Wifi 6 mesh network

eero

I've gotten into the routine of buying a new ASUS router every 3 years or so, then the old router becomes the mesh satellite. I got the newest Wifi 6 router, and it's rock solid. It's not Wifi 6 everywhere, since the old router is not Wifi 6 compatible, but the network network transitions smoothly, and all of the main entertainment devices, if they can, get wifi 6 from the main. Only wandering tech loses 6 when I'm off in a corner or far in the yard.

1. Great coverage
2. Only managing two devices
3. Both full routers and both hardwired

Not much to manage, and does not break the bank since I'm spending $250-300 every 3 years and always having relevant tech rather than going all in and trying to keep a $600 system for longer than it is actually technically strong.

Technically I have 3 routers in the network, but the last one is the old, old router, which acts as an Access Point for some smart home stuff. When I buy a new router in 3 years, that one will be almost ten years old and I can probably just toss it.

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I've gotten into the routine of buying a new ASUS router every 3 years or so, then the old router becomes the mesh satellite.

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I did the same thing for a long time, but I'll tell you I've been much happier since I moved to Ubiquiti gear. There's a little more to it since you need to get PoE either via switch or injectors, and you may or may not need to move some cables around depending on which APs you choose, but for me it's been well worth the time. The cost works out cheaper in the long run, assuming you plan to stay put for 5+ years.

Quick rundown on my costs:

$140 USG router without wifi
$100 X 2 ceiling mounted access points
~$100 8 port PoE switch
~$50 cat6 cable
~$50 tools & misc

So I'm roughly $550 all-in, but I could have saved probably $50 by using PoE injectors rather than a switch, and I could have saved about $80 by using a cheaper router from another vendor, but there are benefits to the choices I've made. And of course there are a few extra hours of work vs. not using ceiling mounted access points.

Here are a few benefits that I really like:

My non-wifi router is smaller, cheaper, and should last longer than most consumer grade routers because it doesn't also have to deal with the heat generated by wifi. It can also be placed anywhere hidden away without worrying about the impact to my wifi signal.

My access points are placed in ideal locations, centered in a room on the ceiling, rather than being restricted to less than ideal locations near walls and closer to floor level. I also don't have to deal with power cords as all the cabling is hidden in the attic. The access points themselves are basically invisible unless you're looking for them.

I can upgrade each component individually and more cheaply than buying do-it-all wifi routers every few years. I can replace both of my access points with wifi6 units for $200 total, or do one at a time as needed for $100 each. Likewise, I can replace my non-wifi router with a more capable unit without worrying about wifi6 capability and the expense associated with that.

Ubiquiti, being "pro-sumer" gear, has a lot more options as far as managing the network. For example, in your case where you have a 3rd wifi router used for smart home stuff, I can just create a separate wifi network for my smart home gear and broadcast it on either or both of my existing access points, alongside my other networks. This is handy in case you have some questionable chinese devices that you'd like to apply different firewall rules to.

A chunk of my initial investment, namely the PoE switch, excess cable, and tools, reduce the startup costs for other gear like security cameras, additional access points (maybe outdoor ones), hardwired ethernet outlets, etc.



Anyway, just something to think about going forward. I definitely wouldn't throw out what you've got if it all works to your liking, but I would definitely mull it over next time you want to upgrade.

I agree with the dude who slaps hoes. Eero pro

Ubiquiti is the answer you seek
Belle-Tech can install it.

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NETGEAR Nighthawk Whole Home Mesh WiFi 6 System (MK62) - AX1800 router with 1 satellite extender

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The NETGEAR Nighthawk Whole Home Mesh WiFi 6 System 3-pack that covers 4500 sf is on sale at Costco for $199. That's pretty inexpensive for a WiFi 6 system.

For the OP's purposes, the router and a satellite would cover the house and one unit could be placed specifically to broadcast into the back yard.

I'd probably have to get a pro install on the first go, but that does sound promising.

I realize the OP already purchased a mesh system, but I saw the Orbi AX4200 3-piece system (router + 2 satellites) for $429 at Costco. The Orbi AX6000 system is over $900, for the 3 piece system.

This is probably overkill for most people, but seems like a pretty good buy for what you get.