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Forum Discussion
Can you "daisy chain" multiple EX7700s in Access Point mode using Ethernet connections
I have a large house (listed building) over 4 floors with very thick walls and doors. I have BT broadband via a BT Hub 2. I have successfully connected 1 EX7700 via ethernet to the BT Hub with the EX7700 in Access Point mode. This works well and I can receive the full broadband speed of my ISP at the EX7700 when connecting via the Ethernet port at the rear. Note, running in Extender mode is not an option due to the configuration of the house.
I now want to extend network coverage using 2 more EX7700's in Access Point mode. I have two questions:
1. Can I connect a second EX7700 to the first EX7700 using Ethernet and then a third EX7700 to the second EX7700, effectively creating a "daisy chain" of Access points?
2. Would this configuration have any detrimental impact on the overall capacity of my network?
3. What alternative configuration(s) would you suggest? Running multiple wired ethernet connections to each Access Point from the router is not an easy / practical solution.
3 Replies
Yes you can do that and if they're all hardwired together it shouldn't impact performance.
The only other alternative I'd recommend would be looking at a mesh system like orbi or the nighthawk mesh.
Reason why is they support the seamless roaming option.
when the EX7700's are ran in access point mode, they don't function with the "onessid" function. (unless something has changed recently).
Thanks for your response. I will connect up a second EX7700 and check the query you raised about the single SSID.
plemanshas given you an option.
In #3 you asked what else we might suggest. I understand running ethernet to all corners of your home presents its own challenges. However, its a wise (and worthwhile) expense to consider. It only has to be done once. You and your 4 story home deserve and will benefit from a professional solution. Enthusiast grade equipment works, but if it were me, I'd consider an enterprise class solution for this type of space. Large home, multiiple levels with construction challenges.
Yes, your intial investment will be higher, but it will pay for itself over time in reliability, performance and most importantly your satisfaction.
I would consider:
FortiNet
Cisco Meraki
Ubiquity
over a consumer grade solution. Don't get me wrong, I like Netgear, and have used their products for years, but at a certain point you get what you pay for.
After years of using consumer products, I too am finally upgrading my home. I recommend these products to my clients, so if they are good for them, they most certainly are good for me too. Why wouldn't I use what I recommend, implement and support (daily) to others.
The inital investment is slightly higher, and their are also ongoing support and maintenance (annually), however, if you need support, you can pick up the phone. If something breaks or stops working, it gets replaced (immediately). Bugs, (if you found one) are fixed too. This piece of mind is worth your consideration.
I will continue to use and recommend Netgear, but not for large whole home installs.
