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EeeBee's profile

Contributor

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27 Messages

Monday, June 22nd, 2020 3:10 PM

Looking for a mesh Wi-Fi network compatible with 5268AC-FXN

My U-Verse fiber service came with router/modem 5268AC-FXN. We have some spots in our home that have weak Wi-Fi coverage and I was considering getting a mesh network. Google Nest Wi-Fi and MeshForce replace the current router.

 

How is it possible to create a mesh Wi-Fi network with my set-up?

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Official Solution

ACE - Guru

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9.9K Messages

3 years ago

Whatever third party solution you settle upon, you would use the Pace's DMZ + mode to set it up.  When done, don't forget to disable the Wifi on the 5268ac.

 

As for what system to get, the Google stuff is decent, some like the Eero system and others swear by the Netgear Orbi system.  If you have a Costco membership, they often have very good deals on some of these systems.

 

I would advise you to do some research on the Mesh Force stuff before you go that direction.  Many of the user reports (not the paid "reviews" on Amazon or some websites) indicate some pretty sketchy stuff going on, if true.

Contributor

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27 Messages

Thank you very much, Tony! So it sounds like if I follow the few steps in the link you provided - any mesh system can be used - and the Pace won't get in the way. Is that correct?

ACE - Guru

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9.9K Messages

I can't say any mesh system because I don't have enough experience with the many brands to say for sure.  Even some people using the Google/Nest system have posted here that it hasn't worked despite many others saying it worked fine.  That's odd given how little customization the Google system has so I'm at a loss to explain those failures.

 

As far as "not getting in the way", understand that even when you take the wifi job away from the Pace it still has its grubby hands in many important aspects of your connection. 

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Contributor

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27 Messages

3 years ago

Tony, I've since had my 5268AC-FXN replaced with a BGW210-700. Would what you wrote here apply equally to the BGW210-700?

 

(I posted a similar question here.)

ACE - Guru

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9.9K Messages

3 years ago

Yes, everything is the same except you don't use DMZ+ mode on the BGW, you use IP Passthrough

Contributor

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27 Messages

3 years ago

Thank you, again, Tony. But there are a lot of options on that page. Any idea which route I'm supposed to take for the BGW210-700?

ACE - Guru

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9.9K Messages

3 years ago

Sorry, @EeeBee  Maybe someday AT&T will actually spend a few minutes to update their documentation.  I mean it's only been years since the Arris was introduced.

 

Click the first Show More link and then go to the section that deals with Motorola NVG 510 and 589.  Arris bought Motorola and the BGW uses the same basic interface as the ancient NVG products.

 

Note the MAC address of your third party router/mesh system (what did you end up buying?) and then use the DHCPS-fixed method and choose that MAC address from the list.

 

Hope this helps!

Contributor

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27 Messages

3 years ago

Thank you so much again.

 

I think I'm going to go with the Google Nest. It's just so much more expensive than the AT&T extender, but I'm hoping it's worth the difference...

ACE - Guru

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9.9K Messages

3 years ago

While some people have good luck with the AT&T AirTies, others bang their heads against the wall trying to get them to work properly.  I've used them and while they did work, I got much better coverage (with no restrictions) when I went with an Orbi system.

 

Good luck with your quest and above all else, Be Safe out there.

 

Contributor

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27 Messages

3 years ago

@tonydi, I was going to buy what I assume is the current model:

Google Nest Wifi 2 Pack (AC2200 Mesh Router with 1 Point)

Google Model: GA00822-US

Walmart # 577141813

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Google-Nest-Wifi-2-Pack-AC2200-Mesh-Router-with-1-Point/575491453

for $269

 

but then I saw they have a few left of the older model:

Google Wifi - 3 Pack - Mesh Router Wifi

Google Model: NLS-1304-25

Walmart # 566887955

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Google-Wifi-3-Pack-Mesh-Router-Wifi/157933144

for $64

 

I do need good coverage, but that's a huge price difference. And it comes with 3 instead of 2.

 

We get about 360 Mbps on a hardwired connection, if that makes a difference.

 

Any idea how much worse the older model is than the new one?

ACE - Guru

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9.9K Messages

3 years ago

First off, describe your home....how large, general shape, where the BGW is in relation to where you need wifi coverage.  The more details the better we can figure out what you need.

 

I don't have any hands-on experience with the Google/Nest Wifi but there are a lot of comparisons posted online that would help determine which is better for you.  Do a Google search to 'google nest wifi vs google wifi".

Contributor

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27 Messages

3 years ago

Our house is rectangle, about 1980 sq. ft. The BGW is on the main floor towards a corner of the house and can't be moved. We need Wi-Fi coverage on the floor nearly directly above it - one room over - as well as in the basement - on the opposite side of the house.

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