u/mwmcc

Good Morning. I recently swapped out two Asus RT-AXE7800s in mesh due to constant stability headaches and poor USB port (even though advertised as USB 3.0) file transfer speed. I replaced with a Tp-Link BE63 three-pack. In most ways it is better, in a few ways it isn't.

I have a few questions on the USB-attached storage. Unlike Asus, the Tp-Link is very basic...though it works. I want to see if I need to configure anything differently.

- Asus configures drives under SMB shares, with username and password. You locate it under "Network" in Windows 11. On the BE63, this did not occur. It would not populate. However, when I selected "map network drive" and typed in the server name, I was able to get it to connect and save. I just want to make sure this is the normal/correct way.

- Is there a way to use the drive's volume name as the name? For some reason, the BE63 simply calls it "g" instead of the volume name. "g" followed by the server name. Is there a way to change the name from "g" to something else? Or is that just how it is. Options in the app are extremely basic.

- I noticed different performance between FTP WAN, FTP LAN, and mapped drive file transfers. Admittedly, I thought FTP WAN would be slower than the other two local methods. It is actually considerable faster. I can transfer to the drive at 80 - 100 MB/s over FTP WAN. I think when I tested, I was only getting like 60 - 70 MB/s over local FTP or mapped drive (SMB?). Enabling the USB interference reduction option cuts that by like 30 - 50% (I ended up disabling it). Still...much better than the 15 MB/s I would get on the Asus over any protocol. Why is FTP WAN (Internet) so much faster? I suspect it could be because FTP WAN is pseudo wired connection and both the FTP LAN and mapped drive are via Wi-fi?

- On the Asus you could configure multiple "accounts" with usernames and passwords, and assign access rights (read, write, etc.). You could also enable TLS encryption. The BE63 does not support any of this. Single account, no TLS (only unencrypted transfer). I just want to make sure this is correct. Are all Tp-Link systems with USB ports this basic, or do higher end systems enable more options?

New owner testing out a Deco BE63 setup...coming from two Asus routers in mesh. A couple of questions -

- In the app I see a means to break out the 6Hz band as a separate SSID. There is no way to break up the 2.4GHz and 5 GHz bands, correct?

- For FTP server, is there a means to enable TLS encryption when using the web option?

- For SMB, I can add my attached USB drive via a mapped network drive. It doesn't show up under "Network" in Windows 11 though, am I missing something...or is this normal? Also, it sticks a "g" in front of the network share name I assigned. Is there a way to remove this...not a big deal...in the Asus routers, this g was replaced with the actual drive volume name.

- I enabled MLO, not for my devices, but because I read that would improve connection between the nodes as well...i.e. connection via 5 and 6GHz. Anything else I should change to maximize bandwidth between them?

- I see an option for USB interference (w/ 2.4GHz). I haven't played around with it yet...currently I have it turned off. Is there noticeable performance between on/off and file transfer speeds? Admittedly, one of many reasons I switched from the Asus was that their USB port was terrible. I could only transfer at 15 MB/s across the network...SMB and FTP. I did one test with the Deco and got 100 MB/s. What is the normal transfer speed drop I should expect if it is recommended to enable the option.

Thanks, and I'm definitely open to any other recommendations to maximize performance out of this system.

When I was younger I built myself a new machine every couple of years. Technology moved quickly, and prices were good. I also had a Fry's electronics (some of you will remember) less than five minutes from me:) Then marriage and kids. My current build is circa 2017 with a i7-7700K. I've updated it over the years (NVME, 32GB DDR4, Radeon 6600XT, etc.). I don't game so it actually still performs quite well for basic productivity tasks.

It's time to build again:) I'm monitoring prices and bundles (e.g. Newegg)...knowing that the market isn't value-friendly right now. However, I at least want to have a sense for what I want so I can pull the trigger at, hopefully, a good time.

One question I have is motherboard Wi-fi. Wi-fi 7 is common, but 8 is right around the corner. Are desktop motherboards like laptops, where the Wi-fi adapter is usually soldered on, or are there some that are replaceable/upgradeable via M.2 socket? One upgrade that has kept my current machine running well was PCIE sockets. The Z270 motherboard didn't have on board Wi-fi. I used a PCIE x1 slot for AC and now AX (6E) card. Are there any current motherboards that are easily Wi-fi chip replaceable? Or do people use an expansion slot and disable the onboard Wi-fi when it's outdated...and they don't want to build new?

Our air handler is 1) loud and 2) located in a hallway closet (with louvered door) that seems to amplify the noise even more.

I've tried a MERV 8 filter (lowest I could find in size) to reduce restriction...didn't work.

Noise doesn't seem to be too bad from vents...just the HVAC closet.

There are mesh vent covers on Amazon that allegedly reduce noise. Does anyone know if they make them for louvered doors?

I know I can't cover the louvers (airflow into closet) with a soundproof blanket. Other options?

Edit - I did just order some semi-large acoustic panels to put in the closet. If they make any difference, I may buy more for the floor.

We purchased our home about 3.5 years ago...unfortunately, sight unseen because I as still active duty military (recently retired from Navy) and stationed in another state. Since then I have spent a lot of time and money repairing and/or recovering from their obvious lack of maintenance or taking care of anything (house, appliances, yard, etc.). I get a little bit more satisfaction every time I get something fixed....and frustration every time I find something new:) Advice needed on this particular issue -

- Previous owners smoked in the master bedroom. Cigarettes and marijuana. It wasn't too difficult getting the odor out. It was difficult, and I had to research online, how to get CBD oil out of a section of the carpet.

- Under certain light (e.g. natural light from windows but room light off), I can see a/the ring of smoke residue (and a few other spots on the ceiling) around a ceiling fan. Ceiling is white with knockdown texture. I would like to attempt to clean...or make them lighter.

I suspect that if it is only cigarette smoke, I might have a chance. If it is other (e.g. the marijuana/CBD oil), probably not...based on how sticky/crunchy it was on the carpet.

Is there something I can try that is low risk/safe to see if I can get the smoke stains out?