How seamless is a mesh or AP system compared to just having a single router?
How seamless is a mesh or AP system
Between UniFi, Cisco, Ruckus and Omada the fastest roaming I've seen is Omada with 3-4 sec. AiMesh may take 8-10 sec, Orbi and Eero are a little faster at 6-8 sec. There is no "seamless" transition though. Only in consumer products advertisement.
A highly scientific method by using the same mobile devices on different multi-AP networks. This is what most people will be interested in anyway.
This depends a whole lot on what your interior walls/floors are like. I might buy the above numbers for a single-floor dwelling with modern (cheap) interior walls; but if you've got anything more substantial that the signal has to punch through, you'll have to either get more APs or settle for less-than-stellar WiFi in some parts of the house.For up to ~2K sq ft a single decent AP should cover it easily. If we're talking 5K sq ft then 2-3.
Could you be a bit more specific?
Walking with my personal devices around different networks. This is the highly scientific method.
From my experience Eero is perhaps the best home "mesh" system, but expensive.
Hmmm... so random walking about then.
... other than the APs you want to test, so unfortunately this is an expensive way to learn what does or doesn't work for you. Personally I've dropped over $1K more than I would have liked on gear that doesn't work for me. I can pass on my own experience on this point --- bear in mind that this is just one person's experience, and almost all of my WiFi clients are Apple gear:Yes, shows what system does the job better in real life. Everyone can test doing a VoIP/Video call and walking around. No special equipment needed.
so unfortunately this is an expensive way to learn what does or doesn't work for you.
Welcome To SNBForums
SNBForums is a community for anyone who wants to learn about or discuss the latest in wireless routers, network storage and the ins and outs of building and maintaining a small network.
If you'd like to post a question, simply register and have at it!
While you're at it, please check out SmallNetBuilder for product reviews and our famous Router Charts, Ranker and plenty more!