Carl, all my wireless smart devices (plugs, bulbs, cameras etc) are entirely connected to the Tenda mesh network 2.4Ghz, and I can see this confirmed in the Tenda app too. All other computers in the house are connected to Hub3 via ethernet cables. The only device connecting to the 5Ghz band of the Hub3 is my mobile. And as far as I'm aware, most wireless devices opertaing on the 2.4Ghz band don't need much more than 40-50mbps to work anyway - it only becomes an issue if I keep adding more devices in due course. As I said earlier, the WiFi speeds are adequate enough to keep the smart devices working. Where I would like to see an improvement in speeds to reflect the fact that I have a 500mbps feed is when we walk around the house with laptops and phones and don't want to have to keep switching between the slow mesh WiFi and the faster Hub3 WiFi to get the best connection!
But I take your point about putting the Hub3 in Modem mode, connecting it to the first Tenda node and then connecting the switch to that node. So is my summary understanding right: the feed into the house and Hub3 will be at 500mbps, and from there to the first node via ethernet will also be at 500mbps....but all subsequent downstream connections through the switch via ethernet cables would be limited to 100mbps, and that's purely because of the Tenda MW3's low spec?
If or when I step up to a Hub5, I know that it will come with 2x 2.5Ghz ports. And when I upgrade to a better Tenda system with 10/100/1000 ports (MW6 or higher), I'll be able to hook up my switch and have full speed across all 8 ports. So for now, keeping the existing Hub3, if I want to keep all my ethernet connections at full speed using the switch, I first have to upgrade the Tenda mesh to a model with faster 1Gig ports.
But going back to my original post, I still need some help understanding if my current configuration between Hub3/Tenda is causing the Double NAT conflict that's giving me slow WiFi. I need to know how to properly configure these things before ordering any new hardware. And then of cousre I'll still an answer to the SSID question: If I'm forced to keep the Tenda SSID and password for my wireless devices, can't I just change the Hub3's SSID name to match that of the Tenda, thereby creating one unified network across the house and keep every device connected without having to resest them manually, which I'll have to do if I change the WiFi network SSID of the Tenda to match that of the Hub's. Once I know how to fix this SSID conundrum, then I can go ahead and order an MW6, MW12 or MX15Pro!
NotSoYoda wrote:But I take your point about putting the Hub3 in Modem mode, connecting it to the first Tenda node and then connecting the switch to that node. So is my summary understanding right: the feed into the house and Hub3 will be at 500mbps, and from there to the first node via ethernet will also be at 500mbps....but all subsequent downstream connections through the switch via ethernet cables would be limited to 100mbps, and that's purely because of the Tenda MW3's low spec?
The HUB 3 has 1Gbps ethernet, which will be plugged into the first Tenda node that will negotiate to 100Mbps, so yes, all devices thereafter will be limited to around 90Mbps for internet speed. However, all devices connected to the switch, other than the Tenda node, will connect up to 1Gbps, so transferring data between these devices will see up to 940Mbps (Local data transfer).
NotSoYoda wrote:If or when I step up to a Hub5, I know that it will come with 2x 2.5Ghz ports. And when I upgrade to a better Tenda system with 10/100/1000 ports (MW6 or higher), I'll be able to hook up my switch and have full speed across all 8 ports. So for now, keeping the existing Hub3, if I want to keep all my ethernet connections at full speed using the switch, I first have to upgrade the Tenda mesh to a model with faster 1Gig ports
The HUB 5 only has one 2.5Gbps port, which won't serve any meaningful purpose as it will negotiate to 1Gbps but yes, upgrading to a better Tenda, or other, system will allow this faster speed, allowing 500Mbps download bandwidth across all your devices.
NotSoYoda wrote:But going back to my original post, I still need some help understanding if my current configuration between Hub3/Tenda is causing the Double NAT conflict that's giving me slow WiFi. I need to know how to properly configure these things before ordering any new hardware. And then of cousre I'll still an answer to the SSID question: If I'm forced to keep the Tenda SSID and password for my wireless devices, can't I just change the Hub3's SSID name to match that of the Tenda, thereby creating one unified network across the house and keep every device connected without having to resest them manually, which I'll have to do if I change the WiFi network SSID of the Tenda to match that of the Hub's. Once I know how to fix this SSID conundrum, then I can go ahead and order an MW6, MW12 or MX15Pro!
Double NAT would not slow down your WiFi, it's the 100Mbps connection between the first Tenda node and the HUB.
Setting the SSID to match between the HUB 3 and Tenda is fine, however, devices would potentially stay connected to the HUB 3 or Tenda as there is no smart roaming between these devices. It only works well in this scenario where the HUB 3 is out of range, but the Tenda is, so a wireless device would disconnect from one device, and connection to the other.
You need to ditch the MW3, purchase a mesh system with 1Gbps ethernet ports, put the HUB into modem mode, and set the SSID to whatever you want to limit the amount of devices you need to reconfigure.
Forgive me, as a network newbie, I'm probably missing something obvious here. And please excuse my excess wordage! I just want to be as clear as possible with my info so the clever folks in the Community can give the best advice possible. I'm sure I'm not the only one on here struggling with this!!
In the scenario we're discussing here, should I be connecting my 8 port switch into one of the ports of the Hub3/5, or into one of the ports on the main Tenda node...presumably after I have put the Hub3/5 into Modem mode? Meaning: fibre cable into the house to the Hub3/5 in Modem mode, then ethernet into main Tenda node (presumably now in Bridge mode...still not sure), and then the 8 port switch into the second port of the main Tenda node??
My understanding upto now has been that 10/100/1000 designation of any device referred to the speed capabilities of the actual ports over a physical ethernet cable, not its WiFi speed. You say "The HUB 3 has 1Gbps ethernet, which will be plugged into the first Tenda node that will negotiate to 100Mbps, so yes, all devices thereafter will be limited to around 90Mbps for internet speed. However, all devices connected to the switch, other than the Tenda node, will connect up to 1Gbps, so transferring data between these devices will see up to 940Mbps". But is the '100mbps' you mention referring to the WiFi speed or cable connection speeds? If you're talking about the cable connection speeds from Hub3 to the first node....and I connect my switch to that same node.... then wouldn't it logically follow that anything connected to the switch via ethernet downstream will also be capped at 100mbps because that's all the Tenda can pump out?
The MW3's specs say it's a 1200mbps dual band mesh, with speeds of upto 300mbps on it's 2.4GHz band and 867MHz on the 5GHz. So if I put the Hub3/5 in Modem mode, then shouldn't the first main Tenda note relay those same speeds across to the other nodes in the house when connected to Hub via cable? Even under my current sub-optimal setup (Hub in router mode, wired connection to the Tenda in DHCP mode), I can often get WiFi speeds in excess of 150mbps when I'm alone in the house doing speed tests on my phone! How am I getting these WiFi speeds, even though the Tenda is limited to 100mbps as you're saying? I don't know what I'm missing here.
Any suggestions about how to implement the new settings in the right sequence? Others have suggested: First put Hub3/5 in Modem mode, then turn it off and remove all ethernet cables. Start up the Tenda mesh system. (NOTE: in the Tenda app Settings>>Internet settings>> there are only 4 options - PPPoE, DCHP, Static IP Address, Bridge. it's currently set to DHCP....should it be in Bridge?). Connect main Tenda node to the Hub3 (specifically port 4 on the Hub5). Turn on Hub3/5. Done. Any thoughts about this sequence?
I'm under the impression that the benefit of having just one matching SSID name between Hub and Tenda is so that EVERYTHING in the house (smart devices, laptops, phones etc etc) is always connecting to just one network. And in the event that I ever need to change routers or even ISPs, all I have to do is use the same network SSID and password as I have now, and all devices will reconnect as before. I need this solution as I cannot access some of my smart devices to reset them, so I MUST retain the Tenda's SSID which they are all connected to, and change the Hub's SSID to match the Tenda's. What I also don't know is how to separate the 2.4 and 5GHz bands within the new connection setup. Once the whole Tenda/Hub3 thing is configured correctly and is up and running, how do I separate those bands? I cannot see anything in the MW3's settings that allows you to do this.
Thanks
NotSoYoda wrote:
But is the '100mbps' you mention referring to the WiFi speed or cable connection speeds?
Its the link speed of the Tenda that limits everything so you need a better router with 1Gb ports in order for wifi to go faster then 100Mb faster wifi has to go by ethernet so if its 100Mb your limited to 100Mb from wireless to wire link if the wire link is 1Gb then wifi can go upto 1Gb
NotSoYoda wrote:
Any suggestions about how to implement the new settings in the right sequence? Others have suggested: First put Hub3/5 in Modem mode, then turn it off and remove all ethernet cables. Start up the Tenda mesh system. (NOTE: in the Tenda app Settings>>Internet settings>> there are only 4 options - PPPoE, DCHP, Static IP Address, Bridge. it's currently set to DHCP....should it be in Bridge?).
you want DHCP not Bridge
NotSoYoda wrote:
<snip> In the scenario we're discussing here, should I be connecting my 8 port switch into one of the ports of the Hub3/5, or into one of the ports on the main Tenda node...presumably after I have put the Hub3/5 into Modem mode? Meaning: fibre cable into the house to the Hub3/5 in Modem mode, then ethernet into main Tenda node (presumably now in Bridge mode...still not sure), and then the 8 port switch into the second port of the main Tenda node??
Only one cable can be used from any Hub in Modem mode. So that's the cable to your Router. Any switches need to be connected to the Router.
My understanding upto now has been that 10/100/1000 designation of any device referred to the speed capabilities of the actual ports over a physical ethernet cable, not its WiFi speed. You say "The HUB 3 has 1Gbps ethernet, which will be plugged into the first Tenda node that will negotiate to 100Mbps, so yes, all devices thereafter will be limited to around 90Mbps for internet speed. However, all devices connected to the switch, other than the Tenda node, will connect up to 1Gbps, so transferring data between these devices will see up to 940Mbps". But is the '100mbps' you mention referring to the WiFi speed or cable connection speeds? If you're talking about the cable connection speeds from Hub3 to the first node....and I connect my switch to that same node.... then wouldn't it logically follow that anything connected to the switch via ethernet downstream will also be capped at 100mbps because that's all the Tenda can pump out?
The connection to the Internet via the Hub will be restricted to 100mb as that's the limit on the Tenda Router. The speed limitation is indeed the speed of the NIC whether is is 10/100 or 10/100/1000 This applies to all networking kit.
The MW3's specs say it's a 1200mbps dual band mesh, with speeds of upto 300mbps on it's 2.4GHz band and 867MHz on the 5GHz. So if I put the Hub3/5 in Modem mode, then shouldn't the first main Tenda note relay those same speeds across to the other nodes in the house when connected to Hub via cable? Even under my current sub-optimal setup (Hub in router mode, wired connection to the Tenda in DHCP mode), I can often get WiFi speeds in excess of 150mbps when I'm alone in the house doing speed tests on my phone! How am I getting these WiFi speeds, even though the Tenda is limited to 100mbps as you're saying? I don't know what I'm missing here.
Devices using the Tenda Wifi will be able to communicate with each other on the LAN at a faster rate, but not outwards to the Internet. I doubt if the Wifi speed test was connected to the Tenda, but more likely to the Hub 3?
Any suggestions about how to implement the new settings in the right sequence? Others have suggested: First put Hub3/5 in Modem mode, then turn it off and remove all ethernet cables. Start up the Tenda mesh system. (NOTE: in the Tenda app Settings>>Internet settings>> there are only 4 options - PPPoE, DCHP, Static IP Address, Bridge. it's currently set to DHCP....should it be in Bridge?). Connect main Tenda node to the Hub3 (specifically port 4 on the Hub5). Turn on Hub3/5. Done. Any thoughts about this sequence?
Thats it really. The Router should be set to DHCP mode when using a Hub in Modem mode. In modem mode, the Hub is just a "bridge" between your Router and VM's infrastructure. It has no other functions e.g. Wifi etc.
I'm under the impression that the benefit of having just one matching SSID name between Hub and Tenda is so that EVERYTHING in the house (smart devices, laptops, phones etc etc) is always connecting to just one network. And in the event that I ever need to change routers or even ISPs, all I have to do is use the same network SSID and password as I have now, and all devices will reconnect as before. I need this solution as I cannot access some of my smart devices to reset them, so I MUST retain the Tenda's SSID which they are all connected to, and change the Hub's SSID to match the Tenda's. What I also don't know is how to separate the 2.4 and 5GHz bands within the new connection setup. Once the whole Tenda/Hub3 thing is configured correctly and is up and running, how do I separate those bands? I cannot see anything in the MW3's settings that allows you to do this.
There should be an option to rename the SSID's on the Router, however it may not be available on the phone app. You may have to login to the Router and nodes to configure fully. If you get a newer Tenda Mesh, you should rename the SSID and passwords to match the old decommissioned units. This will allow all your existing IoT to work.
Thanks
Thanks Adduxi. Not wishing to contradict your helpful advice, I can assure you that the fast WiFi speeds I'm getting are when I go to my phone's settings and specifically select the Tenda mesh network, and at all times, I can see both VM bands, 2.4 & 5GHz in the list too. I just performed another speed test again now sitting next to the Hub3 and first Tenda node....connected to the Tenda SSID... and got 350 down and 50 up! I'm now even more confused!!
But in any case, I appreciate all the responses from the the various community memeber so far. The common concensus seems to be pointing to the Tenda MW3 and its very basic specifications. So I guess I'll have to pick this up again once I have upgraded to one of the more recent models from Tenda or any other mesh provider. I only chose Tenda because they gave the best bang for bucks back then!
I should also point that there are numerous contradicting posts on here regarding the topic of using a mesh to improve WiFi signals around a property, and which device should be put into what mode. Some say you should keep the VM Hub3 in Router mode but switch off its WiFi (I don't know how or what that even means). Others adamantly maintain that you MUST put the Hub in Modem mode and change settings inside your mesh to match this accordingly (DHCP, bridge or whatever). Yet others say something about MAC cloning but sadly that's wayyyy beyond my basic understanding of these things. I realise I am out of my depth on this topic here, but I am surprised as to how there can possibly be so many different opinions and interpretaions on the same subject! Surely, we're dealing with digital devices and lots of ones and zeros, and only one of these explanations can be the right one, but I think this is just borne out of my own frustration at not being to navigate my round this stuff and lack of knowledge!
So, bottom line seems to be:
1) Put Hub3/5 in Modem mode.
2) Put Tenda (or any other brand) mesh with 1Gig ports in Bridge mode.
3) Ethernet from Hub3 to the first/main node.
4) Set Hub3 SSID name to match current Tenda SSID name.
5) Connect 8 port switch to one of the other ports on the back of the first/main node.
6) Every device attached via ethernet switch will receive the full 500mbps.
7) Keep fingers crossed that all wireless smart devices, laptops and phones will hopefully receive better WiFi signals around the house.
Please feel free to correct these steps if I've made a blatantly stupid mistake or have omitted an important step. Once I have chosen a suitably fast mesh system, I will implement all the advice given here and report back.
A big thank you to all who have reached out to help so far. I would welcome any other advice or suggestions which could help that hasn't already been covered. Always grateful......
NotSoYoda
