How do you explain download being slower on 5.8 GHz with wired backhoul? I can’t think of any reason for it unless the wired network was saturated or had other problems? Any ideas?
The firmware version available when I made this test was probably at fault. I expect things to have improved since then. The wired network was not saturated, nor did it have any physical problems. It was just the firmware optimization that was lacking in this regard.
Regarding the Ethernet backhaul, I’m wondering if you connect all the devices directly to the router/modem or if one device is the master and that the two remaining devices are plugged to the master with a switch or something similar?
Some mesh products can only have one node hardwired to the modem/switch/router and the other nodes have to communicate wirelessly (Or wired to the “base” node). On these systems, only one node can have direct internet access, and the other nodes all connect back to the base to access the internet.
Some mesh products allow wired back hauling where all nodes can be wired by Ethernet cables to the modem/switch/router. In a conventional home where all Ethernet cables run back to a router/modem/switch, products that support a wired backhaul directly to internet on the switch are great a great option. In an existing home where you have 2 Ethernet ports on opposite sides of the house, you could backhaul nodes on those two ports, and wireless communicate to the other mesh devices. The data now has 2 points of access to the internet, and with high usage you should see improvements.
I have a new house with ethernet cabling installed throughout. Would you say its better to have a Mesh with ethernet backhaul or should i go more conventional Router with Access Points?
I have 5 nodes in my Samsung SmartThings WiFi mesh setup and each of them have a wired backhaul. At first I did not set one up (being lazy), however I saw lackluster performance. Once I set them all up using wired backhaul, performance has been exceptional. Now I have super strong signal and bandwidth. My only regret is not doing it in the beginning.
Loved the article. My biggest question/concern would be the practical approach to your suggestion. Most people that install mesh systems do not have ethernet connections in every room, which would make your suggestion difficult to implement. I on the other hand am building a large home and will have ethernet in every room and will defiantly be using the ethernet backhaul approach. Thanks again for an informative article.
13 Responses to “WiFi vs. Ethernet backhaul: Performance improvements for your mesh WiFi system!”
How do you explain download being slower on 5.8 GHz with wired backhoul? I can’t think of any reason for it unless the wired network was saturated or had other problems? Any ideas?
The firmware version available when I made this test was probably at fault. I expect things to have improved since then. The wired network was not saturated, nor did it have any physical problems. It was just the firmware optimization that was lacking in this regard.
Hello
I want to know my ethernet password using cmd
Please give me answer. 🙏
Ethernet connections are wired connections, and they don’t require a connection password. You just plug in a cable, and you’re connected.
I think the room labelled “kitchen” must be the kitchen.
I think the “small bedroom” in your picture must be the kitchen…
Regarding the Ethernet backhaul, I’m wondering if you connect all the devices directly to the router/modem or if one device is the master and that the two remaining devices are plugged to the master with a switch or something similar?
Some mesh products can only have one node hardwired to the modem/switch/router and the other nodes have to communicate wirelessly (Or wired to the “base” node). On these systems, only one node can have direct internet access, and the other nodes all connect back to the base to access the internet.
Some mesh products allow wired back hauling where all nodes can be wired by Ethernet cables to the modem/switch/router. In a conventional home where all Ethernet cables run back to a router/modem/switch, products that support a wired backhaul directly to internet on the switch are great a great option. In an existing home where you have 2 Ethernet ports on opposite sides of the house, you could backhaul nodes on those two ports, and wireless communicate to the other mesh devices. The data now has 2 points of access to the internet, and with high usage you should see improvements.
I have a new house with ethernet cabling installed throughout. Would you say its better to have a Mesh with ethernet backhaul or should i go more conventional Router with Access Points?
Mesh with Ethernet backhaul is the best, most satisfying solution.
I have 5 nodes in my Samsung SmartThings WiFi mesh setup and each of them have a wired backhaul. At first I did not set one up (being lazy), however I saw lackluster performance. Once I set them all up using wired backhaul, performance has been exceptional. Now I have super strong signal and bandwidth. My only regret is not doing it in the beginning.
Loved the article. My biggest question/concern would be the practical approach to your suggestion. Most people that install mesh systems do not have ethernet connections in every room, which would make your suggestion difficult to implement. I on the other hand am building a large home and will have ethernet in every room and will defiantly be using the ethernet backhaul approach. Thanks again for an informative article.
Hi John. As you stated, this approach is not for everyone. In your case, it is going to work beautifully. 😉