Mesh Confused & Signal Strength Questions
Folks, I need some help with nomenclature.
First, I'm not a techie when it comes to wireless technology. I have a somewhat unique (I think) application and have been scouring the Tp-Link product information to find units that might work. I'm trying to avoid buying expensive gear only to discover it's not the right equipment for the application.
In any event, I have had major confusion over the terms: Mesh, Mesh WiFi, OneMesh, EasyMesh, DECO Mesh and AI-Driven Mesh. Perhaps, some kind community member could confirm (or correct) my understanding.
- OneMesh, EasyMesh and DECO Mesh all seem to refer to different generations of TP-Link products and different levels of technology.
- These three product groups are not compatible with each other. If I'm starting with a DECO Mesh home system (I am), I can only extend it with DECO Mesh branded components. Also, I understand that mixing different DECO mesh units is possible but they may not all have the same capabilities.
- Mesh and Mesh WiFi seem to be generic descriptions of a type of wireless network.
Here's the hard part of the application. This is an agricultural setting, a horse farm. There are three metal clad buildings (shop, bunkhouse and barn) plus a house(wood frame with stone exterior). The existing DECO mesh installation is fixed wireless. The fixed wireless antenna is mounted on the shop and a DECO unit transmits the signal to the houose and the bunkhouse both of which are approximately 100 ft away.
I need to install a satellite in the metal-clad bunkhouse in order to communicate with up to three remote cameras mounted on a single pole about 800 feet away in a direct line of sight from the satellite node. The satellite could be inside transmitting through a window or mounted outside on the building exterior. A major question is whether signal strength from a DECO note would be sufficient to communicate over an 800 ft. clear, unobstructed line of sight to the cameras.
I can't find any clear answer to this from the FAQ's and other information on the TP-Link site. I see a suggestion that for a 6,000 sq.ft., 12 room house, six DECO nodes are recommended. given that the units have omni-directional antennas, This suggests a range of roughly 80-90 feet indoors.
There is a reference in one of the user guides under App setup, to Enable Beam Forming in order to enable concentrating the WiFi signal towards connected devices. Is the beam-forming an automatic function? Still, it's unclear whether this would be sufficient to assure reliable communication with the cameras.
Any help of advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!