What is a mesh wifi system: What is a mesh Wi-Fi router, and do you need one?

What is a mesh Wi-Fi router, and do you need one?

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A mesh Wi-Fi router or mesh Wi-Fi system joins two or more Wi-Fi access points together to create and share a single, seamless Wi-Fi network that can be expanded to cover even the largest homes or buildings.

If the Wi-Fi router you used in your apartment doesn’t give you the wireless connectivity you want in a larger house, then a mesh Wi-Fi router system could be the perfect solution.

If you have a large home – at least 3,000 square feet — or one with an unusual layout that rises more than two stories or has brick walls in its interior, then you’ll likely encounter Wi-Fi dead zones. This means your home could be a good candidate for a mesh system instead of a traditional Wi-Fi router.

Modern mesh Wi-Fi systems provide super-simple setup through their dedicated apps while letting you get rid of internet dead spots once and for all by filling in the gaps in your home coverage. Once installed, you can enjoy wireless internet in every room as well as in your backyard.

Here’s everything you need to know about what the best mesh Wi-Fi systems do and whether one might be right for your home.

Mesh Wi-Fi system vs a traditional Wi-Fi router

A regular Wi-Fi router creates a single access point that broadcasts Wi-Fi signals to limited area whereas mesh networks link two or more access points (which are also called nodes) together.

With a mesh Wi-Fi router, one access point acts as the router or base station and connects to one of the best cable modems to get internet access. Meanwhile, the other nodes act as satellites, receiving internet from the base station and then rebroadcasting it to nearby devices.

All of these units share data back and forth and provide multiple sources of Wi-Fi. One of the best things about a mesh system is that unlike with Wi-Fi range extenders, they all share the same network, so you won’t have to switch to a new network as you move throughout your house.

(Image credit: Future)

Several of the big players in consumer networking equipment offer mesh-router solutions. Google’s Nest Wifi used to be one of our top picks thanks to its excellent performance, easy setup and the fact that each access point also works like a Google Home speaker. However, its new Nest Wifi Pro loses its predecessor’s’ smart speaker capabilities in favor of adding Wi-Fi 6E support.

The Netgear Orbi line is another long-time favorite, delivering great performance across a growing ecosystem of products from the latest Netgear Orbi WiFi 6e to the original Orbi RBK50.

For more affordable mesh networking, we really like the TP-Link Deco X20 as it provides great Wi-Fi 6 speeds for the whole house without costing much more than a standalone unit. If you want upgrade to the latest wireless standard though, the TP-Link Deco XE75 supports Wi-Fi 6E at an affordable price. We also recently rounded up the best cheap mesh routers for those on a tight budget and these devices can fill your home with Wi-Fi for less than $100.

Given their increased popularity, you may be wondering whether a mesh router might work for you. If that’s the case, here’s an overview of this new take on home networking to help you decide if a mesh Wi-Fi system is the right choice for your needs.

The basics of a mesh Wi-Fi router

At the center of all traditional Wi-Fi networks is the router which broadcasts a wireless signal to all the devices you want to get connected online.

A router, as its name suggests, seamlessly routes internet traffic between a connected modem and Wi-Fi enabled gadgets like computers, tablets or smartphones. Most people completely forget about their routers though, until their Wi-Fi signal goes down.

(Image credit: A Netgear Orbi unit. Credit: Netgear)

The main issue with traditional routers is that the reach of the Wi-Fi signals they send out is limited. Large buildings that require internet access on multiple floors often have areas with little or no service, often referred to as dead zones, when the main network uses a standard single-point router.

Mesh routers can help eliminate dead zones though. Instead of broadcasting Wi-Fi signals from a single point, mesh router systems feature multiple access points. One node links to the modem and acts as the router, while the other access points or satellites, capture the router’s signal and rebroadcast it to each other.

For those who aren’t sure if they need a mesh Wi-Fi system, or plan on moving into a larger home soon, you don’t have to commit to a pack of two or three mesh units to benefit from the expandable coverage of mesh Wi-Fi.

Many of the latest standalone routers can actually be set up as base stations for mesh coverage which lets you expand your Wi-Fi further by adding more nodes from the same manufacturer down the line. This way you don’t have to get rid of your current equipment.

The benefits of mesh routers

Besides creating a strong, reliable Wi-Fi signal throughout your whole home, mesh Wi-Fi systems have a few other notable benefits which include:

1. Easy Network Management: One main feature that distinguishes mesh routers from traditional routers is the easy network access they provide. Many mesh routers are totally automated which allows for easy management through a mobile app, even when you’re not at home. Setting up a mesh router with a smartphone app is far easier than plugging a computer directly into a router and configuring it through a connected browser.

Many mesh router apps allow users to quickly scan their speeds, cut off Wi-Fi access to certain networks, create guest networks, test the quality between various connection points and even connect to smart home devices. Some high-end traditional routers have similar features, but you’ll usually need to be connected to the local network using a desktop web interface to turn them on.

(Image credit: MeshForce)

2. Streamlined connections: With traditional routers, range extenders are often used to repeat the signal so a Wi-Fi connection can reach even further. However, even the best Wi-Fi extenders require you to create a separate network (with a separate name) for the range extender. This means you’ll likely have to manually switch Wi-Fi connections as you move around your house.

A mesh router on the other hand, doesn’t require constant reconnections, even as you move from room to room. You also won’t have to deal with as much lag as the access points all broadcast the same signal, rather than having to route requests through multiple networks.

3. Tight security: Along with easy management, mesh routers often come with improved security. Thanks to the aforementioned easy network management, it’s not hard to keep your devices safe as many automatically check for and install firmware updates.

The drawbacks of mesh routers

Like most pieces of networking equipment, mesh-router systems aren’t without their drawbacks. Here are a few of the bigger ones.

1. High costs: A good two piece mesh-router kit will likely cost $200 or more, with additional satellites costing $100 to $600 each. The standalone models on our list of the best Wi-Fi routers generally range from $80 to $250, while range extenders can run anywhere from $20 to $100. That’s a big price difference, even for the most basic mesh-router setup. 

2. Wasted resources: In small homes and buildings, mesh routers are often a bigger solution than what is needed. Covering 3,000 to 5,000 square feet with a simple two-unit mesh network is overkill for many homes.

If you don’t regularly have Wi-Fi connectivity issues or your internet demands aren’t extensive, a mesh router may be excessive. A few Wi-Fi dead zones can be easily fixed with a range extender, by putting your existing router in a more central location or by upgrading to a better traditional router with longer range.

(Image credit: Eero)

3. More equipment: Although most mesh-router system access points are small and discreet, you may actually need several of them to take full advantage of their capabilities. This means finding places for multiple devices throughout your home. This could be problematic for those who prefer to keep their networking devices limited to one or two inconspicuous locations.

Do you need a mesh router?

Many traditional routers can’t fully cover large houses with multiple floors and walls that block wireless signals. At the same time, if you’re interested in smart home features, mesh routers offer easy remote management through their mobile apps which is a huge plus.

On the other hand though, if you live in a small home or apartment and only see your Wi-Fi connection dropping every so often, you can probably pass on a mesh router. A simple range extender, or even a long-range router, will work just as well to get rid of any Wi-Fi dead zones.

Slow internet speeds or Wi-Fi dead zones aren’t something you have to deal with when you have the right networking equipment. If you’re tired of constantly having to reset your router or adjust its antennas, now is a great time to upgrade to a new traditional router with more coverage, a mesh router kit or a range extender – whichever product best fits your current situation and budget. All are optimized to deal with home obstructions and can connect homes using a variety of frequencies.

There are plenty of wireless networking products that can give your home Wi-Fi signal a major boost, so analyze your Wi-Fi needs first to determine which solution is best for your home.

Adding mesh routers to your existing network

While most mesh Wi-Fi systems are sold in a package of two or three devices, with the option of adding additional nodes for wider coverage, a lot of newer routers and extensions are made to offer mesh capability. 

If you like your existing router, but want to get that same coverage across a larger area, you can sometimes do that by adding one or more mesh nodes, creating a mesh system without replacing the hardware you already have.

Many routers, like the Linksys Max Stream MR9600, can be doubled up with mesh nodes from the same brand to create a mesh network. It’s a handy function that gives you the choice of of a single unit for smaller homes and apartments or a more expansive mesh system for larger homes.

Wi-Fi extenders traditionally aren’t capable of creating mesh networks, but that’s also changing, with products like the Netgear AX1800 Mesh Extender (EAX20) . When paired with other devices, it offers the same coverage and network, with no need to manually switch networks or bands when you move from one end of the house to another. 

The best part? It’s not limited to Netgear products but works with any wireless router, including the combination modem/router gateway devices provided by many internet service providers.

More from Tom’s Guide

• The one problem with mesh routers — read this before you buy
• Think you know what Wi-Fi stands for? Get ready for a surprise
• Wyze Mesh Router vs Wyze Mesh Router Pro — which should you get?

Today’s best Google Nest Wifi Pro, TP-Link Deco XE75, Amazon eero Pro 6E (2-pack), Netgear Orbi AX6000 WiFi Router RBR860S, ASUS ZenWiFi AX Hybrid XP4 and Linksys Velop Atlas Max 6E deals

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Anthony Spadafora is the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to password managers and the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. Before joining the team, he wrote for ITProPortal while living in Korea and later for TechRadar Pro after moving back to the US. Based in Houston, Texas, when he’s not writing Anthony can be found tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.  

What Is Whole Home WiFi and Mesh WiFi?

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Mesh WiFi or Whole Home WiFi systems consist of a main router that connects directly to your modem, and a series of satellite modules, or nodes, placed around your house for full WiFi coverage. They are all part of a single wireless network and share the same SSID and password, unlike traditional WiFi routers.[1]

Picture this: You’ve just set up your home network with the latest WiFi hardware and a 100 Mbps Internet connection. But for some reason, you still encounter buffering when you try to stream video in the bedroom. You called your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and everything checks out, so what’s the deal? Chances are, your WiFi isn’t set up efficiently for a mesh WiFi system.

What’s Slowing Down Your Network?

The weakened signal or WiFi dead spots could be the result of physical obstructions. Simple things like the floor, doors, and walls of your home can come between you and your router, especially if they’re made of metal, brick, or concrete. Or perhaps the distance is simply too great in a large home, and your traditional router is only capable of reaching as far as the kitchen, but not to the backyard, the garage, or a distant bedroom. Interference from other devices could also be the culprit, whether it’s your microwave, cordless phone, or baby monitor. If you live in close quarters with other WiFi networks and devices—such as in an apartment complex—this problem increases tenfold. Think of it like a room full of people who are all speaking at once—nobody’s going to be heard very well.

Blanketing Your Home with WiFi

A better solution is WiFi that works with your home design, instead of against it. Think of a standard router like a speaker. You could be playing music loudly in the front of your home, but the office in the back will only hear a faint echo. A standard router works the same way—you can only move so far from it before the signal starts to wane, and eventually it’s going to cut out altogether.

Instead, why not install a “speaker” in each room of the house? That’s how whole home WiFi or mesh networks work, with multiple nodes installed around your home so you’ve got solid WiFi coverage from one end to the other.

Modular Expansion

A modular mesh whole home WiFi system is flexible and scalable, giving you a customizable method of expanding your WiFi without the need to add range extenders, which have performance and ease-of-use issues. It’s just like installing lighting fixtures to illuminate your home; you can place your nodes anywhere in your home. You choose which rooms need the coverage, and when it’s time to add more to extend the signal even further.

Easy Guided Set Up and Management

Most mesh systems use a mobile app for a guided setup. —The app walks you through the set-up process for optimal placement of nodes throughout your home.[2] It will help you find dead zones, so you can place nodes in those areas that otherwise wouldn’t receive WiFi coverage. The mobile app also incorporates some cool features to help you manage your WiFi, such as parental controls, device prioritization, guest access, and more.

Whole Home WiFi Devices Blend into Your Home Environment

Let’s face it—today’s WiFi routers are often oversized and unsightly, requiring extra space to extend the antennas and creating a mess of cables jutting every which way. More often than not, homeowners attempt to disguise them, hiding routers in the closet or behind the TV, which only serves to reduce their wireless network performance. Most home WiFi devices have a much smaller footprint in your home, and actively reduce clutter. You can leave them out in plain sight without worrying about them becoming eyesores, because their home-friendly design is unobtrusive enough to blend in with the rest of your décor.

Standout Features of the Whole Home WiFi System

Here are a few key features to look for in a whole home WiFi system:

Wired and Wireless Expansion

In a modular system, there’s one node connected to your modem that acts as a router. Each additional node finds the best channel and path to wirelessly connect to the previous one, creating a seamless and reliable WiFi connection throughout your entire home.

However, if your home is already wired with Ethernet cables in every room, some mesh systems can still connect the nodes together using an Ethernet cable to create a whole home WiFi system. Even using the wired option, you’ll still be able to expand your signal to hard-to-reach areas such as the garage or basement.

One Network and Seamless Roaming

The name “mesh network” itself implies that every component of your WiFi system is working together, and seamless roaming is a perfect example of that. When you use a router and range extender combination, you have to switch between the networks manually as you move from one coverage zone to the other.

But with seamless roaming, you only have one network with one name and password—that means that as you move about your home, you’ll never have to manually switch from one network to the other. So go ahead, stream video in the living, kitchen, or bedroom without worrying about buffering or a dropped connection.

Guest Network

Using a guest network keeps your primary WiFi network safe from intrusion, blocking outside users from accessing your personal data. But never fear, you can still provide Internet access to your dinner guests or babysitter without compromising the security of your main network. Simply adjust the guest settings using your mobile management app.

Why Not Use a Range Extender?

Comparing range extenders to whole home WiFi is like comparing apples to oranges. Range extenders are certainly effective when it comes to increasing the range of your router, but they do so at the expense of WiFi performance, which gets cut in half.

In a large space where WiFi struggles to reach every corner, a range extender can actually diminish the overall performance of your network, creating a bottlenecking effect. You might also experience connection issues when jumping from the router to the extender, because you’ll need to switch networks manually. For example, even when standing next to the range extender, you can still experience dead zones or slowdowns if you haven’t manually changed your device over from the router’s signal. These two separate networks also have different names and interfaces, which can be a serious hassle.

Not All Mesh WiFi Systems Are Created Equal

All mesh systems are slightly different, so it’s important to examine the technology that each brand uses. For example, some tri-band systems are better than others, and some dual-band systems have bandwidth limitations. Take a close look at the tech being offered to ensure that your whole home WiFi projects an effective, efficient signal that blankets every corner of your home with WiFi connectivity.

References

1. John R. Delaney, “The Best Wi-Fi Mesh Network Systems of 2018”, PCMag – Ziff Davis, July 24, 2018
2. Sarah Brown, “What Is a Mesh Wi-Fi Router, and Do You Need One?”, Tom’s Guide, March 5, 2017
3. Bradley Mitchell, “Setting Up and Using a Guest WiFi Network”, Lifewire, March 26, 2018

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WI-FI MESH WHAT IS IT – 9 advantages and 2 disadvantages

Even a user who has never had to configure routers before can understand WiFi Mesh, understand what it is. For the network to work, you do not need a computer: just install the application on your smartphone and do a series of simple manipulations. What else is good about Mesh technology? Read on and find out.

Guide for the forgetful: How to find out the password from Wi-Fi: 4 saving options

Wi-Fi mesh: what is it?

Mesh networks provide comfortable Internet for owners of houses and apartments with an area of ​​150-200 sq. meters. Even a powerful router is unlikely to serve such a quadrature. Before the advent of Mesh technology, the problem was solved by installing several routers or adding repeaters to one advanced device that could extend the signal to remote areas. In both cases, you will have to bother with the settings, and the option with repeaters has other disadvantages:

• Each new link is a decrease in Internet speed. There is a drop in traffic by 2 times or more.
• When moving around the living space, a laptop or smartphone will reconnect from the router to signal repeaters. The result is a disconnect. And when the Internet is lost even for a short period of time, unpleasant things happen: video communication, online games and other activities are interrupted.

Mesh system is a seamless transmission of traffic. Typically, kits consist of 2-3 modules, which are installed at a distance from each other. Put, for example, on each floor at a point. As a result, with a wired connection, a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi network with a serial topology or in the form of a star is obtained. In the second case, you will need a switch, since system elements usually have 2 LAN ports.

The modules are the same. The nature of their work depends on the place of connection. A gateway is installed at the entrance of traffic to the house, and from it the Internet signal goes to the nodes via cable or Wi-Fi. The nodes relay the Internet to computers, phones and other equipment. To configure the modules, there are applications with which you can administer the network, find errors in its operation. Having understood in general terms what the Mesh system is, let’s move on to a more detailed overview of the principles of the technology.

We build bridges between devices: How to configure a router as a repeater in 6 steps + solving possible problems

The principle of operation of mesh systems

Wireless networks are usually built using Mesh technology, in which there is no clear centralization, each node works independently of the others. For the correct functioning of this configuration, the devices exchange information with each other. To do this, a separate amplifier and antenna for the service communication channel are installed under the body of each transmitter. As a result, the buyer receives an antenna unit consisting of elements that provide:

• traffic transmission for PC, smartphones and other equipment;
• Bluetooth communication;
• service communication channel.

Budget mesh kits – dual band. They operate on 2 channels: 2. 4 and 5 GHz. Both can carry traffic for users. The 5 GHz channel is faster, but radio waves pass through walls worse when it is selected. With a frequency of 2.4 GHz, the problem may be air pollution due to neighbors’ routers. If necessary, the modules themselves switch from 5 to 2 GHz, since an imperfect connection is better than none. Two channels is a significant advantage over conventional single-channel routers. The user and service signals are in different ranges, which contributes to a comfortable traffic speed.

Tri-band mesh kits are slightly more expensive. They have 3 channels: two user (2.4 and 5 GHz) and one service (5 GHz). Accordingly, additional components are installed under the module cases to ensure the operation of the third channel. Advanced models can also have a USB connector and more than two LAN ports, the latter makes it possible to connect TVs, game consoles and other equipment to the Internet via twisted pair.

Topchik routers: TOP 10 best Wi-Fi routers 2022

What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a network?

Of course, there are more advantages:

1. When moving around a spacious living space, the Internet signal is not lost when changing its source.
2. The multi-channel system achieves impressive data transfer rates.
3. The wireless mesh network will not stop functioning if one of the modules fails. This advantage is achieved through decentralization.
4. Mesh modules are able to select channels and change settings to ensure maximum traffic speed.
5. Modules do not need to be configured. They will be ready for use after connecting the power and a few user taps in the application on the smartphone.
6. Advanced Mesh models are able to integrate into smart home systems.
7. Parental control and content filtering are useful when configuring an access point in a child’s room.
8. Mesh modules look nice. As a rule, they do not have horn antennas, so they do not spoil the interior design.
9. Mesh devices can be integrated into an existing home network. If you are not sure about the required number of modules, start small, and then buy more. It is possible to interact with access points that belong to different lines of the same manufacturer.

There are also disadvantages:

1. Rather high cost. Mesh modules are more expensive than conventional routers with similar characteristics.
2. The limited functionality of the mesh network elements is a direct consequence of the “plug and play” concept. For example, setting up a DMZ zone will not work.

Interesting article: How to open ports on a router: instructions and 3 ways to solve possible problems

How to build a mesh network for your home?

The classic scenario for building a home mesh network involves choosing a wireless configuration. When the signal is transmitted via Wi-Fi, there is no need to drill walls, pull cables, or install boxes. Changing the location of the nodes will not cause inconvenience, especially if, when laying the wiring in the house, they did not save on sockets. Nodes do not have to be reconfigured. The placement of the modules depends on the layout of the housing. Examples:

• One-story house or apartment in the shape of an elongated rectangle. If the kit includes 3 devices, one is placed in the middle of the dwelling, and the other two are closer to the edges. The situation is similar with the L-shaped house. When placing points, homeowners should take care of the quality of the patio cover. Perhaps it makes sense to place some node closer to the window. Glass transmits the signal much better than load-bearing walls.
• Two-three-storey house. At least one node is installed on each floor. If there are reinforced concrete floor slabs between the floors, then when walking through such an obstacle, the signal will noticeably weaken. In this case, it may still be worthwhile to run a cable between nodes located at different levels.

Wi-Fi attenuation table when passing through obstacles:

The effective distance shows how much Wi-Fi weakens after overcoming an obstacle. For example, if the signal without obstacles extends to 200 m, its maximum range after the brick wall will decrease to 200*15/100=30 meters.

We distribute traffic from a smartphone: How to distribute Internet from a phone – a manual in 3 points, how to turn a smartphone into a router

How to connect a mesh system to a router or provider cable?

Mesh network equipment is sold by many well-known brands, such as: Asus, Keenetic, Zyxel, TP-Link and others. One of the budget, and therefore widespread options are Deco tlink networks. How to connect Deco mesh system to router? The setup technology is simple:

1. There is a QR code on the package of the system, by which we download software to the smartphone to configure the mesh network nodes. We register our TP-link ID in the application.
2. We go into the created account on the smartphone, select the type of Deco equipment. In the future, the application will display tips for setting up.
3. Disconnect the modem from power. If there is no such equipment, skip this step.
4. We connect the first module with a cable. The choice of port does not matter.
5. Connect the modem to power. It may take a couple of minutes to load. The Internet indicator should eventually turn on without blinking.
6. We connect the module to the socket. At first, the indicator will flash yellow, then blue. Blue color indicates that the equipment is ready for configuration.
7. The smartphone will most likely connect itself to the created Wi-Fi network. If he can’t handle it, you need to manually log in.
8. Selecting the Deco location: bedroom, hallway, living room, etc. You can enter your own instead of the standard name.
9. We set up an Internet connection using the provider’s data. To do this, it may be enough to select an item with a dynamic IP.
10. Enter the name of the Wi-Fi network to be created and the password.
11. When the smartphone and mesh are connected, the Deco LED will glow white. The utility will prompt you to add another node or complete the configuration.

We connect other modules via Wi-Fi without disconnecting the first one and without touching the modem. Then we arrange them around the house, paying attention to the color of the indication. If it blinks red, the connection to the network is lost. Also, the activity of the nodes can be viewed in the application.

In conclusion, mesh networks have a bright future. At first, many experts did not take such equipment seriously, but progress in this direction is obvious: hardware and software are being improved, new interesting engineering solutions are emerging. There is hope for further improvement in the value for money of mesh devices.

Speeding up the Internet: How to increase the speed of the Internet through the router’s Wi-Fi network: 7 real ways good deeds service

Reading will take: 9 min.

Views: 1 695

Setting up a home wireless Wi-Fi network using a single router is simple, gives the administrator access to the equipment’s web interface, and with the right choice of router, provides acceptable coverage over the entire area of ​​​​an apartment or private house. However, the Internet connection at different points is uneven: the signal weakens in a square-proportional way to the distance traveled, and obstacles on the way, from walls and columns to furniture, further reduce the quality of communication. The way out is mesh technology; in an article from the Good Deeds Service, you will learn what it is and why a mesh network is better than installing additional devices – access points or standalone routers.

Problems with uneven signal

Usually connected to a Wi-Fi network without
wired connection, home computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets,
smart TVs, other “smart” equipment. A single router is capable of transmitting
strong enough signal for simultaneous operation of all equipment, however
the radio wave inevitably weakens due to:

• Traveled distance.
• Standing in the way
  concrete/reinforced concrete/brick walls.
• Obstacles in the form of furniture, screens.

Without knowing what a mesh system is, achieve a uniform
coverage is not possible. Hotspots installed throughout the house increase strength
the weakened signal reaching them in “bursts”: leaving this zone, you
again encounter an unstable connection or a complete lack of connection
with internet.

It is also impossible to eliminate “dead zones” with the help of additionally installed autonomous routers. Firstly, automatic switching between networks will occur at a critically low signal level. Secondly, each such router will have its own network cable. Thirdly, it will be necessary to manually configure each router, which greatly complicates the task.

What is a mesh system

Mesh networks are a new generation of home Wi-Fi technology that provides uniform wireless signal coverage over the entire serviced area. The structure of networks is cellular: it includes mini-routers interacting with each other, creating a single Wi-Fi space. With an increase in the area, the grid can be supplemented with new cells-routers; if a piece of equipment is not needed, it can always be excluded from the network, thus reducing the reception area.

Mesh or seamless WiFi allows:

• Freely change the structure of the wireless network.
• Put a mini-router in every room.
• Move around the entire reception area, staying within
  one Wi-Fi coverage area.

Installation of the system requires the provider to bring into the house, as well as using a single router, only one Internet cable. Additional patch cords, if they already exist, can be used to directly connect devices: PC, smart TV and other stationary Internet consumers.

Pros and cons of mesh systems

Advantages of meshes based on cellular (seamless) technology:

• Possibility to change the area if necessary
  coverage: expand it or, conversely, reduce it by including or
  exclusion of individual routers-links.
• Uniform internet speed
  over the entire coverage area.
• Seamless network is configured once, has
  single name, data for authorization.
• Automatic node recovery. On failure
  one router, the mesh automatically redirects the signal through the other, so that
  you are always within reach.

The disadvantages of the technology include the possibility of expansion
meshes only using routers from the same manufacturer: for example,
enable Asus mesh router
will not enter TP-Link cells. Second minus
– in outdated systems, setting up seamless Wi-Fi is carried out only with
smartphone or tablet: a familiar web interface with access to thin
there are no parameters.

Choosing a mesh kit for the home

There are many mesh solutions for the home available in stores. For example, the Tenda system (MW3-2 version) provides uniform Wi-Fi coverage over an area of ​​up to 200 square meters with a connection speed of up to 300 Mbps at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. The TP-Link option (AC1200 line) provides a stable signal over an area of ​​up to 220 square meters at speeds up to 300 Mbps at the specified frequency. The DECO-M5 line from the same manufacturer already provides speeds up to 400 Mbps at 2.4 GHz, and also has its own firewall.

When choosing a mesh network, pay attention to:

• Number of mini-routers included. Than them
  more, the more area the signal covers.
• Availability of LAN ports. They allow you to connect
  equipment (for example, a stationary PC) by wire.
• Work log. A good option is 802.11ac,
  combining the transmission of the Internet simultaneously at frequencies of 2.4 and 5.0 gigahertz.

Also look at the manufacturing company. Not worth it
trust unknown (most often Chinese) brands. major suppliers,
for example, TP-Link offer affordable mesh WiFi meshes that require
warranty applies.

Still have questions or need more advice? Call or write to the Good Deeds Service – we will conduct a remote consultation and tell you how to choose the best mesh kit for your home, based on your needs!

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