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The Synology MR2200ac, released earlier this month, changes almost everything you know about Synology home Wi-Fi routers, including the company's first two, the RT2600ac and RT1900ac. And that's fantastic news.
By itself, the MR2200ac is a fast Wi-Fi router with an excellent range. However, what's even more significant is the fact that, together with it, Synology released a new firmware that adds some unique and notable features, including robust mesh functionality.
Though far from perfectโthe single LAN port, for instance, can be a huge turn-offโat $140, the MR2200ac is an excellent buy for a medium home.
And for those living in a sprawling property, a set of two or three units will likely beat popular purpose-built Wi-Fi systemsโlike the Netgear Orbi or the Linksys Velopโin cost, performance, and features.
Dong's note: I first published this post on October 11, 2018, and last updated it on October 31.
Synology MR2200ac: A simple, yet powerful, tri-band router
The MR2200ac looks rather low-key. It's a relatively small rectangular box designed to stand on one of its sides.
On the back, it has one Gigabit WAN (Internet) port, one Gigabit LAN port, and one USB 3.0 port. It has three status lights dubbed as three Wi-Fi signal bars and functions as those in applicable situations on the front.
It's important to note the implication of having just one LAN port:
- You'll need to resort to a switch if you need to connect more than one wired device to the network. If Wi-Fi is all you care about this won't matter, otherwise, you'll find the router sorely lacking.
- There's no Dual-WAN or link aggregation. Not a huge deal for most home users but advanced users might miss those.
Interestingly, like the case of all Synology routers, you can use the MR2200ac's USB port to host a cellular connection.
This feature comes in handy if you need a backup Internet connection or live in an area without traditional services, namely cable or DSL. In this case, though, the router can no longer host an external storage deviceโyou'll lose all of its storage-related featuresโmore on this below.
Synology routers: Easy setup, universal setting restoration
Setting up the MR2200acโor any Synology router for that matterโis similar to setting up a standard router with a web interface.
(Using the web interface is my favorite way to set up a router. However, Synology also has a DS Router appโavailable for Android and iOSโthat you can use for the setup process and managing main functions of the router.)
First, connect the router's WAN port to an Internet source (like a cable modem). Then hook a computer to its LAN port or its default Wi-Fi network printed on its back.
After that, fire up a web browser and navigate to router.synology.com or to the router's default IP address which is 192.168.1.1. Now follow the on-screen instructions, and you'll finish in a few minutes.
A few notes on the setup process
- You'll be forced to create a password for the admin account and a new Wi-Fi network. While this is a bit of a hassle, it's good for security.
- Depending on the situation, the MR2200ac will restart once or twice during the process. Keep in mind that, it, like all Synology routers, takes a long timeโup to a few minutesโto boot up, much longer than non-Synology routers.
- Chances are your MR2200ac will run the latest firmware out of the box. But if you find yours run any version earlier than 1.2-7742 Update 1. Synology recommends that you update the firmware immediately and perform a hard reset on it. The update can take up to ten minutes to finish.
After the setup process, you'll get to the router's interface. There are two apps for you to get your network up and running.
The first is Network Center that helps manage all network aspects (local settings, Internet, port forwarding, and so on). And the second, the Wi-Fi Connect app, will take care of all things Wi-Fi, including adding a second MR2200ac unit as a mesh point.
Both apps are well-designed and self-explanatory and, in most cases, are all you need to customize your network.
By the way, in my experience, all Synology routers support importing settings from one another. So if you have the RT1900ac, for example, and want to replace it with an MR2200ac, you export the settings from one and import them into the other.
In this case, you won't need to re-program all aspects of your network from the beginning, but just some unique settings.
Synology routers: Robust firmware, useful add-on apps
The Synology MR2200ac runs the latest (version 1.2) of Synology Router Manager (SRM) firmware which derives from Synology's well-known Linux-based DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system used in its NAS servers (of which I've been a big fan).
SRM has a robust web interface similar to a native operating system: A desktop, a taskbar, and a start menu. Each setting section or feature has an app with an icon. You can open multiple apps at a time. Since SRM is persistent across devices, all Synology routers running the same version of SRM will have the same set of settings and features.
The most important app is the Package Center which allows you to install more add-on apps, including third-party apps, each adds a function/feature to the router.
MR2200ac’s add-on apps
- Download Station: This is the same app available in Synology NAS servers. It enables you to search and download files from the Internet. It supports BT/HTTP/FTP/NZB/eMule download protocols and can handle up to 50 downloads at a time.
- Cloud Station Server: Similar to that of a Synology NAS server, this features syncs data between multiple platforms using a USB connected external hard drive as its storage.
- Media Server: Also similar to the same app in Synology's NAS server. This app organizes content for network streamer. It supports popular streaming services, used in popular game consoles, including DLNA and UPnP.
- SafeAccess: This is a Parental Control feature, and online threat protection rolled into a single app. You can manage a client's online access by creating different profiles and then imposing Internet schedules, time quota, and web filters. It also delivers real-time network protection against malware and intrusions with a DNS-based web filter using Google's SafeSearch database. This feature is similar to the AiProtection found in Asus routers.
- VPN Plus Server: A powerful VPN features that support access via a client or a web browser. It supports most VPN services including WebVPN, Synology SSL VPN, SSTP, OpenVPN, L2TP over IPSec, and PPTP.
- RADIUS Server: This app turns the router into a centralized point of authentication, authorization, and accounting for a professional Wi-Fi network.
- DNS Server: A standalone DNS server that allows you to customize the DNS setting for a business network.
Limited internal storage
Note that the MR2200ac, as well as the other two Synology routers, have minimal internal storage. For this reason, out of the box, you can only install just one of the above apps.
To use more apps, you'll first need to connect an external storage device, like a portable drive or a thumb drive. Many apps need external storage to function, too.
I tried out the top four apps mentioned above (all required a USB-connected storage device), and they worked very well. All come with a mobile app for you to manage your tasks without a computer.
Synology MR2200ac: A mesh-ready router
Powered by a Qualcomm IPQ4019 quad-core CPU, the MR2200ac is a tri-band, dual-stream Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) router. It has two 5GHz access points (each caps at 867Mbps) and one 2.4GHz access point (400Mbps).
In all, these Wi-Fi specs resemble those of many mesh systems on the market. And that's likely because Synology has designed the MR2200ac to also work as a satellite mesh point, allowing you to link two or more units into a Wi-Fi system.
Alternatively, the MR200ac also works as a satellite of an RT2600ac router that runs the latest version of SRM (version 1.2 build 7742) or later.
Extra note on Synology mesh
The mesh function is available only on the MR2200ac and RT2600ac.
The RT1900ac doesn't support it, at least for now, because it uses a Broadcom Wi-Fi chip instead of a Qualcomm one like the other two.
Also, while an MR2200ac can work either as the primary router or a satellite mesh point (extender), the RT2600ac can only work as the primary router and not as a satellite.
Synology MR2200ac: Detail photos
Synology MR2200ac: Hardware specifications
| Wi-Fi standard | 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) |
| Wi-Fi bands | Tri-band AC2200 (867+867+400Mbps) |
| Dedicated Backhaul | 2x2 (5GHz) 867Mbps |
| MU-MIMO | Yes |
| Hand-off standards | 802.11k/v/r |
| Dimensions | 6.1 x 7.8 x 2.6 in (154 x 199 x 65 mm) |
| Weight | 1 lb (0.45 kg) |
| SRM version | 1.2 and later. Version tested: 1.2-7742 |
| Apps available | Cloud Station Server Download Station Media Server SafeAccess VPN Server |
| Ports | 1x Gigabit WAN 1x Gigabit LAN 1x USB 3.0 |
| AP supported | Yes |
| On/Off button | Yes |
Synology MR2200ac: Fast and reliable performance
I tested the MR2200ac both as a standalone router and a mesh satellite, and it was consistently impressive compared with other mesh-ready routers.
Excellent Wi-Fi speeds
As a standalone router, it was about as fast as any dual-stream (2x2) Wi-Fi 5 can be. At a close distance of fewer than 10 feet (3m) away, I was able to get more than 540 megabits per second of sustained Wi-Fi speed.
Impressively, when I moved the client to 40 feet away, the throughput still averaged 530.5Mbps, a minor reduction.
The MR2200ac also had an excellent range and could cover a home of some 1800ftยฒ (167mยฒ) with Wi-Fi fast enough to deliver any residential broadband connection in full.
I used an RT2600ac as the primary router in the mesh test and placed the MR2200ac as a satellite unit some 40 feet away. By design, the two connected via one of the MR2200ac's 5GHz bands, leaving the MR2200ac's other two bands (one 5GHz and one 2.4GHz) for Wi-Fi clients.
Thanks to the dedicated backhaul connection, the performance was impressiveโthe fastest among all mesh satellites I've tested.
Reliable and large coverage
As for coverage, with the MR2200ac placed 40 feet away from the main RT2600ac, the two delivered reliable Wi-Fi in an area of some 4000ftยฒ (370mยฒ).
Considering the speed, I could move the MR200ac even further awayโto increase the coverageโand still had decent Wi-Fi speeds.
That said, it's safe to say when well placed, the two units can cover up to 5000ftยฒ (465mยฒ) or even more in a wireless setup. If you link them using a network cable, you can increase the coverage even more without compromising its performance.
As a single router or part of a mesh, the MR2200ac proved to be reliable. I didn't experience any disconnection during a few weeks of testing it.
Decent NAS performance
I tested the MR2200ac's NAS performance using a Samsung T5 portable SSD connected to its USB port. This port has a USB Downgrade function turned on by default to ensure the router delivers the best 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
During storage tests, I disabled this function, and via a Gigabit connection, the router registered more than 45 megabytes per second for writing and more than 55 MB/s for reading.
These weren't the fastest I've seen but speedy enough for casual network storage needs. Just for kicks, I tried testing it with USB Downgrade turned on. Now its NAS speed averaged only about 35MB/s for both reading and writing.
It's important to note that the MR2200ac, or any Synology routers for that matter, has extensive NAS features similar to that of a dedicated NAS server.
Indeed, you can do all kinds of data sharing, syncing, PC-less downloading, media streaming, local network backup (including Time Machine), and so on. And that's great, but it also means you might find the router's storage performance inadequate if you want to use all of its NAS features.
Synology MR2200ac's Rating
Pros
Fast and reliable Wi-Fi performance
Powerful mesh system when two or more units are used together
Sophisticated yet easy-to-use firmware
Lots of useful and effective features with accompanying mobile apps
Ability to import settings from other Synology routers
Cons
Only one LAN port
Not wall-mountable
Conclusion
The Synology MR2200ac is an excellent choice for those needing an affordable, fast, and reliable Wi-Fi solution to take care of a medium-sized home. And if you have a large property, get one or two additional units to create a robust mesh that will categorically beat many others.
What's most important, in either case, everyone sure will benefit from the router's built-in security and other valuable features.
However, I suspect that many users will be taken aback by the MR2200ac single LAN port. In this case, I'd recommend the RT2600ac or the Asus RT-AC86U instead.
Hi there I am wondering which router you would recommend today a synology MR2200ac or ASus ax5400?
I am looking for the strongest 5ghz signal and itโs an apartment 2000square foot will suffice, thank you very much
AX5400 is not a specific model, Karl, use TUF-AX5400 or GS-AX5400, instead. That said, which to get depends on what you need in a router. There’s no way to tell if a router will cover a specific place. That depends on the place itself — more on Wi-Fi range here. Spend some time on the linked posts and you’ll figure things out.
Why is it in the manual they say both lan port is gigabit but when i speed test im only getting 400-600mbps on speedtest but if i remove the synology router im always getiing 980-990mbps.
They sure are Gigabit, else, you’d get no more than 100Mbps, Joel. Check out this post: https://dongknows.com/how-to-fix-wi-fi-dropping-and-disconnection-issues/
I have a unique situation I’d love some advice with. I’m helping an orphanage in Mexico to improve their internet setup so that the 60+ kids there can do home schooling.
There are three internet sources, two on one side of the orphanage (building 2 on the map), and one about 200 yards away (building 10), but closest to where the kids are doing their school work (building 28).
My thought was to put a RT2600ac where there are two internet sources, and then run CAT 6 cable 150 ft to their cafeteria (building 13), where I’d put in an MR2200ac, then run another CAT 6 cable 150 ft to the volunteer dorms (building 10), put another MR2200ac there, and work my way mostly in a star configuration, but in one case I might have to chain 3 of the MR2200ac.
The question I have is can I have two RT2600ac in the same setup? If I could, I’d use one with the two internet sources (building 2), and the other to join in the 3rd internet source (building 10).
When this is done, I expect to have 5-6 MR2200ac or equivalent devices, mostly as a star configuration from the building 2 sources.
I’m most interested in Synology due to parental controls, single point of administration, ability to remotely administrate.
Any thoughts on how you’d go about this?
A couple of things, Rex.
1. You have wired backhaul, there’s no need to worry about star topology. Daisy-chain is fine.
2. You can use two RT-2600ac (or even three) with identical settings, but they will create separate networks, especially considering they will use two different Intenet sources. All is fine if the Internet is all you care about, but if you want members of all networks to connect locally, you will have to use some VPN to link the routers, which is doable with an app.
3. You can skip the MR2200ac and use a few (outdoor) access points, like the one mentioned here — you can ignore the controller. This way you can cover the entire area. The access points approached will be a lot more affordable, but you will need to configure the Wi-Fi network on them separately. You can’t do that via the router. But other aspects of the network (security, remote access, etc.) are the same.
Hope this helps and buena suerte!
Thanks for your help, I’m going to start with one RT-2600ac and 7 MR2200ac in each of the main buildings, I think I can get it so that 4 of the MR2200ac connect directly to the RT2600ac, and the others connect to one of those 4. That should allow me to remotely manage it as well.
Dong, one question in Rexโs thread, can these devices daisy chain wirelessly or must all the wireless 2200โs connect to the main router (2600)?
Yes, they can do daisy-chance wirelessly. In fact, since the RT2600AC is not a tri-band router, and the MR2200AC is, it’s better that way.
Hi Dong – Do you have a preference between a Synology Mesh versus ASUS. I currently run ac86U and 2x AC68U and sometimes have issues with the 2.4 channel for my wireless cams.
Thanks!
I’d blame the cams first, Jon. But Synology routers are generally slightly more stable, likely because they have fewer features/settings. That doesn’t mean they will work with your cams for sure, though.
Thank you Dong!
Sure, Jon. ๐
Dong, You wrote, “This is a Parental Control feature, and online threat protection rolled into a single app”. I’ve read elsewhere that the MR2200ac can’t run Threat Prevention, and on the Synology web site here https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/compare/routers
it looks like that is correct. There must be a difference between the threat protection in Safe Access and the Threat Prevention, right?
Safe Access is a bit more thin, I believe. It can run within the router’s storage. TP needs extra storage via the USB port but it’s more comprehensive.
Hi Dong,
I purchased the Amplifi Instant Kit to replace my old dying Google WiFi this week and I’m returning it tomorrow as it’s pretty poor compared to even the old Google WiFi, with barely any configurable features compared to the Google WiFi either.
My struggle now is finding a good replacement.
I’m currently checking out the newer Nest WiFi (2 pack), the Synology MR2200ac (x2), Deco M9 (2 pack) or the Netgear Nighthawk MK2 (2pack).
I do have 3 rooms in the house with ethernet ports going to ther garage where my fiber connection and main router will go, and the satellite will be plugged via ethernet in one of the other rooms. The house os only 300sqm, but its a thin long house.
Which of these would you recommend overall for best performance and features? I usually use the device priority on Google WiFi for my wired PC often and I’d prefer to have AP and band steering (but not essential), not sure if the Synology has that? and does it also have ethernet backhaul?
Thanks!
Yes and yes to your last two questions. For the first one, I’d recommend an Asus, not to mention privacy. For your needs, since you already have wired your home, check out the ZenWiFi XD4.
Thank you for the quick response. Unfortunately the Asus ones are not locally available for me.
Would any of these ones do a similar job? Which is best option out of these 4, considering my 3 rooms with ethernet backhaul.
Nest WiFi (2 pack),
Synology MR2200ac (x2),
Deco M9 (2 pack),
Netgear Nighthawk MK2 (2pack).
All of these are available to me locally ๐
Thanks again
Got it. Of those, I’d go with the Netgear, Darren, or the Synology.
apologies, correction to the above list, the nighthawk model is MK62.
Thanks.
Hi Dong,
Really appreciate you sharing your research into routers.
I am currently moving to a new 4- Story (including basement) house, with long layout ( 8 0ft).
It is not wired and I am not allowed to make changes to it. What would you suggest would be a good mesh setup. As we don’t have many concurrent users my internet speed of 200 Mbps is more than sufficient as of today. (streaming
and gaming or work) I may add few smart devices here and there.
Currently I have a small 1 bedroom apartment and Archer C90 does more than meets my need.
However I need to upgrade considering the layout of the house I am moving to.
From all the reading I have done on your website, I understand I need a Tri-band router and wifi 5 fits more in my range than the wifi 6 offerings, that are still coming along.
Following are the contenders.
A. 2 Synology MR2200Ac $280
B. 3 Deco M9 – $200
C. 2 D-Link COVR tri band – $250
I would have bought Deco M9. However I have couple of rokus as streaming device and it had problems with my current archer c90 when it was set to auto switching between 2 bands. So I had to separate the bands, which is I think not possible on M9s and privacy is the other factor.
Question: what setup would you suggest and Is there any other router that I should be considering?
Thanks again for all the hard work you put into this website.
A. Victor.
Is it worth waiting until Synology releases a Wi-Fi 6 router?
I’m not sure if or when it’s going to release one, Randy. But if Wi-Fi 5 still works you — as it does for most people — it’s a good idea to wait.
It does. I have a Synology 2600 and wanted to add a couple 2200’s to my home network but don’t want to buy old equipment just to be outdated in a short time.
You can totally do that, Randy, they won’t be outdated any time soon as I mentioned in the post.
It’s been some time since you reviewed this mesh system. I am not interested in WiFi 6, corporate watching, and I want a some configurability, so I am currently torn between the ASUS CT8 and the Synology setup that you reviewed here. I don’t have a huge house but it is long (90′) and has 3 floors (with the basement). I’d like to have some coverage in the yard. Surprisingly my old Apple Airport Express does not do an awful job, but it does try my patience at times. So it’s obviously time for an upgrade and I’m pretty sure, a mesh. Just wondering with the time that has passed, whether you have a preference one way or the other…
Get the Synology, Chris.
Hey Dong! Always enjoy reading your posts. Is the mr2200 still a good buy now at 2020?
I moved to a place where a single RT2600AC and a UDM cannot cover the whole apartment because of the walls.
I originally used a Synology RT2600AC (I still have it) then replaced it with a UDM. My question is should I just get an MR2200AC extend my WiFi? Or should I get a mesh UniFi AP?
To be honest Iโm thinking of putting back the RT as I found out that the UDM is not a direct replacement of a USG and there are features that arenโt available via CLI.
Also looking at the new ASUS zenwifi mini.
Whatโs important to me is I can do QoS, parental controls, bandwidth limit per device, DHCP reservation (from the pool, I know itโs not best practice).
That depends on what you need, Bogie. As far as I know (I do have some friends using it,) it’s still a great router. It seems to me that you’re better off keeping it and get an MR2200AC as a satellite.
Thanks for the advice Dong, i finally got around to it and I bought 2 units of MR2200AC to extend my 2600. It’s the best thing I have done! People say that I should have waited for a WiFi 6 system from Synology but honestly I do not think I need WiFi 6 – none of my current devices has WiFi 6 and my internet speed is only 130Mbps (which is blazing fast in my country.
You’re welcome, Bogie. Yes, if your Internet is modest (sub-Gigabit) there’s no need to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6. More here.
What advantages does using 2 MR2200AC routers in a mesh setup (1 as router and 1 as a satellite) have over using 1 RT2600AC and 1 MR2200AC?
You get the dedicated backhaul on both units, JC, that is if you use them in a wireless setup.
Try to increase the Key Rotation setting in wifi, or disable it completely (set value to 0)
Just leave it at default (3600), Christos. That means the key will change every hour. Disable it is OK, too, unless you’re super worried about your security for some reason.
Ok, thanks. I like the 13″ MBP. Knowing that, which Windows laptop would you recommend? Also, what exactly is better about it, just specs?
Get the Dell XPS 13“, Brock. Then put a clean Windows 10 version on it.
Come on Dong…it’s not the laptop. I do have a work laptop that is a PC (pile of crap, really.) Have you experienced any intermittent dropping of signal on the part of Synology routers? I’m tempted to dump it.
I’m not using the routers anymore, but when I did (and for a long time) they were great. If you spend the same amount of $$ on a Windows computer as you do on a Mac, it’ll be 10x better. Trust me, I have them ALL.
HI Dong,
I bought this router not long ago largely due to your review. I notice I sometimes drop signal while sitting right next to it. It is very briefly, my Macbook Pro will start trying to reconnect and after 10 seconds or so it does so and all is well again. I never had this happen with any of my previous router (until they started dying.) Any thoughts?
Thanks
Use a non-Apple laptop, Brock. Apple stuff sucks, I mean it. ๐
Hi Dong! I have an R7800, can I use that in bridge mode to extend the network of two MR2200ac units? Basically I’d like to have the 2200’s on the main floor, and the R7800 connected wireless in the basement just extending the signal. Is that possible?
No, Zack. You can only use the Netgear as a bridge, meaning you can connect some wired devices to it. It can’t be used wirelessly to extend the Wi-Fi network of any other router. If you can run a network cable from the Synology, then you can use the Netgear as an access point.
How does the MR2200ac compare to the Netgear R7800? That’s what I currently have and am considering this mesh system, but I know the R7800 was best in class not too long ago. Thanks for any guidance, Dong!
Main difference, Zach, is the fact the R7800 can’t be converted into a mesh when the Synology is mesh-ready. Another thing is the Netgear is a dual-band 4×4 router while the Synology is a tri-band 2×2 one. More on that here.
Hello Dong,
I returned the 3 MR2200AC. Orbi RBK50 system works much better in my environment…
However, I confirm that the RT2600AC+MR2200AC is a very friendly use system !
I confirm that WIFI is better from RT2600AC than RBR50 (60MB vs 40MB). But for me, it’s only better directly behind the router, not behind the satellite…
Yes, the RT2600AC doesn’t have a dedicated backhaul. If you get two MR2200ac units, they will work similarly well to the Orbi. But then you’ll have fewer LAN ports. I’m glad you get your situation sorted out! ๐
Hello Dong,
Thanks for all your test !
Today I have a RT2600AC with behind a RBK50 system (1 router in bridge, and 3 satellites).
I have a 300mยฒ house (Old Breton house with lots of 1 meter wide walls)
I ordered 3 MR2200AC folowing your tests, to replace RBK50 mesh system.
I saw that the RT2600AC have only 2 bands. Is it a solution to desactivate the RT2600AC wifi (after mesh configuration) and to install a MR2200AC (3 bands) directly in an RJ45 port of the RT2600AC. This solution may increase performance?
Thank you !
It’s not necessary to do so, Emeric. The RT2600AC is actually faster (it’s a 3×3 router). You can read more about that here.
Hello there! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out
and say I really enjoy reading through your blog posts.
Hi,
I currently have a Mikrotik router (with wifi capabilities) connected to a fibre termination point. I’ve also got a Netgear R7000 running Fresh Tomato in the bedroom. They are connected via coax (MoCA adapters + ethernet).
Problem is that Mikrotik tends to have issues with iOS and Mac devices (which my girlfriend uses) and I want to replace the Netgear R7000 to something with great vendor support software (don’t want to mess with custom firmware like Fresh Tomato)
Can I turn off the wifi on my Mikrotik and replace Netgear R7000 with 2 MR2200ACs as access points only and the Mikrotik being the router?
Does one of the MR2200ACs have to function as a gateway for me to retain the software features noted in this article?
Yes, JH, the MR2200ac needs to function as a router for you to get all the functions. If you use it (them) in the AP mode, you’ll only get the Wi-Fi coverage. For your situation, if possible, use the Mikrotik in the modem mode (bridge). If not, just use it the way it is, turn off its Wi-Fi and use the MR2200ac in the double NAT set up. For more on this matter, check out this post. Good luck! ๐
Just out of curiosity, how do you not show comparison to unifi mesh system?
I did. https://dongknows.com/ubiquiti-labs-amplifi-hd-mesh-wi-fi-system-review/
Thanks for the great articles around the Synology routers! I have an Arris DG2470 CableModemRouter and currently use a Linksys WRT54G.. as an access point., I can access the WRT54G MAC filters, but need more controls . I want to replace the latter, and am considering the MR2200ac, mainly for the parental controls. Will that app and features be available when the MR2200ac is connected with CAT5e as an access point? Something in one of your articles seems to say it may provide that app/feature in the SRM.
Yes, David, but only if you use the MR2200ac in Router mode. If you use it in Access Point mode, you won’t have access to any of its features at all. That said you have three options: (1) replace the Arris with a modem, or (2) you can use it on top of the Arris (and disable the Arris’s Wi-Fi), or (3) configure the Arris to work in bridge mode. For more, check out this post: https://dongknows.com/tame-your-isp-provided-gateway-with-these-tricks/
Can I add this to my existing Aris Surfboard?
Yes, Mike. It works with any modem or gateway. If your Arris is a gateway, though, you might want to replace it with a modem.
I have a two-story house of around 3600sqft. I have an attached garage and am hoping to get a little Wi-Fi bleed over into it. I have just received the RT2600ac and two (2) MR2200ac units. The RT will be fairly centrally located with one MR at the top of the stairs on the landing at the front of the house to service a downstairs bedroom, currently with poor Wi-Fi signal, and the entire upstairs. It’s really only a half story — the upstairs only covers about a third of the ground floor) so the MR should be fine. The second MR will be in the sun-room on the opposite end of the house. The sun-room is attached to the garage.
A couple of questions:
1) Can the LAN (or WAN) port for the MR at the top of the stairs be wired directly to an exterior IP camera? They are practically in the same location with only an exterior wall between them and it might be easier to connect to the MR rather than pull another Cat6 through the attic to the camera and,
2) I haven’t started using any of these right now. I’m still using a Nighthawk R8000 but it’s getting flaky :). Anyway, how should I do the initial setup for the new mesh system? Should I start up the RT and get everything working with it and then plug in each MR unit and let the RT “find” them? Or, is it better to have all three units plugged in, ready to go, and begin the initial setup process?
Thanks for these reviews! They are very helpful! And I love reading the comments and your responses. Sometimes that clears up more than the article does ๐
My MR2200AC keeps showing processing when i examine the wifi app on my RT2600AC is this just the device working? scanning for new devices in range etc?
Yes, that’s normal, Dean. The app can’t work without invoking the router’s hardware.
Not ‘wall mountable’ is one of the Cons, it must be a Pro!! It’s a bad place for equipment with antenna’sโฆ.
I hear you but some people think having the the option to keep their home less cluttered is more important than performance. ๐
Hi Dong, does the MR2200ac support ethernet wired backhaul using the RJ-45 ports?
Yes, you can use either port.
Thanks for the prompt reply. And do you know if the WiFi speed takes any benefit of using a wired ETH backhaul to link several MR2200ac? In principle, it should free a WiFi channel and allow more bandwidth, right?
Yes, wired backhaul is the best.
Can Synology SRM supports DD-WRT based routers to be in mesh? Or vice-versa โ a DD-WRT support Synology Mesh configurations?
No and no, Sri. Generally, routers need to use the same firmware to work as a mesh.
Hmm..there is an opportunity to develop standards for interoperability.
I have another question โ once the MR220 is configured as mesh router โ can we still use the LAN port for wired connection at the remote location?
Yes, I mentioned that in the post about Synology Mesh. You can no longer use it’s USB port, however.
Thatโs cool. Thank you for your quick responses.
Just to be clearโฆ Mesh Router MR2200ac joined as a WiFi Point on RT2600ac โ the LAN port on MR2200ac will serve as an extension of network. Thatโs would be great!!! I am ordering these two units today โ this could resolve several connectivity troubles at my home.
What happens to WAN port on MR2200ac operating as WiFi Point?
Check out this post, Sri: https://dongknows.com/synology-mesh-review/
Wonderful…!!! Both ports will become LAN Ports. Thank you for the links and all of your blogs. I became a fan and subscribed.
You’re welcome. And thanks, Sri. ๐
Dong, will the router support data/bandwidth throttling at certain time of day to a group of connected devices? Need to slow down kidsโ computers during school days. Haha
That’s pretty mean, Uffen :). The Synology routers (the MR2200ac included) do support bandwidth throttling to any individual device (called Traffic Control) but you can’t schedule it. You can only change that manually. They also have a comprehensive Parental Controls feature as part the Safe Access app.
Question.. Can you use the MR2200AC wired access point that hands off well? I’ve already got a wired connection where I want it to go.. Just like the idea of seamless handoff and didn’t know if he ‘had’ to be wireless.
Yes, Tim, the hand-off works well for both wired and wireless setup. Just make use set it up as a Wi-Fi Point — the setup process requires that you don’t use any a network cables to connect it to the main router — and not as a regular Access Point mode.
At the end of your article, you mention that the RT2600ac can work only as a main router, and not as a satellite. I have set my RT2600ac up as an access point and connected it to a new MR2200ac, and it seems to be working.
Am I missing something?
Yes the RT2600ac, like most routers, can work as an access point. But it can’t work as a satellite mesh point as part of an Synology mesh system. Check out my post on mesh system if you don’t know the difference.
To those of you with the RT2600 as well as MR – does the MR work in a bridge mode or AP mode? i.e does it offer the same IP address range as the RT?
And can the WAN port be used as the dedicated backhaul in this setup?
All nodes in a mesh work in the AP mode (though you don’t need to know about that). You find all answer to your questions in my other post about Synology mesh:
https://dongknows.com/synology-mesh-review/
Thanks for the great review. I have just set up a mesh with the RT2600ac + 1 MR2200ac and itโs covering my 3800 sq ft home as well as my Google Wifi 4 pick system did but with better throughput so far in limited testing.
I think a key advantage for the RT2600AC is that it can run the packet inspecting Threat Prevention package which I donโt think the MR2200AC can.
Question: do you think that using the RT2600AC which is a dual band router paired with a triband MR2200AC is a disadvantage compared to systems using triband units for all members of the mesh? Even Synology recommends a system based on the RT2600AC + MR2200ac for larger systems over using a purely MR2200AC based mesh (ie all triband).
Other systems from Eero, Orbi, Velop all use triband for all units.
I wonder if the RT2600ACโs single 5 GHz band will be overwhelmed trying to do the mesh backhaul while still serving other 5 GHz clients? Or, does the fact the RT2600ACโs higher 5 GHz bandwidth compensate for this?
Sure, Steve. Yes, I agree, the RT2600ac has a few more features than the MR2200ac and the extra network ports don’t hurt, either. And don’t worry about the fact it’s not a tri-band router. You only need the satellites to be tri-band to have a dedicated back-haul. It would be nice if the R2600ac were also a tri-band but in daily usage, that’d make no difference unless you have lots of clients (like a dozen or more) connected to it the same time.
I figured so.
Actually my home has a ton of devices – as of the count right now, there are 32 wireless + 24 wired devices (!!) (a family of 4 with phones, ipads, plus Apple TVs, Sonos, a ton of smart switches). It’s all running quite smoothly, and I figured the extra mesh point will shoulder some load.
Synology’s spec page says it can handle 100 connected devices, so I think we’re OK, although I still wonder about the dual band main unit, it’s mostly geekery than an actual noticeable issue so far.
I hear you! ๐ Keep in mind though, having a lot of devices doesn’t necessarily mean you have many of them having a live connection to the router *at the same time*. They might stay connected but there’s no traffic going on at all. And that does’t put stress on the router.
I am very excited about this product. I hope Synology did their homework on this device as they usually do. I have tried a few mesh products and generally found performance very inconsistent. I am currently trying the new Samsung Smartthings mesh-wifi system and was pleasantly surprised with very good performance, great signal and consistency. (See Amazon.com reviews) The Plume app is great and if you give it a few days to optimize the system the performance improve markedly.
When will the full review of the MR2200ac be available? I am really interested in performance figures with the RT2600ac.
I’m testing it right now. ๐
Thanks! Great review! Waiting for mine to be delivered.
Hey thanks! It was a lot of work and still a work in progress. Check back for more. I think it has a lot of potential. Make sure you update yours’ firmware (and then manually reset it).
Hi Dong
I have tested mine for a while and I ran into an issue with handover. I use mainly iPhones and MacBooks. Handovers are generally very slow and video lags badly on video calls like FaceTime during handovers. Did you run into this problem too? I have changed several settings and parameters, but I see no change. iPhones seem to get stuck on 2.4Ghz. Otherwise the router delivers great speed and signal. I would like to hear your comments on this please.
Hey Stefan,
It’s quite normal video chatting is choppy during hand-off, the fact it’s not disconnected is already pretty amazing. As for the phone being stuck to 802.11n, move to an Android phone! (J/k, but I did move to Android a few years ago and things have been a lot better). You can try following:
Login the router’s interface and run the Wi-Fi Connect app.
1. Change the value of Scheme, it’s right above the Name (SSID), from “Auto” to “Custom”. Now click on Edit. You’ll be able to customize band steering (meaning forcing which band get the priority, etc.) Just mess around with the settings till they work for you.
2. Go to Advance Options (bottom of that page) and enable 802.11r.
Hope that helps. ๐