Mesh network products for work colleague - what works out of the box?

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Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Mesh network products for work colleague - what works out of the box?

davidcole

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#236368 30-May-2018 08:32

Friend at work has just got fibre connected, and now finds his wireless hasn't changed speed. More than likely crappy coverage/capped wifi speeds.

I don't think he'd be up for a Unifi type wired system, and that one of the off the shelf mesh solutions are probably the best best.

Ie Google wifi. https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=66&topicid=217913&page_no=2

Now do these work as the entire network, ie the Google Wifi, I believe works best when it's the router and APs, but at launch didn't have the Vlan tagging for fibre (he's Slingshot if that makes a difference). Do any of the others?

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#2025327 30-May-2018 08:49

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Ubiquiti AMPLIFI

jnimmo

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#2025330 30-May-2018 08:52

I understand the AmpliFi supports VLAN tagging so can replace the ISP router

davidcole

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#2025331 30-May-2018 08:59

Jase2985:

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Ubiquiti AMPLIFI

Does the Amplifi need a controller like my UAPs do?

jnimmo

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#2025336 30-May-2018 09:20

No the AmpliFi is more of a plug and play solution completely separate to the UniFi line

1024kb

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#2025376 30-May-2018 09:40

Yeah, I've installed Amplifi in a few domestic UFB situations. It's sweet, while it's not as plug & play as Google WiFi, you need bugger all technical nous to figure it out. I think the mesh points are a little intrusive, but their ability to twist & turn on the magnetic socket means you can easily maximise reception.

The app they provide is easy to understand & use as well.

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davidcole

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#2025378 30-May-2018 09:42

1024kb:

Yeah, I've installed Amplifi in a few domestic UFB situations. It's sweet, while it's not as plug & play as Google WiFi, you need bugger all technical nous to figure it out. I think the mesh points are a little intrusive, but their ability to twist & turn on the magnetic socket means you can easily maximise reception.

The app they provide is easy to understand & use as well.

And pretty easy to set up the router side for UFB (Ie the vlan?) - I get the impression he's never even seen the config page of his current router.

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#2025380 30-May-2018 09:44

I've only installed one AmpliFi set but was very impressed and the feedback has been excellent.

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#2025387 30-May-2018 09:46

Do him a favour, drop in for half an hour & do it for him - that's all it'll take. Once he's had the app to play with, his aptitude will improve & he should be comfortable doing it himself next time.

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1024kb

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#2025394 30-May-2018 09:52

You always know when a job has worked perfectly - you never hear from them again. WiFi especially is an area that generates urgent calls for help as without quality internet access suddenly OMG, the kids have to use the real world to occupy themselves & parents cannot cope with that!

Install a mesh network & the problems are solved. Mesh is the WiFi equivalent of a baby's pacifier.

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michaelmurfy

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#2025403 30-May-2018 10:10

@davidcole I've just been sent a D-Link Covr system to review. It looks like an impressive bit of kit.

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kryptonjohn

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#2025408 30-May-2018 10:22

michaelmurfy:

@davidcole I've just been sent a D-Link Covr system to review. It looks like an impressive bit of kit.

And looks like it will be under NZ$500 for a 3 pack?

Do all three units need to be wired to the home network like Unifi UAP?

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michaelmurfy

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#2025432 30-May-2018 10:35

kryptonjohn:

And looks like it will be under NZ$500 for a 3 pack?

Do all three units need to be wired to the home network like Unifi UAP?

Nope - it is a mesh system. They do have Ethernet (and can use this too). I'm yet to fire up my set as I'm currently at work but will give it a go later on.

kryptonjohn

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#2036573 14-Jun-2018 15:38

Got a COVR review for us yet, @michaelmurfy?

allan

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#2037633 14-Jun-2018 17:01

kryptonjohn:

Got a COVR review for us yet, @michaelmurfy?

I notice that PB tech have just started stocking it.

kryptonjohn

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#2037635 14-Jun-2018 17:04

$100 cheaper from Dick Smith (DSE)

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