Wi-Fi Extension advice sought

mickevh

I doubt that - all Wi-Fi (possibly any two-way radio) is half-duplex unless you get into multiplexing across multiple channels (frequencies.) IIRC is down to the fact that the power level difference in the antenna between transmit and receive are so many order of magnitude different, that ever with techniques like echo cancellation, the Tx wipes out any Rx. However, I'm not an electrical engineer (or radio ham.)

Maybe you are referring to (so-called) "tri-band" kit where the client access and backhaul (mesh) links run on different channels allowing client access and mesh links to function concurrently without competing with each other. This isn't particularly a feature of "mesh" systems - you can mesh without tri-band and tri-band without mesh. My point being, not to assume as SOHO "mesh" system is tri-band - if such things matter one should check the data sheet.

mushii

Generally I try to use cabled infrastructure if I can. We have had good success with Ubiquiti Nanos for p2p where we couldn’t get cable in between buildings.

russelkhan

I would also recommend a mesh system. I'm using a BT Whole Home system and it's been great. Prior to that I had a mish-mash of wi-fi extenders and bridged routers to extend connectivity around the house. In my last house I was using powerline quite successfully but in this house they just don't work with my wiring. The BT mesh system has been rock solid and reliable for me, and pretty much hassle free. I wouldn't recommend the Linksys Velop mesh system as I got a set for my brother's house last year and it's been very problematic with individual nodes losing connection with each other. He has now switched to BT Whole Home like me and it's been fine. Sorry if I sound like a BT employee!

Eddy555

I'm using a Velop and it's been great, but I do use a wired backhaul connection between the 2 nodes.
If I was to buy again though I'd be looking at the Tenda Nova MW3 or MW6 as they are great value and I know several people who have them and say they're great. My mate even installed a set in his local pub and it's been great they're too

Greg Hook

@shotokan101 have I offended you in some way? Care to explain the angry rating on my post?

russelkhan

I just remembered something I came across a while ago about setting up several access-points/routers with the same SSID. This is a cheaper alternative to a mesh system, but it does require each additional router to be wired to the main router, either by ethernet or powerline. The guide explains how to set them up so they co-exist without interfering with each other. It is important that you follow every detail in the guide as you don't want multiple DHCP servers on the same network! The end result is that you can extend your wireless network all around the house AND avoid having multiple SSIDs AND without having to invest in a potentially expensive mesh system. Here's the link:

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Configuring two wireless routers with one SSID (network name) at home for free roaming - Scott Hanselman                                                                                                        Scott Hanselman on Programming, The Web, Open Source, .NET, The Cloud and More                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                www.hanselman.com                                                                               
I should also add that you can get used mesh systems on eBay at seriously bargain prices. My 3-node BT Whole Home cost me just £83. Of course you won't get any warranty or support, but if you're good with IT then go for it.

mickevh

We have a guide in this very forum that explains the same thing!  ;-)  [FAQ] Using two routers together/ Extending Wi-Fi

mickevh

I couldn't agree more. IMHO, the idea is to get as much traffic as possible off the Wi-Fi airwaves and onto wires (other transmission mediums) thereby freeing up as much Wi-Fi air time as possible for the client access traffic.

This is essentially why I suggest powerline as "next best" after "proper" (built for purpose) ethernet etc. However, as your previous comments suggest it's becoming a less clear cut argument as AC (which has higher throughput) is achieving domestic market  penetration and the "whole home" type systems are automating a lot of the setup which is of course beneficial for unskilled SOHO buyers.

russelkhan

Thanks, I did not know that. I did a google search on routers sharing the same SSID and that's the hit I got.

mushii

@mickevh I think that we are pretty much in agreement here. Its always nice to have rational discussion with people who may have differing opinions, so thanks