Is the Spark Mesh 2 good?

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Is the Spark Mesh 2 good?

cunningdavid

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#318055 10-Dec-2024 21:25

Does anyone have experience with the Spark Mesh 2 - how good is it?

My neighbour is asking, and since they have Spark service anyway I thought it might be good for them.

If it's no good then I'll probably recommend the TP-Link Deco that I use myself.

Thanks in advance!

michaelmurfy

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#3318972 10-Dec-2024 21:39

Yep it works really well provided they’ve got a Spark Smart Modem 2 or 3.

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cunningdavid

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#3319024 11-Dec-2024 07:54

michaelmurfy:

Yep it works really well provided they’ve got a Spark Smart Modem 2 or 3.

Thank you for that!

jonathan18

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#3319063 11-Dec-2024 09:14

Jumping on this thread… I assume the Spark Mesh 2 is compatible with the Skinny-provided Smart Modem 3?

A family member’s street is finally getting fibre at some point in the near future, so they’re keen on moving away from Skinny-based wireless BB but are thinking of sticking with Skinny. They need better internet in their lower floor, so I’ve suggested sticking to an ISP-provided or at least more directly compatible solution, to minimise issues.

Also, I see the Mesh 2 has two Ethernet ports, so I assume they can use a wired connection between it and the router (given there’s a cable already in place) and also plug in a device (or switch) into the Mesh 2?

TIA.

Wheelbarrow01

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#3319067 11-Dec-2024 09:18

I have a Spark smart modem 2 in my house and a smart mesh 2 in my detached garage around 20 metres from the house. Since installing the mesh unit I now get seamless coverage throughout the house, garage and all of the back yard. Previously I had poor Wifi in the back end of the house and none in the back yard/garage at all.

I have a smart tv in my garage and now I can effortlessly watch DIY/how-to videos on YouTube while I tinker.

Given my mesh unit is so far from the modem, and I had laid a Cat 6 cable from the house when building the garage, I chose to connect the mesh unit to the modem via that Cat 6 cable to ensure a rock solid connection. In most situations this is not required.

Definitely recommend the Spark mesh unit.

The views expressed by me are not necessarily those of my employer Chorus NZ Ltd

cunningdavid

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#3319081 11-Dec-2024 10:10

Great, thank you for that!

Wheelbarrow01

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#3319142 11-Dec-2024 11:11

jonathan18: Jumping on this thread… I assume the Spark Mesh 2 is compatible with the Skinny-provided Smart Modem 3?

A family member’s street is finally getting fibre at some point in the near future, so they’re keen on moving away from Skinny-based wireless BB but are thinking of sticking with Skinny. They need better internet in their lower floor, so I’ve suggested sticking to an ISP-provided or at least more directly compatible solution, to minimise issues.

Also, I see the Mesh 2 has two Ethernet ports, so I assume they can use a wired connection between it and the router (given there’s a cable already in place) and also plug in a device (or switch) into the Mesh 2?

TIA.

See this previous thread for further info - https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=39&topicid=310523&page_no=2

Reading that, it says the Skinny supplied modem 3 is compatible with the Spark Smart Mesh 2, however Skinny don't/won't provide troubleshooting support for the mesh. Personally I don't see that as an issue as it is pretty much plug & play, so you are unlikely to have any issues.

And yes - you can definitely connect the mesh unit via a wired connection between the two devices (this is how mine is setup as per my previous post).

The views expressed by me are not necessarily those of my employer Chorus NZ Ltd

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cunningdavid

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#3319191 11-Dec-2024 11:20

Wheelbarrow01:

Reading that, it says the Skinny supplied modem 3 is compatible with the Spark Smart Mesh 2, however Skinny don't/won't provide troubleshooting support for the mesh. Personally I don't see that as an issue as it is pretty much plug & play, so you are unlikely to have any issues.

And yes - you can definitely connect the mesh unit via a wired connection between the two devices (this is how mine is setup as per my previous post).

Any idea whether Spark provide support for their mesh?

By a wired connection I assume you mean from the modem to the primary mesh AP?

Wheelbarrow01

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#3319195 11-Dec-2024 11:28

cunningdavid:

Wheelbarrow01:

Reading that, it says the Skinny supplied modem 3 is compatible with the Spark Smart Mesh 2, however Skinny don't/won't provide troubleshooting support for the mesh. Personally I don't see that as an issue as it is pretty much plug & play, so you are unlikely to have any issues.

And yes - you can definitely connect the mesh unit via a wired connection between the two devices (this is how mine is setup as per my previous post).

Any idea whether Spark provide support for their mesh?

By a wired connection I assume you mean from the modem to the primary mesh AP?

Yes, Spark do provide support for their mesh product.

And yes, wired between the modem and primary mesh unit. From memory that is how you sync them together when setting the mesh up. After setup is complete, you can choose to keep the ethernet cable in place (which I did in my use case) or you can unplug it and use it wirelessly, positioned anywhere convenient in the house.

The views expressed by me are not necessarily those of my employer Chorus NZ Ltd

cunningdavid

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#3319256 11-Dec-2024 12:41

Great, thanks!