I'm looking for a new set of router/APs to cover a whole house in a mesh setup, that doesn't involve using an app, or creating an account with the manufacturer. It has to work locally, with the configuration accessible from a browser. I repeat, no app and no online accounts. Just devices that can act as a router + repeaters, that can be configured from a browser. A bonus would be to have SMA ports so that antennas can be connected to them.

The current setup consists of only two Asus RT-AC66U, and the range sucks. They'e getting old, I don't want more of these, and the one serving as a mesh repeater often stops responding for a few seconds. I made the mistake of buying a pack of TP-Link Deco and I ended up returning them because they require an app and online account to configure.

Any suggestion meeting those requirements will be appreciated.

Tplink Omada. Deploy a controller on-prem and configure it. It has a web interface but I use the mobile app.

It has a cloud service to aid in connecting to your controller, or to act as your controller, but its not required.

I do use its cloud service, but I know in the app it gives me the option to access the controller locally or through their cloud relay. When i configure things using the browser its local only.

I use TP-Link Omada EAP-650's with the OC200 controller (there is a new version of the controller that is supposed to be better) and OpnSense as a router. Grab a POE switch and run wired cables if at all possible, yes they can mesh... wired > wireless and they still need power. With POE they are easy to ceiling mount, I have 2 and can access my wifi from 1/2 a block from home with one mounted near the front door and one near the back. You can use an app or the web interface, you can also forgo the controller and run the software on an always on computer.

Devices that combine the wifi and router are underpowered, designed to be replaced in 2 years or so, and don't get updated enough to truly protect a network in the AI age which is where OpnSense is amazing. The Omada series allows you to literally drop in an extra AP or replace an old one, adopt and apply the setup, and be off and running. Combined with a managed switch and you can create separate vLAN's that will isolate devices until they touch the router and then you can decide what to do with it.

Pretty much all modern wireless setups are controlled via the browser. I use ubiquiti since we use it for clients at work and I love it. Got the gateway, 2 APs and a switch. But any reputable setup will work great and should be expandable if necessary.

Give us the square meterage. 😊 Meanwhile, I love my two RT-AX58Us. A v1 and a v2. Both have support for partially open source Asuswrt-Merlin (v1) and Asuswrt-Merlin NG (v2). I use them as access points. Mind you, I live in 36m².

I can highly recommend a unifi setup. Mine has been stable and reliable. The aps are really all about as good, just price whatever you need and the controller software can be ran in a vm but they also sell dedicated appliances.

AVM Fritz!Box. They have always been on top of the technology, having taken part in the definition of both ISDN and DSL.

Of course, they are no longer available in the US, because the US government can't just plant backdoors in them.

My apartment is also about 30m² so a single router is more than enough, but this is at my parent's in the countryside. The house is about 250m² on two levels. There is another much smaller building (around 42m²) about 50m away, and I have a cabin about 400m farther. I got Wi-Fi there using a set of GL.iNet GL-AR300M and a few antennas, but I'd like to have everything on the same mesh, and improve coverage in the house at the same time. Covering the barn another 30m away would also be a bonus.

Because of the size to cover, I like having the option to detach the antennas on some devices, so that I can position them better. My mother also don't want to see an "ugly" device with multiplie antennas poking out, sitting somewhere.

So far I like the Omada suggestions, and I'm leaning towards this solution.