Mesh router question

[The Sauce]

I just bought a rental property. There are two homes basically side by side - maybe about 50' apart. I initially purchased separate DSL for both homes, but one can only run at 6 mbps and the other at 10, so I think it makes sense to cancel the slow one and just try to extend wi-fi between the two homes.

I have set up many routers but never a mesh system. I have been advised to use the google one. Do you think that is appropriate for my application? The homes are small and I think three would do it.

 

[razel]

Not recommended. Both homes will be on the same network so they'll be able to see each other's devices. They can cast to each other's ChromeCasts, print, share files, see network traffic, etc. If you know enough networking you can buy a ~$60 Ubiquiti Edgerouter that you connect to the faster DSL as a router then setup a VLAN, which can separate the two Ethernet cables running to each rental... then the renter can run their own WiFi network.

 

[The Sauce]

Thanks for the response, and sorry for my ignorance. Wouldn't it be possible to set up one router to have multiple logins? I know most routers have guest/host with separate passwords and such. Having separate logins would solve the privacy issues you raised, would it not? I know hotels do something like that...and probably starbucks and other shared networks.

 

[The Sauce]

Just to document the resolution, I spoke with someone who owns and is knowledgeable about the google wifi. So you can set up two discreet networks and logins without any cross-talk, so security should not be an issue. You control all access from your phone through your google account, so no risk of shenanigans.

 

[razel]

I suppose you can accomplish it using just one GWiFi if you have one property on the main network, then the other as a guest network, but you won't be able to segregate the wired network.

The issue I'm trying to avoid, is putting you in charge of the WiFi SSID and password for both properties. I recommend just provide the split of the Internet through a router/gateway and each property will be at their own discretion as to what WiFi router to buy and attach off the Ethernet port you provide.

 

[The Sauce]

Oh I probably left out a crucial piece of information - no long term renters. These are vacation rentals, so folks will just becoming in, logging on to wifi and leaving. They will not be buying routers and such.

 

[JackMDS]

DSL Speed is laughable with these days bandwidth demands, that will end up with bigger Headache.

You better of leaving it as is with two separate accounts.

 

[Ezra. W]

IMHO, mesh maybe better than dumb APs since you have to rely on the router to do your AP switching.