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.
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If you are willing to do your homework:
https://openwrt.org/docs/guide-user/network/wifi/mesh/startI 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.
GL. Inet is a commercial product running OpenWRT in the background
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.
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.
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.
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.
