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Mesh....any good and how does it work

  • munchin
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18 Oct 2025 17:50 - 18 Oct 2025 17:52 #105691 by munchin
Mesh....any good and how does it work was created by munchin
Hi - Just upgraded 2862ac to 2865ax and I already have AP800 and AP903 but just bought another AP903 to replace AP800.

AP's are hardwired ethernet back to 2865...that is ethernet from 2865 to unmanged switch and each AP connected to that switch.

Now I'm thinking ethernet from 2865 to nearest AP903 then link second AP903 using ethernet to the first and no need for unmanaged switch.

AP's are being used in AP mode but I'm wondering about mesh as I read Roaming RSSI control only works with mesh....I sometimes have an issue with laptop hanging onto weaker signal although a stronger signal is available.....something I need to test more.

From what I read so far (still googling) AP1 is set as root mesh and ap2 as a mesh node. But I see 2865 suggests it can be mesh root.....is this true....also 2865 does not list AP903 in its mesh support list....so is the ap903 supported with the 2865?

Thanks for any help or advice.



 
Last edit: 18 Oct 2025 17:52 by munchin.

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19 Oct 2025 15:30 #105698 by piste basher
Replied by piste basher on topic Mesh....any good and how does it work
The AP903 (being an ac device) does not appear to be supported by the 2865ax,
as you can see here:-
https://www.draytek.co.uk/products/access-points/mesh-compatibility

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19 Oct 2025 17:17 - 19 Oct 2025 17:22 #105699 by munchin
Replied by munchin on topic Mesh....any good and how does it work
Thanks for the advice....good link.....suggests what I found elsewhere below is wrong...pity.....I still have my 2862ac and link suggests this and AP903 support Mesh......so lots to try.

I'm only using 2.4GHz due to legacy devices on my network.

I read 2865ax and AP903 will not work if using wifi backhaul/uplink as AP903 is not supported for this as it uses 5GHz for this.....but using ethernet as backhaul/uplink "does". I say "does" as my googling so far suggests it "does" as its not using 5GHz wifi that is supported by 2865ax but not AP903 for mesh backhaul/uplink.....well thats what I think I have interpreted so far.....but could be wrong.

When I receive the 903 to replace my AP800 I can try it though I'm no expert and need to google to figure out how I determine if its working in mesh or not.

Issue I am trying to resolve is the RSSI so client moves to strongest wifi as I mover about the house and not hang onto a weak signal when a local stronger signal exists.

I believe I can do this manually for Roaming setting router and AP's to same rules......but I seem to have picked up that Mesh sorts this out automatically......but I could be wrong.

Thanks for any advice or comments.
Last edit: 19 Oct 2025 17:22 by munchin.

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20 Oct 2025 09:00 - 20 Oct 2025 15:35 #105701 by piste basher
Replied by piste basher on topic Mesh....any good and how does it work
I think you'll find that the 2865ax will simply not recognise the 903 when you attempt to add it to the mash, even though it is connected via cable. If you search on here you will find many posts discussing the effectiveness (or otherwise!) of the various "assisted roaming" features...my understanding is that, in general, it is the client devices that "decide" to hang on to weak signals to the bitter end, and in my experience the roaming settings on the router/AP's make little difference. I'm not convinced that the simple existence of a "mesh" makes any difference to this, unless it consists of sufficient AP's to provide good coverage everywhere you need it. But best of luck!

(In order to ensure solid cover throughout my house I have 4 AP's in a mesh plus the router as the mesh root - some might think overkill for a 3 bed semi with garage in the garden, but then it is built of bricks, not matchsticks and cardboard like modern houses...)
Last edit: 20 Oct 2025 15:35 by piste basher.

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20 Oct 2025 16:09 #105703 by munchin
Replied by munchin on topic Mesh....any good and how does it work
Many thanks for the advice ...much appreciated and I'm convinced you are correct.

I also have read mesh offers no better RSSI than simple AP and manual RSSI......I've sort of tried the latter in the past with my 2862/903/800 without much improvement..but 800 does not support roaming.

I was just hoping newer 2865 and two 903's would be better than my old set up.....but I'm thinking probably not...pity.
Have thought of more AP's as my house is older build with stone/brick and breeze block internal walls. Always irritates me I struggle to get a signal on my drive....hence more APs.

Might end up with AP mode and 903's for house and 800 for garage/drive area....ethernet link via mains TP links as no easy way to get ethernet to the garage.

Thanks again for the advice.

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