Recco for Mesh kit on a Plusnet FTTC line?

[#1]

Currently using a Draytek Vigor 2766ac as a modem/router as Mesh root, with a Draytek AP903 as a Mesh access point.
I've had nothing but trouble with it.

Can you recommend a hardware setup that will give me a 2-node Mesh.
I understand I'll have to buy all new kit.

Had planned to buy the well-regarded BT Complete kit, but now think that won't work on Plusnet?

I have a Plusnet Hub Two in the cupboard, which I could bring into play.
A perfect solution would be to use the PN hub as router and Mesh root, and buy an extender to connect to it by ethernet cable, to cover upstairs.

But which Access Point will play with the HUB TWO, or failing that, what two items to buy to plug into the HUB TWO to cover downsatirs and upstairs.

Suggestions gratefully received!
M

[#2]

@markv 

To me the first question is always - can you run ethernet cable? A wired connection always provides a good starting point elsewhere.

You state you have FTTC - is there any chance of Full Fibre coming your way soon?

Brian

[#3]

Ethernet cable already in place - sorry, meant to make that clear.

No FTTP on the Openreach plan here. But does that change the Mesh options?

Mark

[#4]

@markv 

I'm not an expert on this so I'll leave it to others to comment other than perhaps all you need is WiFi Access Points (WAP's) rahter than Mesh systems.

Brian

[#5]

I want a mesh so that client devices automatically, and seamlessly, switch between downstairs and upstairs, and 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

(that being what a Mesh is, I think!)

[#6]

@markv 

Seeing as no one else has jumped in yet I'll offer what little I know to see if it prompts a response.

As I understand it a WAP is simply an access point at a given location, usually supplied by a fixed connection. A Mesh unit looks to extend the WiFi range by taking the signal from the router and re-broadcasting it. You lose some speed due to overheads.

The Hub2 does not allow you to split the 2.4 and 5GHx bands. Nor do I believe it's a function of Mesh units to "switch" connected units to a stroner signal. This is down to the unit in use (phone, laptop etc).

You could consider the FritzBox 7530 for your router. It is a highly recommended unit. I got one off CEX for £35 - if you want the better WiFi version (7530AX) they were about double the price.

I mention this because FritzBox have their own Mesh system designed to work with their routers. Not cheap I suspect but worth a look. This gives an idea of what it can do

https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2025/07/broadband-router-giant-avm-rolls-out-fritzos-8-20-firm...

This is their Mesh unit - https://uk.fritz.com/products/mesh-wi-fi/fritzrepeater-3000-ax/

Brian

[#7]

You can mesh fritzbox 7530 routers together.
1st one as the main router, then the other(s) one's as a 'slave' either by connect with ethernet cables or WiFi.

[#8]

@bmc Many thanks for your responses - appreciated.

I believe a Mesh can interconnect by wireless or by ethernet. My Draytek mesh was interconnected by ethernet, so I know that can be done.

Good point that Hub2 doesn't allow different SSIDs for 2.4 & 5GHz. But that is what you want for a mesh. One SSID to Rule Them All!

I could be wrong here, but I thought the nodes of a Mesh did talk to each other at an admin level. If node #1 finds it has a client at a low RSSI, say 15%, but node#2 sees the same client at, say RSSI 60%, it can take positive action to send a DEAUTH to the client, causing them to drop and then reconnect to the stronger node.

Devices otherwise do tend to cling on to weak signals when they should switch (but don't).

That being part of the reason you can't create a Mesh from diverse bits of kit - they all have to speak the same propriatory admin language,

I will take a good look at that FritzBox kit. That could be the answer. Thank you!

Plan B would be to master my existing Draytek kit. It's extremely flexible and configurable, but very complicated to configure.

Having said that, easier that Ubiquity kit which utterly defeated me. Completely incomprehensible (to this bear of little brain).

[#9]

@markv 

FritzBox's from CEX tend to be ex Zen Internet units so need a factory re-set. Took me a while to figure out but this is done via the software in the router Admin page.

Last time I checked the 7530 was still the router of choice for Zen so plenty of help in setting them up on their website.

From memory, the Mesh unit probably has to be bought new - few if any on CEX.

Brian

[#10]

@bmc I took a look at CEX, who I love, and sell to/buy lots from, but it was unclear if £32 was buying me a 7530 or a 7530 AX (almost certainly the former), although £32 is a bargain for a straight WiFi5 7530.

Went for eBay, where I could easily have paid £85 for the same 7530 that CEX had for £32!

But found a 7530AX for  £65, which is now on its way to me.

Reading the manual, points of interest to me were:

7530AX supports WPA3, but only in a 'WPA2+WPA3' mode.
Sadly I have a neighbour whose hobby is WiFi hacking, so I like WPA3-only as it protects me from WPA2 DEAUTH attacks.

BUT the Fritz! implements PMF (Protected Management Frames), which seems to be a bolt-on to WPA2 that defends against KRACK-attacks.

Other things to note re the 7530AX, it supports IPSec VPN, but not L2TP over IPSec (which is the built-in Windows mode).

As you suspected, Mesh extenders are hard to find at a good price. The 1200AX seems to be non-UK only. So it has to be a 3000AX. [sharp intake of breath!]
Effectively only available through Amazon, who are Fritz!'s (under the skin, AVM GmbH) UK sales outlet.

Hares have been set running. Kit should be here early next week. I'll update the thread once I've got the Fritz! Mesh up and running, in case this is of use to others.

Appreciate your help and suggestions (appropriate button clicked!).