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The idea of mesh networks has been around for several years. However, it wasn’t until around the mid-2010s that the term started being used for his Wi-Fi routers and devices. That’s when companies like Eero, Google, and Netgear started rolling out “mesh networking kits” that let you blanket your home with a stronger Wi-Fi signal.
Although the concept of mesh networks has been around for several years, many people are still unfamiliar with them. So the talk of adding a mesh network to your home can be confusing and even cause anxiety about whether you’re making the right choice when purchasing a new router. Thankfully, mesh networks aren’t as complicated as you might think.
What is a mesh network?
In contrast to a traditional Wi-Fi setup, a mesh network uses multiple devices instead of just one router. Although only one device is actually connected to the modem, all devices in the mesh can output their strongest signal and, importantly, piggyback on each other to form one large Wi-Fi network. Connect. This means increasing coverage within your home while maintaining strength and speed.
Mesh has significant advantages over typical setups, even setups with range extenders. For example, your home Internet router has a set range that the signal can reach. Other devices such as Wi-Fi range extenders and repeaters can extend this signal, but they are costly and typically cut the bandwidth of the network they are feeding in half. Mesh networks also extend that signal, but because of the way it’s designed, it doesn’t slow you down at all, allowing the full signal to get where you need it without sacrificing bandwidth.
What is a mesh network kit?
Mesh network kits typically include a main router (connected to a modem) and one or more satellites that act as nodes to extend the Wi-Fi signal. Each node connects to the node before it, further amplifying the signal with each satellite. Depending on the brand you purchase, these kits can provide up to 5,000 square feet of expandable coverage.
One easy way to think about these kits and the devices they offer is to imagine that they are all separate blankets that you sew together to create a larger blanket that covers your entire home. Together, they provide a more powerful and consistent experience to improve your home Wi-Fi.
Do I need a mesh network?
Many of us have dead zones on our home Wi-Fi, but not everyone benefits from a mesh network. Mesh networks are ideal for large homes or homes with multiple floors and thick walls. This is because these thick walls and floors make it difficult for Wi-Fi signals to travel, and traditional routers may have a hard time getting a strong signal into these areas of your home.
But with a mesh network, satellites and nodes can pick up that slack and broadcast their full-strength signal into areas where the signal would otherwise be attenuated or not received at all. Experience the same speed as the original signal throughout your home. Mesh Wi-Fi also runs on the same SSID (Wi-Fi network name) and password, so you don’t have to switch between networks when connecting to different nodes.
For example, if you only have two dead zones near your TV, buying the best Wi-Fi extender is often cheaper and more than enough to solve your problem. You’ll lose some of the speed your original network provided, but you won’t end up paying too much to solve a problem that can be solved much cheaper.
Which mesh network system should I buy?
If you think you need a mesh network, you have many options. Those looking for a budget-friendly option will find the Vilo mesh Wi-Fi system offers consistent area and speed at an affordable price of just $115.99 for a three-device package.
If you want something that’s easily expandable, the Eero 6+ is a solid choice. Prices start at just $139.99, albeit on a per-device basis. You can purchase multipacks from Amazon, which can save you money if you need multiple devices in your mesh network. However, each device can cover up to 1,500 square feet, which should be more than enough for most people.
Finally, those looking for a great gaming setup for mesh networking will find the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 2-pack to be a solid choice. List price is $479.99, but it’s often available for much less, and it’s designed with a ton of gamer-centric features that might justify the price a little more for many people.
Check out the recommended mesh networks in this article.
