Tag Archives: mesh

D-link Eagle Pro AI M32 review

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We are a big fan of the Eagle Pro AI range of routers at Small Business Answers. We have previously reviewed the D-Link M15 mesh router solution in the range for our sister publication GadgetGuy. As a small business, you may not understand what a wireless network router is or how important it is in running your business. In this review of the D-Link Eagle Pro AI M32, we will cut through the jargon and share with you the benefits of rolling out a Mesh Wi-Fi solution.

What is a Mesh Wi-Fi router?

Let’s start by talking about the problem you are solving. Employees need to connect to the internet and share information within your business location. The device they are using could be a barcode scanner, an eftpos terminal, a tablet, a PC, a printer a shared data storage solution.

To achieve this, you need a Wi-Fi router. A Wi-Fi router takes a single connection from most likely the NBN or could be a 4G/5G mobile data hotspot. And share that internet access either by Ethernet cable or a Wi-Fi signal. A router takes one connection and allows multiple devices to connect to it whilst being a traffic cop to ensure everything runs smoothly.

A Mesh Wi-Fi router allows you to have several Satellite boxes spread around your premises to extend the Wi-Fi range. Thus, you could have good Wi-Fi coverage in your showroom, back office and warehouse. Each satellite needs to be in good Wi-Fi range of each other, and this will be around 15-20 meters depending on interference like walls which reduce the signal strength. The Satellites can also be linked by Ethernet cable, allowing you to place a satellite out of Wi-Fi range.

Mesh makes extending your Wi-Fi network across a greater area easier and allows your connected devices to connect seamlessly. Older extender devices were hard to set up, and your devices did not like switching between the router and different extenders.

WHY should you consider a D-Link M32?

The D-Link M32 is D-Links fastest speed W-Fi Mesh solution. It supports a 2.4Ghz (will provide a greater range) up to data transfer speeds of 800Mbps and 5Ghz (faster speeds) up to 2400Mbps Wi-Fi frequencies.

The M32 3-pack will give you Wi-Fi coverage in a larger area up to 710 square metres for a small business or a home.

Suppose you have lots of devices that will share your mesh system. In that case, the M32 can support up to 8 simultaneous data streams with its antenna configuration. This is double what was previously supported on their M15 model. Think of it as if you had 20 people in a room 8 conversations could be happening at once, whereas once only 4 could occur. You could have more than 100 devices connected to the mesh system; they would all have to take their turn but unlikely need to communicate all at once.

The latest Wi-Fi 6 standard is supported, which means any devices supporting Wi-Fi 6 will benefit from better security, improved coverage and faster throughput.

The Eagle Pro uses artificial intelligence. This is clever software that automatically makes things work better by adjusting the signals to improve your individual situation. Let’s say your business is in a busy industrial or retail complex where each other business has a Wi-Fi network. This will mean everyone is competing for radio frequencies or channels. The Eagle Pro will work out which channels others are not using and automatically use the least congested channels.

The M32 automatically moves your connected devices between the Wi-Fi bands to maximise performance. It will also recognise some applications need more bandwidth. The software ensures that devices needing lots of internet bandwidth get what it needs to work properly, like video conferencing.

What is in the Box?

The M32, also called Eagle Pro AI AX3200 Mesh system, is available in a 3-pack for $600 and a 2-pack for $449. Having the 3rd satellite will increase your coverage from up to 510 square meters to up to 710 square metres. Range depends on environmental factors such as electrical or radio interference and physical barriers like furniture, walls, floors, or windows.

The tested 3 pack has 3 satellites with power packs, an Ethernet cable and a simple start-up sheet.

Extending your coverage further is simply a matter of adding an additional satellite. D-Link makes this simple by offering a whole range of Eagle Pro products which will all work together to expand your mesh solution.

The M32 has a 2 Gigabit LAN (local area network) port on each satellite so devices like a printer or shared storage device can easily be connected. This is useful if the device you want to connect does not support Wi-Fi. Alternatively, network traffic for the connected device is expected to be very high. Meaning it does not have to wait for its turn to communicate via Wi-Fi.

Using the D-Link Eagle Pro AI M32

All the Eagle Pro products from D-Link use the same smartphone App to set up your new router. Unlike previous mesh multipacks from D-Link, any of the 2 or 3 included 16 x 7 x 19cm satellites can be used as the box you connect to the internet. This is done with a supplied Ethernet cable that connects to your NBN modem and the yellow Ethernet port on the rear of your M32 box. Plug in the router and press the power switch next to the cable input.

After installing and opening the Eagle Pro AI app, you must scan a QR code on your phone located at the bottom of the device. The app then asks if you are setting up a new network or extending an existing one. Now simply follow the instruction on your smartphone screen, and the default answers will work well.

Once your first satellite is activated, the app will prompt you to set up additional units. You will know if the additional satellite is in Wi-Fi range when you power it up, and a solid white LED is displayed on the top of the new satellite.

You can set up a guest network to keep guests separate from your business devices and information. For example, allow cafe customers to access the internet. You can also limit customers’ speed to keep the best performance for the business. The guest’s access setup is as simple as scanning a QR code.

The Eagle Pro-AI app for your smartphone will allow you to customise your setup, receive notifications & usage reports, and set up schedules and block certain sites.

Our Take

Your small business, whether on dedicated premises or in a home, needs fast, reliable internet access. To achieve this, you want a reliable, simple to set up and run Wi-Fi router that will provide fast internet to allow all users to do their job.

The Eagle Pro AI M32 from D-Link is such a device using the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, Mesh technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure everything in the background runs well. This Mesh solution will ensure devices do not suffer from congestion and are usable throughout your entire office area.

The M32 is cost-effective, is part of an excellent ecosystem that gives you expansion options and is easy to set up.

Wi-Fi Extender to improve your Wi-Fi coverage

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A Wi-Fi extender, just maybe the magic back box that fixes your Wi-Fi blackspots in your office, but it certainly is not a miracle cure.  This guide will explain what a Wi-Fi extender is and how it can be used to improve productivity in the office by increasing internet speed and coverage.

A Wi-Fi (range) extender, booster or repeater is used to increase the coverage area of your Wi-Fi network. It works by receiving your existing Wi-Fi signal or internet connection, and then transmitting a new signal to extend your coverage.

WHY should I consider a Wi-Fi Extender?

 We should really call this devise a Wi-Fi router extender.  A Wi-Fi router is a box that takes the internet connection you receive in your business or home and enables multiple devices to be connected to that internet. In addition, it creates a wireless broadcast so devices like a smartphone can connect to the internet.

Now picture an antenna sitting on your Wi-Fi router. This antenna can transmit a signal in a circle for up to 30 metres.  Unfortunately, every wall, desk, person, photocopier etc., in the path of that signal reduces its range.  Thus, the need for a range or Wi-Fi extender.

When using a Wi-Fi extender, the end result is to give you additional Wi-Fi coverage in an area you did not have coverage before and potentially increase the speed of connectivity to your wireless device.

More information can be found on our guide to set up a Wi-Fi network and how to improve Wi-Fi

WHAT Wi-Fi extender technologies are there?

A Wi-Fi network is identified by its network name or (SSID). This will be unique to each router out of the box but can be changed manually.

Router and extenders operate on 2 frequencies, either 2.4GHz or 5GHz.  2.4Gz is good for long-range but have lower speeds. 5Ghz is known for faster speeds but lower range.  Most devices these days will offer both.  A dual-band will have 1 x 2.4GHz and 1 x 5GHz channels. A tri-band will have 1 x 2.4GHz and 2 x 5GHz channels.

All extenders will offer one or more of the following:

Wi-Fi Mesh (single SSID) – Allows both the router and the extender to use the same network name. The communication between the two is via wireless. Extender must be in range of the router.

 Ethernet Mesh (single SSID) – Allows both the router and the extender to use the same network name. The communication between the two is an ethernet cable. The extender can be anywhere the ethernet cable reaches.

Access Point (different SSID) – Both the router and the extender will have a separate network name.  Access point could be attached by ethernet or wireless.  It is not as transparent as a Mesh solution and will not maximise speed necessarily.

HOW do I choose and install the right Wi-Fi extender

Beyond the three ways to extend your network mentioned above, there are many other features/technologies that you should consider. Our key recommendation is to consider your future needs vs what you need today. Early Wi-Fi technology has its limitations. These include speed, efficiency and the number of devices that can be properly supported. A simple explanation is older technology supported a few wireless devices. Now some networks may support 60 or more wireless devices.  Thus plan for the future both with your router and extender and the devices you attach to the network.

Look for these features:

Wi-Fi standards – The latest standard is Wi-Fi 6 or ax. Previously there was a,b,g,n,ac,ad,ah. All you need to know is a newer unit is backwards compatible, and if you buy Wi-Fi 6, your smartphone or PC must also support it to take full advantage. Wi-Fi6 is the most expensive but will futureproof you.  As a minimum, you should buy a unit supporting Wi-Fi 5, also known as ac.

LED lights – all units will have at least one light to indicate it is on and working, often changing colour to indicate its status.  If you will be connecting wirelessly, a handy feature is to buy a unit that displays signal strength from the router.  This makes placement in your premises easy as you know there is enough coverage to work properly.

Security – All models will have security and switched on as default.  Best not to turn this off as it will allow anyone to access your network.  The more modern the Wi-Fi standard, e.g. Wi-Fi6, the better the security.

Outdoors – Some vendors sell units that can be mounted outdoors and thus survive the elements.  An extender placed near a window may have the same effect.

Ethernet ports – Some models have one or more ethernet ports.  This will allow you to have an ethernet connection back to your router and /or link to a device close by that may not have Wi-Fi, like a printer.

How do I install a Wi-Fi extender?

Most banded extenders are pretty easy to set up, especially if connecting wirelessly.  You will need a power point and potentially an ethernet cable if you are connecting that way.  For a wireless connection set up, start by powering the extender up near the router. You should find a WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button on your router and your extender. WPS makes it very easy to set up a secure connection between the two without much IT knowledge. Simply press the WPS button on the router and the extender, and they will connect.  Once this is complete, most likely indicated by a green light, disconnect your extender and look for a power point half to two thirds towards your blackspot. Suppose you have the signal indicator lights mentioned above. In that case, you will soon see if the extender is in a suitable position to still receive a good signal from the router. Finally, check your client device (PC, smartphone, camera etc.) for connection in your previous black spot.  If the connection is good, you are done; otherwise, try moving your extender to another position.

HINTS

GadgetGuy has recently reviewed the D-Link DAP-X1860 AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh range extender finding it simple to set up, reliable and reasonable cost.

A mesh router and extender will allow you to have one network name. Thus your devices seamlessly connect around your premises (a bit like your smartphone seamlessly moves around suburbs without dropping a call).

SUMMARY – improve your Wi-Fi coverage

Let us say you don’t have Wi-Fi coverage in a meeting room or you need it in a warehouse.  A simple and relatively cheap solution is purchasing and installing a Wi-Fi extender that will help remove those black spots.

Electrical retailers and office supply companies will have several models varying in price.  We recommend spending a bit more and futureproofing your network.  Same brand solutions (router and extender) are most likely to work best, but different brands should also work together.

Computer Network for small offices

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Chances are you have a network at home but you don’t understand what you have. In this case we are referring to a computer network.  Let’s chat about the different types and factors you should consider in making your decisions.

A computer network or data network is a set of computer or network devices connected together to share resources. This is how we allow several devices to connect to the internet in our offices or at home. Other shared resources can include a printer or a file server. Devices we may find connected on a network might include PCs, notebooks, tablets, mobile phones, printers, surveillance cameras, smart devices, NAS shared storage, a backup device, POS terminals, and EFTPOS terminals.

WHY do I need a computer network?

It makes a lot of sense to be able to share resources.  Without a network you might need a printer on everyone’s desk. A network will enable everyone to have the internet and collaborate on shared documents or files.

WHAT are the components of a computer network?

Clients – devices we connect to the network that share the resources, for example, a PC or tablet connecting to a shared printer.

Wi-Fi Modem Router – This can be all in one box or separate devices.  If these are separate devices you would connect them to each other by an ethernet cable.

  • Modem – This is the device that connects to the Internet from the street. Most likely it is the box provided by the NBN to connect to the NBN internet network.
  • Router – you must have at least one router.  It is a cross between a traffic cop and a power board.  It takes one internet connection and turns it into many, directing the traffic around your internal network to make all the magic happen.
  • Wi-Fi access point – If you don’t want to run ethernet cables you can connect your devices by wi-fi. This makes everything wireless except for electricity.  A wi-fi point does have a limit on how many devices can connect, how far they can be from the access point, and the speed the data can be transferred.  Thus is convenient but maybe not as reliable.

Ethernet Cable – this is a physical cable that will connect your various devices so they can talk to one another.  An ethernet cable could run to your PC then to the router then the router to a printer thus allowing you to print. An electrician may run cables in ducts or behind walls so your office does not have visible wires running everywhere.  An ethernet cable has the advantage of being a more reliable and faster connection.

Switch – Your router is likely to have a small switch in the back allowing multiple ethernet cables to be attached.  Also, you may have additional switches to give you additional ports to connect more devices via ethernet cables (think of it like how a power board gives you more sockets)

Transfer speed on your network is shown as Mbps (mega bits per second). The bigger the number the better. As with any system the speed is governed by the weakest link which can be your internet plan speed, your method of transfer being wi-fi or ethernet cable, or the devices such as the router which the data transfers through. Most modern products are designed to support up to 1Gbps (1000 Mbps). In summary, speed is how fast you can transfer a file from A to B.

HOW to make your own network – Which Wi-Fi (wireless) Modem Router?

Without a doubt, the easiest, most economical, and fastest way to get up and running is to buy a wireless router. It will enable you to have a connection with both wi-fi and ethernet cable.  Before you go out and buy one you need to understand the options and features:

  • Mesh Network – This is a recent wireless networking architecture that allows you to gain greater coverage by offering the main router and a satellite unit.  The wi-fi network name remains the same and as you walk around your premises with your device connected wirelessly the connection will be seamlessly handed between the satellite and the main unit dependant which has better signal strength.  This is a more reliable way of offering greater coverage in a larger area.  Some units also use a dedicated wi-fi channel to ensure the best possible speed to the satellite.
  • Wireless extender – This is an optional extra device. As the wireless signal has a limited range you can use an extender box to increase the distance away from the original wi-fi router.  Note that an extender will require you to connect to a different wi-fi network name and enter a password.
  • 2.4Ghz vs 5Ghz –Ghz (gigahertz) refers to the radio frequency.  A 2.4Ghz connection will travel further and better through walls but at a slower speed. 5Ghz will be faster but not have a good range (distance between PC and wi-fi router) and cannot support as many connections per channel.  A dual-band router would normally mean 1 x 2.4GHz and 1 x 5Ghz channels available to connect to.
  • Processor and Ram – Remember we talked about a router being like a traffic cop.  Well the stronger and more intelligent the router is the better it will handle moving all the traffic around. You should choose a device with a multi-core processor and a quantity of RAM for example, 128MB
  • Wi-Fi router speed – Be aware the top speed quoted on the carton is theoretical and you are unlikely to duplicate it in real life.  If speed is a primary concern you should use an Ethernet cable to connect to your wireless router.
  • Smartphone App – Networking has traditionally been the domain of experts.  However most modern units are easy to be set up and can easily be monitored and controlled from a smartphone app.
  • USB port – allows direct connection of a hard drive, printer or back up modem
  • VPN – a feature on high-end routers that allow you to set up a secure connection remotely (from home) back into your office environment.
  • Security – common on all routers that by default ensures only those with the appropriate passwords and permissions can connect to your network or devices on your network.  You don’t want your competitor stealing all your ideas by simply parking their car out the front.

HINTS – 3 Tips to help with your setup

  1. Some form of mobile phone modem is a great backup to keep your business running if the fixed service goes down (some internet providers offer this as standard in their package).
  2. Be sure to read our essential guide on Backing up your Data.  Always back up your data and store it at a secure external location.
  3. Be forward-thinking – Buy quality hardware that will last for many years and allow for expansion in your business when you implement your network. For example, if you get an electrician in to do some ethernet cabling, maybe get some extra points installed.

SUMMARY – Visit Gadget Guy for the latest products

A good quality mesh wi-fi router will meet most small business needs and give you a simple and reliable way to share.

If you require something more complicated or you simply need help be sure to read our essential guide on IT Support.

Our sister publication Gadget Guy has reviews of the latest products to suit your small business. They also have more information on the technology https://www.gadgetguy.com.au/mesh-wifi-need-know-tutorial/