Best router Range extender?

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Nx2020

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Recently got fiber via octotel/cool ideas. They supplied a TPLINK router, but there is a dead zone on the other side of the house.
 
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If you can, the best “extender” would be to pull an Ethernet cable to the other end of the house and install an access point. I’ve always had poor performance from range extenders (to be fair it was always a cheapie). Otherwise, I don’t have experience with power line adapters but heard it’s a fair alternative to range extenders, maybe someone else could give better insight on that.
 
N4qeeb said:
I have heard a lot about the TP link deco mesh system, but I believe it creates a whole other access point as appose to just extending the signal
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It connects directly to your modem and shares a single WiFi network with the same SSID and password.

The units connect by WiFi and your devices connect to your network through whichever unit you're closest to.

Plug and play, and I can't really explain just how easy it is to set up.
 
N4qeeb said:
what CISP gave us was a router+access point, will it connect to this. if I understand correctly, it takes the ethernet cable from the router and then connects to the mesh tower and that distributes to the other units
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Access point?

A separate device to the router?
 
N4qeeb said:
@PBCool im not sure if your able to add a comment, but what would the best option be in terms of the router that CISP provides with a regular package (TPLINK ARCHER C20)
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You can typically use most access points together quite easily, same SSID, encryption and split the channels up a bit. So you can use any other device, be it a router that supports standalone AP mode linked with cable. No wireless extenders!
 
PBCool said:
You can typically use most access points together quite easily, same SSID, encryption and split the channels up a bit. So you can use any other device, be it a router that supports standalone AP mode linked with cable. No wireless extenders!
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What's your take on wireless mesh setups, PBCool?
 
N4qeeb said:
router, TPLINK Archer C20
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Right, my setup is an Archer A6 with the main Deco unit connected to it via ethernet... The Decos are set up as access points, and the rest of the units are plugged in around the house.

WiFi signal is excellent everywhere.

I'm on a 100/100 package and here's a speed test on the Deco furthest from the router...

Screenshot 2021-05-09 at 19.00.35.png
 
r00igev@@r said:
Wireless extenders are the spawn of Satan! Do not use them.

But the the TP-LINK Deco M5 works well. Its just a bit pricey and it might be cheaper to use an ethernet cable.
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I agree with this. They are the worst thing ever. Rather hook up an extra AP with a cable.
 
Point me out if I'm out of line here or against forum rules.

Contemplating replacing my TP Link Deco system with another product. If you're interested in used ones, drop me a message. Have 2 x M5's and 2 x E4's.
 
N4qeeb said:
wow, might give the deco mesh a try. quite pricey though, but if it works well then its worth the investment
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A cheap, effective and easy way to extend WIFI is to use an old modern, installed in the dead signal area and wired with a LAN cable to the fibre router.

On the old modern, switch off DHCP and setup the WiFi SSID and password the same as the main router/access point. Also select a channel that differs from the main WiFi channel.
 
N4qeeb said:
wow, might give the deco mesh a try. quite pricey though, but if it works well then its worth the investment
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Every thread like this has folks suggesting a wired AP or a mesh.

I can't run cable for an AP, so I've tried everything else.

Extenders are rubbish, I'd be embarrassed to give the ones I have away... but... five minutes after setting up the mesh I realised my skin had cleared up, I was two inches taller, and I'd lost five kilos. Happy.

There are no dead spots and speed is consistent around the house... Just like I'd always wanted.
 
To chip in, I've got a 2x Deco M4 running and it's been an absolute pleasure. Sure, there's currently an IPv6 broadcast storm issue with it but I wouldn't be surprised if this was fixed in a firmware update soon before this becomes the norm in SA.
 
shakes1 said:
Point me out if I'm out of line here or against forum rules.

Contemplating replacing my TP Link Deco system with another product. If you're interested in used ones, drop me a message. Have 2 x M5's and 2 x E4's.
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I'll take them off you hands for free and pay the courier costs.

Edit: I'll make them a prize for the demolition day???
 
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greg0205 said:
Every thread like this has folks suggesting a wired AP or a mesh.

I can't run cable for an AP, so I've tried everything else.

Extenders are rubbish, I'd be embarrassed to give the ones I have away... but... five minutes after setting up the mesh I realised my skin had cleared up, I was two inches taller, and I'd lost five kilos. Happy.

There are no dead spots and speed is consistent around the house... Just like I'd always wanted.
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I'm happy to host a wireless extender demolition day. 12th May and you post pics of the wireless extenders that you have moered using a hammer. The larger the better.
Who is keen?

Edit: Here we go: https://mybroadband.co.za/forum/threads/12th-may-is-wireless-extender-demolition-day.1136165/
 
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Crumbl0x said:
To chip in, I've got a 2x Deco M4 running and it's been an absolute pleasure. Sure, there's currently an IPv6 broadcast storm issue with it but I wouldn't be surprised if this was fixed in a firmware update soon before this becomes the norm in SA.
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Just as a matter of interest:

- How often have you seen firmware updates from TPLink? My experience is all router vendors are pretty pathetic when it comes to firmware updates.
- Is it possible to set these up without creating an account with TPLink. I am a bit weary of backdoors and the like.

The Decos seem really nice especially the Wifi6 range.
 
Gimli said:
Just as a matter of interest:

- How often have you seen firmware updates from TPLink? My experience is all router vendors are pretty pathetic when it comes to firmware updates.
- Is it possible to set these up without creating an account with TPLink. I am a bit weary of backdoors and the like.

The Decos seem really nice especially the Wifi6 range.
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Checked the Deco app... For me, updates on September 19, 2019, then September 9, 2020, and the last was on October 14, 2020.
 
Gimli said:
Just as a matter of interest:

- How often have you seen firmware updates from TPLink? My experience is all router vendors are pretty pathetic when it comes to firmware updates.
- Is it possible to set these up without creating an account with TPLink. I am a bit weary of backdoors and the like.

The Decos seem really nice especially the Wifi6 range.
Click to expand...
I've had a few updates. Can't remember how many or how often, but I would estimate one every 6 months. This is a pure thumb suck.

I have had to create an account. Used a dummy address and haven't received any spam on it. The app is cool in that it allows you to log in from anywhere to manage the devices, you don't have to be on the network. Helped when needing to reboot remotely.
 
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