Many people are curious about the benefits of a mesh Wi-Fi system. This setup replaces a traditional router and range extenders with a single network that covers your entire house.
Mesh Wi-Fi systems broadcast their WiFi signal to devices like phones, TVs and laptops. They also talk to each other wirelessly or through wired backhaul.
Easy Setup
Unlike traditional routers and range extenders that require a lot of technical knowledge to install, most mesh systems can be set up using an app on your phone. This eliminates the need to have any technical skills and typically takes about 10-15 minutes. Once installed, they can be controlled and maintained from the same app.
While Mesh WiFi System are primarily designed for wireless connectivity, some also offer ports for wired connections like Ethernet or USB. This is particularly useful for devices that use a lot of bandwidth such as older printers or TVs.
Most mesh systems come with a router unit and one or more satellite units for whole-home coverage. Larger homes may need multiple units for consistent speeds. To improve signal distribution, it's a good idea to mount mesh nodes at a height halfway between the floor and ceiling. This way they are not blocked by walls or other objects. Generally, it's best to keep them away from microwaves and cordless phones for best performance.
Faster Speeds
If you’re having trouble with poor WiFi speeds or WiFi dead zones around your home, a mesh network can help. Mesh systems increase WiFi speeds by eliminating gaps in your wireless network with multiple access points. Unlike WiFi extenders, mesh networks don’t slow down your Internet speed or cause speed fluctuations throughout your home.
Most mesh WiFi systems come with a router and two satellite units. They’re typically pricier than a standalone router and Wi-Fi extenders, but they can be more cost-effective in the long run. You can also find some mesh systems with features like WiFi 6 compatibility, MU-MIMO, and OFDMA for even better performance.
However, mesh systems and WiFi boosters won’t increase your internet speeds if your ISP offers a limited Internet speed plan or if there’s a problem with your cable or fiber connection to your home. If you’re struggling with speeds, try running a WiFi speed test to see what the problem is.
Better Coverage
Whether you have a small home, a large or multistory house with unusual layouts, or a smart home full of IoT devices, mesh systems offer much better wireless connectivity than traditional routers and WiFi extenders. They also tend to be more future-proof than standalone routers as they can often be expanded by adding additional nodes from the same brand down the line.
Look for a mesh system with a simple app or interface that makes it easy to set up, manage and troubleshoot your network. Some even come with built-in smart home integration and voice commands that allow you to control your network hands-free with your favorite smart device.
Look for a mesh system that includes WiFi 6 compatibility, MU-MIMO and OFDMA for improved speed and capacity. This is a necessity if you want to avoid future slowdowns and dropped connections. Many mesh systems also include ports like Ethernet and USB that can be used to connect wired devices like printers and storage.
More Devices Can Be Connected
The best mesh systems come with a number of extra features that set them apart from standalone routers. Many have built-in Zigbee radio and Matter support so you can use them with the best smart home devices. Others have ethernet ports so you can use them to connect to wired devices like TVs and gaming consoles.
It's important to choose a system that can grow with your WiFi needs. You may want to add more hubs down the road or move your current ones to new locations in your house. Make sure your mesh system supports this so you can keep getting the same great WiFi coverage.
Some mesh systems use a daisy-chaining method to send WiFi signals from one hub to another. This can be problematic because it requires WiFi to travel through multiple paths and if any of these links are compromised your connection will slow down or even break. The best mesh systems use intelligent software to automatically route your WiFi signals in the most efficient way possible.