Hello, OzBargain Brains Trust,
I am looking at getting Optus's wireless broadband plan, which comes with a router called the Huawei B525.
If I want to boost my wifi range in my home, so it reaches all the nooks and crannies, can I somehow run a mesh network off this router?
Further, any recommendations for mesh products?
Apologies if this is a painfully basic question … I am an older lady and all this home networking stuff is very new to me.
Thanks.
Ah thanks.
Google wifi is plug and play. It's very straight forward to set up via the app
This. I have had Google Wifi for over a year now and it works flawlessly.
Your router can can only provide connection to a mesh network system and cannot participate as a node in the mesh network.
Mesh networking systems ->
* Google wifi
* Linksys Velop
* Netgear Orbi
The need for mesh network is when you have lesser physical connections (typically 1) to connect to your router/ gateway / switch which I assume is your case.
If you by any-chance have physical connections spread around your home that you can connect to all your wifi points, then you don't need a mesh system but rather access points.
As an option just get any other router (does not need to be a modem or modem router as your primary modem / router does this) and run some ethernet cable to the new area you want to empower with wifi and connect the two using the bridge option and name them the same SSID (or WiFi Name) and password and your home will get a nice free roaming wifi net or coverage with your branched our routers connected to the main hub in bridging mode or just basically a second connection point.
Having the same SSID and password for all the routers just makes things easier and makes everything act like one cohesive network with your devices connecting to the closest or strongest signal in the said devices range with no hassles and unnecessary password entering for each "WiFi" (SSID).
Unless you want to name each region something different like "Front Wifi", "Kitchen Wifi", "Garage Wifi", "Attic Wifi" or something like that for easier identifying if you are running other stuff around the house like a server or experimenting with different settings etc for different uses like a gaming lounge or something but imho one SSID and password for all routers is best.
If you need any more help or have any questions just send me a PM and I can answer it for you.
Thanks!
This is only if you can get an Ethernet cable connected between the second router and the Huawei, which may mean installing a long cable from one end of the house to the other. A mesh system basically replaces the second router and this long Ethernet cable with wireless signal.
Also, you will need to find a registered cabler to install the cable if you want it concealed behind walls and ceiling. Thanks to our regressive regulation you are not allowed to DIY.
Another way is to use an Ethernet over Powerline system. You can either buy a EoP system with built-in Wi-Fi access points, or use the EoP system in lieu of the Ethernet cable.
One issue with that method is some wireless devices don't roam well (ie insist on staying connected to a now distant wireless router even though there is a closer one nearby).
Yes and no.
You can buy a mesh system to connect to this router.
This router will not be part of that mesh system.