Mesh network versus a simple Wi-Fi extender

When I upgraded my system after moving.  I ditched the mesh network only and installed an Amplifi HD system (also mesh) fed by an Arris SB8200 high speed modem.  But, I ran 50' of quality ethernet cable from my Amplifi HD box to another of the same caliber in my Audio closet.  I hardwire my three ethernet capable boxes, and use the Amplifi nodes for extending the network to my shop, and outside.  Also enabling Wi-Fi with my streamer and receivers, this all works a treat.  Critical streaming hard wired, guests and background wireless.  You could grow into this kind of system incrementally.  I do think the hardwire provides a narrow margin of improvement over the Wi-Fi.  As usual YMMV

@soix 

As I had to resort to using a Powerline extender for the purpose of having a network connection direct to my server I did ran a Speedtest just after reading your last post. Please bear in mind that I don’t have the best service in the area I live in- I believe it’s advertised at 250 Mbps.

When sitting 25 feet from the router- no walls to go through the test rang out at 92 Mbps up and 25 down.

Sitting in the same place but changing to the Powerline extenders Wi-Fi (1 floor down- 6 walls to go through) reads 30 Mbps up and 5 down.

If I go to the room where the extender is installed I get 30 Mbps up and 9 down.

That’s more than enough to stream music/video with and gives me a direct connection between extender/server. I’m sure almost anyone has better internet service than I do! Up until 2 years ago our service was advertised at 7Mbps!

Sorry- the last numbers were reversed for the room with the extender. Should read 30 Mbps download and 9 up. Router is Amplifi Alien with Netgear Powerline.

@designsfx Thanks for the good info, and Ouchee on your internet speed! That’s awful, and frankly I’m surprised you can even stream hi-res music without dropouts but glad it works for you. Where are you BTW — northern Alaska???

We had internet via cable provider until 2 years ago- 7 Mbps was the max up to my place. Finally a cable modem carrier brought lines up to my area so we went with a 250 Mbps service- which is hit and miss. Even with the old service we could stream to two televisions at once but it was always dropping out. Things are much more consistent now.

Believe it or not this is not Alaska but 15 minutes outside of downtown Los Angeles! I live in the foothills about a mile outside of Angeles National Forest.