I’ve tried to search for this, but know so little that I don’t think I know what to really look for. Apologies in advance for needing to be spoon fed. Upgrading equipment, and need to check my understanding and possibly get advice.

The main thing I’m deciding is between putting together a router an ap system, or getting a mesh system and installing with wireless backhaul.

From my understanding these are essentially the same, but I can’t really determine if there’s a difference in the hardware, and if so whether it’s a useless difference driving up cost, or something that will actually benefit me. (IE: the ASUS ET12 looks like it’s got more hardware than a Unifi AP, but will that hardware make a difference?)

I’d like something as easy to manage as possible, which leads me to thinking that I most likely want to stick with a single manufacturer to consolidate the work I have to do down the road (or is that not really the issue I’m making it in my head?).

I’m mainly upgrading for advanced features and would like a VPN server, VPN client (preferably configurable for only certain devices), and dedicated IoT network for smart devices. I’m mainly trying to increase security and have a little more thought out design so that it ages better.

Speed is also an issue, of course. Sprectrum gig service. Not sure if I should go wifi 6E now and ride it until it dies, or go older/cheaper now with the plan of upgrading to wifi 7 in a year or two.

Advice and opinions are welcome, and clarifying any lapse in understanding on the possible differences of the options are greatly appreciated.

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