Great timing on the adding of this new sub... :-)

I'm in the mood to change things up in regards to my home network setup. I'm currently running the 'IPFire' specialty linux router distro on a mini PC for my firewall/routing. Have been using it for years and been very happy with it. But I have recently found that it doesn't support IPv6, and although that's not a super-urgent thing, I figured I'd look into a modernized solution, perhaps even just for the geek-factor enjoyment of changing things up.

So after some research, I've just ordered a new router - the MikroTik "Hex S" model. Seems to be just what I want - a router (only) with no Wifi function in it. More on that in a minute... It runs the maker's custom firmware/OS called 'RouterOS', and I've confirmed that it can also run the popular OpenWRT firmware, which may be a good option. So that's that, regarding the router.

Next up is the need for WiFi in the house. I didn't want it in the main router, because that is located in my "computer room" on one corner of the house, in the closet along with cable modem, switches, and where all the wired outlets in the house come in to (on Cat 5e cables). Would not have good propagation from that closet/room to the rest of the house. I currently have (2) wired Access Points in other parts of the house to provide the Wifi. While they do work, they're previous generation and one is not as fast it should be, for reasons unknown. So..... I'm looking to buy 2-3 Access Points, or maybe what the cool kids these days call "mesh wifi".

Looking for recommendations on what you know works well for this. I'd probably like to have these AP's be 'POE' style so I can power them over the ethernet and minimize clutter with the power bricks. Have done some preliminary searching and this link is a strong candidate, would like to hear your thoughts on this:

https://www.tp-link.com/us/deco-mesh-wifi/product-family/deco-x50-poe/

Another thing I'm having trouble getting a clear answer on is exactly what is "mesh wifi"? I read on the link above that the three hockey pucks can be put in "access point mode", which I guess means that the built-in-router of them will be disabled (which is what I want), as the main router here will be the aforementioned MikroTik. Does that break the "mesh" part of things? As I understand that, all three AP's would get the same SSID/password, and if you moved around the house with a phone/laptop, you'd switch over to the AP with the best signal in reference to your location. That isn't super-important to me, but want to understand the concept better. Do I need "mesh", or just regular AP's?

Long post, thanks for reading, and will appreciate any info you can provide! --- SBBSecho 3.34-Linux
* Origin: Palantir * palantirbbs.ddns.net * Pensacola, FL * (86:200/23)

Gamgee wrote to All:

Great timing on the adding of this new sub... :-)

I was told you had a hand in this...

Long post, thanks for reading, and will appreciate any info you can provide!

Just use regular APs. They'll give you good coverage. You can use signal boosters (tiny units that plug into an outlet that work as APs, bridgesd, or amplifiers).

If you live in a home with a lot of metal, such as a mobile home, there are concens about signal propagation.

I use a TP-Link TL-WA1201 for my WAP and it works wonderfully: https://www.tp-link.com/us/business-networking/desktop-access-point/tl-wa1201/

It works so well that I can connect to my LAN across the street or in my parking lot and covers my apartment great. Offers both 2.4 and 5ghz connections.

-- Sean



--- MBSE BBS v1.1.2 (Linux-x86_64)
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Johnson City, TN (86:100/1)

Sean Dennis wrote to Gamgee <=-

Long post, thanks for reading, and will appreciate any info you can provide!

Just use regular APs. They'll give you good coverage. You can use
signal boosters (tiny units that plug into an outlet that work as APs, bridgesd, or amplifiers).

If you live in a home with a lot of metal, such as a mobile home, there are concens about signal propagation.

I don't, that's not a concern.

I use a TP-Link TL-WA1201 for my WAP and it works wonderfully: https://www.tp-link.com/us/business-networking/desktop-access-point/tl-w a1201/

It works so well that I can connect to my LAN across the street or in
my parking lot and covers my apartment great. Offers both 2.4 and 5ghz connections.

That looks quite promising, thanks! Definitely on the short list for consideration, especially with the price point.



... If it's not on fire, it's a software problem.
=== MultiMail/Linux v0.52
--- SBBSecho 3.34-Linux
* Origin: Palantir * palantirbbs.ddns.net * Pensacola, FL * (86:200/23)

Gamgee wrote to Sean Dennis:

That looks quite promising, thanks! Definitely on the short list for consideration, especially with the price point.

I forgot that they have an app called Tether that allows you to control the
AP from remote. It really is full of features for its price. I've had it
for over a year now and I have ever had any iues with it that I didn't
cause. XD

As a side note, I run pfSense as my edge firewall and love it. I am trying
to learn how to set up my own VPN too.

-- Sean



--- MBSE BBS v1.1.2 (Linux-x86_64)
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Johnson City, TN (86:100/1)

Re: Re: Routers and WiFi
By: Sean Dennis to Gamgee on Mon Nov 10 2025 11:01 pm

That looks quite promising, thanks! Definitely on the short list for consideration, especially with the price point.

I forgot that they have an app called Tether that allows you to control the AP from remote. It really is full of features for its price. I've had it for over a year now and I have ever had any iues with it that I didn't cause. XD

Sean,

I got that Access Point (the TP-Link WA-1201) today (one day from Amazon!), got it installed, and IT ROCKS!! Very simple setup, and provides SUPER coverage all around the house. I'm quite amazed at how fast it is. Really appreciate the tip, thanks!

Dan
--- SBBSecho 3.34-Linux
* Origin: Palantir * palantirbbs.ddns.net * Pensacola, FL * (86:200/23)

Gamgee wrote to Sean Dennis:

I got that Access Point (the TP-Link WA-1201) today (one day from
Amazon!), got it installed, and IT ROCKS!! Very simple setup, and
provides SUPER coverage all around the house. I'm quite amazed at how
fast it is. Really appreciate the tip, thanks!

I'm glad it worked for you! It's been great here and no issues. I did find
a more powerful version of the AP but this one I have works great.

-- Sean



--- MBSE BBS v1.1.3 (Linux-x86_64)
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Johnson City, TN (86:100/1)