Wireless mesh networks are becoming increasingly popular, but there are some important things to consider before deploying them.
In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of wireless mesh networks and help you decide if they are right for your home.
What is Mesh WiFi?
A Mesh Network is a type of Local Area Network (LAN) that uses devices called nodes or points, to create a single large radio coverage area. There is one main router that connects directly to your modem and a series of nodes, or mesh points, placed around your house for full WiFi coverage.
All mesh nodes share the same SSID and password so your devices can seamlessly transition from node to node. Mesh networks aim to eliminate dead zones and provide uninterrupted Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home.
How Does Mesh WiFi Work?
Mesh networks are created by connecting a series of mesh routers together. Each mesh router has antennas and communicates with the other mesh routers to create one large wireless network.
The best way to think about mesh networks is to think of it like a decentralised approach. Instead of having one central hub, you connect to the closest Wi-Fi node which then connects you to the network via other mesh routers.
So if in your bedroom, you’ll connect directly to the closest mesh router and utilise its full strength. If in the kitchen, you’ll connect to the closest Wi-Fi node near kitchen. It's all the same network.
This approach allows for better performance and less network congestion as mesh routers are designed to be used in large areas.
The Pros of Mesh WiFi:
Mesh network create a wifi coverage that covers your entire home, making it the perfect mesh for large environment or space with dead spots. Let's take a look at the advantages of mesh wifi:
- Consistent coverage and range - A mesh network spreads the load of wireless coverage more evenly than a single router. This means better coverage in every corner of your house, as well as outdoors.
- Fewer dropped connections - Mesh routers create one seamless network, so there's no need to worry about losing your signal when you move from one room to another.
- Easy maintenance - The most important feature of this system is that it allows you to monitor all the nodes from a single dashboard. Settings can be altered swiftly, and firmware upgrades are simple.
- Scalable - Mesh systems can grow easily with your needs. Just add another node and you'll have coverage in an area that wasn't previously covered. It's also easy to add nodes than to add another extender or access point.
- Reducing dead zones - With a mesh network, you'll never have to worry about dead zones. You can add a new node at the dead zone easily to expand coverage.
- Seamless roaming - Devices connected to a mesh network will roam seamlessly from one node to another, without having to reconnect. This means you can move about your house or office and never lose your signal.
The Cons of Mesh WiFi:
Now that we've looked at the advantages of mesh wifi, let's take a look at disadvantages of mesh wifi.
- Expensive - You need at least two devices to start a mesh. Mesh systems are more expensive than traditional routers, so they may not be affordable for everyone. You are looking at a starting price of around $300.
- More workload - The system is more complex. Each node has more responsibility beside the usual data send and receive. The node also has to talk to each other. Every message a node has to pass along contains an exponential increase in the amount of data it also has to handle.
- Complex initial setup - Mesh systems can be difficult to set up, especially if you are not tech-savvy. You will need to spend some time figuring out how the system works and making adjustments to get it right.
- Buy similar node series - Depending on mesh system, you may need to buy back similar range of nodes. Also, you can't mix and match nodes from different manufacturers.
- Less speed than traditional WiFi - Mesh networks are not as fast as traditional routers. This is because the data has to pass through multiple nodes before it reaches its destination.
- More difficult to troubleshoot - Since a mesh network consists of many devices, it can be difficult to isolate issues and find the problem when something goes wrong. In contrast, with a traditional router, you only have one device that could be causing an issue.
- Limited customization - Mesh systems offer limited customization options, so you may not be able to get the most out of your network. For example, you can't attach a USB printer to a node.
- Not suitable for small homes - If you live in a small home or apartment, mesh wifi is probably not the best option for you. A traditional router will likely be more than enough coverage.
Should I Use a Mesh Network?
Now that we've looked at the pros and cons of mesh wifi, let's look at some considerations to help you decide if a mesh system is right for your home.
- Coverage area: The first thing you need to consider is the coverage area. If you have a larger house or office with multiple rooms, a single router might not be enough. In this case, you'll want to get a bundle package that includes multiple nodes so that you can cover the entire space.
- Device support: If your devices don't support a mesh network, it won't be able to take advantage of all the extra coverage and speed improvements offered by these systems. Make sure your phone or tablet is compatible with wireless AX before purchasing a new mesh.
- Budget: Mesh systems can be expensive, so make sure you have a budget in mind before making your purchase. You can often find deals on mesh wifi if you buy them as a bundle.
- Technical skills: If you're not very tech-savvy, setting up a mesh network may be difficult for you. Make sure you are comfortable with making changes to your network and dealing with potential tech issues before making the purchase.
- Customization options: Some mesh systems offer more customization options than others. If you need to tweak certain settings on your network, make sure the mesh system you choose allows for this.
- Smart home: If you're planning to have a smart home, you'll need a wifi network with strong coverage. Make sure your mesh system can handle the added load of smart devices before making the purchase.
The Bottom Line
The solution to weak wifi in your home is a mesh network. If you’re tired of family members complaining about the lack of internet coverage, or if you want an intelligent router that will grow with your needs as they change over time, then it might be time for this new technology.
Mesh networks are becoming more popular because people have so many devices nowadays and need strong signals throughout their homes at all times.
But if the space is small, and you don't have much devices, traditional routers may be better suited for your needs as they're friendlier on wallet than mesh sets. Leave me a comment below about what router has worked best for you so far.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth getting mesh WiFi?
Mesh WiFi systems are becoming more and more popular as people move away from traditional routers. While they have a lot of benefits, there are also a few disadvantages that should be considered before making the switch.
One of the biggest disadvantages of mesh WiFi networks is their cost. They can be quite expensive to set up, which can be a deterrent for people who are on a tight budget. Additionally, mesh networks can be difficult to configure and get working properly, so it’s important to do your research before purchasing one.
However, mesh WiFi networks are worth the investment. They provide superior coverage and faster speeds than traditional routers, and they can last for years if set up correctly. So if you’re looking for a seamless wifi experience at home, a mesh network is the way to go. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons before making your decision.
Is it possible to get the mesh Wi-Fi to go through walls?
The answer is yes.
The mesh Wi-Fi can go through walls. It depends on the specific materials used in the construction of your walls. However, the range of your wireless router will be reduced by almost half if there are multiple rooms and several walls in between.
You would need to test it in different areas of your environment to get a better idea of on the coverage.
0 comments