Ubiquiti - U7 Pro XGS

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.

Ubiquity mesh can be very powerful. Basically, there are general requirements to consider, such as the distance to the nearest mesh point should not exceed -63dBm. Specifically for Ubiquity, the maximum stream rate is reduced by half for all UI products, so I would generally be cautious with more than three Wi-Fi configurations. Specifically, it depends on the product mix. All Generation 7 models use the Qualcomm N7 base chip. However, if you compare the XG to the XGS, the XGS is up to 50% better because it is not a blind AP. It is also worth mentioning that UI builds the mesh on 5GHz. With 4x4 designs, you'll be a lot faster and more stable than many other mesh products on the market. So my answer is yes, but only with XGS, u7 pro max, or the E7 series is it really worth it. Otherwise, I would be better off with an Asus or other consumer mesh product

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.

If you’re heavy on Apple devices then WiFi 7 won’t be coming for a while and you should be okay with a WiFi 6E router for the next 5 years. However, if you want to go forward with you can look at Ubiquiti CG Fibre and U7 or UX7 AP. The router should be future proof and allow you upgrade your AP nodes based on which band you want. If you want a different mesh brand then you can look between Deco (best on budget), Asus Zenwifi BT10 (tri-band) / BQ16 (quad-band) or Orbi 770 / 870 / 970. This are the top 3 brands with top mesh systems and best coverage. Nevertheless, your bandwidth and devices should decide your choice (added with budget) Honorable mention will be Eero Max 7 but it’s barely customizable and you have to do things the Eero way

I went from DD-WRT for years to ASUS AiMesh and have been on Unifi equipment for a good four years now. I never have any issues with roaming (3600+ home) and I can fine tune whenever necessary (rare). I love the Unifi and don't plan on moving away any time soon. If you want peace of mind, I definitely also recommend Unifi.

I made the jump with the UDM-Pro and three nano HD APs. This covered the above mentioned home just fine. I now replaced one of the nanos with a U7 since that covers our rooms a little better than the nanoHDs. The added bonus is I can get coverage outside the house still within 30 ft. So that allows my Waze cameras and Waze lightbulbs to connect just fine as well. I even have a Waze camera inside my motorhome about 100ft away and it gets coverage. But since I've started this is what I have now expanded to... https://preview.redd.it/b65x186jbsje1.png?width=864&format=png&auto=webp&s=db4d27006368d4966fa2d7808f122144d7a110a9

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

My Orbo970 system was overpriced junk. Fast, but we all use iPhones in my house and it just doesn’t know how to deal with them. Recently switched to a UniFi system and no trouble at all with iPhone handoffs on their wifi7 APs. Best decision ever.

UniFi has a great designer tool that will help you figure coverage with the different devices.

If that’s the case get a ubiquiti Unifi system. Gateway plus access points. Best performance per dollar with a wired backhaul

UniFi is the most solid networking platform.

switch to unifi from google mesh. Much happier