Reliable Wifi 7 Mesh Advice

[iassael]

Hi, I'm looking for advice on setting up a reliable WiFi mesh system. The space is around 200 sqm, split across two floors connected by a staircase. Unfortunately, wired backhaul isn't an option, so the connection needs to be stable over WiFi.

I was looking at WiFi 7, thinking that is something I would like to last for long, and considering these options:

• ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 (two units)
• UniFi Express 7 combined with U7 Pro XGS
• (open to suggestions)

However, I've noticed mixed reviews about the ASUS BQ16, while the UniFi Express 7 doesn't use MLO for the WiFi backhaul.

Important details:

• Internet speed: 1 Gbit.
• No NAS usage.
• Previously used Deco PX50 with powerline backhaul.
• Stability is my main concern.
• Expected devices ~20.

Any additional options, recommendations and experiences regardless of cost would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

 

[Tech9]

UX7 and U7-Pro-XGS are just released products. No one can have much experience with either.

I have 2x UX units with wireless uplink, both stay connected since installed. Reliability - excellent. Performance if used in mesh configuration as APs - acceptable, no dedicated uplink radio, about 400Mbps to UX connected clients when 80MHz wide non-DFS channel is used. With 160MHz wide channel performance is as expected better, but reliability (DFS) is decreased.

UX7 can use 5GHz radio for uplink, ideal conditions ~850Mbps throughput with 80MHz wide channel non-DFS. This is what Wi-Fi 7 radio connected clients can eventually get. Not great and kind of eliminates Wi-Fi 7 advantages. UniFi with no Ethernet works and may be very stable, but don't expect stellar performance. In UniFi ecosystem wireless uplink APs are Plan B.

In general very reliable, high performance and wireless - environment dependent gambling game.