Wi-Fi is the way we connect to the world whether we are at home, in a public setting like a doctor’s office, a park, or a restaurant, a wireless network is the backbone of our connectivity.
However, if you live in a large home or in one with an unusual layout, more than two stories or interior brick walls, you probably encounter Wi-Fi dead spots where you don’t get a Wi-Fi signal.
You may be wondering whether a mesh router would work for you. If so, here is a summary of what a standalone router and a mesh router do, to help you make the decision.
If you are using a traditional router that you bought a few years ago or got from your internet service provider, that device is casting out a network for your whole home. And that is a lot for one single piece of equipment to handle, especially in a multi-story home or one with many rooms. The main issue with standalone routers is that the reach of the signal they send out is limited and does not reach all spaces.
With a mesh networking system, you can improve the coverage in your home eliminating dead spots by placing one node next to where the Ethernet intake comes from the internet service provider, the second node can be placed on your main floor, and the third node goes on the second floor, giving you better connectivity.
In order to have internet at home, first you need a modem. The modem supplies an IP address from the internet service provider to the router through an Ethernet cable. The router then disperses the internet signal throughout your home.
A standalone router just casts one network for all devices to share. So, if you have a few phones, a game console, a tablet, along with a TV that is streaming a movie, that is too much for the router to handle, causing signal slowdown.
A mesh router splits that one router into multiple access points. These points work together to create a larger network with more bandwidth. This way it can deliver broader coverage than a typical router, which may serve your needs much better. Modern mesh systems are smart, so they can be automated and have a simple setup. They are also optimized to deal with home obstructions and can connect devices on numerous frequencies.
For those who are not sure if they need a mesh system, or who plan to move into a large home, here are two benefits of mesh routers:
- Easy network management: Many if not all mesh routers are managed through a mobile app, which lets users quickly scan their speeds, create guest networks, test the quality between the various connection points and even connect to smart home devices.
- Streamlined connections: A mesh router system lets you move from room to room without constant reconnection. You also won’t have to deal with much lag as the access points broadcast a signal close to you.
Most mesh systems are suitable for daily browsing, streaming, and some types of gaming. In addition, if you are interested in smart home features, the easy remote management that mesh routers offer through their mobile apps is a huge advantage. They are the latest upgrade in home Wi-Fi networking, don’t miss out on improving your connectivity.