Bearifi BearExtender Edge Mesh 802.11ac Wi-Fi System with BearExtender Range Boost Technology AC1200 Dual Band 2.4Ghz + 5Ghz Smart Wi-Fi System with Gigabit Port (1 Mesh Router + 1 Satellite)

For years I used a single wifi access point (AP) to cover my multi-story house. The AP was equipped for dual band coverage at 2.4GHz and 5GHz. It worked well, for the most part, although there were dead spots around the house, especially in my office (which was at about the fringe of the AP's coverage). Over the years, however, as neighbors installed more wifi networks and once uncluttered channels became occupied by two, three or four signals, my download speeds were taking a large hit. I'd used Bearifi products before (when the company was called BearExtender) and was quite satisfied with them. I decided to try their EDGE mesh kit to see if it would give me better wifi performance throughout the house. Although the mesh kit can work as either an AP or an extender for an existing AP, for technical reasons I needed to use it in AP mode. This kit comes with one master unit that serves as the wifi AP and another unit that is a satellite. I ran some quick tests with the mesh kit AP roughly co-located with my existing AP, and with the satellite one floor below on a table outside my den. In the den I measured download speeds (on a MacBook Pro) that pretty much matched what I get from my existing 5G network and a speed that was 50% faster than the 2.4G network. However, while the speed of my existing 5G network is highly location dependent, the mesh kit speed was constant no matter where I set my MacBook Pro. I measured the signal strength of the 2.4G signal from both my existing AP and the mesh kit AP in some dead spots on the same floor. (The Android tablet I used for the measurements doesn’t have a 5G WiFi capability.) My existing AP put in a signal that was 3-4db stronger than the mesh kit signal WHEN THE EXISTING AP'S SIGNAL WAS AT FULL STRENGTH. But, its signal strength fluctuated and, at times was nearly 20db below the signal from the mesh kit. By contrast, the 2.4G signal from the mesh kit was strong and never varied as I walked around the room. The mesh kit also cut through the interference I was experiencing when using my original AP. In my office the results were not as good. Bearifi's tech support suggested I try relocating the satellite. After trying several locations I concluded I would need a second satellite closer to my office. That's my next step. I’m totally impressed with the Bearifi mesh kit (using it as my AP). I love the quick set-up and I will definitely use the touch feature to securely share the network with guests (simply push the button on top of the AP --- no password necessary). I hate entering my password into someone else’s computer because then the password is “out in the wild” and even thought the chances of someone bootlegging my signal are remote, still ... Two other features that impressed me were the build and the GUI. Okay, I haven’t taken the units apart to see if they are full of quality components or bubble gum and baling wire, but from their look and feel I’m betting on the former. The GUI couldn’t be easier to use. Setting up my existing AP took me an hour. Granted, that AP had many extra features, most of which I didn't need, but an hour is still an hour. Setup time for the mesh kit as an AP was under 15 minutes. That included waiting for the satellite to initialize and connect to the AP and the 5 minutes it took me to find a misplaced Ethernet cable. Finally, Bearifi's tech support has been first rate. A tech support rep responded to my initial email promptly and we've been working together, via email, ever since. If the rep couldn't answer my question immediately he always gave me an estimate of how long it would take for him to get back to me. I never felt abandoned and, more importantly, I never had to ask the same question twice. If your present wifi AP isn't doing the job, or if you need to extend coverage (for example into a garage, work shed or back yard) I recommend this product without reservation.

The bearifi edge mesh has a great signal but it disconnects repeatedly from my devices so therefore I give it a 1 star rating and when I contacted tech support they never replied to my emails I did try to do like it said in the user manual to turn auto switch off and change the 5g name to include 5g at the end but this didn't help at all.

As a low cost mesh WiFi, the Bearifi Wifi devices were easy to setup and configure as long as you are using it for basic WiFi mesh networking. The wireless speeds are nominal and performance is rudimentary consistent. The GUI menu is easy to understand and the process of configuration is very straightforward for basic Wifi networking. This is a very good product for basic Wifi users. For more advanced Wifi network users, you may want to steer clear of Bearifi devices. Some of the features in more advanced Wifi systems are not available on Bearifi. More Advanced User Features Lacking: Does not have gaming features for gamers Does not have dedicated Mobile App GUI Does not recognize or allow VLANs Does not have QOS for network traffic Does not have network diagnostics No packet inspection features No firewall rules specificity, just the basics No port scanning or monitoring When in Extended Mode, Reduced Features For Basic Users: I am not attempting to be overly critical of the Bearifi Wifi Mesh product. It is a good product for specific needs and users. I have several Bearifi units and I am using them for IOT devices and for that function it works really well. All of my IOT devices set quickly and effortlessly. All of my Wifi Light Bulbs, Robots, and Wifi appliances have no issues connecting to the network. As for more advanced features, I have equipment that can supplement that on my Wifi network. In summary: If you just need really good basic Wifi mesh at a low cost, Bearifi can do it. It is easy to setup and will work consistently and effortlessly. As long as you have a PC, Mac or Android, you can reach the GUI via your browser. Bearifi is a good addition to an existing wired or wireless network. If you are an advanced user and looking for full networking management and WiFi features, Bearifi is not the product I would recommend for you. Hope this review is helpful.

It’s not as good as it said

My first comment is one word - WOW - Wonderful Outstanding Wireless. It was very easy to set-up and has made a huge difference in my wireless internet. Some history - for quite a while, I have been battling to get good wireless internet (wifi) from the cable modem provided by the cable company. The wired internet has been mostly good but the wifi, not so much. A while back I plugged a older access point in just so I would have something somewhat stable. That helped but really was not enough and was on a 2.4 G device. It was recommended by an acquaintance that I add a MESH router access point to my house and not rely on the unstable wifi from the cable company. Long story short, I did my research and decided on the Bearifi BearExtender Edge Mesh 802.11ac Wi-Fi System with BearExtender Range Boost Technology AC. From the moment I set it up and began using it, the stability and speed have been outstanding. The afternoon before I installed it, I watched an conference via the internet and I had to restart the player 3 or 4 times. Today, I watched the second session. I experienced no stalls or restarts. So, if you wonder is it worth it? Yes it is.

Update: This router performance is very inconsistent. In same position in house it struggles to maintain signal strength on either 5 or 2.4 channels. Connections drop or become very weak for no apparent reason and I'm only 10 feet from the router. Older: I used this to extend my existing network. Setup was very easy and I had no issues. I have used Bearifi wifi extenders and they have done a great job for picking up signal to my workshop behind house. I expected this mesh router to be better than my existing wifi equipment. After setup, I connected via LAN cable to my primary router (apple base station latest gen). I have no issue connecting, however if I am sitting in my front yard using my iPhone, with Bearifi mesh router in direct line of sight through window, the signal is weaker than my Apple router. In this test the Bearifi is closer than my primary Apple router (not line of sight). Bearifi is about 20 feet from me (separated by brick wall/window). Apple router is about 35 feet from me and separated by brick exterior. Speedtest done in this situation shows Apple router download is approximately 2x as fast (30 mbps) as Bearifi (17 mbps). I am puzzled because I thought mesh performance would exceed non-mesh. I will continue to play with position and settings to see if I can improve and will update my review if I can improve the results. In the house, the mesh router seems to provide a strong signal to a desktop computer (approx 55 feet through 1 wall with some TV/furniture and full closet). It was a better connection (full download/upload speeds) in this case, as my primary router is 75 feet/3 walls away. If it remained consistent, I'd be happy with the 5 GHz performance.

Excellent piece of equipment, looks good and you can tweak it. I will advise That you configure it to split the 2.4 and 5 GHZ signals... it is in the Access using 192.168.10.1, click WiFi icon - Disable smart connect. And then rename the 5 ghz network and use that for speed. The 2.4 is slower but is accessible from distance. Please account for this ... every hop of the mesh WiFi halves the speed. Works like a charm. No drops because of smart switching, solid speed

We now have stronger signal in the whole house. Set up was quick and easy with a cell phone. It took longer to decide where to put the two two units. weak internet in parts of the house was a pain. What a relief to no longer have that problem.