I have a Netgear EX6150v2 currently configured as an access point. Some online resources claim it has "mesh" capability, though the manual doesn't mention it. I'd like to try to mesh it with one of my two wifi networks at home. Here's the manual: https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/EX6150v2/EX6150v2_UM_EN.pdf
The wifi on the router offers twelve (!) SSIDs. By default, it comes with three on--a 2.4 GHz 20 MHz band, a 5 GHz 40 MHz band, and a 5 GHz 80 MHz band. It claims it has mesh capability, and will automatically route each client to the best band. By default, the three active bands all use the same SSID name and password.
The second wifi network is from an Eero 6, connected to the router by ethernet and set in bridge mode. I have an Eero 6 repeater out in the detached garage. Eeros claim "client steering," meaning they claim to be smart enough to hand off connected devices to get the best signal.
Can my Netgear Extender be used to mesh with either of these systems in access point mode? In repeater mode?
Is it as simple as using the same SSID name and password as one or the other network?
Would the wifi signals function as a TRUE mesh system? Meaning, would the Extender cooperate with either the Nokia or the eeros to hand off connection on mobile devices depending on signal strength?
The wifi on the router offers twelve (!) SSIDs. By default, it comes with three on--a 2.4 GHz 20 MHz band, a 5 GHz 40 MHz band, and a 5 GHz 80 MHz band. It claims it has mesh capability, and will automatically route each client to the best band. By default, the three active bands all use the same SSID name and password.----this is accurate but doesn't explain it quite. The router is a triband router. Each band can support up to 4x ssid's. So it can "seem" as if you have a 12 ssid's but they're operating off the same bands. I'd just run 1 ssid off each. This will keep it simple in a home environment.
The second wifi network is from an Eero 6, connected to the router by ethernet and set in bridge mode. I have an Eero 6 repeater out in the detached garage. Eeros claim "client steering," meaning they claim to be smart enough to hand off connected devices to get the best signal.----this is accurate
Can my Netgear Extender be used to mesh with either of these systems in access point mode?----in access point mode? No. access point mode disables the "smart roaming"features that are the biggest benefit to mesh. In repeater mode?----it'll work in repeater mode. It won't integrate with the eero's mesh but you can connect it and run it. It'll make the eero's bandsteering/roaming a little less efficient as its designed to integrate and run on its own nodes.
Is it as simple as using the same SSID name and password as one or the other network?---not quite. from reading your setup, it'll work with your system but might make your eero a little less efficient.
Would the wifi signals function as a TRUE mesh system? Meaning, would the Extender cooperate with either the Nokia or the eeros to hand off connection on mobile devices depending on signal strength?----its more complicated that just would it or wouldn't it. If you're wanting to add it in for roaming around the home, I wouldn't. If you're just wanting it so you could put the garage eero in the home and the netgear in the garage? might be fine that route.
