Just because of the Firmware issues I've heard with Orby stuff, I'd go Eero. Tp-Link also makes outdoor nodes for their Deco system though, not all of them come in an outdoor configuration but there are a couple that do. The Wi-Fi seven options that come in an outdoor configuration are the be25 and the BE65. Then for Wi-Fi six, the X20 and X50 have outdoor versions. I can from personal firsthand experience recommend Deco. In fact, I prefer it over Eero because it's a little bit more customizable and there's more ethernet ports on the nodes. Also it's cheaper so that's a win.
If all you need is three SSI'Ds, a main one, a guest one, and an IOT one, that is definitely possible to do with most Deco systems. If you need more control than that, including control over the SSIDs that you can create besides blanket network isolation, you'll need something like Ubiquity, though an Asus mesh system could also work if you want that kind of form factor, you can get it with Ubiquity but you won't have nearly the same amount of options.
You can get a two pack, set one up where the current router is, and position one on the second floor slightly offset from where that first one is to allow the signal to propagate to it a little bit more efficiently. Or you can use wired backhaul if possible. Deco probably won't increase your speed, just your Wi-Fi coverage, so if you're getting good coverage on your second floor and first floor, then Deco won't help. Also, your issue most likely comes from the adapter, some of them just are not that amazing because they use small PCB mounted antennas. What speeds do you get downstairs with your phone right next to the router?
You can mix and match Deco models within the same network, so either model will work fine. It mainly depends on your specific network needs and goals.
For example, compared to the X50-Outdoor, the BE25-Outdoor utilizes the newer Wi-Fi 7 protocol and has nearly double the 5 GHz bandwidth, as well as a slightly higher bandwidth on the 2.4 GHz band, plus 2.5 Gbps Ethernet connectivity.
What's your Internet speed, and how many devices do you have connected to your network currently?
If you can find the BE25-Outdoor for the same price or less than the X50-Outdoor, then it may be worth considering the faster and newer model.
Totally agree that mesh is the way to go. One thing to keep in mind with the brick veneer mentioned earlier: if Node 1 is in the garage, the signal has to punch through an external brick wall just to get to the rest of the house.
In that specific layout, the extra cash for WiFi 7 (like the Deco BE85 or BE65) actually makes sense. It uses MLO (Multi-Link Operation), which lets the nodes talk to each other across multiple bands at the same time. It’s way better at 'punching' through that first brick wall and the floor to reach the upstairs node without the speeds dropping off a cliff. WiFi 6E is great, but WiFi 7 is built for exactly this kind of 'obstacle course' layout.
I have BE65 (primarily for wired backhaul ports) as my main unit and a few BE25 (all with wired backhaul) as satellites. I don’t see any difference in performance for my use.
I have 2 in a 2 bed. I use the XE75 Pro. I would suggest you look at the newer BE65 series (either 2 or 3 pack) as the price is slightly more on Amazon than the XE75 Pro and they are newer.
I would also suggest that whichever mesh you use, if you have Ethernet points in the rooms, that you do a wired back haul - connecting the nodes via Ethernet points. They're more reliable than wireless back haul. If wireless back haul is your only option then it is not bad at all with newer devices. If you have an Etisalat connection then you'd need to call them and ask them to open access to use your own router. Tell them to also restart the main device remotely. After that you'll be able to use your router.
Teenage_techboy1234
