-band (2.4 and 5 GHz), try switching your streaming device to use the 5 GHz band. Microwave ovens operate at a frequency of 2.45 GHz.

:bigbow: I've just been resetting and going onward for probably close to a year. Such a simple fix. Thank's biker1. You were on the $$Money$$. It worked. :bigbow: Looks like my Linksys Equipment was not at fault, it was yours truly again. OOOoooops!

Tom, don't change your Avatar until you finish unpacking! That's the worserest part of moving here! We are all Collectively Happy for Yous Guys! You did plenty of investigating and it will all pay off shortly! :)

Jean C

06-30-2019, 01:37 PM

Nucky - Getting ready to go was the worst :faint: after that it is shopping :clap2:

MorTech

06-30-2019, 05:49 PM

If you want to go Netgear Orbi then wait a couple months when they have WiFi 6 Orbi system available.

You want WiFi 6 with your usage.

This guy explains it quite well. Low latency to eliminate streaming stutter.

Just how FAST is WiFi 6? - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx5-T8ZwxbU)

Has a bit better range as well.

RobertWR

07-15-2019, 11:47 AM

I have at my home in Cincinnati the eero for the last 2 years. It's flawless, very happy. Closed on our new home in TV last week and will be setting the eero in it as well.

You can buy it today for a nice discount with Amazon Prime Day. I purchased today and saved $200.

Tom Grooms

07-15-2019, 01:02 PM

I have 53 connected devices in my home. Exactly two (2) of them are WiFi 6 compatible. Samsung Galaxy S10+ smartphones. Running the Eero Pro mesh network, it performs flawlessly. Even with 5 HDR security cameras streaming 24/7 I still get 300 mbps download speeds on every square inch of my property with the Comcast 250 mbps package. If you're looking at the Eero system for max performance, I would stay away from the beacons as there is a definite difference in throughput.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

MorTech

07-15-2019, 02:26 PM

Why not future proof yourself with a proper OFDMA WiFi 6 system? WiFi 6 is not just for handling WiFi 6 capable devices, it handles older WiFi devices much better. The older WiFi 802.11ac systems are being discounted because they are obsolete.

Tom Grooms

07-15-2019, 04:07 PM

Obsolete? I bet that over 95% of the homes in The Villages have zero Wi-Fi 6 devices. Calling AC routers obsolete is like saying conventional PC's are obsolete because of quantum computing.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

biker1

07-15-2019, 04:12 PM

:bigbow:

Obsolete? I bet that over 95% of the homes in The Villages have zero Wi-Fi 6 devices. Calling AC routers obsolete is like saying conventional PC's are obsolete because of quantum computing.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

MorTech

07-15-2019, 04:20 PM

Can you even comprehend my previous post?
Read it again.

Tom C

07-15-2019, 05:05 PM

After more research and looking into a lot of the good info provided by this forum, I am now looking at getting the Eero Pro system.

The Orbi (new, latest version) will not be out for another couple months. I will need a system up and running when I arrive, hence the Eero Pro. It turns out that the wiring for the house has a 8 ported switch in place with Cat5 (i think) cables to 8 different locations in house.

I have an appointment with Tom of the Villages AV (comes recommended by others here) to have that set up and I am hoping that he can use the existing switch with the Eero Pro system.

I will post again here when the system is on-line and give everyone a run-down of what I end up with and my thoughts of it’s performance and coverage.

Thanks to all who have posted their comments / thoughts here.

Tom Grooms

07-15-2019, 05:23 PM

After more research and looking into a lot of the good info provided by this forum, I am now looking at getting the Eero Pro system.

I have an appointment with Tom of the Villages AV (comes recommended by others here) to have that set up and I am hoping that he can use the existing switch with the Eero Pro system.
.

Hey Tom, Amazon has the Eero Pro 3 pack on sale for $299 today. ($200 off). Go ahead and pick that up right away and I'll see you on the 25th. [emoji6]

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Tom Grooms

07-15-2019, 06:07 PM

Can you even comprehend my previous post?
Read it again.Ya, I get it. My network architecture and reading comprehension skills are on point. I've been playing with the Nighthawk AX6000 for a month or so and its a nice piece but its not ready for prime time. I would never deploy it in a customers home. Benchmarks are great and speed tests are wonderful for bragging rights but in the real world, if you can't feel a difference, does it really matter? I guess if you're moving huge files across your local network it might help but who does that? My usage and most of my customers usage is bottlenecked by the ISP, not by network performance. My customers need solutions today, I can't ask them to wait 6 months or a year for a quality mesh networking Wi-Fi 6 solution to emerge.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

MorTech

07-15-2019, 06:23 PM

How is it not ready for "prime time"? Can you be specific? Why wouldn't you deploy in customers home? What are you seeing that discourages you?

The WiFi 6 standard has a totally new and far superior datacom structure...It is not just the next-gen WiFi AC hack.

Future proofing with the latest standards is always a good idea but "Tom C" did not have ability to wait.

New technology obsoletes old technology..That's how it works. The WiFi AC routers are being discounted because they have become obsolete with the release of new AX (WiFi 6) routers...WiFi 6 routers are backwards compatible with all other obsoleted WiFi devices.

Tom Grooms

07-15-2019, 07:41 PM

The firmware on the ax6000 is unstable. Im having all kinds of issues with the Samsung Galaxy S10 plus connecting to the network with no IP transport. It worked fine with my Denon HEOS system but would kick off my hardwired Sonos devices. In its current state, I wouldn't recommend them to my customers if they were free. They want rock-solid reliability and for $400 I can do a heck of a lot better for my customers.

Wi-Fi 6 is an outstanding technology, I'm sure it's going to be awesome someday.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

MorTech

07-15-2019, 10:58 PM

Good to know. You are having problems with both AX and legacy connections with the Netgear? DHCP problems with AX and not legacy WiFi?

I'm waiting on a cable modem DOCSIS 3.1 / WiFi 6 router.

If you plan on creating a "Smart Home" environment, use WiFi 6 (802.11ax). It was developed specifically for that purpose.