WiFi extender, Mesh network or anything else? Just lost..

Mishomeister

Like many people I am now working from home and the room I work from is the furthest away from the Virgin Media router that is in the living room.

I have tried to do my research online but it appears that every so called review website recommends different devices (Probably from the manufacturers that pay them)

I need a device that would not slow down my internet and that would allow me to make VOIP calls and Zoom conferences uninterrupted.

Ideally the one that would not create a separate network, but would work on the basis which from my research I believe is caled Mesh.

I was also had mentionned the other option mentionned is line over mains, where the signal goes through the electricity mains.

I am not looking for a cheapest device but for the one that I could buy with the confidence that it will definetely deliver what I need.

Any advice, preferably based on personal experience?

Linton

"Mesh" is a set of interconnected wifi hubs, typically 2-3, that operates as a single network. "Powerline" sends signals down the mains to an ethernet socket or a wifi extender.  A mesh system is generally more expensive than power line.

I have tried both mesh (BT WHole Home) and powerline (several models) in a large 4 bedroom house and found mesh to be far more reliable and faster. Powerline can have particular problems across separate mains rings.   I believe Mesh would meet your needs perfectly.

dreamypuma

I'd personally go with a Mesh System over extenders or powerlines (with or without wireless extenders). Mesh will benefit more types of devices, and offer a more seamless experience.

There are many to choose from and lots of conflicting views.

I currently use a TP-Link Deco M4 system (3 nodes) in a 4 bedroom new build property. It's really good, not the cheapest but equally not the most expensive. But a good brand with options to size the system to suit your property. TP-Link also seem to regularly update the devices and have introduced additional features.  Something that not all manufacturers offer.

They are a breeze to install (takes minutes) and the app is really good and simple to understand.

When I bought the system, I was a bit green to them. The dual band systems have no dedicated backhaul to the modem. As such this can congest the wireless traffic, and reduce overall download and upload speeds. This is the same for all dual band systems. Tri-band systems are available with dedicated channels for backhaul. These can be quite expensive.

On the M4 system I have, you can overcome this by using powerlines or running cables between each node to increase the flow of data. (Think of this like opening additional motorway lanes to ease congestion). I used separate powerline adapters (also TP-Link). I didn't really need the additional speed, but I'm a geek and like things to be optimal.

Had I known about the benefits of backhaul,  I would have bought the slightly higher spec system (the P9). This has the powerlines integrated, so is a more complete system, and a much cleaner solution / installation.

mgfvvc

I have had the Deco M5 for a while. It's been very reliable and we are really happy with it.
The BT Whole Home had a vastly better user interface, but it only matters when you're trying to trace problems and I have had so little trouble with the Deco that it hardly matters.

jb66

If your on the Full House/Maxit tv package Virgin will give out a free booster and they are actually quite good, is that part of your package?

[Deleted User]

Both do similar jobs - be aware that many powerline options use only Fast Ethernet (limited to a theoretical 100 Mbps) so get something with Gigabit Ethernet (limited to a theoretical 1000 Mbps) which won't be a bottleneck on 100Mb broadband and above. 

onomatopoeia99

I'd go with a long ethernet cable to the room you want to work in, and plug that in to a network switch and connect that to your devices in your work room by other ethernet cables.  That will give you the best connection you can possibly have.

Please don't say "my wife / girlfriend / boyfriend / husband / cat / goldfish doesn't like cables strewn everywhere", as this is your job and therefore far more important than domestic aesthetics.