Bad internet is the absolute worst, but thankfully there are steps we can take to improve speeds and solve connectivity issues. A mesh WiFi router could be just what you need to provide a seamless internet connection that can be used from each corner of your home or office, without any unwanted dips in speed.
A mesh router expands an existing WiFi network allowing it to cover much more space. Mesh routers are simple to use, have added security, and allow for seamless connectivity throughout your home. Installing one is as easy as plugging it in and following the included in-app instructions.
A mesh network may very well be the answer to all your internet problems, so let’s take a closer look at how they work and what the pros and cons of using one are. We’ll also go through how to set up a mesh router of your own.
What Is a Mesh WiFi Router?
A mesh WiFi router creates a series of access points throughout your home or office that allows your WiFi to seamlessly connect throughout the space. One of these access points acts as the router or a base station and connects all the other access points you set up around your home to broadcast your internet.
Using all of these access points, the internet signal is bounced off of each one, letting you easily connect to your internet without getting those pesky dead spots or dips in speed.
Who Should Use a Mesh WiFi Router?
Mesh WiFi is good for anyone who needs a boost in their internet. If you’re suffering from bad connections in certain spots, have spotty speeds, or experience a lot of interference, then you will likely benefit from installing a mesh WiFi router.
Generally speaking, a larger area of 3,000 square feet or more will benefit the most from connecting mesh WiFi, but smaller spaces can also utilize the increased speeds.
If your home or office has multiple stories, the internet tends to get bogged down going through walls and metal devices. Having a mesh network will allow the internet to reach to the far corners of your home regardless of the floor plan and the presence of other electronic devices.
Mesh Routers vs. Traditional Routers
As we’ve learned, a mesh router (on Amazon) consists of a series of access points, or nodes, that the internet spreads from the mesh router to each access point. This allows an even distribution of your internet that minimizes interference and maximizes speed.
A traditional router (on Amazon), meanwhile, consists of a single unit that stretches as far as it can — which is a limited area to begin with. So, things like walls, different floors, electronic devices, and metal surfaces can interrupt or weaken the already stretched signal.
You might have a great signal in the same room as your router but the further you get away from it, the worse the quality becomes.
What Are the Benefits of a Mesh WiFi Router?
There are many benefits of a mesh WiFi router, which is why top tech companies like Google and Amazon have created their own versions of a mesh WiFi network. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits you should be aware of.
- The top reason to include mesh WiFi in your home or office networking system is the strengthening of a signal and preventing those pesky dead spots. Mesh WiFi allows the internet to reach farther distances and with an increased strength.
- It’s simple to set up and use. Most mesh WiFi networks (on Amazon) are automated, which means you initially set it up by following directions on an app and then it runs itself. A lot of companies also offer the ability to manage your network while you aren’t even home. This includes keeping track of speed, usage, creating guest networks, and testing each individual access point.
- Mesh WiFi routers can be integrated to your smart home devices. You can easily connect your mesh WiFi to smart products like Apple, Google, or Alexa, allowing for a seamless home or office with voice control.
- Mesh WiFi offers tightened internet security. With the mobile app that comes with your mesh WiFi set up, you can monitor every device that connects to your WiFi from the convenience of your phone.
- A mesh WiFi network can be modified at any time. If you find you need another access point, you can add one on by simply connecting it to the existing network. You won’t need to purchase an entirely new mesh network and can easily buy an additional access point.
What Are the Downsides to a Mesh WiFi Router?
While the drawbacks of a mesh WiFi router are relatively minimal, there still are some important things to consider before diving in.
Cost
The cost of purchasing the mesh router and access points can become quite expensive for the basic setup. Depending on the size of your home, you might need several access points to reach each floor or space that needs a boost in WiFi.
This can skyrocket the cost of your mesh network as compared to someone who only needs one or two access points.
Space
The space needed to place the access points could pose an issue. Generally, the access points are small in size but need to be placed away from other electronic devices to prevent interference.
They also need to be in an open space like on a shelf or dresser, and they shouldn’t be tucked away in a cupboard. Depending on the size of your home, finding enough locations to place the mesh access points could create a bit of a problem.
Quality
Not all mesh routers are made equally. You need to research each router and see what works for you individual space and the speeds you need. You should pay attention to reviews and look at tri-band versus dual-band, because even then some are better than others.
There are also bandwidth limitations on some mesh routers that need to be considered. If you purchase a mesh network with lower max speeds than you have available through your internet provider, then no amount of access points will increase that.
Companies like TP-Link (on Amazon), Google Nest, Asus (on Amazon), and Netgear (on Amazon) are some of the best options to consider, but they too have multiple lines and devices, and a little research is needed to figure out the best fit for your home or office.
Can You Add a Mesh Router to Your Existing Network?
Yes and no. A mesh router uses the internet feed from your current router. So, in a way, you’re using the same network, as it’s the same internet that came into your house or office to begin with. However, once you connect that initial mesh access point that will act as your router, you then have to create a new network name and password.
This creates an entirely new network that all your devices will then have to connect to.
The speeds the mesh network picks up are also dependent on what your internet plan is. If you’re already running your internet at the max speeds from your provider, a mesh network will not increase this. The idea of implementing a mesh router is to reach the top speeds available to you.
The good news is that once you connect that initial mesh router, all other access points are easily connected to the network. Most mesh WiFi networks you can purchase are modular, which means that you can add another access point later on if you decide you need one.
How to Set Up a Mesh WiFi System
Setting up a mesh wifi network is super simple. By using these few steps you can have your system running in minutes.
Initial Set Up
- Unpack your access points and make sure that all the cellophane is taken off each unit. This prevents them from overheating, and it’s easy to miss the clear plastic sheets.
- Locate your existing router and turn it off.
- Plug in the ethernet cable that came with your access points into an ethernet port on your existing router as well as the access point you want to designate as your mesh router.
- Plug in the power cord for the mesh router.
- Turn on your existing router.
- Follow the in-app instructions for your individual mesh network system.
- Proceed to setting up your first access point.
Adding a Mesh Access Point
- Find a suitable location that’s away from other electronic devices and in an open space to minimize interference.
- Plug in the power cord to the access point.
- Follow the in-app instructions for your individual mesh network set up.
- Follow these simple instructions for each access point you want to add to your mesh WiFi system.