Underfloor connection possibility?

[Me134]

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@Jellyhead wrote:

Thanks - I willreasearchh mesh systems as I know little about them.

Me1344 If I'm reading your equipment signature correctly are yourtpp-link access points hard wired back to the first node or viawifii? if the latter what's your experience of reliability of connection that way? whilst it can be done laying moreethernett is a pain for me involving pulling up both carpets and floorboards so if I could get away without having to do that it would have an appeal.

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One pod is hardwired to the Sky Max Hub which has it's own wifi disabled so it doesn't clash. This pod then connects wireless to the 2nd pod upstairs. Both mine and the lads PCs are hardwired, each to their own nodes, mine downstairs and his upstairs. Access point in this case just means the pods settings have been changed so that they take over all wireless functions and start with the full speed from the router. They're massively more capable than the Max hub and probably any ISP supplied router. You can add more as needed although there are cheaper options.

Fast.com gives pretty much the same reading on either PC and that's down to the fact that the two pods are wifi 7 capable.

[Jellyhead]

@Me134 

I could do something similar to you i.e. site the isp router adjacent to the ONT, disable the isp router wifi and connect isp router wired to a mesh node (call this room A). The mesh node would then need to talk wirelessly to another mesh node placed in the hallway to replace where I currently have my Now BB isp router. Hallway mesh node to then connect wired into existing 24 port switch in hallway servicing rest of house ethernet network i.e. avoid the need for me to lay a underfloor ethernet connection between hallway and room A. Do you think that would create a reliable connection. Distance between mesh nodes circa 30ft with wall inbetween?

[Me134]

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@Jellyhead wrote:

@Me134 

I could do something similar to you i.e. site the isp router adjacent to the ONT, disable the isp router wifi and connect isp router wired to a mesh node (call this room A). The mesh node would then need to talk wirelessly to another mesh node placed in the hallway to replace where I currently have my Now BB isp router. Hallway mesh node to then connect wired into existing 24 port switch in hallway servicing rest of house ethernet network i.e. avoid the need for me to lay a underfloor ethernet connection between hallway and room A. Do you think that would create a reliable connection. Distance between mesh nodes circa 30ft with wall inbetween?

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Impossible for anyone to say as there's so many variables involved. You would need to try different combinations and see how different parts of the house (where wifi is needed) react. Obviously if you have lots of ethernet connected devices coming off the switch, they'll still only be using the one wireless node.

[Chrisee]

@Jellyhead I also usexa third party WiFi mesh system as Sky's own Wi`Fi Max system did not suit my home. The set up I use is similar to @Me134 one of the three Deco units is connected to thecSky hub by a 15m Ethernet cable which overcomes an issue with the placement if my own ONT. That unit is configured in Access Point mode leaving the Sky hub to act as a router which is directly connected by Ethernet to other of my devices.

The main Deco unit connects wirelessly to two satellite units on the 2 other levels of my home. This gives me usable WiFi in every room of 500Mb/s in my main living area dropping to 150Mb/s in the furthest bedroom. The satellites are positioned to maximise coverage for devices like a video doorbell, EV charger etc which are outside which struggled with the Sky Max pods  My set up is extremly stable so is ideal for streaming video which was a majorcrequirement.. The Deco system offers the facility of having separate SSIDs for a guest network and a dedicated 2.44GHz IOT network both of which I use.

Most mesh kits offer similar.facilities but you need the option of AccessxPoint mode if you want to connect devices to both the Sky hub and the mesh system. Mesh WiFi uses multiple sources working together so devices can switch seamlessly between nodes as they are moved. My own system operates with the Sky hub's WiFi left on - there is a useful network optimisation tool in the Deco app that avoids interference - but that is simply so I can test connections to answer forum posts.

[Me134]

@Chrisee Do you have the same SSID & password combo on both the Max hub and Deco's or do you keep them separate?

[Chrisee]

@Me134 they are separate as I rarely use the Hub's WiFi even though its WiFi6 and the Deco units are WiFi5 as i get the full 500Mb/s on both. 

[Jellyhead]

Point taken re: everything going through the ont -> isp router link. I think I need to bite the bullet and lay some more ethernet for that link much as it pains me. 

The replies though have got my interest up  in perhaps also. going for a mesh solution. In my case my interest is more about stable coverage over distance and navigating thick stone walls rather than out and out wifi speed. One question on that if I may - looks like one difference between lower end mesh systems and more expensive ones is whether they use the 6ghz channel. In my case I reckon I can  get all my access mesh nodes connected via ethernet - does that negate the need for 6ghz support or is there more to it than that?

[Chrisee]

@Jellyhead the higher the frequency the more power lost going through walls especially if they are stone. The most imprtant band iscthe 2.4GHz band. The other factor is cost the WiFi7 systems with 3 bsnds can be significantly more expensive. My WiFi5 system can be boughtvfir under £100.