Stable home WiFi solutions

[bigboss]

I've got BT Infinity with about 140Mbps speed. I've switched the WiFi off and connected Google WiFi (2-pack) which has been fine but since a few months , the WiFi has been extremely flaky. It drops connections frequently. It's almost 4 years old and wondered if I need to change it. I've got a lot of smart home gadgets and AV equipment (around 50 Philips Hue lights, Nest thermostat, PS3, Nintendo switch, 3 TVs, tablets, laptops, mobile phones etc.) connected to the network.

My options are:

1) Get a Google Nest WiFi to add to my existing mesh.

2) Invest in a different brand.

3) Get a WiFi 6 router and use it as a switch.

Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[Deleted member 188533]

Networking is not a strong point of mine at all. But I asked a buddy who suggested you should look into Amplifi and the Alien in particular if you want Wi-Fi 6. You can also use the Amplifi HD as a cheaper option but there's no Wi-Fi 6.

Amplifi is the consumer brand for Ubiquiti. The Amplifi HD is solid, and comes with a main router/AP and two mesh APs. The Alien is brand new, much more expensive, and has WiFi 6. As of right now, you have to buy multiple Alien's to make a mesh network.

AmpliFi | Faster, Whole-Home Wi-Fi

Not Just a Wi-Fi Router, It’s a Mesh Wi-Fi System.

amplifi.com

 

[Deleted member 188533]

He thinks the number of IoT things you have connected is too much for what you have now.

 

[bigboss]

Thanks for the quick response. Amplifi Alien is not available in the UK. Netgear is available: https://www.netgear.co.uk/orbi/rbk852.aspx

Is it worth going for WiFi 6 then? Most of my internet use is on my phone (Galaxy Note 10+) which is WiFi 6 compatible, but none others.

 

[Deleted member 188533]

Like I said this is beyond my basic networking knowledge. I've got a good friend I talk to on Discord pretty much daily and I was relaying his advice. I think he went to bed. But I passed on the link and I'll see what he thinks and get back to you. He knows his stuff with networking and security.

 

[Deleted member 188533]

That Alien sure is nice. Doesn't look like it's available anywhere in Europe yet though.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

We got BT Fibre. When we measured it last time with you bb it was around 150. I have just measured it again on various sites with mixed readings but the average was 76. I think they have cut the internet speeds though at the moment, could you link to a good speed test for me so I can measure accurately? Cheers

 

[Deleted member 108165]

Just done an ookla speedtest on my BT ISP and the speeds are definitely down from where they normally are.

 

[bigboss]

speedtest.net, that's the website for the Ookla one.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

speedtest.net, that's the website for the Ookla one.

72 now! Cheers guys!

 

[michael hoy]

Hi BB,
Ubiquiti is a solid brand and available in the UK.
Are you saying your BT Hub is 4 years old, I am on the previous version of the BT hub and my Wi Fi is solid.
The Hub is in my loft along with my Servers and network gear.

 

[Deleted member 188533]

He recommends the AmpliFi HD unless you just need the crazy bandwidth of WI-Fi 6. He thinks it's probably the most stable solution for you with all those IoT devices.

AmpliFi Mesh WiFi System - Ubiquiti Store

The AmpliFi™ HD (High Density) System includes a router base station and two wireless super mesh points for maximum Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home.

eu.store.ui.com

AmpliFi HD Home Wi-Fi Mesh Router Kit with 2x Mesh Points

Buy from Scan - Ubiquiti AmpliFi HD Mesh WiFi System Router + 2x MeshPoints, 1750Mbps, Dual-Band, a/b/g/n/ac - UK Model

www.scan.co.uk

 

[Tonestar1]

Hi BB,
The BT Whole Home wi-fi discs are pretty well thought of and have won best in class reviews. Since you already have a home hub id be contacting BT to see what they can do for you deal wise. I'm pretty sure Hue set up their own mesh via the bridge on zigbee so they would really only count as one device, If you want to go mad you could start setting up individual vlans for each type of device which would reduce the amount of devices in each broadcast network but id be trying to keep it simple first.

 

[bigboss]

Thanks everyone. In terms of specs, Nest WiFi is as good as the BT option and is cheaper than Amplifi HD. I've ordered the Nest WiFi and use my existing Google WiFi to extend the network even more (increasing from 2 to 4). I can always return it if it doesn't do what is intended. Amplifi HD is a good shout and will be my next option of Google Nest doesn't work.

 

[sonic1]

I have used Draytek equipment for years.

I use a 2862 non Wi Fi router with one AP910c which gives me wall to wall Wi Fi.

I also hard wire as much as I can which is not also possible for some but as I live in a bungalow it makes it an easier task.

I only get 40Mbps Down and 10Mbps and I have approximately 15 devices always online at any one time but I can stream movies any time of the day without freezing.

Here are a couple of pics, the best thing about the AP is it just looks like another smoke detector.

 

[bigboss]

Looks very neat!!

 

[bigboss]

72 now! Cheers guys!

This is what I'm getting currently on my BT infinity.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

This is what I'm getting currently on my BT infinity.

Our internet speed seems to be working at 50 per cent less!