Hi,

so i've always have this problem where the range is too far for my main Maxis wifi to reach (Lvl 1 hall)

tried so many DIY solution and i reckon its time i get professional help and resetup all my connection.
is there any Networking professional assistance i can get?


Thanks

for large homes, mesh wifi is the solution

https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?act=ST&f=13&t=4658096

yea, i look into Mesh wifi recently and looks convincing, but if i do use Mesh do i not use the Maxis router?
is there a guide to this? i saw in youtube a setup for TP Link Deco5 to Huawei TM but just scare i might screw up again and the Mesh wifi is not cheap =(

do you know how to setup?

What kind of DIY solution you have tried?
How big is your house and what router you using now?

maxis have mesh wifi bundle.
https://www.maxisbroadband.net.my/

Either mesh or range extender, it depends on network usage.

It depends on how many users (or more likely devices) operating at the same time. Routers can say it can supports like 255 users at the same time but this is more theoretical.

I guess if you have no more than 6 devices, range extender would be suffice. However, mesh network is better choice as you fix the problem now and for future The range extender also has another inherent issue. Since it is repeating the transmission, the overall network speed will be dropped by half since your data need to go through another hop.

There are things need to be observed also. Many mesh network said to be easy to setup since each mesh router connects to each other wirelessly. As you know, the further you are from the router, the slower your connection. SO, it is the same thing for the mesh router. How fast your mesh network also de[pends on how fast is the connection between mesh routers.

Depending on your house construction, a good router will probably sufficient enough. I bought an Asus router since that time I knew only Asus router can be be mixed/added later, regardless model, and configured as mesh network. The model I used is GT-AC5300 and put it next to my TV in the hall of my 2 storey house. I thought in future I would add more Asus for better coverage. However, I checked the data speed with my phone even at leaning to the farthest bedroom wall on 1st floor with closed door, the speed is still around 200Mbps.

The router is located near the wall in front of the house and the bedroom wall I mentioned is the wall at the back of the house. With that speed, I don't need to add another wireless AP

Another solution for your case would be connecting a LAN cable to another router on 1st floor. I would drill a hole and run the cable outside to the 1st floor to another router (depending where your BTU is located).

i bought a xiaomi router 3A (located at G) and connect it from Maxis router (located at Lvl1) via LAN.
then last few month, super heavy rain and the thunder strike a few of my appliance (TV, Washing Machine, PC, LAN cable to Lvl G etc)

since the LAN cable to Ground floor could not connect anymore i bought the TP Link Powerline AV600 to connect it to the Xiaomi Router.
sometime it connects properly (as in it gets the correct 192.168.1.254) and sometimes not. So i just on/off the TP Link Powerline and it connects but very very slow, the TV box will go into loading/buffering when watching it.

then i found out that the Xiaomi Router option which can either
1. act as main router
2. act as a repeater that connects from another router(in my case Maxis)

So i thought it would be better if i make it as option 2.

Now that its a repeater, signal wasn't any good, TV box still goes into loading/buffering mode, wifi devices connected but no internet etc etc.

and the worst part i cant connect to the Xiaomi router via LAN to change back the settings to Option 1.


Real long story yea? i did quite abit of work and almost gave up.
didnt opt for maxis mesh solution because its a monthly commitment thing which i think there is some pro which can help me do a 1 time off job =)

black tubi has a guide on how to setup mesh wifi. it will replace the maxis router

https://www.blacktubi.com/review/tp-link-de...m9-plus-review/

Long story is good. as least some back ground data.
So means the long LAN is now burnt?
Can you replace the long LAN? as this will be the most reliable setup.

For the Mi to work as repeater, it needs good wifi signal from Maxis router.
Means you cant repeat a weak signal.
So means you can still make it work, but find a place on G floor that has good signal. maybe near the stairs etc.

If you cant get good signal from main router, a mesh might not work reliably as well.

i am using mesh and a happy user.

You can also explore on ethernet over power lines. It works pretty well for my case, which is an shop lot type of house with two stories. My unifi router is located at the ground floor. I run ethernet over power lines to my second floor and had no issue with wifi connectivity over 2.4Ghz, but if you are looking at 5Ghz, then that's another story.

I also have a wifi repeater, but that's is less reliable than my ethernet over power lines. Btw, my house powerline is pretty old, about 40+ years. I am still getting about 250mbps (+/-10%)

Oh forgot to mention my ethernet over power lines have wifi built in. So In a sense it is using power lines as network cables, then broadcasting wifi signal out at the other end.

This post has been edited by Madgeiser: Apr 1 2020, 01:03 PM

The ethernet over powerline, which model you using?
i'm using TP Link AV600, which i don't think its any helpful.
I connect it from Maxis router (lvl1) to AV600 and at Ground Floor, AV600 to the TV Box. TV Box says connected but then it doesn't load at all.

I just reset my Xiaomi Router 3, and made it back as a repeater wireless-ly

then i just connect my TV Box using the Xiaomi wifi, so far its loading...

hmm, so all this while the LAN cable from my TV Box to the Mi Router is from wifi and not from Maxis Router (Lvl1)->AV600 (Lvl1)->AV600(GF)->Xiaomi Router(GF)-> TV Box

I am using D-Link DHP-W611AC. Usually if your WiFi is working very slowly, it is due to your WiFi signal clashing with some of your neighbour one. Try doing a spectrum analysis with your laptop and see if you can find a spectrum with less congestion.

I myself is a network engineer, so I know my ways with managing my own wifi and how to get best connectivity with what I have.

Most router default to spectrum 6 & 11, and everyone is jamming in the same spectrum, causing wifi signal to crawl. This usually affect 2.4Ghz mostly. At 5Ghz, spectrum crowding issue is less apparent.

Btw, I also help another friend whom has a 3 stories house implement ethernet over power lines, using TP-Link AV1300. So far no issue from him either. He is happily watching movies over his tvbox in his av room in 3rd floor.

This post has been edited by Madgeiser: Apr 1 2020, 01:29 PM

OMG, can you help me please?
so my current setup is
Maxis (Lvl1) -> AV600 (Lvl1) -> AV600 (G Floor) ->Xiaomi Router (wifi & 2 LAN port) -> TV Box
but apparently the Xiaomi Router is not getting any data transfer. The Xiaomi WAN's port light up, but i doubt its getting any signal because when i remove the WAN, i can still connect to the Xiaomi to surf.

If necessary, i will get the TP Link WPA8630 Kit and eliminate the Xiaomi Router, but i need guidance how to setup.
didn't opt for the TP Link WPA8630P Kit (the AV1300 you recommended) has an additional socket which i don't need it.

my AV600 is also plug and play but i tried connecting direct to the TV Box, it says CONNECTED but movies are not loading.

You can try to set up access point instead off mesh wifi. Mesh wifi required for hub compare with wireless access point.

1. Connect a laptop to AV600 (G Floor) with LAN cable to see whether you get internet or not.

2a. If yes, then follow this video to turn Xiaomi router into access point mode to work. Link: Access Point Mode

2b. If no, then there's something wrong within your power line network. Maybe redo the setup for power line. Then repeat from step 1 again.

This post has been edited by jacktiew: Apr 1 2020, 03:24 PM

access point?
so i'm quite confused already which is which or what is the name properly called. ROFL

access point is connecting the Maxis Router via LAN to another Device (aka Access Point device i.e. TL-WA901ND) via LAN, correct?
i used to have 1 LAN cable from 1st floor to Ground floor which previously i hack and conceal it inside the wall, but since the thunder storm strike it, its DEAD. Don't think i'll hack again.

for now i try using the TP Link AV600 kit, but it doesn't give data to the xiaomi router. i thought it was a plug and play, as long as both pairs.
i try connect direct to TV Box from the AV600 but it doesn't transmit data too.

maybe i did something wrong, can guide me?

was using powerline, changed to mesh wifi happy user faster than ever, using tplink deco. No buffering ever since. 3 Story house

NICE, are you using TP Link Deco M5 pair?
so just to double confirm, i remove the Maxis Router (black device) and connect the M5 direct from the Huawei TM modem?
once connected then i just pair it again to Ground Floor.... right?

TP Link AV600 is just a powerline. Ethernet over electrical cable. Access point is like wifi the one you see in public area. Its better for you to engage people to set up instead of getting confusing with all those technical jargon. Access point require set up configuration and laying ethernet/network cable though.

This sounds correct and sensible test to do. My guess would be in your AV,600 also. Sounds like it is not carrying your signal over power lines. If it does, then the next issue would be your XiaoMi router. It is probably operating in router mode, rather than as a regular access point mode. Not to say router mode won't work, but you will have another layer of NAT in your network, and double NATTING is not a very nice thing to have.

The simplest is to change it to access point operating mode. No point to buy new equipment just to get this working, you already have everything, just need to make it all gel together to work.

This post has been edited by Madgeiser: Apr 1 2020, 03:45 PM

Yea, i've resorted to searching for professional help.
But idk where to find 1 network engineer/technician to help me solve it.

can i not lay another cable? because its really alot of work hacking and concealing it again.
the last guy that lay the cable had to go from Lvl 1 ceiling, then hack thru the lvl 1 wall, then go thru the exterior of my house (had to walk on the onning then down G floor, then punch thru the car porch and back into living room at G. Next he need to conceal it, which again is the whole same process. so i think its too much work n not worth the trouble.

isn't the difference between mesh VS wifi extender is Mesh u can use the same wifi id with need to changer as compare to extender need to connect the extender different wifi name isi it?

No. I am using same ssid for both my extender and ethernet over power line adapter. In fact same ssid name for both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz. Simplify things for me.

Only broadcast spectrum is different to avoid clash.

How you want to lay the cable is up to you. You want to lay cable and just put scoth tape also no problem. Just nice or not only.

pull a long ethernet cable from modem/btu to mid area of staircase and put router there (alternatively can also pull fiber cable from modem point)...

it should be enough to cover most homes but if still not enough can set up wired WDS/mesh on every floor near the stairs...

most people narrow minded to think that modem and router need to be located close together

This post has been edited by nonamer: Apr 1 2020, 06:07 PM

so i try connecting the AV600, looks like i'm not getting any signal.
tried re-pairing it, but don't seem to get it connected.

Follow a few option from online video,
i. plug in AV600 main into maxis router, press pair on AV600, then press WPS on Maxis router. After done blinking, plug in AV600 (2) and connect to laptop. then press pair on AV600(2). it blinks a while then goes into still/solid light. Use cmd ping www.google.com, gets time out
ii. plug both AV600(1) and AV600(2) on the same extension wire, press pair on AV600(1) for 5sec, then when blinking, press pair on AV600(2). after both lights up, plug in into laptop. It sorta connects to the internet, try on ping www.google.com, return results. tried surfing using LAN only, it works. So i off n plug both on the other plug point. It says connected but cant surf.

read online that AV600 is a plug and play, that's why i didnt bother checking if its giving signal

Not sure why you need to press WPS button?

Follow this guide to setup your powerline AV600 (not sure is your powerline model or not): https://youtu.be/t1gBYRdReRc

*Try plug in your powerline LAN cable to port 2 or 3 on your router.

This post has been edited by jacktiew: Apr 2 2020, 12:14 AM

Yea, this was the video i followed. i must have watch another video which ask to press WPS which in my case doesn't make sense since i do not have a wifi model.
Mine is the same as that video except mine is without the wifi device. both are LAN only.

anyway i manage to pair it.
what i did was i unplug both LAN, then pair it. once the top 2 light goes into solid on then i plug 1 end to router, after it turns solid then plug in the other end to the laptop... and poof it works!!

ping is good, but when do speed test, i only get download 13mbps and upload 0.00mbps
guess it doesnt matter since i can surf.

now gonna bring the AV600(2) to fit downstairs if it works =)

Great, now you can do the access point part for xiaomi router 😁

This post has been edited by jacktiew: Apr 2 2020, 12:34 AM

hmm, follow the video but when i plug in Xiaomi WAN, it doesn't blink
then try setup using wireless, then in the "Switch" tab, in the video, there is 3 option;
i. Primary Base station
ii. wireless amplifier mode
iii. network amplifier.

but for me, there is only Option (i) and (ii).
maybe because the Xiaomi WAN doesn't light up. does this mean the Maxis router not giving out data to Xiaomi's WAN?

1. Maybe you can choose the first one, then go to settings to turn off DHCP. You may follow this link on xiaomi' part.
Turn off DHCP

2. Connect the cable from AV600(2) to your xiaomi router LAN port. It does the same thing.

This post has been edited by jacktiew: Apr 2 2020, 01:44 AM

Yup, that's will work. Your Maxis router is already giving DHCP. The XiaoMi router is basically just working as a wireless access point and forwarding traffic to your Maxis router via the AV600 power lines.

Ah i forgot, avoid using ethernet over power lines adapter over power extension cables. They don't quite work well together. Always use proper wall socket plug. If it is looped, try using first one, they will give best result.

Why no extension power cables? Because some extension power cables have built in surge protector / suppressor and that messes up the ethernet over power lines signal.

This post has been edited by Madgeiser: Apr 2 2020, 08:39 AM

OK, setup wirelessly



Do i still need to connect the AV600(2) into the Xiaomi WAN? since its not really giving out data to the Xiaomi's WAN?
the from Xiaomi LAN connect to the TV BOX?

TV Box is now connected directly to from AV600(2), its working at least

Nope, from AV600 cable should go to LAN on your XiaoMi router, then on XiaoMi router just setup SSID. That's should work.

You can also connect the tvbox to the XiaoMi LAN port if there is any free, which will also work, like a switch.

This post has been edited by Madgeiser: Apr 2 2020, 10:02 AM

oh, ok
so AV600(2) to Xiaomi LAN then TV Box to the othe Xiaomi LAN.

tried that but once i put plug in AV600(2) into Xiaomi LAN, the xiaomi doesn't give out signal, it gets cut off.
once unplug the LAN, wifi gets back on

This post has been edited by lazylilsnoop: Apr 2 2020, 10:21 AM

Your XiaoMi is in router mode or access point mode?

Have you disable DHCP on xiaomi router already?

If no, then change your xiaomi ip to 192.168.1.253 that is below the DHCP box. Then disable DHCP. so that you can access your xiaomi router again next time

This post has been edited by jacktiew: Apr 2 2020, 11:11 AM

If not mistaken, you are using wireless amplifier mode based on your screenshot. (If I'm not wrong)

You should use primary station mode instead (The first choice among two yous shown me yesterday), and
1. change the change your SSID to match your current one
2. Change xiaomi router IP to 192.168.1.253.
3. turn off DHCP.

This post has been edited by jacktiew: Apr 2 2020, 11:23 AM

Yes, this is Wireless Amplifier mode.

ok, will try again.
so example my main SSID from Maxis router is "SuperSlow Sloth" for the Xiaomi SSID also put it exactly the same, "SuperSlow Sloth"?
how do i set the Xiaomi Router IP to 192.168.1.253?? i cant read much chinese, i just follow clicking on the layout from the video

when switch to wireless amplifier mode, the DHCP option will automatically remove

somehow the Xiaomi WAN will not work no matter which LAN port from Maxis router. Only LAN port from TM Huawei can light up the Xiaomi's WAN port.

1.For the SSID is up to you, you can use different SSID if you want to know which one you connect to so you can switch different wifi when you're on upstair/downstair. Otherwise you can use the same SSID, so it will stay connected to the one that has better signal.


If wireless amplifier mode, which means extend by connecting your current wifi through wirelessly, it act like a repeater.
Since now you already have AV600(2), you may choose primary station mode.

What you need to do is follow instruction here:-
1. Change your xiaomi router to primary base station (the first option among two)
2. Change the your SSID to your current one (SuperSlow Sloth) or different from current one. (If you want better seemless experience, use the same SSID and password)
3. Change xiaomi router LAN IP Address from 192.168.31.1 to 192.168.1.253. (Based on the screenshot)

3a. If it refresh, please type in 192.168.1.253 into your browser and continue the rest
4. Untick the DHCP button and press the blue 'SAVE' button. (Follow the screenshot)
5. Plug in the AV600(2) to the LAN port of Xiaomi Router.

This post has been edited by jacktiew: Apr 2 2020, 12:15 PM

so i did all the steps, i think it is working!! TV Box is fine my laptop and mobiles get connected to wifi too
but on the xiaomi page, it says its not connected to internet? but most apps can surf the net, only dropbox cant sync and speedtest page wont work


should i make it connect Xiaomi Router connect to the net?

You can ignore that, that's for the wan port thingy cause you are not connecting through wan port tho.



Is both of your powerline adapter directly into wall outlet? (Not through power cord/extension).

Anyway, try reboot all the modem, router, power line, devices to check if the problem still persists.

Can you post your speedtest result with the AV600(2) plug in directly to your laptop. If speedtest.net not working, try: Fast.com

No need. That's all for the setup.

This post has been edited by jacktiew: Apr 2 2020, 04:05 PM

Oh Nice!!
everything connects now!!! somehow....

anyway here is the screenshoot of direct plug in AV600(2)



and this is when connected to Xiaomi Router



by the way, i cant upload this picture when using the Xiaomi router. had to connect to the Maxis router to upload this

and yes, both powerline adapter is connected direct to the wall socket, no extension.



This post has been edited by lazylilsnoop: Apr 2 2020, 04:13 PM

How about if connect to your maxis router? I wonder how the upload speed looks like.

connect from Maxis router LAN



i realize using the Xiaomi wifi also cannot let me login whatsapp web too

Hmm. That's probably the downside of powerline.

Few thing to troubleshoot
1. Refer to 9:26 of this videovideo
Change the date to today's date and time and update the firmware if there's any newer version

2. Refer to 8:58 of the video
Change the network settings to DHCP.

If these two doesn't help, that's all you can do. Just live with it or get new mesh wifi haha

Hmmmm.... Probably your powerline. Might want to try changing the cable from your maxis router to the av600 plug? Maybe that is causing the issue, bad cable?

Mine, I am using a AMP Cat6E.... Lol

This post has been edited by Madgeiser: Apr 2 2020, 05:05 PM

there is different grade of Cat6e? eh, i thought it was cat5e??
now i need research on CAT cable

Cat5e - 10-100Mbps (Officially supported speed)
Cat6 - 10-1000Mbps (Officially supported speed)

Do keep cable length under 70 meters whenever possible, even thought it is stated maximum is 100 meters. From experience, keeping below 70 is the most ideal.

Also there is difference between self crimped cables and factory crimped cables. Data signaling is better for factory crimped cables. They use machine to crimped the cables, and contact between RJ45 and the copper cables is better compared to self or hand crimped cables.

This post has been edited by Madgeiser: Apr 3 2020, 08:30 AM

am actually quite impress with all the help given here!!!!

anyone live around in Melawati? if yes, let me buy u guys a cup of coffee at least.

Mesh wifi router FTW.

Cat 5e supports up to 1000Mbps. Cat 6 supports up to 10Gbps. You are right about the rest of the stuff.

You are right, wonder why i kept thinking Cat5E is 100. Oh wait. I remember now. I mix them up with the old thing CAT5... without the E. That one is 100Mbps, Cat5E was the enchanced version of Cat5 for support up to 1000Mbps.

Thanks for pointing out.

No worries

Guys,
I realize my Xiaomi Router keep giving out 169.XXX.XXX.XXX ip address
so now wifi and tv box is stuff again =(

can i fix an IP for the Xiaomi Router? I've fix the IP on the TV Box

I solve my house wifi problem with two old xiaomi router that I bought

Their mi firmware sucks big time. I change to Pandora box custom firmware and work like charm from day one.

One router is the main router connecting to modem. Another router connect to the main router using 5g signal. It's dualband so I can use either 2.4 or5g for my devices.

For the back part of my house I install another old tplink router flashed to gargoyle. Also work like charm.

The tplink router is link to the main router via 2.4ghz signal . So I havetotal coverage using 3routers (old ones) .didn't spend more for new devices.

In short, use custom firmware if possible for ur router.

All those power line, not stable one..need to restart.

I really have no idea on this... previously i bought a 2nd hand router thinking i strike a deal, but then it was flashed to something else and i didnt know what to do with it... so i end up buying a new router.

Can you guide me to do this? i have a Xiaomi 3G Router

You try Google Pandora box xiaomi r3 router.

I am not sure if urs same model as mine. Mine is the r3 miwifi model. Four antenna.

Try this link. I follow the steps one by one and suceeded to flash both my xiaomi.

https://kamrul.dev/how-to-install-openwrt-o...mi-mi-router-3/


With this openwrt firmware, u can do endless pssoibility. Even ur own openvpn for personal use.

This post has been edited by bee88: Apr 8 2020, 09:49 PM

Never had any downtime with the old routers after flashed to openwrt.
So basically 3 old router connects wirelessly with no downtime at all.

Cheapest solution ever.

My house using TPLink Deco M5 x 3. so far so good

Will mesh connections affect the wifi speed on main router ?

Similar setup. Deco M5 x 3 too. All 3 connected using ethernet cable to my 10 ports Mikrotik router.

Everywhere full bar and max speed. Even when moving around, no significant lag / speed drop.

This post has been edited by haturaya: Apr 9 2020, 02:35 PM

Yup. Bought it during the lazada sale

1yr+ mesh wifi user here on a 2-storey house..

couldn't be more happier..

initially, were contemplating access point, extender, power lines, drilling, cabling, etc.. but glad those were not necessary so far

Your mesh, is it all connected wireless from main router?
can be more details on how you setup? because i might copy.

i'm guessing LAN cable from TM Huawei to Mesh, then wireless connect all Mesh? or LAN from Mesh 1 to Mesh 2?

sorry i'm quite new to this mesh thingy.

this solution sounds good!!! but i need learn step by step to configure it

Actually mesh will get the same ip subnet? Coz sometimes we need to make sure all devices in the same subnet for them to work.

Yes. A little pain in the arse at first but slowly u can configure them.

man, i really think the powerline is not a good solution at all, it always gives out 169 IP which made my IPTV couldnt load. some say its because recently the IPTV is not stable =(

just a simple LAN cable from main router/modem (TM in ur case) to the mesh main hub (mesh 1).. from here, wirelessly connected to the nodes (mesh 2, 3, etc) and it pretty much blanket my whole house.. roaming was done automatically, seamlessly and discreetly without any interruption to the connection.. speed was stable as well

would advice to get one with a powerful spec and reputable brand.. this kind of technology, u do get what u pay for

on a side note, so far nothing beat the good-ol LAN cable for performance and reliability though.. i did contemplated to install it afterall in the first place.. but i thought i would give mesh a try before hacking and drilling my poor walls.. surprisingly im a happy user so far

OMG, i finally read all the setup procedure for OpenWRT.
the installing part n how to convert to OpenWRT is quite understandable but i think i remember y i didnt use my previous OpenWRT, its because i dunno how to set it up in OpenWRT format, i think the interface is quite manual right? not as easy as clicking on icons etc like factory setup.

but if this solution is good, can you help me setup?

Now my powerline keeps going into 169 IP address and i need to off/on or reconnect the Powerline
either that or the IPTV's (using TX3) app is not responsive.

Honestly basic setting up is not difficult. Only advance setting need some study. I m no expert and only try n error

OMG, i finally realize something with the powerline.

so as usual the powerline LAN cable keeps connecting to 169 address, then today i turn off both (Lvl 1 and G Floor), re-pair it (i ran up and down) when i came down, the AV600 (2) was off (no lights) even when its turn on.
I suspect the power switch/button was a little loose. which maybe cause the unstable power consistency.

Switch to the socket beside it..... VIOLA, all works!!! straight away can watch live TV again! finally
so excited now

Speed test result?

Speed test is the same as this.
I was looking around my house and found 2 Cat5e cable, 1 use for Maxis Router to the AV600(1) and the other from Xiaomi Router to TV Box (cable not long enough for AV600(2) to Xiaomi Router.

i was on Shopee and found out there is Cat7e, so i've placed an order for 3 LAN cable.
Waiting for delivery now

Don't think the result will be affected. but happy ending. rejoice.