Mesh Router in Child Mode ?

[Pukmeister]

I'm currently with TOOB boradband full fibre service, but their supplied router wifi signal struggles to reach my patio/garden.

Having looked at several options I've decided to buy a used router to set up in Mesh as a Child mode in my conservatory as everything I have looked at online suggests this gives better performance than a simple wifi repeater. Its an identical Linksys SPNMX56 Toob router and I assume I can use the Linksys app to set it up as a mesh node in Child mode like a signal repeater from my existing router.

(Toob offer to add improved hardware wifi coverage if you need it for an extra £6 per month but I'd rather have my own solution than pay them monthly for the privilege.)

Has anybody done similar and can offer any advice, the used router arrives Thursday and I'm hoping its an easy setup.

 

[wessie]

the only barrier I can see is if the Toob branded version of the router has a proprietary layer added to the firmware that disables some of the functionality unless you subscribe to the extended service. A bit like a locked mobile phone. There are probably ways to overcome this ... paging @sparkplug

 

[sparkplug]

hmm... it's been many, many years since I set anything up like that.

Truthfully I suspect you'll only get real benefit with a 2 router setup compared to a MESH system if the child router is connected via ethernet to the master. You might get away with using powerlines for this, but I've had very mixed experiences with them. Great when they work but...

Otherwise it's just another node connected by WiFi but with added layers of unnecessary complexity

Should still work though.

You'll have to be mindful of things like DHCP etc.

Good luck and let us know how you get on

 

[Pukmeister]

I guess worst case is I’ve wasted £40, the seller has loads of identical Linksys routers from other broadband providers and clearly stated which of them were firmware locked, mine is advertised as a TOOB unit and ready for child mode and he accepts returns so I might end up sending it back if it is locked to Toobs own software/firmware.

I’m planning on downloading the Linksys app, turning off my current base router and then trying to detect/log in to the “child” unit wirelessly or via Ethernet and PC if necessary then set it up first, before booting and logging into the base unit and checking if it can see the child.

I’ve used DDR-WT firmware and the likes in the past to mod router features so it’s not my first rodeo, but I’m no expert either.

 

[sparkplug]

Sounds like you have enough experience and have done enough research to get this to work.

As I said, it's not how I would have approached the problem because there are simpler solutions, but there's nothing wrong with doing it your way either.

If you can get permanent ethernet to the child then that will help things, if not then it's probably not the end of the world.

All the best with it, and let us know how you get on