Which Keenetic models are suitable for the Mesh Wi-Fi System?
KeeneticMesh Wi-Fi System works with all current Keenetic models (with a KeeneticOS version 3.1 or higher). Any model can act as the controller (Main Router) of your Keenetic Mesh Wi-Fi System or an extender, except for the Keenetic Buddy models, which only act as an extender.
Always choose a more advanced router, such as a gigabit model or one with USB ports, as your Main Router. If your Internet tariff is higher than 100 Mbit/s, the Main Router should be a gigabit model like Hero, Titan, Peak, Hero 4G+, Hopper, or Hero DSL. As Wi-Fi range extenders to it, you can choose Speedster, Sprinter or Explorer models equipped with an operating mode switch on the case for quick addition to the Wi-Fi System without preliminary configuration. It makes sense to use Speedster and Sprinter as an extender for a wired connection to the main gigabit router and Explorer for a Mesh Wi-Fi connection. Alternatively, compact Wi-Fi range extenders, Buddy, which plug directly into an electrical socket, can be used to extend the coverage of your Wi-Fi System. To expand the Wi-Fi coverage area in the office network, ceiling access points, Voyager/Orbiter, can be used (these models support power delivery via PoE technology).
Extenders with gigabit ports are highly desirable for wired connections. It is not even necessary to stick to the star topology; you can use a daisy chain connection.
If your Internet tariff is up to 100 Mbit/s and you do not plan to change it for a higher speed, you can choose Carrier as the Main Router and add one or more Explorer or Buddy 5 models as extenders.
Connecting over the air to get a Mesh network is most effective in dual-band models of the same or close Wi-Fi class, and especially 100 megabit models, because a 5 GHz backhaul connection is likely to be even faster than over cable. For example, ideal kits start with the Carrier while adding the necessary number of Explorers or Buddy 5.
If you rely entirely on Mesh Wi-Fi rather than wire, it is advisable to limit the maximum number of Keenetic devices on the network to five, including the Main Router. In most cases, models with the same port and Wi-Fi network speeds will suffice. But when it is not the gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi speeds that are important, but the budget and the coverage area, the low-cost dual-band models Explorer and Buddy 5, or even single-band Starter and Buddy 4, will do. Two entry-level routers can easily turn into a Mesh Wi-Fi System with seamless roaming, WPA3 security, network segmentation, and centralized management.
For a Wi-Fi System, with the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard, use the AX1800/3000/3200-class Wi-Fi models. For example, Titan, Hero, Hero 4G+, Hopper models will work as the Main Router, and Sprinter, Buddy 6 or Voyager/Orbiter models as an extender.
Our range also includes the Titan Wi-Fi BE7200 model, which supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) standard. This model can be used as the Main Router when setting up a Wi-Fi System, and for connecting devices that support Wi-Fi 7.