Rax120 - MK63: want to use the router on MK63 as a satellite or extender

Question

My house is about 4000 sq ft and the fiber modem is outside mounted on the garage with the fiber cables running to the router in the basement, which drives me crazy. Would make this much easier if it were in the middle. I set up my smart home with over 52 devices connected to Wi-Fi at all times. I’m currently using the RAX120 router in the basement with one extender near the steps (25 feet away). I have another router on the main floor connected via fiber Ethernet (Amplifi mesh) and 3 mesh points spread throughout the main and 3rd floors. My question is, would it be best to buy the MK63 mesh (router + 2 satellites) and use them with the RAX120 (assuming I can use the mesh router as a satellite) OR should I just get one or two nighthawk extenders to boost the signal throughout the house? Also have google Wi-Fi I’m not using, but could maybe use those satellites with my router? Thanks

Christian_R · Answer

Hi Cbass1122,&nbsp;

&nbsp;

You can certainly use this setup but keep in mind that you will need to set the MK60 units into access point mode.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Christian&nbsp;

Cbass1122 · Answer

Thank you for your reply. That’s kind of what I was planning on doing, but just the router has to be converted to an access point, right?
Also, I don’t need to directly connect the MK60 router to the RAC120 via Ethernet, right?

I assume the mesh Set up is a better option than getting an extender or two?

Thanks again for the help.

schumaku · Answer

Cbass1122&nbsp;wrote:Thank you for your reply. That’s kind of what I was planning on doing, but just the router has to be converted to an access point, right?To make an AP system out of thr Nightawk Mesh system, yes.&nbsp;Cbass1122&nbsp;wrote:Also, I don’t need to directly connect the MK60 router to the RAC120 via Ethernet, right?Of course you do - it's not yet another wireless extender or repeater ...&nbsp;Cbass1122&nbsp;wrote:I assume the mesh Set up is a better option than getting an extender or two?Seriously - install a bunch of network cables, ideall in a star configuration from the router to each floor and each place where you consider to connect computers, TVs, or wireless access points. Less cost and effort than buying more and more wireless consumer boxes and kits - where none can make wonders. To many of these in your house already...&nbsp;Sorry if this does sound not very popular. And it's not "compatible" to Netgears consumer business marketing too. Then you migh want to look into Netgear's Insight system...

Cbass1122 · Answer

Thanks for the info. Are you saying I should use the fiber connections throughout the house instead of adding mesh points or extenders all over the house? If so, the only problem is that I have 56 Hue Lights/LIFX lights and various other smart home devices that need to connect via Wi-Fi.Also, if I have to connect the MK60 router to the RAX120 router, won’t that added step slow the internet speed a bit? I would love to Declutter and create a system that’s more streamline and simplified.This wouldn’t be a problem if my router was able to be set up on the main level (2nd Floor). Thanks again for the feedback. I want to make sure I know what to do and that it makes sense before I buy another mesh system.

schumaku · Answer

Cbass1122&nbsp;wrote:Are you saying I should use the fiber connections throughout the house instead of adding mesh points or extenders all over the house? If so, the only problem is that I have 56 Hue Lights/LIFX lights and various other smart home devices that need to connect via Wi-Fi.Not sure what you designate as "fiber connections" in this context. Is there a kind of network wiring in the house where you have access to both ends?&nbsp;From the performance&nbsp;and reliability view, using wireless is fine for a "last hop" network connectivity&nbsp;say for mobile devices, or the light control is fine. The point is that having two or more wireless hops from the router to the access point (the radio where the clients are connecting to) are adding latency, variable performance, ...&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cbass1122&nbsp;wrote:Also, if I have to connect the MK60 router to the RAX120 router, won’t that added step slow the internet speed a bit? I would love to Declutter and create a system that’s more streamline and simplified.You don't want to operate the MR60/MS60 system in router mode, instead in wireless access point mode. Ethernet connections are always faster, more reliable, add less latency than any wireless technology.&nbsp;Cbass1122&nbsp;wrote:This wouldn’t be a problem if my router was able to be set up on the main level (2nd Floor).&nbsp;For the possible wireless coverage this would help a lot, being for the possible coverage from the RAX120, being from the ability to add Mesh extenders, or wireless connected Mesh like the Amplifi.&nbsp;Best would be having network cables installed to selected, many, or all rooms, operate the router and a switch downstairs (most wife acceptance), and deploy wireless access points in various areas of your house (ideally PoE driven). You can even install small switches in a room where yor multimedia stuff is located, in a home office, ...

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Rax120 - MK63: want to use the router on MK63 as a satellite or extender

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