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The problem with many traditional Wi-Fi routers is that they cannot provide the extensive network coverage people need in a big house. These routers did an excellent job in the past when people’s life was not that full of internet of things. However, a mesh network can help you in this regard. That said, do you know what a mesh network is and when you need it?
A mesh network is a replacement for traditional routers that provide Wi-Fi coverage throughout a large building. This network utilizes two or more devices to offer speed and reliability. The most significant benefit of using a mesh network is that it eliminates Wi-Fi dead zones within a building.
However, there are situations where traditional routers can outperform modern mesh network solutions. The following sections of the post describe in detail different aspects of mesh networks and routers.
You will also find a comparison between the two.
Table of Contents
What is Mesh Network?
A mesh network consists of 2 or more devices that replace traditional Wi-Fi routers for enhanced internet coverage and reliability of the connection. It helps you access the internet with top-notch coverage and reliability by eliminating Wi-Fi dead zones.
A standalone router cannot provide relentless Wi-Fi coverage when you have an unusual layout of rooms in the house. If you live in a big house covering more than 3000 feet, traditional Wi-Fi routers might not be the best companion for you.
What Is The Difference Between Mesh Network And Wi-Fi Routers?
Number of Devices
There are many noticeable differences between the two. However, the most important one among all is the number of devices. A traditional Wi-Fi router only has a single device where users connect to the modem for seamless coverage.
On the other hand, there are usually three or more devices on a mesh network to facilitate uninterrupted connectivity.
Put simply, having a mesh network is like having 3 to 4 traditional routers that get the connection from a single internet connection. In this way, multiple devices in the home will have different Wi-Fi sources on a single network.
Reach of the Connection
Wi-Fi range is another significant difference between the two. The routers are an excellent source of providing Wi-Fi coverage within a small building and apartments.
However, these routers fail to impress with an increased number of devices on the same network and a large building.
Mesh networks work best in a large environment. You can enjoy enhanced connectivity and reliable coverage throughout a large block by using a mesh network.
Regardless of the number of rooms in the house, a mesh network provides equal coverage everywhere in the building.
In this way, you will have the same speed and connectivity regardless of your location in the home.
Multiple Access Points
The availability of multiple access points on a wireless mesh network enhances its desirability for large buildings. Traditional routers use a single-point broadcasting mechanism that gets the signal from a modem and distributes it to other devices.
In this way, you have only one device responsible for broadcasting the internet to every connected device within a building.
On the contrary, there is an advanced mechanism on mesh networks to solve this problem of single-point broadcasting. The availability of multiple access points on a mesh network gets the job done for you.
One of the access points that acts similar to a router connects to the modem for broadcasting.
However, other access points on the network further act as satellites for seamless broadcasting of the internet connection. They receive the connectivity from the first one that acts as a router and rebroadcast the signals for enhanced coverage.
This process of broadcasting and rebroadcasting on a mesh network is responsible for an enhanced reach of the connection.
In this way, you can enjoy equal connectivity and signal reach at multiple stories of the same building and in every room of the house.
What does a Mesh Network Do?
In this age of the internet of things, everyone requires a dependable internet connection without any interruptions. Traditional Wi-Fi routers or extenders work fine if you live in a compact apartment or small house. However, these devices fail to meet the expectations when it comes to large buildings with multiple stories.
In such a situation, you can rely on a modern solution called mesh networks. The mesh network utilizes a perfect combination of more than 2 devices that broadcast and rebroadcast Wi-Fi signals to eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones.
These mesh networks ensure every user in the house enjoys equal Wi-Fi coverage everywhere in the house.
A mesh network is what you need if you are not satisfied with the performance of the existing Wi-Fi router in your home.
After installing a high-end mesh network, you can expect your network to provide enhanced coverage without any dead zones.
Advantages of Using a Mesh Network
There are countless benefits of installing a mesh network in your home. Below are the most significant among them:
Relentless Coverage
An essential factor that justifies investing in a mesh network is enhanced coverage of mesh networks. The Wi-Fi coverage of a network increases many folds when you upgrade to a mesh network.
Regardless of user location, mesh networks help users enjoy equal strength and range of signals throughout large building blocks.
Multiple Access Points
It is not uncommon to experience Wi-Fi blockage in some corners of the house if you use a traditional router for network distribution. The availability of only one access point in these routers is the main reason behind this lag.
However, things function differently in mesh networks. These networks use multiple access points that act as satellites for the distribution of internet access. Instead of accessing a single source, various devices in a mesh network can access different nodes for an interruption-free experience.
Easy Administration
The ease of management is one of the most commendable aspects of modern mesh networks. You can easily access and manage multiple aspects of a network by installing an app. App support in mesh networks means you can access the network remotely. Moreover, you can manage numerous settings of the network with the help of the company’s app.
On the contrary, you have to open a webpage on a browser to manage settings on traditional routers. You cannot access your network remotely on older generation routers. That is why you have to connect the mobile to a router to manage the settings on it. Moreover, you will not find any app support from suppliers of these routers.
Convenience
Mesh networks make the best choice if you are looking for convenience in running a Wi-Fi connection. The app support of mesh networks brings with it multiple features that count for a lot. For instance, any user can scan the speed of the WiFi connection using the app.
Blocking particular devices on the network is also more convenient compared to routers. The mesh network also facilitates the creation of a guest network, and the process is hassle-free.
Last but not least, it is compatible with any of the Smart Home appliances in the home.
No-Hassle
People use high-end range extenders to enhance the coverage of their networks if they use traditional routers. The use of additional range extenders is not an easy business.
For every extender in the network, users create a separate network with different configurations.
In other words, if you move from one corner of the house to another, you will have to switch between multiple range-extending networks. Changing Wi-Fi network frequently makes people irritated and complicates the process of seamless connectivity.
On the other hand, mesh networks do not require users to pair multiple extenders with routers for extended WiFi coverage.
The availability of multiple access points within a single mesh network means there will be streamlined connectivity without switching between networks at all.
Safety
Phishing and hacking through Wi-Fi networks is not a new thing. The problem with traditional routers is that maintaining a secure internet connection gets complicated and troublesome.
Anyone with some basic knowledge of ethical hacking can quickly hack any router for a network and other data access.
However, chances of phishing and hacking reduce if you use a mesh network. You will receive regular updates on your mesh network app to update your Wi-Fi network’s safety and security.
Moreover, managing multiple security settings through the app is also more convenient and dependable compared to web-based settings.
Do I Need to Dump My Existing Router to Buy a Mesh Network?
You will be glad to know that a good tip can help you. I always believe in the full utilization of resources. Therefore, I try my best to find thoughtful ways for my audience to get the most out of their existing equipment.
You can create a fully functional mesh network by utilizing the existing router if you plan to move to a bigger house soon. Mesh networks are usually expensive compared to standalone routers. All you have to do is buy another high-end router to pair up with the existing one.
In this way, you can create your own mesh network for eliminating dead Wi-Fi zones and enhanced coverage without dumping the existing router.
For now, be sure to look through the pros and cons of a Mesh Network before you decide.
Is Mesh Better Than Extender?
With extended Wi-Fi coverage, mesh networks outperform traditional routers in many ways. However, there are other things to consider too.
What are the Disadvantages of a Mesh Network?
Having countless benefits of mesh networks does not mean these modern devices do not have any shortcomings at all.
Below are some main disadvantages of a mesh network::
Highly Expensive
The added features that you enjoy in a mesh network come at some cost. A good mesh network costs more than $250 that is way greater than a standalone router device.
Anyone can easily buy a traditional high-end extender with a price under a hundred dollars.
That is why I always recommend my audience to only buy mesh network setup if they need it.
Multiple Power Supplies
The number of power outlets depends upon the number of satellite nodes you add to a network. In a mesh network setup, each additional unit of nodes requires a separate power source.
In other words, the number of power outlets of the system also increases when you extend the range of signals with the help of a mesh network.
Lack of Versatility
There is no use in buying a mesh network setup if you live in a smaller place or an apartment. They are only helpful if you want to cover a large area for Wi-Fi coverage.
Setting one up in a small area is a waste of resources and a traditional router should be fine for your needs.
Do I Need a Mesh Network at Home?
If you live in a large house with multiple stories, you will undoubtedly require a mesh network at home. However, traditional routers are more than enough for smaller homes.
Conclusion
Mesh networks are extremely helpful in providing enhanced Wi-Fi coverage in a large house. However, you can also go for a traditional router if you live in a smaller house or apartment because they are inexpensive and well-suited for small homes.