Recs for WiFi Extension

quote:

---

as it looks like Google WiFi isn’t well liked

---

Someone in the Prime Day Thread said they were waiting on the Google WiFi deal because their Orbi sucks. I'd like the board expert opinions on this too. My wifi isn't as good as it used but I'm thinking it's because I have so many devices on the network now rather than a bandwidth issue. So will a simple $100 MU-MIMO router that is designed to handle Multiple Users be all I need or should I spend $200ish on a mesh network setup, and if so what are the board favorites?

I think the new mesh solutions are far superior to the old AP satellites.

How user friendly are the mesh systems? What is the basic process for setting them up? I know the APs I’ve seen are essentially plug and use. I’d be willing to set up a system but if I need to be an IT expert it might be too much

My Orbi works very well. I am OT poor and only have a 2,200 sq. ft. home.

Just get any wifi router and put it in bridge mode.

Update on what I bought. I kept having enough buffering that I bought an Orbi. I got the RBK23 which has an RBK 20 and 2 satellites. Setup was easy and the speed is great. I'll update again if I run into dropped connections like others have mentioned but after half a day I couldn't be happier with the Orbi.

I upgraded from a TP Link Archer C7/AC 1750. Testing WiFi on my phone using fast.com I got 59 Mbps right next to the TP Link router which is upstairs, and usually just 10-12 Mbps where my main TV is downstairs, which is why I kept getting buffering.

Since installing the Orbi router and its 2 satellites I get in the low 70s near the main router (it's a 75 Mbps connection) and the upper 60s where my TV is. I got the RBK23 because the satellites have Ethernet ports but I'm getting good enough speeds over wifi that I shouldn't need to use it (I'm not a gamer).

These new mesh wifi systems are much more expensive but they seem to be worth it.