Mesh Network Routers
 

I've been researching mesh router brands as I'm looking to upgrade from a 5+ year old Google Nest mesh network. It's important that, whatever brand I purchase, I can count on it automatically resetting if there's a power outage since we're unlikely to be here in the off season to intervene. I'm less concerned with the speed but would like to be prepared for 1 gig (even though we need/are purchasing only 100 mbps from Breezeline at present). I'm significantly increasing our number of smart home devices. Ideally whatever new system I purchase will also support Wifi 7.

I'm almost settled on an Eero after considering other brands such as Asus, TP-Link, Google Nest and Netgear. These seem to be the major players. I'm interested in your experiences with these or other mesh system brands...especially relating to their success at automatically resetting after a power outage with no manual intervention.

Thanks.

I have three TP-Link Deco systems set up in three different houses. The oldest has been in place since 2020. I can monitor/control them all from my phone. Very dependable and have worked great for me.

Thanks Garcia. It's interesting as I was headed in the TP-Link Deco direction until I discovered that there are repeated on-line complaints about them not automatically resetting (without any onsite intervention) following a power outage. Of course, not everyone has experienced this but it was a noticeable knock against that brand. Two questions: Have you had that issue? And, if so, are you able to re-boot them from the phone app without needing to be onsite in person?

Other than the resetting issue, they were highly rated and in some cases quite inexpensive compared to like units from other brands. It's just that the near certainty that my system will reset automatically after a power outage is of #1 importance to me.

I have one in my house, one in my parents house, and one on the island. I don't lose power often but when I do they come back on without me doing anything. I've never rebooted them from the app because I've never had to. I use the app to update firmware but that's about it. There is noting at any of the houses that is internet dependent that would cause me concern if the power went out and the network failed to reset so I don't pay too much attention to it.

I recall one of the islanders at some point mentioning using a mechanical timer on their modem/router so that it would reboot automatically every night. That way if the power did cycle or if it glitched, the timer would reset it every night.

I do that at my FL house... 12:01a ON, 11:59p off... also use these with my webcams, since they lock up from time to time and isn't very handy to reset them on the off season.

As low as $6 in bulk:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00366JSNU

I use a Nighthawk System, zero problems, had it 4 plus years, still selling the same units and can add as many as you want. Works great and coverage is far and wide for sure. Easy to use, reboots and tries to reboot constantly until it connects back up. Easy to use App on my phone to monitor and make changes to bandwidths and service to add and subtract.

Its a great product, and easy to use and price is reasonable. Its a sleeper pick for sure

I use ubiquiti equipment, works very well, does things I don't even know, lol. But not your $99 Walmart special.

Yes a timer set to turn power off every night for 5 min and then back on.

https://www.amazon.com/Fosmon-Progra...1zcF9hdGY&th=1

Alan

Timer reset
 

Years ago I plug all my electronics to a surge protector. I have a timer set to off for 5 minutes every night at 2 am. Since then I notice the electronics seems to run much better without hiccups.

As for routers, I would upgrade whenever I have a device that requires better wifi. I upgraded from Linksys (Wifi 5) to TP-Link (Wifi 6). I have my own set of criterias when I go shopping.

It's important you select a secured DNS server and set the router to use it. I have been happy with Quad9. It does not interfere with my corporate VPNs.

Do your timers get screwed up when there is loss of power? or are they battery powered to keep time?

Timer
 

I use a timer at the island camp and it has worked flawlessly for a number of years now. Yes, if you lose power the time gets screwed up but if the timer is only shutting off for 5 minutes once a day what difference does it make??

Dan

The timer that I use has a battery backup that charges when the power is on. Up to 100 hours of keeping time in an outage.

Alan

We are on our 4th or fifth eero over many years and two homes. Always reliable, definitely resets itself automatically. y understand ing is that all the units have the same essential hardward, but eero has the friendliest interface

I recently switched from TP Link to Asus mesh. It works well