jphil7747
Level 1 (4 points)
Wireless

Q: Mesh Wifi LAN with Apple Airport hardware?

I have been reading lately about the advantages of mesh wifi networks. I've looked at several highly rated mesh router systems; but, I'm not sure if I could not do the same with a system based on Apple Airport Exteme and multiple Apple Airport Express routers.  Does anyone have an idea about the pros/cons of either approach?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.1)

Posted on Sep 8, 2016 6:42 PM

by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer
Bob Timmons Bob Timmons
Level 10 (105,018 points)
Wireless
A:

I have not tried a "mesh" solution from another vendor in my home, but since the "mesh" depends to a large degree on the operating system of the device that will be connecting to the network, I would be surprised if an iOS device like an iPhone or iPad would do any better on another vendor's product. Same for most PCs.

 

Most airports.......the ones with airplanes......have mesh networks installed. I can walk from one end of a terminal to another and my Mac laptop will automatically switch access points to pick up a stronger signal as it moves. 

 

But, my iPhone will not do this.

Posted on Sep 9, 2016 4:06 AM

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jphil7747

Q: Mesh Wifi LAN with Apple Airport hardware?

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  • by Bob Timmons,Helpful

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Sep 8, 2016 7:11 PM in response to jphil7747
    Level 10 (105,018 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 8, 2016 7:11 PM in response to jphil7747

    Loaded question that depends on what you mean by "mesh".

     

    It's not hard to set up a "roaming" network with Apple devices, which is a form of "mesh" network.  All of the AirPorts use the same wireless network name, same wireless security and same password.

     

    The theory with this type of setup is that wireless devices can "roam" from one area to another and always stay connected to the same network while they switch to pick up the best signal from the closest AirPort.

     

    This usually works pretty well with Apple laptops.  But not so well to not at all with most PCs, iPhones, iPads, and other mobile devices.....a fact that most articles seem to leave out.

  • by jphil7747,

    jphil7747 jphil7747 Sep 8, 2016 7:16 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 8, 2016 7:16 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    It's interesting that you bring up the difficulty with iPhones and iPads.  I've experienced that on my current home network (1 Airport Extreme and 2 Airport Expresses).  While I tend to stick with Apple solutions (most of the time they just work) I'm wondering if I could improve my in home wifi performance with one of the other "mesh" network vendor's products.  It can be a somewhat costly solution ($300-$600) to make the change; but, if it improves the overall performance it might be worth it. Do you  (or anyone else) have any experience with the other vendor mesh products?

  • by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Sep 9, 2016 4:06 AM in response to jphil7747
    Level 10 (105,018 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 9, 2016 4:06 AM in response to jphil7747

    I have not tried a "mesh" solution from another vendor in my home, but since the "mesh" depends to a large degree on the operating system of the device that will be connecting to the network, I would be surprised if an iOS device like an iPhone or iPad would do any better on another vendor's product. Same for most PCs.

     

    Most airports.......the ones with airplanes......have mesh networks installed. I can walk from one end of a terminal to another and my Mac laptop will automatically switch access points to pick up a stronger signal as it moves. 

     

    But, my iPhone will not do this.

  • by jphil7747,

    jphil7747 jphil7747 Sep 9, 2016 4:09 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 9, 2016 4:09 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Bob, thanks for taking the time to respond; your reponse was very helpful.  I think I'll just stick with my Apple Airport hardware setup.