What's your experience: Does your mesh system keep working if the WAN goes down?

[thiggins]

I know this is an odd question, since what good is an Internet router without internet, right?

But in my work as a Wi-Fi test engineer, we put these systems in RF-tight chambers and typically don't have an internet connection available.

I know the eero Pro will continue to operate without an internet connection once it is set up. But does anyone have experience with gear from other manufacturers?

Specifically, I'm looking at a TP-Link Deco BE63 for development purposes, because it's cheap. I don't really want to spend $1500+ for a 3 node mesh just for developing test scripts. So, let's skip any non-ASUS trashing and just tell me if anyone has tried pulling their WAN and seeing if their mesh system still runs. Thanks!

 

[aex.perez]

Mine does...
Anything that is on or makes up the LAN/WiFi stays up, though without Internet/WAN much is comprimised, i.e Streaming, IoT as examples.

 

[thiggins]

@aex.perez Thanks for the info. I assume from your sig that you have an ASUS AiMesh setup. I'd expect that it would stay up since app/internet based management for ASUS is not the norm.

 

[aex.perez]

@aex.perez Thanks for the info. I assume from your sig that you have an ASUS AiMesh setup. I'd expect that it would stay up since app/internet based management for ASUS is not the norm.

Correct
I'll add that AT&T WiFi extenders (also mesh) the same applies

 

[RMerlin]

Specifically, I'm looking at a TP-Link Deco BE63 for development purposes, because it's cheap.

Not to bring politics into play, but wouldn't that be a problem for you if TP-Link devices were to get banned in the US in the near future? Unless you don't expect to ever have to reproduce your existing test setup a second time (for example for another developer/tester), with the same devices you already purchased.

Not sure what`s the latest news on that threat.

 

[thiggins]

Not to bring politics into play, but wouldn't that be a problem for you if TP-Link devices were to get banned in the US in the near future? Unless you don't expect to ever have to reproduce your existing test setup a second time (for example for another developer/tester), with the same devices you already purchased.

Not sure what`s the latest news on that threat.

I take your point. But this is more for test script development. Measurement correlation isn't part of what I need to do.

 

[RMerlin]

I take your point. But this is more for test script development. Measurement correlation isn't part of what I need to do.

Gotcha.

The only other possible candidate I can think of would be Netgear's Orbi line, but at a quick glance it seems to be nearly as expensive as Asus' solutions, and I don't know if they require cloud connectivity.

 

[Tech9]

I have installed 5-6 Deco sets, but never needed to test what happens with WAN disconnected. They definitely need WAN for initial setup* and most likely retain the state just like eero/nest kits. They have online management, but not online controller. The mesh they create is actually part if Qualcomm Immersive Home or whatever they call it now. It's built into Qualcomm hardware/software including multi-link backhaul for newer systems. I don't know if it works or used in all kits. I know red LED showing lost Internet connection comes up on the router and satellites. It can be disabled it in the App.

* - there is an exception for Deco sets used as ISP provided equipment. They come with modified firmware and off-line setup, require just new online account email/password for remote control. Unlikely to find something like this in stores though.

 

[thiggins]

The only other possible candidate I can think of would be Netgear's Orbi line, but at a quick glance it seems to be nearly as expensive as Asus' solutions, and I don't know if they require cloud connectivity.

Yes, very pricey. Last I knew, which was awhile ago, they set up using an app, but had web screens also for limited local admin.

 

[thiggins]

Thanks @Tech9. It's likely that the system keeps operating if WAN is down, but I'd like to be sure.