Hello… rather new in here and I got a question about implementing a WiFi mesh system at home.
Currently I run three access points with the same SSID but different channels, it works OK but I decided to get a mesh system, so I bought the TP-Link Deco BE11000 from Costco. I already have a cable modem and router behind it… the entire house is wired for GigE with Cat5E and spanning tree with managed switches. I also bought the Home Assistant Green with the Zigbee antenna bridge thingee. Installed six Matter programmable switches so far and it sees three of my WiiM Ultras and two Epson printers… so far so good, except that I got a weak spot and sometimes one of the Matter plugs gets disconnected… so, I wanted a stronger connection…
Hence, buying the TP-Link mesh setup. However, before installing it, I read on it and I suspect some issues:
(1) You need a WiFI connection to configure it… Huh? I mean I already have WiFi… normally all we do is plug the AP into the network, access it via a webpage, configure it and then enable it on the air… but this thing expects me to have an active SSID in order for me to configure this thing in the same SSID? I mean, I can do it, but seems kludgy…
(2) More IMPORTANTLY. It seems like this is a Cloud Based device so that if the Internet goes down the AP stops working. If this happens it will shut down my home automation and access to the NAS, etc…
I’m I correct on this assessment?
Planning on returning it tomorrow… might buy a Ubiquity set up.
Or I’m I better just upgrading the Access point in the back of the house to something newer and more powerful? Seems like the mesh systems have all gone to some kind of internet access for initial configuration, which I don’t need nor want…
Ideas?