FAQ
TL;DR: For FunBox 6, plan on 2–3 satellites; "most satellites sometimes have one or two LAN outputs or none at all." A mesh/AP kit (e.g., Deco M4 or Orbi) wired to your LAN gives whole‑home Wi‑Fi across floors. [Elektroda, RobeMek, post #19494649]
Why it matters: This FAQ is for FunBox 6 fiber users in multi‑floor homes who want one stable Wi‑Fi network without dead zones or guesswork.
Quick Facts
- FunBox 6 usually cannot run in bridge mode; use AP mode on your gear or disable its Wi‑Fi. [Elektroda, RobeMek, post #19494151]
- At 5 GHz, each successive wall reduces performance; one device may not cover a floor. [Elektroda, jprzedworski, post #19493529]
- TP‑Link Deco M4 can work as a classic AP under an ISP router like FunBox 6. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19494876]
- One user saw a “colossal” boost moving from Orbi RBK20 to RBK50 with 20 devices. [Elektroda, RobeMek, post #19494850]
- Many satellites have limited Ethernet (one or two LAN ports, or none)—check before buying. [Elektroda, RobeMek, post #19494649]
Which is better with FunBox 6: TP‑Link Archer AX1500 (Wi‑Fi 6) or Archer C80 (AC1900)?
Both will cover a single room well. For whole‑home coverage, add more APs or use a mesh kit. “If this WiFi is to cover one room, each router solution you have chosen is good.” For one network across floors, multi‑AP or mesh is the safer plan. [Elektroda, RobeMek, post #19494151]
Can I switch FunBox 6 to bridge mode?
No. The forum notes FunBox 6 cannot be switched to bridge in standard ISP firmware. Build around it by running your add‑on gear in AP mode, or disable the FunBox Wi‑Fi and let your system handle wireless. [Elektroda, RobeMek, post #19494151]
Will one device cover my ground floor?
It depends on area and walls. “At 5 GHz, each successive wall represents a degradation in performance.” Expect to add another AP or mesh node if rooms and walls block line‑of‑sight. A single router often won’t cover a whole floor well. [Elektroda, jprzedworski, post #19493529]
Are Ubiquiti UAP AC LR or UAP AC Lite good options here?
Yes. A respondent recommended Ubiquiti UAP AC LR/Lite for reliable AP coverage. They are strong picks when you can run Ethernet to the AP location for stable backhaul and roaming. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19493364]
How do I set up TP‑Link Deco M4 with FunBox 6 for one SSID?
Use Deco in AP mode under the FunBox. 1. Connect the main Deco by Ethernet to a FunBox LAN port. 2. In the Deco app, switch operating mode to Access Point. 3. Add the second Deco via the app and place it downstairs. This avoids cascading routers. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19494876]
Is “mesh” always better, or is it mostly marketing?
Mesh helps, but features differ. As one expert warned, “MESH is not a quality indicator.” Check for solid backhaul options, good roaming behavior, and enough LAN ports on nodes. Avoid simple repeaters marketed as mesh. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19494755]
Do I need tri‑band mesh if I have many devices?
Possibly. A user reported a big jump moving from Orbi RBK20 to RBK50 with 20 devices: “the difference was colossal with 20 devices connected.” Tri‑band models often scale better thanks to extra backhaul capacity. [Elektroda, RobeMek, post #19494850]
Where should I place satellites, and do they have LAN ports?
Place satellites where you need coverage and a decent upstream signal. Many nodes offer limited Ethernet, so plan wired devices accordingly. “Most satellites sometimes have one or two LAN outputs or none at all.” Check port counts before buying. [Elektroda, RobeMek, post #19494649]
How do I link a second building ~300 m away with NanoStation loco M5 without double NAT?
Put the remote router in AP mode. Disable its DHCP and connect the loco M5 to a LAN port on that router. Devices then get IPs from the home router and stay in one subnet. “In your current solution, devices ‘at the house’ are not available from the home network.” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19505093]
Will devices roam smoothly if I keep both FunBox Wi‑Fi and my mesh on?
Roaming can suffer. With two unrelated APs, clients may stick to a weaker signal. “It often does not switch to a new router or satellites while moving.” Turn off FunBox Wi‑Fi or match capabilities carefully. [Elektroda, RobeMek, post #19495015]
Should I disable FunBox 6 Wi‑Fi when I add mesh/AP gear?
Yes, if you want one consistent SSID and roaming. A responder suggested turning off FunBox Wi‑Fi and using the new kit (router + satellites) for full‑home coverage and seamless access. This simplifies client behavior. [Elektroda, RobeMek, post #19494906]
Can Deco M4 still give “mesh” roaming in AP mode under FunBox 6?
Yes. “Getting rid of WiFi from FB and using a new router and satellites in AP will provide full MESH.” You keep seamless roaming and central control while avoiding double NAT. [Elektroda, RobeMek, post #19495015]
How many Deco units or satellites do I need for a two‑floor house?
Start with two units and test coverage. Many homes need 2–3 satellites for consistent performance across floors and rooms. This aligns with guidance provided in the thread. [Elektroda, RobeMek, post #19494649]
