I just moved into a 2 story rental house (so I can’t run cables) for the first time from an apartment and I think it’s time to upgrade my RT-AC68U. Not sure what the materials of the house are but the signal quality is terrible.

Users are 2 laptops for streaming/video conferencing, 2 cell phones for streaming, a Roku, and maybe guests with <10 devices.

The only Ethernet cable is over the garage in the far corner of the 2nd story where the Fios ONT feeds in. This will have the following setup:

ONT->Router A->MoCA->CoAx

Router A could be the RT-AC68U, a newer router like the Tp-Link AX1800, or a wired router like the Er605.

Downstairs I would have: CoAx->MoCA->Access Point B

Access Point B could either be the RT-AC68U I have, a newer router used as an AP that has better coverage, a second AC68U , or something like an eap245 (would be floor or shelf mounted though). The downstairs is pretty open so it should be able to cover the whole downstairs no problem (and hopefully most of the rest of the upstairs).

If the upstairs needs more coverage or I went with the wired router at the ONT junction than I would again use:

CoAx->MoCA->Access Point C

I’m sure an AC68U could handle the rest of the upstairs if it’s needed because it would only be two rooms (one of which is usually empty).

I read about this Asus Zenwifi hybrid XC5 with built in MoCA backhaul that would be an awesome product for me except that it’s vapor ware.

I am trying to minimize costs but willing to spend more than the cheapest possible to get it right the first time. Bandwidth is not my priority since device count is relatively low, signal strength and low maintenance are.

What’s the downside of just adding AC68U’s until I get the overage I want?

What are your recommendations for Router A and AP B (and AP C if needed)

Part 2: I’ve read that “mesh Wi-Fi” with a wired backhaul is just marketing speak for APs. So is there a difference between using the AC68U as an part of AiMesh w MoCA backhaul vs as an AP with any combination of router and other AP brands?

Thanks! I’ve learned so much from this sub in the last few days