topic Re: Mesh home network advice. in My Router

Mesh home network advice.

barnesy77 — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 19:44:28 GMT

Hi there, I'm hoping someone can help with a home network setup query please. I've just signed up to Plusnet (part Fibre, full-fibre is not available), and I need to setup a mesh network.

The house is 5,000ft2 over 3 floors, so I'm looking at buying a TP Link X50 (3-pack). We also have a hard-wired setup around the entire house in most rooms (for gaming devices/TV's/CCTV), which all connect via a multi-port Ethernet Switch, which in turn connects back to the router. The 2x (satellite) X50s will also be connected via the hard-wired network.

I know how difficult it is to imagine/explain networks, so I've attached a diagram.

The main X50 will be connected directly to the Hub 2. But my query is, should I then connect the Ethernet cable that supplies the multi-port Ethernet Switch (which is located in a different room), directly to the main X50, or directly to the router ? I would've thought connect it to the main X50. But, as I will be connecting the other 2x (satellite) X50s via the hard-wired network too, would this cause a conflict of some sort ?

I'm also aware that there are two options available with connecting the Hub 2/main X50, one with the Hub 2 being used as a router; and the other by putting it in Bridging mode and setting-up the main X50 as the router ? Which should I do ?

Lastly, with all this in mind, is it sensible to use the Hub 2 at all, or should I be looking to get a 'better/different' router ? Bear in mind, half or most of the connectivity demand will be via the hard-wired network rather than wifi.

thanks in advance.
David

Re: Mesh home network advice.

bmc — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 19:46:51 GMT

@barnesy77

I'm not an expert but do you need a Mesh setup?

Given you have hard wired the house just add a WiFi access point (WAP) to the hard wiring on each floor. Solid starting signal for the WiFi.

Brian

Re: Mesh home network advice.

barnesy77 — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 19:49:10 GMT

I mean, I thought was just the easiest option to do - given that mesh networks just plug in and work. But happy to take advice on any other way, so long as it's not too complicated ? I'm quite computer/technically literate, but I always just find the more setup/settings you need with things, the more likely they go wrong. But yeah, maybe a diff setup would be best ?

Re: Mesh home network advice.

bmc — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 19:52:28 GMT

@barnesy77

As I said, I'm not an expert so hopefully others will chip in. Do you have a spare ethernet port on each floor?

Brian

Re: Mesh home network advice.

barnesy77 — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 20:09:23 GMT

We do yes (have a spare ethernet port on each floor).

thanks

Re: Mesh home network advice.

Baldrick1 — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 07:29:46 GMT

@barnesy77 Welcome to the Plusnet Community Fora.

You should configure the Hub 2 in bridge mode. You are only using it as a modem so that it is absolutely fine for this service.

I have installed a mesh system for a friend. The prime mesh unit feeds an Ethernet cable that goes to a central 5 port Ethernet sewitch. From here Ethernet cabling is wired to a second lounge and bedrooms.

Two satellite mesh units are connected to the Ethernet cabling so that they can be used as a wired back haul. Other Ethernet outlets feed fixed devices.

There is no reason why more mesh satellites could not be used.

Re: Mesh home network advice.

barnesy77 — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 11:29:01 GMT

Thanks for confirmation and info - much appreciated. So it sounds like the Hub 2 will be sufficient. I can setup like planned, run the Hub 2 in Bridging mode, and plug the primary mesh unit into the hard-wired system that feeds the house. And the 2x satellite mesh units will operate fine : - )

thanks again

Re: Mesh home network advice.

Baldrick1 — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 11:51:19 GMT

Yes