Help with choosing mesh system

[#1]

Hi, so I recently moved and kept with plusnet due to them being decent where I last lived. I upgraded to a better package, that being the Plusnet500 in hopes of getting better WiFi etc for gaming.

For the last month I’ve been back and forth on the phone trying to figure out what the issue is. I could literally be in the room next to the router (hub 2) and get 60mb/s at best when I should obviously be getting much higher. I’m not sure if it’s just think walls in this older house but it’s getting a little annoying as of course I’m paying for better but getting no where near.

I’ve done a wired Ethernet test and it’s at the speeds I’d expect so I guess wiring the Xbox/pc etc is the best way to go! However I don’t really want to find a way of hiding mega long wired up and down the stairs etc. that’s where I think a mesh system would come in handy?

Could one of you amazing people help with choosing the right system/brand for me? There’s so many out there and I don’t want to get the wrong one and waste money! I know you can get sets that come in 3 so I reckon I’d do that! And ideally have Ethernet ports in them so I can run a smaller wire to the devices that need it. Thanks a lot, Kieron

[#2]

@KieronK 

If you are getting the speeds expected on a wired test then you are getting what you pay for. Unless an ISP gives WiFi guarantees then they are not responsible for your house WiFi.

On to your specific problem - is there any chance of running ethernet cable to feed WiFi Access Points (WAP'S). This gives a solid starting speed at the WAP.

If gaming, you should really be trying to get a wired connection for your gaming rig. No matter how good the WiFi is there will always be  a "lag" in response times - even if only a few milli seconds.

Brian

[#3]

@bmc

Oh of course sorry that’s poor words my on my part! Just annoying WiFi part is struggling but I understand that’s most likely a house/walls issue.

Would you suggest access points over buying a mesh system type thing? I reckon I’d need to get people in to do this as I don’t really have the best clue into doing this that’s all, but 100% something to look into thank you I hadn’t thought of this!

Yeah I agree Ethernet wiring into gaming systems is the way to go. Think I was so used to where we lived before (new build flat) that we didn’t really need to worry too much as was only small! But now being in our first house it’s something that’s necessary!

So perhaps look into the WAPS, instead of trying mesh first? Thank you!

[#4]

Consider flat ethernet cabling. We’ve got it running on top of skirting boards, including the one running up the stairs, under carpets etc…..

[#5]

You could also look at investing in a gaming router. Better that the standard PN one supplied.

[#6]

@KieronK 

No matter how good the WiFi is, wired connections are always better. However, many people can't / won't run ethernet cables for various reasons.

For WiFi what works for one person may not work for another. It's all about finding the right balance.

If you can run ethernet you can then look at what goes on the end of it. A WAP if it's just for the one room or perhaps Mesh if you'retrying to entend WiFi coverage futher.

Getting a network specialist in is one way of looking at what can be done. I'm sure you'll find a local company to give a quote. Depending on various matters, consider an external cable run round the outside of the house or up the wall to an upstairs room.

Brian

[#7]

@KieronK 

You are probably only getting 60Mbps as the hub is working on the 2.4 GHz band, probably because the walls/distance is attenuating the faster 5GHz band. You could try logging in to the hub advanced wireless setting and temporarily switch off the 2.4 GHz band to see if the 5GHz band is any better.

An extender/Mesh wilI help with distance, However, if you can only get 60Mbps wirelessly through a wall then it will not help your situation. For the best solution use mesh units all interconnected to the hub via Ethernet (known as backhaul). This will give you the best possible speed both wired and wireless locally. 

Still connect gaming systems via Ethernet, so get mesh units with a couple of Ethernet sockets. 

. 

[#8]

@KieronK 

Not yet mentioned are PowerLine Adapters. They use the electrical circuit to move the internet signal. There are two types. One just has ethernet plugs at either end and the other has WiFi built in.

If you wish to consider this then I'm sure somebody will jump in and recommend which units to buy.

Brian

[#9]

They may help but I suspect that they are going to struggle at 500Mbps.

[#10]

I never got homeplugs to go above 150mbps.

[#11]

A mesh can be achieved with few Fritzbox 7530, look on a selling site and CEx