I am looking for a wifi mesh system to improve the coverage in my home. I looked around and found a cheap solution with decent reviews, the Halo 50G by Mercusys (TP Link). I am not a fan of super cheap, super easy to use “magical” solutions, and within minutes of connecting just the access point I was seeing calls to the likes of google, facebook, amazon, etc in my network coming from the device. Not ideal.

I also found that Ubiquiti and Netgear may be the best options out there, but the prices I found are north of 600€ and I can not afford to pay that much right now.

So, my question is: Is there any wifi mesh system that is not using my network against me and does not empty my wallet? I am based in Europe and would like something under 200€ if possible, and ready to buy from the shelf.

Thank you for reading and for any recommendation.

    • Thermos4737@sopuli.xyzOP
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      18 hours ago

      I considered OpenWRT at first, but right now I do not have the time, or the will, to start learning about the project. It sure looks like something I will probably do in the future, but as of now I just need a commercially available solution.

    • pHr34kY@lemmy.world
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      18 hours ago

      This is what I did. Flashed OpenWRT on all devices and enabled the 802.11r stuff. My “mesh” is just multiple APs connected by ethernet and fast BSSID handover.

      802.11s is a mesh where it’s all done over Wifi. 802.11r uses ethernet for comms between APs.

  • Ekky@sopuli.xyz
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    18 hours ago

    I’m also looking for a good WiFi mesh, preferably one that can be used with IoT devices (aka. Even without an internet connection).

    I tried TP-Link Deca, but the mesh refuses LAN communication if the router doesn’t have a constant and stable connection to the internet - A feature I previously believed to be given - making it unusable for IoT and for providing WiFi at remote locations.

  • MangoPenguin@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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    16 hours ago

    Maybe https://www.gl-inet.com/

    As I understand their stuff runs a custom OpenWRT, so you can use them as-is, or if you want vanilla OpenWRT it’s very easy to flash them.

    As far as Mesh goes I’m not sure how they would do, for mesh to perform well you need a system that has dedicated mesh radios in the 5/6ghz bands, and only the more expensive mesh systems typically have that.

  • EntropyPure@lemmy.world
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    16 hours ago

    Do you have requirements for the WiFi Standard?

    Do you want to build up a new system or adding to your current setup?

    For the price point you could look into the AVM Fritz Ecosystem. Their Mesh solution is quite hassle free and for 200€ you could get WiFi 5 capable devices on the used market.

    Not sure how well they work with other brands, so you might want to invest in a FritzBox and FritzRepeater (should be in the budget used).

    Anything above WiFi 5 could be out of your price range, especially new.

    Ubiquity APs with WiFi 5 could be in your budget, even new. Look into the AP HD. You will need a controller installation though, weither on your desktop or on a NAS, Server. You do NOT need to buy an appliance from them for management. They do not make it clear on their website.