WiFi Mesh: An Overview

Mesh WiFi systems are wireless networks that combine a WiFi router with one or more mesh satellites to expand the coverage area of a single WiFi network. In a Mesh WiFi system, connected devices are seamlessly handed off to the router or satellite with the strongest WiFi signal in a given area.

This makes mesh WiFi a great solution for large homes and businesses where a single router will not provide adequate coverage. Mesh WiFi systems give users great flexibility to place satellites in different areas for optimal WiFi coverage, preventing WiFi “dead spots” throughout the space.

What is a Mesh Network?

A mesh network is a type of local area network (LAN) composed of multiple nodes that work together to broadcast a WiFi signal over a large area. In contrast to WiFi extenders, these nodes (mesh routers and mesh satellites) combine to form a single network with a single login.

Each wireless node communicates with connected devices directly (phones, smart TVs, tablets etc.), but also talks to any other wireless node that is within range and part of the network, allowing seamless handoff between nodes and optimal performance.

What is a Mesh WiFi System?

A mesh WiFi system typically includes a mesh router, which connects to the modem (converting a wired internet connection from the modem to WiFi), and mesh satellites, to extend the WiFi signal deeper into the home. In some cases, the cable modem and router are combined in a single unit.
The router and satellites are strategically spaced throughout a home or business to create an overlapping wireless coverage area, allowing strong, continuous WiFi coverage throughout. The best mesh WiFi systems on the market today provide up to 3,000 sq. ft. of coverage or more per satellite

How does Mesh WiFi work?

Mesh networks are a type of network where each node (either the mesh router or mesh satellite) can relay data to other nodes in the network, passing it along until it reaches its destination. This is in contrast to traditional wireless networks, where each device is connected to a single, central router.

For a typical user connected to a mesh network, this forwarding of data between nodes is completely seamless; they have the same experience as being connected to a single super-powerful wireless router, with a strong, reliable WiFi signal in every corner of the home.

Mesh satellites are wired or wirelessly connected to the mesh router via a “backhaul”. The quality and speed of the backhaul connection dictates the maximum speed that satellites can supply to connected devices (phones, laptops, etc.).

What is a Mesh Router?

Mesh routers are the heart of a mesh WiFi system. Working in tandem with a modem, the WiFi mesh router directly creates a single, unified network throughout a home by managing and connecting to one or more mesh satellites.

Mesh satellites cannot be used without a connection to the main mesh router, but if desired, a mesh router can be used without any satellites.

What are the Benefits of Mesh WiFi?

Mesh WiFi is becoming more and more popular because it offers a few key benefits that traditional routers don’t. These include:

• Mesh WiFi networks automatically configure themselves, so there’s no need to manually set up each individual node. This makes the setup process incredibly easy and seamless for the user.
• Mesh WiFi networks can be much faster than traditional routers. In fact, they can be up to ten times faster! This is because data is distributed evenly across all of the nodes in the network, rather than concentrating all traffic to a single wireless router.
• Mesh WiFi networks are far more reliable than traditional routers. If one experiences a weak signal, a closer satellite will automatically take over and the network will still function seamlessly.

Mesh Network: Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

Mesh WiFi Systems have significant performance advantages over traditional WiFi routers and wireless extenders.

• Mesh Systems can provide the fastest and easiest to use WiFi possible for consumers.
• Mesh WiFi is also one of the only ways to take full advantage of a 1 Gig or faster internet plans performance.
• More powerful hardware can also unlock advanced Mesh Router features like advanced cybersecurity and internet filtering with parental controls.
• Mesh WiFi Systems are often expandable with additional mesh satellites eliminating slow WiFi on the edge of the coverage area.

Disadvantages:

Mesh networks have very few disadvantages but there are a few considerations when shopping for a mesh system.

• WiFi devices may experience imperceptible increased latency when data is transmitted between satellite nodes. This is because data has to pass through more nodes to reach the internet, and each node adds a small delay as data is read and retransmitted. Often this small amount of latency is counterbalanced by the reduced device load on each individual mesh satellite compared to a traditional wireless router setup.
• Mesh WiFi Systems are sometimes more expensive than single wireless routers of the same performance class. However, these cost considerations can lead to time and cost-saving vs buying multiple premium extenders and configuring your own network from scratch.

Mesh WiFi vs Extender: What’s the difference?

Mesh WiFi systems are preconfigured out of the box, meaning that once you have the main mesh router unit set up, you can easily add additional mesh satellites and they will all work together. Mesh networks also have a more powerful backhaul than a traditional WiFi Extender. This means that the signal from the main unit to satellites is stronger and can reach further away with less chance of interference and slow-down.

Mesh systems allow for the use of a single SSID (service set identifier) meaning the same WiFi name is always seamlessly available and you don’t have to worry about which network your device is connected to – it will always connect to the strongest signal. With a traditional WiFi extender, you have to configure each one separately, which can be complicated and error-prone.

How to set up Mesh WiFi

The setup procedures for different mesh WiFi systems may vary. NETGEAR’s Orbi Mesh WiFi Systems for Home and Orbi Pro for Business offer a hassle-free setup:

1. Connect your Orbi Mesh Router to your modem and place the satellites in the desired locations. The Mesh Router should be placed in the middle of your home (if possible) and the satellites should be placed around the edge of your property in order to provide optimal coverage.
2. Once devices are placed, use the Orbi app or browser login page to configure the router and check which satellite provides the best signal in each room.

Benefits of a WiFi Mesh Network

Mesh WiFi is built for all types of homes specifically mid size and large homes that have suffer from weak or incomplete WiFi coverage. Usually when you experience dead zones or slow wifi, you might opt into a range extender but find that it doesn’t provide you with the fastest speeds or connectivity throughout your home. Whereas mesh wifi routers are built to fully cover large homes up to 6,000 sq. ft., with two stories or more, interior brick walls, or an unusual layout. With more family members being home, a typical wifi router will have issues with maintaining strong internet access to all devices like phones, computers, or tvs. With multiple mesh nodes, everyone can easily connect more smart home devices simultaneously without slowing down your wifi bandwidth.

They also represent a great option for people who are interested in a powerful WiFi system but don’t want to deal with the complicated setup and configuration that most regular routers come with.

Does this replace my existing WiFi?

Deco Mesh units replace your current router, therefore, your current WiFi.

What is the best mesh WiFi system this year?

Explore our Deco routers that are rated as the best mesh wifi systems.

What is the best router for a 1500 square foot home?

There are several Deco systems that have coverage for up to 6,500 sq. ft. For a 1,500 sq. ft. home checkout Deco M5. For a 5,800 sq. ft home see our Deco X20. For even faster wifi speeds there’s our Deco X60 WiFi 6 Mesh system.

Is mesh WiFi better?

Mesh wifi alone offers stronger WiFi coverage but when paired with the latest technology of WiFi 6 you get the ultimate in WiFi performance. More speeds and greater wifi coverage. Check out our Deco X90 Wifi 6 Mesh system for best in mesh performance.

Can I add more Deco units to my existing Mesh network?

Yes! The great thing about mesh systems is they grow as your home grows or your needs change. All deco units work together regardless of the model and adding new units is as easy as powering on and following the guided steps in the Deco app.

Will Mesh WiFi work if I have brick, stucco, or concrete walls in my house?

Yes! Mesh WiFi systems will work in houses with these conditions. However, most routers (including mesh WiFi) may experience some drop in connectivity due to environmental factors. If you have overly thick walls, you might be better served by getting a powerline extender.

How many devices can be connected to a Deco network?

Depending on the Deco Mesh WiFi system you choose, you can connect up to 200 smart home, gaming, and streaming devices. Each Deco Mesh system will provide information on how many devices you can connect based on the pack size. Visit the product page of your favorite Deco for additional details.

How many Deco units can I have in my home?

It is best to connect 10 or fewer Deco units in your home to maintain better performance; however, there is no limit on the number of Deco units you can add to your network. Current 3-packs can cover as much as 7,000 sq. ft., which works for most users.

Where can I find mesh WiFi products?

Many solutions are on the market. You can find mesh networking products on Amazon, Walmart, Costco, Newegg and other places where electronics are sold.