Large homes or homes with an unusual layout tend to have Wi-Fi dead zones and may need a mesh router system
Mesh routers are an emerging technology for homes. They have been used for some time in large places, like businesses and military bases, where a secure network is critical. Now residences can benefit too from a form of mesh networking technology. People whose homes are at least 3,000ft2 in area, have more than two stories, have an unusual layout or have interior brick walls usually encounter frequent Wi-Fi dead zones. Such homes are good candidates for a mesh router system.
What is a mesh Wi-Fi router?
The wireless mesh network is an evolving technology that enables continuous connectivity. It is truly wireless, i.e. it doesn’t rely on cables buried in walls and ceilings. It relies on the existing Wi-Fi standards for most wireless networks but it brings fast Wi-Fi where it is needed without complications. Whenever there is a blockage, the network adjusts to find a clear signal from another nearby node.
A mesh router system eliminates dead zones that occur in houses with traditional Wi-Fi networks because it has multiple access points. One point connects to the modem and acts as the router and a few other points (satellites) capture and rebroadcast the router’s signal. That way the system covers the whole house.
Popular mesh Wi-Fi routers
Several big names have become popular mesh-router solutions in the past few years. Top names include the Netgear Orbi RBK50, Eero Pro, Google Wi-Fi, Google Nest WiFi, and Linksys Velop.
Orbi performs so well that it suits people who need advanced QoS and forwarding options and those who run a server, but it is huge and pricey. Eero is straightforward, it performs very well and is compatible with smaller Eero routers and beacons if the homeowner wants to expand its reach. Google WiFi’s bandwidth usage interface is fantastic; it offers great download speed and five ethernet ports but the app is not easy to work with. Nest Wi-Fi is a plug-and-play model but the homeowner must have internet access and a Google account to set it up.
These have grown in popularity because of their great performance in homes that used to have problems with traditional Wi-Fi routers. Homeowners can find out all they can about each of these mesh routers and decide which one best fits their requirements.
The benefits of mesh routers
The major benefit of mesh routers is their ability to create a strong reliable Wi-Fi signal that enables householders to access the internet from anywhere in the house, and even outside. The other benefits are listed below.
1. Easy network management
Mesh routers are smart home devices that are totally automated and easy to manage through a mobile app even when people are away from home. Users can connect to smart home devices, test the quality between various connection points, scan their speeds, create guest networks and cut off Wi-Fi access to certain networks.
2. Streamlined connections
With traditional routers, homeowners have to use range extenders to access Wi-Fi from long distances and have to constantly reconnect, sometimes manually. A mesh router doesn’t need constant reconnection as people move from room to room. Also, the user doesn’t experience much lag since all the access points broadcast the same signal.
3. Tight security
Some, not all, mesh routers come with great security support. Because they are easy to manage, it is easy to keep the router devices safe because many of them check for and install firmware updates. Some even screen out known malicious websites.
Drawbacks of mesh routers
Like all other networking equipment, mesh routers have their own drawbacks. A good kit and the add-on satellites cost much more than a traditional good traditional router and extenders. Because mesh routers suit large buildings, they are wasted in small homes or buildings. A small home/building can easily remedy its Wi-Fi connectivity issues with a range extender, by placing the existing router in a more central place or by upgrading to a better traditional router. Buying mesh routers also means having more devices which is inconvenient for homes that prefer to keep networking devices hidden.
Conclusion
People don’t have to deal with dead zones or slow internet speeds anymore. A large home with connectivity issues definitely needs a mesh router. Also, people who prefer smart home features will benefit from the easy remote management through mobile apps that mesh routers offers. Small homes can either install mesh routers or solve their problems with a simple range extender or by upgrading to a traditional router with longer distance capabilities.
