Mesh Wi-Fi That Supports a Separate 2.4GHz Network - Budget $500

b0nd on 06/12/2024 - 12:08
Last edited 06/12/2024 - 15:54 by 2 other users

Any suggestions for a Wi-Fi mesh system (under $500) that supports 2.4Ghz?

I almost brought Google Wifi 6E - but then saw some comments that you can't have dedicated 2.4Ghz SSID - so my some devices won't work for me.
Eero talks about pausing the 5Ghz system to connect to 2.4 Ghz devices, not sure how that would work.

Currently using ASUS ZenWiFi XD6S - which I think is about to die as its dropping 5 Ghz frequently, even after few factory reset.
And dosent looks like we have a merlin FW for this model.

Also, I have a Wireless backhaul, so any suggestions on a mesh system will be appreciated.

Computing Mesh Network

Comments

  • Fredfloresjr on 06/12/2024 - 12:14
    +1

    TP link mesh deco m5

  • soan papdi on 06/12/2024 - 13:24

    Same SSID on two frequencies is not an overlap as devices that can only handle 2.4 won’t even know about the 5ghz ssid (no hardware to talk on that frequency). So that shouldn’t stop you buying the Google hardware. However I am partial to TP-Link and have their deco s4 mesh. Has been great.

    • askbargain on 06/12/2024 - 13:30

      Some 5GHz devices might stay on 2.4GHz with the same SSID if the router isn’t pushing them to 5GHz

    • b0nd on 06/12/2024 - 13:31

      Understand that, but when connecting a device to a 2.5 network, my phone needs to be on that frequency. And given there’s no option to switch, the options are slim

      • geekcohen on 06/12/2024 - 13:37

        Why does it need to be on that frequency?

        What you are asking for is to have the ability to turn the band steering off.

        • b0nd on 06/12/2024 - 13:50

          Yeah, roborock and few other devices won't connect if my phone is connected to 5 ghz

          • geekcohen on 06/12/2024 - 14:39

            @b0nd: That sounds like an internal networking/routing issue. It sounds as if the IPs ranges are different.

            • b0nd on 06/12/2024 - 14:42

              @geekcohen: Nope, the range is same

              • geekcohen on 06/12/2024 - 15:14

                @b0nd: hhhhmmm…. something isn't right for that to be happening. Guest mode or similar maybe?

                • BinaryPirate on 07/12/2024 - 15:26

                  @geekcohen: Nope. Like many annoying devices, Roborock apparently doesn't support 5Ghz.

                  This is something I run into a lot with IOT devices. Would've thought contemporary routers should be able to direct direct traffic between the two bands but devices keep falling over when they're on different bands. Seems kinda stupid in this day & age.

                  • geekcohen on 09/12/2024 - 06:06

                    @BinaryPirate: I understand that. I am referring to the "roborock and few other devices won't connect if my phone is connected to 5 ghz"

                    Like, he has to be on the SAME network to connect to it. This shouldn't matter. The OP should be able to be on 5GHZ and see/control/talk to his IOT devices on 2.4GHZ.

                    I understand that some IOT devices don't support 2.4GHZ, I have a number of them in my house.

                    • BinaryPirate on 09/12/2024 - 10:30
                      +1

                      @geekcohen: I also understand that. While there is no rational reason why 2.4Ghz devices won't/shouldn't talk to 5Ghz devices on the same network, I frequently run into issues unless/until I put my phone or laptop onto the same 2.4Ghz network.

                      The one I ran into most recently was a TP-Link wifi extender which demanded it be on the 2.4Ghz band and which my other devices couldn't see until they were all forced onto the same band.

                      As I said, the inability to communicate is something that shouldn't happen in this day & age.
                      If you have a solution I would be grateful to hear it.

                      • geekcohen on 09/12/2024 - 10:51

                        @BinaryPirate: I don't have a solution, unfortunately, but I guess I could depend on the WiFi Network/Router Configuration. I haven't had an issue before but sounds like a configuration thing to me.

                        • BinaryPirate on 09/12/2024 - 11:25

                          @geekcohen: That's the problem, though. I haven't found any router configuration options affecting communication between bands. Only on/off/etc.

      • BinaryPirate on 07/12/2024 - 15:37

        Most garden variety routers allow separate 2.4Ghz & 5Ghz SSIDS.
        Seems weird that mesh networks wouldn't allow the same.

    • geekcohen on 06/12/2024 - 13:36

      Same SSID on two frequencies is not an overlap as devices that can only handle 2.4 won’t even know about the 5ghz ssid (no hardware to talk on that frequency). So that shouldn’t stop you buying the Google hardware.

      Not specifically for Google, but I had some of my devices (like my printer, some smart switches) that don't like Band Steering. I hate band steering because of this. So I always turn it off for people I assist for IT needs.

      I use TP Link stuff a lot and like the specific networks.

      At least you know when you are connecting a device to a network, you know what frequency band it is using.

  • JimmyF on 06/12/2024 - 14:37

    TP Link Deco units allow you to split the networks out, so 2.4ghz has a different SSID to the 5ghz.

    Or look for a mesh that offers a IoT wifi network, as that will be 2.4ghz only.

  • c64 on 06/12/2024 - 15:13
    -2

    Currently using ASUS ZenWiFi XD6S - which I think is about to die as its dropping 5 Ghz frequently

    must be too many people without tin foil hats that are absorbing the 5G signals

    • b0nd on 06/12/2024 - 15:20

      ok

    • BinaryPirate on 07/12/2024 - 15:42
      -1

      tbph the worst thing I've found about using 5G is having to buy a second hat… that and the fact my new 2nd head is super opinionated a yet so f'ing dumb.

  • eug on 06/12/2024 - 16:46
    +1

    Maybe see if a UniFi Express will do what you're after. You didn't say how many mesh units or what speed you need for $500, but any of their wifi APs will mesh wirelessly to it, e.g. this or this.

    • geekcohen on 07/12/2024 - 09:56

      Whilst yes, this is true. Its over the OPs $500 budget. But overall, Unifi/Ubiquiti Equipment is great, I run it and would recommend it if the budget allows.

      • eug on 07/12/2024 - 10:14

        Its over the OPs $500 budget.

        As I said, OP did not say how many mesh units and what speed is required.

        The UniFi Express base unit is $237, a U6 Plus is $172 (plus ~$20 poe injector) - that's under $500.

        • geekcohen on 07/12/2024 - 10:15

          Fair point, give you that.

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