Access HA with mesh network

1

Hello,

I have a question regarding mesh Wi-Fi setups and HA. I have been searching online for an answer but have not found what I am looking for.

My setup is simple. I am running HA on a Raspberry Pi 5 and have about 25 smart devices. Everything is connected to a single TP-Link Archer AX55 router. The issue I am having is that the router does not cover my whole house, and some devices occasionally drop connection, especially a Fire HD 8 I use as a wall-mounted control panel with Fully Kiosk Browser. Moving the router or running cables through my house is not something I prefer to do, so I am thinking of purchasing a mesh system with multiple nodes to spread around the house. What I am unsure about is whether some devices, like the wall control panel, laptop, and phone, will be able to access Lovelace if the Raspberry Pi is connected to one node and the other devices are connected to different nodes. Will lovelace be accessible under a mesh network or will switching nodes be conesidered a remote connection?

If Mesh is not the solution, I am open to suggestions for a better long range router. To give you an idea, the PI is approximately 20 meters away from the HD 8 with 2 walls in between.

Thanks

2

I say bite the bullet and run cables throughout the house. I made that decision about 8 years ago. Yes, it hurt, but yes it worked.

3

Hi, welcome to the forum!

AFAIK a mesh network is just like a LAN 1 network, so it should not matter if it’s wireless of wired for HA and your devices.
WiFi is a nice invention/option since you just connect without the hassle of cables and a wireless network can do the job but depending on your situation, you might experience instability or any other issue.

I try to use network cables as much a possible and use WiFi only if it’s a mobile device or really no other option.

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4

Thanks. Might end up doing that after exploring all other options.

5

Thanks for your replies. Follow up question, If I was to decide and throw cables and add an AP, would I also be able to connect to HA? Is there any special configuration I need to do like use the same SSID?

6

If everything is connected to 1 network (physical & logical), no matter how many SSID’s you have, all devices can potentially communicate with each other.
I strongly advice you to connect your HA wired at least.

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7

If you want to use the same ssid then pick different channels on each.

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8

I’m running on a TP-Link Archer MR500 with two RE605X mesh devices - no problems at all. As @Nick4 says, it’s no different from a single LAN.

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