Access Point U7 Lite (U7-Lite)

Every topology has its weaknesses. Many people may think that mesh is the golden goose, but that is not the case. The biggest weakness is the backhaul. If it is too weak or the AP-to-AP section has poor reception, the mesh will also perform poorly. Since many people tend to push 3-4 Wi-Fi networks onto the transmitter, there is often a problem with beaconing on light consoles, as these only have 4-6 max streams. Therefore, it makes sense to use a good AP instead of a light one. For example, two xgs can be placed further apart because their reception strength is 30dBm and more instead of a u7Lite. Then there are Wi-Fi-specific issues: a backhaul that is too weak can cause the MLO on the end devices to not function properly in Wi-Fi 7, for example. Individual AP cells still deliver the best quality.

It was so good for me that when I accidentally messed up some wiring it was doing wireless back haul from an older udr to u7ap’s and I only noticed it due to the app showing topology looking wrong. This is 2 story house with udr in basement and aps on the 2 above ground floors.

Ubiquiti's UniFi system is difficult to recommend without running some ethernet cable. Even the Eero, Orbi and TP-Link mesh routers I cannot recommend without wired backhaul. Some of the U7 access points are capable of doing mesh but the ethernet backhaul to a PoE switch is crucial. Being that your current house is a ranch, do you have access to the attic? All you'll really need to do is run maybe about 1 or 2 ethernet cables (2 if you use the UCG Fiber which I recommend getting or 1 in the case of the Dream Router 7) in the attic which you could theoretically take with you when you move. I've shopped around for mesh routers as my dad has a Lorex Wifi Flood Light camera above the garage that our current router can't reach and the best combination I've seen so far is the UCG Fiber and any of the U7 access Points. I've priced everything and the Eero Max 7, Orbi 970 & TP-Link's equivalent came out to over $100 more than any UniFi equipment combination that I need.

Ubiquity hands down. Their WiFi 7 gear is reasonably priced too

Get ubiquity. Fuck that other crap. I tried all that other shit you are looking at, get a couple WiFi 7 access points and a gateway and have some reliable easy to upgrade stuff. If your existing Poe is the 48 volt Poe+ stuff you won’t need to get Poe injectors or Poe switches for the access points. Since I went this route I do t know what to do with my free time, as I am not battling my iot shit disconnecting and going off line.