Question

So I have asked a few questions In a different post but i am going to provide a little more info to maybe help. I have Gig service, 2800 square feet to cover, need to separate 2. 4 and 5 signals, 20 smart home devices and stream everything. Recommendations on mesh routers? Thanks and stay safe.  

Answer 1

Ubiquity Unifi System. No need to separate 2. 4 and 5 GHz. Just setup SSID for home. The create second SSID for home automation on a Vlan using only 2. 4Ghz. Simple, Secure and reliable. One USG, 2 Unifi AC Pro Access Points, one or two 8 port Unifi POE Switches and a Cloud key.  

Comments

@acinaciform thanks for the reply but that might be a little more advanced than I want/need.  

---

@acinaciform sent you a PM about this comment as I didn’t want to hijack this post.  

Answer 2

Any reason why you need the bands to be a different ssid?  

Comments

@lemur I have a smoker that has to be connected to 2. 4 ghz.  

---

Erik, then it will only see the 2. 4 side of a mesh system single SSID. I have the new camp chef WiFi on my Orbi RBK33. No issues.  
https://amzn.to/2RaolV7

---

My older GMG is 2. 4 only and a lot of my smart devices will only run with a 2. 4 signal. Thanks for your input.  

---

Erik, I have a smart home with over 120 devices in the form of Zwave+ zigbee, WiFi and BT. A device with a 2. 4 antenna will only see the 2. 4 side of a mesh single SSID system. Triband mesh are super solid.  

---

@lemur Thanks for the the information, I have read conflicting information on this. My biggest thing is wanting solid coverage and getting the speed that I am paying for. I appreciate your input.  

---

@lemur What about setting the devices up. I am reading that setup can be tricky using your phone to connect to a 2. 4 device as it will automatically run on the 5. Is this a user error issue more than an Orbi issue?  

---

Erik, never had 1 issue. I have ring and Wyze cams that are 2. 4 only. No issues. They beauty of a triband mesh is that if you have a device that reads both signals. The device pics the best one for the needs. Also, it’s a seamless transition between the main mesh router and it’s nodes. Meaning, if you’re using extenders, the device has to drop on signal to jump on another. That’s no. Existent with mesh. Try it. You dont like it or something I’m saying doesn’t perform as it should. Return it. BTW, if your current modem is also a router, the WiFi signals will need to be turned off.  

---

@lemur Perfect, I have WYZE, Ring, Nest, etc as well. I am going to pull the trigger and order one today. I have a stand alone modem so I am good there. Thanks a bunch and stay safe.  

Answer 3

Few notes. 1. You will never get reliable 1GB service to wireless devices - GB service is intended to be hardwired to devices. 2. The best and most controllable and manageable WiFi in the market is Ubiquiti and there unifi hardware as others have noted. 3. If you need to cover a large or multi tier footprint and can’t hardwire or don’t want to go with Ubiquiti look at the Orbi systems. I have deployed them for family and they are rock solid and provide amazing coverage. While I’m not a fan of mesh systems it does fill a great void for those that can’t wire AP’s or deploy managed systems like Unifi.  

Comments

Thanks. Right now I have a NetGear x65 that bascially covers my entire house. The 2. 4 signal is consistently dropping, causing failure of some devices. I have scanned for channels with wifi analyzer and changed those settings, but it is still happening so I think it is time to upgrade. Honestly, the Ubiquiti setup seems a little scary, not the right word, as it is very new and different to me.  

Answer 4

I went with the ARRIS - SURFboard mAX Pro Wireless-AX11000 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System it covers 6000 square foot and can be expanded with a third device to cover 9000. It’s super easy to set up too. I’ve been running it for about 6 months and love it. Tip though check out eBay. When adding a 3rd satellite it’s cheaper to just buy a kit of 2 than a single unit, so you can get some amazing deals on eBay for folks selling off the extra (4th) that can’t be paired. You’ll be able to have WiFi thought your whole house and yard with this one.