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Yes, you will want to buy a mesh network that supports wired backhaul. Mesh on this sub usually refers to wireless backhaul connected nodes. However, when looking up products you will want to search for a mesh network. I use TP-Link Decos (3xBE63's and the main node is a BE85). I'm pretty happy with the performance. Others like Asus or Unify. Look up the features and reviews of each and decide. All of those options will allow you to have the same SSID and switch between nodes effortlessly. 2. You should install conduit during the remodel if possible. Continue connecting the nodes via ethernet backhaul. I'm a little unclear if you mean running new ethernet during the remodel or replacing old cables. In reality, Cat5e is great for most users and already supports PoE, so existing runs should be just fine! 3. I would considering upgrading your switches if you want greater speeds. Cat5e and Cat6 can support 2.5gbe and 10gbe respectively and is likely to be one of the bigger bottlenecks in your network. I'm not sure how many switches and ports you have, but the good news is 2.5gbe switches are fairly inexpensive! This really only applies if you're ISP plan speed is over 1 gig or you need a faster internal network like if you own a NAS.
Do you have any dead zones in your house right now? To keep it simple, it depends if you need one router or if you need a mesh system. Mesh is when you have more than one node (aka router) in your house that broadcast the same network. These nodes work together to move devices between them. The main node is connected to your modem and the other nodes are connected to your main node. They can connect wirelessly, however they work best if you have some sort of wired connection. For Mesh, I use TP Link Deco BE63 and one TP Link Deco BE85 and I have one on each floor. I think they work well. I connect them using MoCA adapters, which use existing coax cables as an ethernet connection. Although I have found the TP link very simple and easy to use, others have praised the Eero to be dead simple. For single routers, I have recommended my friend an Archer BE550 router which he loves but also his place is small so it might not generalize to your home.
I just tested out a handful of mesh systems, Eero6, TP Link XE 75 Pro and their BE63. All worked fine in our 3100 SF drywall and lumber home. But the apps or web gui were all dumbed down / simple. I settled on the ASUS BT10 two pack. Fast and crazy coverage. Great app and web gui IF you want to tweak settings.
If you’re looking for something easy and reliable, option 2 all day long. Mesh works great, and it’s easy to deploy and there’s no work to maintain. Depending on your needs and your Internet service, you might be perfectly fine with a less expensive WIFi 6 mesh network.
Just upgraded from an older Orbi system to the TPLink BE10000 today and it was worth it. Speeds overall are better and had it up and running in 30 minutes with the satellites.
I have a TP Link Deco BE63 with 2 nodes and have 10+ current gen Sonos devices (Arc Ultra, Era 100, 300, Fives, Sub Gen 4) and they work very well. No networking issues.
What about a Deco BE63 with the mesh nodes Ethernet connected to the main unit. I have a 3 unit setup for a tri- level 2850 SQ. Feet house. Since you have Ethernet cables, you can add more mesh nodes if you don't get good coverage. 3800 SQ. Feet per floor, wowsa
I don't know which brand is the best brand but I recently switched from Google Nest Wifi (not pro) to TP link Deco BE63 mesh system and pretty happy about it. Each BE63 unit has four 2.5Gbps ports. You can create a total of four networks with it. The Main network supports 2.4, 5 and 6Ghz bandwidth. The Guest network can also support 2.4, 5 and 6Ghz bandwidth. The Guest network can not access the Main network. Then there's the MLO network which only allow 5 and 6Ghz bandwidth. Finally there's the IoT network that supports 2.4 and/or 5Ghz bandwidth. In some cases, you might have some older smart devices can only connect to 2.4Ghz. That's where you want to connect to the IoT network and set it to 2.4Ghz only, so you can group them together. For newer smart devices that support both 5 and 6Ghz, you can group them in the MLO network. So they won't connect to the 2.4Ghz. Another feature I like about the BE63 is that you can set up a VPN server and/or client on the router. Then assign which devices to use VPN. Each unit also comes with an USB port so if you have NAS, you can connect to one of them via Ethernet or USB then access it via a VPN server.
Got two BE63. Much better coverage and stability. Getting consistent 400-500mps on a one gig fiber plan throughout the house.
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