In a recent thread in another forum, WIFI networking built into a router (Netcomm NF4V) was discarded by many posters in favour of mesh wifi.

I am now in a position to buy - but there is a mesmerising array of options making in difficult for a novice like me to make an informed choice.  As I understand it the router's built-in WIFI would be disabled in favour of base unit plugged into a router LAN port.  I would hope to use 1 base unit and at least one (maybe two) remote units to give coverage to the whole house.

I currently have 3 PCs - 2 desktops with USB WIFI adapters, 1 laptop with built-in WIFI and several mobile phones and so all use WIFI for networking connectivity.

In looking at 'access point' hardware I see an array of hardware that does not differentiate between 'base' and 'remote', and many units specify multiple LAN ports - so I am at a loss to understand what I am seeing and I would definitely not trust an in-store salesperson advice.  While I never like to get sucked into over-priced name-brand products, equally I want good quality rather than cheap junk.  Any suggestions welcomed and appreciated.