Mesh - What a Mess
Mar 20, 2023 11:21:05 #
I don't understand the difference between a regular router and a Mesh system. Sometimes, they are referred to as routers, and sometimes the word "router" isn't used. I don't see this TP-Link Deco as a router because there are only two cable ports, plus a socket for power. Apparently, it is a router, though.
Online directions show the Deco being plugged into the modem, with the router being put into storage. My router has four ports on the back, so I would have to use a switch to connect those devices if I don't use the router. Using the router with the Deco is possible, but most sites recommend using the modem. Ideally, I should try to get a network cable upstairs so I can plug the upstairs Deco directly into the network.
All comments and suggestions gladly accepted.
Online directions show the Deco being plugged into the modem, with the router being put into storage. My router has four ports on the back, so I would have to use a switch to connect those devices if I don't use the router. Using the router with the Deco is possible, but most sites recommend using the modem. Ideally, I should try to get a network cable upstairs so I can plug the upstairs Deco directly into the network.
All comments and suggestions gladly accepted.
Mar 20, 2023 11:35:23 #
The deco is a WiFi mesh router. It has Ethernet ports if you need to plug a non-WiFi device into it, but is not intended primarily as a plug in ethernet router. Mesh routers are much like WIFI extenders and are designed to work with other mesh devices to create a broader coverage area without the speed limitations of WiFi extenders (which typically decrease speed in the areas they serve). See the section about the differences in this article: https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/wi-fi-range-extender-vs-mesh-network-whats-the-difference
Mar 20, 2023 12:22:26 #
jerryc41 wrote:
I don't understand the difference between a regula... (show quote)
Most cable routers that I have used don't output a WiFi signal. A mesh system plugs into the router and provides WiFi coverage, in my case three mesh substations. Each station can accept a standard network cable, one of which is required to connect our security system.
Mesh systems normally come preconfigured, i.e.: simply plug them into a power outlet and they connect with each other and, voila, a whole home WiFi system.
bwa
Mar 20, 2023 12:36:24 #
TriX wrote:
The deco is a WiFi mesh router. It has Ethernet po... (show quote)
Thanks. Good article. More cables are arriving today - and tomorrow.
Mar 20, 2023 12:36:33 #
bwana wrote:
Most cable routers that I have used don't output a WiFi signal. A mesh system plugs into the router and provides WiFi coverage, in my case three mesh substations. Each station can accept a standard network cable, one of which is required to connect our security system.
Mesh systems normally come preconfigured, i.e.: simply plug them into a power outlet and they connect with each other and, voila, a whole home WiFi system.
bwa
Mesh systems normally come preconfigured, i.e.: simply plug them into a power outlet and they connect with each other and, voila, a whole home WiFi system.
bwa
Thanks!
Mar 21, 2023 07:35:11 #
I use the TP-Link AV2000 Powerline Adapter to turn my electrical circuit into a LAN. This system has worked flawlessly for me since 2018. There are three computers in our apartment all on the LAN.
Mar 21, 2023 08:20:30 #
jerryc41 wrote:
I don't understand the difference between a regula... (show quote)
I have a mesh system. I got it because it promised a wider coverage…..and it did. Mine is the Orbi. It has the base plus two other units I have placed around the house. I now have coverage beyond my back deck and before coverage was spotty on the deck. It only has one extra outlet though but I believe the more expensive units have three or four.
Mar 21, 2023 12:01:00 #
bw79st wrote:
I use the TP-Link AV2000 Powerline Adapter to turn my electrical circuit into a LAN. This system has worked flawlessly for me since 2018. There are three computers in our apartment all on the LAN.
Sounds good. I have a small MSRM unit plugging upstairs.
Mar 21, 2023 12:36:57 #
My Deco Tp9 works great. It covers my 2400 sq foot two story house including the basement, back yard and garage with high speed wireless connectivity. Pretty inexpensive available from Amazon.
D
D
Mar 21, 2023 13:04:26 #
Dave H2 wrote:
My Deco Tp9 works great. It covers my 2400 sq foot two story house including the basement, back yard and garage with high speed wireless connectivity. Pretty inexpensive available from Amazon.
D
D
I forget the details, but it would have been the same price or cheaper to buy directly from Ooma.
Mar 22, 2023 01:16:19 #
RodeoMan
Loc: St Joseph, Missouri
When you wrote "router", I thought you were referring to a tool for cutting dadoes, rabbets and etc in wood.
Mar 22, 2023 08:13:21 #
RodeoMan wrote:
When you wrote "router", I thought you were referring to a tool for cutting dadoes, rabbets and etc in wood.
As I've said many times, we need more words. In England, they pronounce it "rooter," which makes it obvious which one they're talking about.
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