Wifi Router Recommendations and Set Up.

[Fickle]

Good day,

We run a rather large household. 12 users, typical gadgets, 12+ cellphones, 2x PS4 (but casual gaming), a few tvs streaming, laptops tablets etc. Usually not every single device all at once.

We run 3x wired wifi routers,
Main: TP Link Aginet EC220-G5
Secondary 1: TP Link G2562DG (recently put in as other failed and this was lauing around)
Secondary 2: Tenda F9

It was all DIY by non techie me and I realise with all the sophistication of a spade. We ran network cable some years ago to the secondary routers to increase coverage lacking from the main router. So I'm guessing we're using the main TP link as a pass through / switch?

Recently we have been having issues though and often need to restart the routers as they seem to bog down to rather low speeds. Even online meetings and whatsapp calls are problematic where they weren't before.

I am looking to do some basic optimisations to get back to where we were.

I am thinking of newer cat 6 cable to the range extenders.
A new primary router such as an archer c80 (I really would appreciate an alternative since this tech is a few years old and not wifi 6. Am now think Archer Ax1800?).
To replace the TP Link G2562DG with the TP Link Aginet EC220-G5 and leave the Tenda f9 with only newer cabling.

Am I more or less on the right track? I will spend more if I have to but only if I have to, I want a Toyota Corolla utilitarian solution not a built Supra or Bugatti, if the comparison makes sense.

Basically, I want to achieve a reduction in gaming lag (lol I know enough to realise that this alone will get me R10K router recommendations but we are casual gamers!) And get speed tests in the upper 60mbs range from the secondaries like we used to. Stable enough for FHD streaming without buffering and crazy packet losses. Peak times in the hosuehold are managed what with work, studies and schools so I don't think we need a second line to manage bandwidth but... I'm an amateur.

We sometimes do still clock above 200mbps on the 5G band of the primary router.

Any comments or recommendations and advice or pointing to articles etc is welcomed.

Fickle Fickie.

Lol after visiting this site(really an exceptional South African resource for almost anything), for flipping at least 16 years I finally registered an account and posted something .

 

[HartsockZA]

Good day,

We run a rather large household. 12 users, typical gadgets, 12+ cellphones, 2x PS4 (but casual gaming), a few tvs streaming, laptops tablets etc. Usually not every single device all at once.

We run 3x wired wifi routers,
Main: TP Link Aginet EC220-G5
Secondary 1: TP Link G2562DG (recently put in as other failed and this was lauing around)
Secondary 2: Tenda F9

It was all DIY by non techie me and I realise with all the sophistication of a spade. We ran network cable some years ago to the secondary routers to increase coverage lacking from the main router. So I'm guessing we're using the main TP link as a pass through / switch?

Recently we have been having issues though and often need to restart the routers as they seem to bog down to rather low speeds. Even online meetings and whatsapp calls are problematic where they weren't before.

I am looking to do some basic optimisations to get back to where we were.

I am thinking of newer cat 6 cable to the range extenders.
A new primary router such as an archer c80 (I really would appreciate an alternative since this tech is a few years old and not wifi 6. Am now think Archer Ax1800?).
To replace the TP Link G2562DG with the TP Link Aginet EC220-G5 and leave the Tenda f9 with only newer cabling.

Am I more or less on the right track? I will spend more if I have to but only if I have to, I want a Toyota Corolla utilitarian solution not a built Supra or Bugatti, if the comparison makes sense.

Basically, I want to achieve a reduction in gaming lag (lol I know enough to realise that this alone will get me R10K router recommendations but we are casual gamers!) And get speed tests in the upper 60mbs range from the secondaries like we used to. Stable enough for FHD streaming without buffering and crazy packet losses. Peak times in the hosuehold are managed what with work, studies and schools so I don't think we need a second line to manage bandwidth but... I'm an amateur.

We sometimes do still clock above 200mbps on the 5G band of the primary router.

Any comments or recommendations and advice or pointing to articles etc is welcomed.

Fickle Fickie.

Lol after visiting this site(really an exceptional South African resource for almost anything), for flipping at least 16 years I finally registered an account and posted something .

Cat6 yes But if that cable goes outside then get shielded it's bloody thick... that's what she said... and run that.
I personally recommend https://scoop.co.za/reyee-dual-band-wifi-6-3000mbps-5dbi-gigabit-mesh-router-rg-ew3000gx-pro.html great devices and they automatically detect LAN AP and the setup is very very dumb prove. Cat5E Shielded also works but have had a few issues of late, not sure if it's bad cable or what. You'll not break the bank too badly will last a very long time. Can also run these https://scoop.co.za/reyee-dual-band-ax-6dbi-gigabit-mesh-router-rg-ew1800gx-pro.html or if the bank really is poor then https://scoop.co.za/reyee-dual-band-ac-1300mbps-gigabit-mesh-router-rg-ew1300g.html

Assuming Primary router> Secondary router> 3rd router
Each leg you'll be running cable you shouldn't have problems with latency other than your ISP giving you twak, try keep the apology as clean as possible free from range extenders, these routers have the ability to mesh to one another and thy perform remarkably well.

 

[Fickle]

Cat6 yes But if that cable goes outside then get shielded it's bloody thick... that's what she said... and run that.
I personally recommend https://scoop.co.za/reyee-dual-band-wifi-6-3000mbps-5dbi-gigabit-mesh-router-rg-ew3000gx-pro.html great devices and they automatically detect LAN AP and the setup is very very dumb prove. Cat5E Shielded also works but have had a few issues of late, not sure if it's bad cable or what. You'll not break the bank too badly will last a very long time. Can also run these https://scoop.co.za/reyee-dual-band-ax-6dbi-gigabit-mesh-router-rg-ew1800gx-pro.html or if the bank really is poor then https://scoop.co.za/reyee-dual-band-ac-1300mbps-gigabit-mesh-router-rg-ew1300g.html

Assuming Primary router> Secondary router> 3rd router
Each leg you'll be running cable you shouldn't have problems with latency other than your ISP giving you twak, try keep the apology as clean as possible free from range extenders, these routers have the ability to mesh to one another and thy perform remarkably well.

Ah thank you. I saw the Reyee's recommended while reading (the RG-E5) but couldn't find that locally so that was a good tip.

I saw somewhere that Reyee runs only with other Reyee? (this could mean in a mesh setup?). Is that a limiting factor for me immediately? I will only purchase the ew3000gx pro for now. Can I still wire in my existing routers as I describe earlier for now? Or do I have to get all 3 routers at once?

I have some flexibility on the budget I just don't see a point in installing something that's actually lost on us, except as some kind of future proofing redundancy.

So the Reyee 3000gx even over the Archer ax1800?

Sorry for silly questions.

 

[Tim_vb]

Mesh routers backhauled by ethernet where possible. ethernet can daisy chain between mesh nodes if needed or you can reuse the main router and use the mesh nodes as access points only

For the love of WiFi please don't use extenders

 

[yogidabear]

We run 3x wired wifi routers,
Main: TP Link Aginet EC220-G5
Secondary 1: TP Link G2562DG (recently put in as other failed and this was lauing around)
Secondary 2: Tenda F9

So the network slows down, you reboot and things are fine? It sounds like a loop, or perhaps the 2nd AP is configured incorrectly. Maybe its not set up as AP, and you routing through the WAN? You only have 2 cables from the main router, one to AP 2 and the other to AP 3?

There may be something wrong with the old cabling, but doubt it. If its Cat5e crimped correctly it can give you gigagbit, and replacing with cat6 isnt going to solve anything.

Buying a new main router is not a bad idea so you can replace the secondary one. Seeing as you cabling each AP in the brand doesnt matter too much as they working independently.

 

[Fickle]

Mesh routers backhauled by ethernet where possible. ethernet can daisy chain between mesh nodes if needed or you can reuse the main router and use the mesh nodes as access points only

For the love of WiFi please don't use extenders

Lol did I mention I'm an amateur .
I can understand concepts but the terminology and jargon go over my head.

And no no extenders per se (like those netis ones). The tenda f9 has a repeater function and the way I understand it I would lose half my input speed so I have it wired. I haven't reaserched but I am suspecting that a mesh system also resolved this halving of input speed?

I don't mind reading if someone can point me to the right resources.

 

[LPCPT]

I would like to do the same, ie use older router as an access point where the wifi is very weak.
Maybe a diagram will help
I have cable (cat6) running to devices that is static and I get good speed on these devices.

 

[Fickle]

So the network slows down, you reboot and things are fine? It sounds like a loop, or perhaps the 2nd AP is configured incorrectly. Maybe its not set up as AP, and you routing through the WAN? You only have 2 cables from the main router, one to AP 2 and the other to AP 3?

There may be something wrong with the old cabling, but doubt it. If its Cat5e crimped correctly it can give you gigagbit, and replacing with cat6 isnt going to solve anything.

Buying a new main router is not a bad idea so you can replace the secondary one. Seeing as you cabling each AP in the brand doesnt matter too much as they working independently.

Indeed the 1st AP router has changed I wasn't in RSA when it was done and the problem started then.

'You only have 2 cables from the main router, one to AP 2 and the other to AP 3?'
Correct.

The cables are actually 5e but cheap and nasty (leftover from a scope creep activity).

Ah noted on the cabling to each AP so I can do a gradual migration. Thanks

 

[Tim_vb]

Lol did I mention I'm an amateur .
I can understand concepts but the terminology and jargon go over my head.

And no no extenders per se (like those netis ones). The tenda f9 has a repeater function and the way I understand it I would lose half my input speed so I have it wired. I haven't reaserched but I am suspecting that a mesh system also resolved this halving of input speed?

I don't mind reading if someone can point me to the right resources.

these deco x60 are more than enough - you plug them in and they make a single very fast wifi network - the more wires you plug them in to the faster they go

 

[HartsockZA]

Ah thank you. I saw the Reyee's recommended while reading (the RG-E5) but couldn't find that locally so that was a good tip.

I saw somewhere that Reyee runs only with other Reyee? (this could mean in a mesh setup?). Is that a limiting factor for me immediately? I will only purchase the ew3000gx pro for now. Can I still wire in my existing routers as I describe earlier for now? Or do I have to get all 3 routers at once?

I have some flexibility on the budget I just don't see a point in installing something that's actually lost on us, except as some kind of future proofing redundancy.

So the Reyee 3000gx even over the Archer ax1800?

Sorry for silly questions.

Yes correct Reyee's are best suited for the same device you can run other different vendors over them but you lose out on some cool features that actually work.
You can start with the ew3000gx pro set it up as the primary router for starters, IE the router that dials your PPPOE connection, from there I would test the coverage while the other devices are powered off the range of it. From there slowly add on the other brands of routers making sure they ar set as a DHCP client in order to extend the wifi network, for other branded routers AP's I would probably set them up as different names (wifi) so that you don't have much trouble with interference (again this isn't ideal as it would be best to have an entire reyee setup as they all talk with one another.

hell you could even go with a big primary router and the rest the easy R650 ones as they'll all talk and work together, the other way around is not ideal at all and will result you having to manually telling your phone to connect to each different AP as to having just one SSID (Wifi Name) and whenever you move around the network the main router literally tells the next AP you are closer to it change over.

These are not lost at all, I mean if you test the coverage from 1 ew3000gx pro IE the primary router and disconnect the other AP's and just test with it, you looking at anything 150-250m2 of actual coverage HOWEVER if you do have a new home that has concrete and steel beams you will have to run cabling to thee next ap or from downstairs up or vias versa wifi doesn't work well with Concrete reinforced or metallic beams whatever you call them.

I think I can speak for everyone here, no such thing as a stupid question...

 

[Fickle]

these deco x60 are more than enough - you plug them in and they make a single very fast wifi network - the more wires you plug them in to the faster they go

The friend (MHSRIP) that used to help me with this advised me against it. He said they would fry too easily with the lightning we get here. He was actually going to set up what he called a hybrid mesh for me (then covid) with the the Tenda f9's and at the time an archer c30 I had as primary if I recall. Anyway he passed while the F9s were being delivered. We were going to have 3x F9 APs up (I still have a room with a dead spot) so I just plugged in what I describe I have and its worked magically since. Lol

Ok I'm not really that bad also not that good lol.

 

[HartsockZA]

these deco x60 are more than enough - you plug them in and they make a single very fast wifi network - the more wires you plug them in to the faster they go

The problem not alot of you lot with deco's is that it's a shitty product, much like the Tenda's or the Asus or TPlink they are actually **** either you need the software to configure them or you're up **** creek. they tend to lock up or do something crazy like dropping the ethernet connection. Get a proper router to do the job and stop relying on app driven gimmicks

 

[Rickster]

Indeed the 1st AP router has changed I wasn't in RSA when it was done and the problem started then.

'You only have 2 cables from the main router, one to AP 2 and the other to AP 3?'
Correct.

The cables are actually 5e but cheap and nasty (leftover from a scope creep activity).

Ah noted on the cabling to each AP so I can do a gradual migration. Thanks

I assume you disabled DHCP on all hardware except for the main router and checked they are in AP and note router mode?

Also you need to give the AP's an IP which is outside your DHCP scope, if DHCP range is 192.168.0.2-254 make it 192.168.0.15-254 and set your AP's 0.2-0.14.

Also also, tenda is freaking kak, lol.

 

[capd]

1. Nothing wrong with Cat5e

2. Get this TP-Link Deco S7 bundle (basically a free mini UPS) – https://www.incredible.co.za/tp-link-deco-s7-3pack-whole-home-mesh-system-with-volkano-mini-ups. Amazing mesh nodes with 3x Gigabit LAN. Have your PPPoE details on hand if not on DHCP fibre so you can set the first node up as a router

3. Don't fall for the WiFi 6 marketing gimmick – nothing wrong with WiFi 5. I went from S7 to XE75 WiFi 6E and cannot tell a difference

4. Thank me later.

 

[Tim_vb]

The problem not alot of you lot with deco's is that it's a shitty product, much like the Tenda's or the Asus or TPlink they are actually **** either you need the software to configure them or you're up **** creek. they tend to lock up or do something crazy like dropping the ethernet connection. Get a proper router to do the job and stop relying on app driven gimmicks

I have migrated five households to them than they just work 99% of the time. Far better than the tangle of routers and extenders most people use. You can login to the web page if you know what you are doing

 

[Fickle]

Yes correct Reyee's are best suited for the same device you can run other different vendors over them but you lose out on some cool features that actually work.
You can start with the ew3000gx pro set it up as the primary router for starters, IE the router that dials your PPPOE connection, from there I would test the coverage while the other devices are powered off the range of it. From there slowly add on the other brands of routers making sure they ar set as a DHCP client in order to extend the wifi network, for other branded routers AP's I would probably set them up as different names (wifi) so that you don't have much trouble with interference (again this isn't ideal as it would be best to have an entire reyee setup as they all talk with one another.

hell you could even go with a big primary router and the rest the easy R650 ones as they'll all talk and work together, the other way around is not ideal at all and will result you having to manually telling your phone to connect to each different AP as to having just one SSID (Wifi Name) and whenever you move around the network the main router literally tells the next AP you are closer to it change over.

These are not lost at all, I mean if you test the coverage from 1 ew3000gx pro IE the primary router and disconnect the other AP's and just test with it, you looking at anything 150-250m2 of actual coverage HOWEVER if you do have a new home that has concrete and steel beams you will have to run cabling to thee next ap or from downstairs up or vias versa wifi doesn't work well with Concrete reinforced or metallic beams whatever you call them.

I think I can speak for everyone here, no such thing as a stupid question...

Bud, I undertand this thanks man.

Indeed all 3 routers currently broadcast different SSID's (am I speaking correct? lol). I want to migrate to what you describe yes, i.e mesh but not with the pods.

'hell you could even go with a big primary router and the rest the easy R650 ones as they'll all talk and work together, the other way around is not ideal at all and will result you having to manually telling your phone to connect to each different AP as to having just one SSID (Wifi Name) and whenever you move around the network the main router literally tells the next AP you are closer to it change over.'
Lol Yes yes we speak the same English lol

'These are not lost at all, I mean if you test the coverage from 1 ew3000gx pro IE the primary router and disconnect the other AP's and just test with it, you looking at anything 150-250m2 of actual coverage HOWEVER if you do have a new home that has concrete and steel beams you will have to run cabling to thee next ap or from downstairs up or vias versa wifi doesn't work well with Concrete reinforced or metallic beams whatever you call them.'
Yes again! The house is split level amd older but that means not open plan so lot's of walls to go through,but thats a good usable coverage damn!

Ok I appreciate this because its at my level of understanding thanks for the extra patience and typing.

 

[HartsockZA]

I have migrated five households to them than they just work 99% of the time. Far better than the tangle of routers and extenders most people use. You can login to the web page if you know what you are doing

nice, yea look I respect your view but it's still a hard pass.

 

[HartsockZA]

Bud, I undertand this thanks man.

Indeed all 3 routers currently broadcast different SSID's (am I speaking correct? lol). I want to migrate to what you describe yes, i.e mesh but not with the pods.

'hell you could even go with a big primary router and the rest the easy R650 ones as they'll all talk and work together, the other way around is not ideal at all and will result you having to manually telling your phone to connect to each different AP as to having just one SSID (Wifi Name) and whenever you move around the network the main router literally tells the next AP you are closer to it change over.'
Lol Yes yes we speak the same English lol

'These are not lost at all, I mean if you test the coverage from 1 ew3000gx pro IE the primary router and disconnect the other AP's and just test with it, you looking at anything 150-250m2 of actual coverage HOWEVER if you do have a new home that has concrete and steel beams you will have to run cabling to thee next ap or from downstairs up or vias versa wifi doesn't work well with Concrete reinforced or metallic beams whatever you call them.'
Yes again! The house is split level amd older but that means not open plan so lot's of walls to go through,but thats a good usable coverage damn!

Ok I appreciate this because its at my level of understanding thanks for the extra patience and typing.

I'll pop you a pm with my number welcome to ask for an ear it makes for a less chaotic approach.

 

[Fickle]

I assume you disabled DHCP on all hardware except for the main router and checked they are in AP and note router mode?

Also you need to give the AP's an IP which is outside your DHCP scope, if DHCP range is 192.168.0.2-254 make it 192.168.0.15-254 and set your AP's 0.2-0.14.

Also also, tenda is freaking kak, lol.

I'm going to check this. I done it a few years ago and never had to work on it again

Lol listen I know the Tendas are are kak LOL! I mos came for help . Its worked out and lol the app helps me reboot from bed

 

[Fickle]

Yes correct Reyee's are best suited for the same device you can run other different vendors over them but you lose out on some cool features that actually work.
You can start with the ew3000gx pro set it up as the primary router for starters, IE the router that dials your PPPOE connection, from there I would test the coverage while the other devices are powered off the range of it. From there slowly add on the other brands of routers making sure they ar set as a DHCP client in order to extend the wifi network, for other branded routers AP's I would probably set them up as different names (wifi) so that you don't have much trouble with interference (again this isn't ideal as it would be best to have an entire reyee setup as they all talk with one another.

hell you could even go with a big primary router and the rest the easy R650 ones as they'll all talk and work together, the other way around is not ideal at all and will result you having to manually telling your phone to connect to each different AP as to having just one SSID (Wifi Name) and whenever you move around the network the main router literally tells the next AP you are closer to it change over.

These are not lost at all, I mean if you test the coverage from 1 ew3000gx pro IE the primary router and disconnect the other AP's and just test with it, you looking at anything 150-250m2 of actual coverage HOWEVER if you do have a new home that has concrete and steel beams you will have to run cabling to thee next ap or from downstairs up or vias versa wifi doesn't work well with Concrete reinforced or metallic beams whatever you call them.

I think I can speak for everyone here, no such thing as a stupid question...

Also I suspect but haven't confirmed that this option may better deal with the sheer number of devices in a modern 12 person home. ADMIN can't keep track yoh!