Mesh Routers

Hi All,

I had a GE system (Hybrid with dongle) installed in June this year and generally (bar some abtter SoC issues) things are working as expected. I've a virgin router in modem only mode hardwired to an ASUS RT-AX86U. This provides a reasonable coverage but we have weak spots. I added an old ASUS router into the mix with their AIMESH (2band, wifi backbone) solution, but the GE dongle threw a wobbly and wouldn't connect.

What if any mesh systems are people using effectively. I'm not currently able to have a wired backbone so am looking to have a tri band system to mitigate this.

I like the TP Link stuff, but haven't drilled down into their full spec offer yet (the ASUS was great for network management with throttling kids devices, guest wifi etc).

I think the 1st hurdle is working out which mesh systems are compatible with the dongle.

Any solutions?

Dan

sprucejuice I'm using the ASUS XT8, but this is in my lounge and the inverter is in the shed, other side of the same wall but opposite end of the house if you know what I mean (inverter at the front, lounge at the back).

Routing, network switching and wireless access are three separate, independent functions.

I use Cisco 1702i wireless access points. All wired, but I have used similar kit in meshes up to several hundred metres across.

Using NOVA Mesh system with 3 points, worked no issues from the start.

BT Whole Home mesh with 3 nodes, works fine.

sprucejuice AFAIK Givenergy dongles just need 2.4GHz and the security needs to be WPA. It doesn't care about whether it's mesh and knows nothing of 5GHz.

So in theory, whatever mesh system I end up getting should work and if I set the SSID/PW combination to what it already knows, then the transition 'should' be smooth?

Google mesh worked fine for me. Although for other reasons I've dropped the GE dongle back to a different 2.4GHz non-mesh on a different part of the network.

sprucejuice that's what I did when I upgraded to the XT8, kept the same SSID and passwords, all devices reconnected with no issues.

On the 2.4/5GHz front, if you have both on and they're the same SSID or you have band steering on, try turning 5GHz off and see if that improves the connection

I have two ASUS XT8 . no problems

My home network is a mess
ASUS DSL 68U and RT 68 for mesh, Cisco POE+ switch and 3x Cisco Access points.
Not had a problem with GE connecting to the Asus mesh. I recently changed it to Cisco access point - sort of dedicated network Along with ESP8266

ASUS mesh works fine for me

a) try turning off 5ghz before you connect and then turn it back on once connected.
b) if there is an option for fast roaming turn it off and see if that helps (my car wont connect with it turned on)

I have 3x Ubiquiti WiFi access points and the Gen1 WiFi dongle refuses to connect to one of them, no idea why. So they aren't totally compliant.

Especially storing your password in clear text.

chickengeorge I have 2 Ubiquiti WiFi access points and the Gen1 WiFi dongle and it works just fine, never had an issue. I also have the Ubiquiti USG router, with the controller software running in a docker container on a VM on my NUC - its been connected to the one AP for over 22days. firmware is 6.2.39

After a bit of a wobbly start, our inverter has been solid with our TP-Link Deco 9 mesh units. There was a bit of a fettle needed to get it connected which I posted here but it's been fine since.

Great feedback. Thanks all!