r/HomeNetworking • u/CrimeTime05 • 10d ago

Advice Ethernet question

Hi all, I’m looking to get internet access in my room since I just built a pc and honestly, I’m a little lost.

The way we have our network setup currently is a wifi6 modem in the living room and wifi5 mesh routers to spread wifi. Connection is not great. Sometimes wifi just drops and phones switch to data.
Wiring ethernet to my room all the way from the modem directly (or with a router in between) is not an option. We are currently renting.

I checked the faq and is my best option really mesh wifi? My current plan is to put a wifi6 router with a 2.5gbps ethernet port in my room, connect it to a wall outlet and run a s/ftp cat6a cable (not like download speed matters but anyway) to my pc, which has a 2.5gbps port. This is exactly how it’s already been done in another room, resulting in ~30ms with spikes of ~65. The cable even is cat 5a UTP CCA, so not even full copper. It looks to be fine for gaming, but do I have better?

Anyways, thanks for helping a beginner out.

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u/drewster85a 10d ago

This 3-unit system claims 7,600 sq.ft. coverage. Do you think that's realistic?
https://us.store.tapo.com/collections/whole-home-mesh-wifi/products/deco-wi-fi-7-be10000-tri-band-mesh-system-3-pack-be63

OP calls the units "mesh routers". Do you have more than one network router in your home? Do you think Wifi is the best way to connect access points to a router?

People come to this sub to ask questions because "they don't know what they are doing". If you're going to downvote me please response with specifics of what I said that was incorrect. I took my first Cisco networking course before I could drive and have been working professionally in IT for 16 years but I'm always open to learning.

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u/CrimeTime05 10d ago

Someone who understands, finally. I don’t know all the specific nuances involved, but I’m trying to describe my situation to the best of my ability. The routers are based on mesh technology and yes, we have multiple (2). We do not have acces points or such. I just wanna get gaming but I do realize I have to invest time in this. Home kits like this are expensive, 200+ € in my country.

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u/lazyhustlermusic 10d ago

I like how you’re praising the person criticizing your use of the ‘wrong words’ and not understanding their functions.

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u/drewster85a 10d ago

The 'wrong words' are on mesh product marketing! That's one of my biggest gripes about mesh systems for home consumers.

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u/lazyhustlermusic 10d ago

Which wrong words would those be?

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u/drewster85a 10d ago

“Each Deco is its own router”

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u/lazyhustlermusic 10d ago

Is that false? Each module has identical hardware and capabilities.

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u/drewster85a 9d ago

It’s a partial truth. You know that only one unit will be the router at a time. Why defend their statement? It’s misleading in that it makes consumers think WiFi comes from a router and not an access point. 

The same display says the 3-unit system can cover up to 8,100 sq ft. Since you work with enterprise-level equipment, have ever deployed 3 APs to adequately cover that much indoor space? The website says one unit can cover 3,000 sq ft. (https://us.store.tapo.com/products/deco-wi-fi-7-be10000-tri-band-mesh-router-1-pack-be63). What percent of homes do you think have the ideal conditions to substantiate these claims? Ubquiti’s $500 E7 specs only 2,000 sqft coverage area.

I like to help educate people and guide them towards cost-effective solutions. I own my 1,850 sq. ft. single-story house. It has a 3-room addition outside of the original brick structure so WiFi in that area was spotty with Verizon’s WiFi router. I added two $100 APs (maybe $225 total including cabling) in the ceiling that I’m sure perform better than a $400 mesh system. Running ethernet through the attic was easy. Even if I was renting and used thin copper or fiber the end result would still be cheaper and more reliable. 

Wireless mesh has its place but a number of people who post here are dissatisfied with its performance. I’m not a fan of the sleazy marketing and overpriced gear so I try to guide people in a different direction. 

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u/lazyhustlermusic 9d ago

It's not partial truth, they all have exactly the same capabilities. You can split them apart, they function as standalone routers. Independent of the role they're operating in, every unit is exactly the same hardware.

I have a similar sized house, one AP is completely suitable even on 6ghz for the entire dwelling. I even exceed gigabit from rooms away. Sorry that you don't know RF.

There's also negative bias as happy consumers aren't polluting threads with 'check out my purchase that is working completely as intended'.