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Forum Discussion
Maximum distance between access points?
I need to replace an existing mesh network that covers 3 major buildings in about 1 acre of property. What is the greatest distance that Orbi WiFi device can be from one access point to the next?
Greatest distance is not a useful question. As long as the satellites can achieve a 2.4G connection to the router, or as long as they are within a 100 meter Ethernet cable connection, they will function. A 2.4G WiFi connection will result in pathetic performance (read: not useful at all). If the units are connected with cable, they will perform normally, but there may be a significant gap where WiFi coverage is inadequate.
5G WiFi coverage from a WiFi access point is generally pretty good up to 50-60 ft. in open space. Add some walls, and performance often suffers after 35-40 feet.
My guess is that a typical residential mesh system will not meet expectations.
Okay, maybe I should rephrase my question. If you install the wireless router at one point in an area “A” and you put a satellite “B” within range of “A” what would be the maximum distance that “B” would connect to a second satellite “C?”
Same distance. The radios in router and satellites are identical.
What system is currently installed?
What is the reason for replacing it?
I volunteer at a local non-profit farm / historical site that currently has "Legacy Open Mesh" products that are no longer supported (look at datto | networking.) The network was being managed remotely and there is no local support for the current products so I'd like to have something we can manage locally. The site has 6 major access points, two in a barn that houses the modem and router from Xfinity, they aren't a real issue, 1 at the Sugar House right next door, again no real issues. The issue is at the remote buildings, a restroom that houses 1 of the access points, about 35 yards away (to help cover an open field) and 2 access points in a pavilion about 75 yards away from the barn. I installed a line of site wireless router from the barn to the pavilion so I do a strong signal there. The issue is getting off the older equipment and onto something that will cover the above mention area PLUS the field in between for events, like Artisan markets where the vendors want access to WiFI for transactions. The mesh solution seems like an obvious fix since I can set up a secured network (security cameras and the like) & a guest network for the vendors. I was hoping with the mesh, I could hop from one access point to another cutting latency down to a minimum.
Any suggestions welcomed.
If there were not any obstructions in the middle, I would guess 100 feet distances in between. If building materials are in the mix, then some where half that to 60-70 feet depending.
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