A mesh WiFi system is a great option for homes and businesses. Rather than having one central WiFi router and extenders for distant locations, a mesh WiFi system creates one net that covers the entire property.
Let’s take a closer look at what a mesh network is and why it might be the right choice for your needs.
Table of Contents
What is a mesh WiFi system?
A mesh WiFi system uses multiple access points, sometimes called mesh nodes or extenders, to create a blanket of WiFi coverage across your property. Each node serves as a router, ensuring stable connections in all rooms.
Mesh router systems are great because they can account for any shape and size of property. A more traditional system might work best when situated in the exact middle of a perfectly square room. Realistically, none of us live in such a place. Whether we live in old buildings with mismatched and quirky room shapes or even a perfectly constructed new build, we are probably never going to have the optimal room set up for a perfect internet connection.
This is why mesh systems are great options. They offer multiple points of connectivity, making them a more flexible option than traditional routers.
How does mesh WiFi work?
To create a mesh network, you need to have one central node next to your internet modem, and then as many other nodes as you need to create the mesh throughout your property. The number of nodes you need will depend on the footprint you try to cover. Larger properties obviously require more nodes.
How is mesh WiFi different from a traditional router?
Are mesh systems merely traditional routers with extenders? Surely you can just buy one router and some WiFi extenders and get pretty much the same effect? Not really.
Traditional routers act as single network access points to the internet. They can be great for smaller homes or if you have fewer devices to connect to them.
However, in today’s modern world, many of us have homes filled with connected devices that all want their share of the internet connection.
A mesh system is decentralised. This means that every mesh node in the system provides the same reliable connection rather than having to rely on an extender or crowd the central WiFi router.
This supports more connected devices without performance drops. Some mesh systems can penetrate interior brick walls and extend outdoors, unlike traditional networks.
Mesh networks create a strong WiFi signal because they have these points where they overlap and create one continuous area of coverage. If you are in between two nodes, your device will just connect to the one with the strongest WiFi signal – it is that simple!
What are the benefits of a mesh WiFi system?
There are many benefits to choosing a mesh WiFi network, just as there are some times when a single WiFi router might be the better option. However, the following benefits of mesh WiFi might convince you that this is the right system for you.
Better coverage
As we’ve already outlined above, a mesh network offers great coverage that can be spread across as big a network as you need. Proper optimisation eliminates network dead zones.
Smooth connection
Another advantage of a mesh router is that it does provide a smoother connection. Users also won’t notice a drop in service as they move around the property and switch from hub to hub.
One small thing to note is that a mesh system doesn’t necessarily offer faster speeds. If you rely on high speeds for something like gaming, a wired ethernet cable might be the better option for you.
Simple installation
Mesh WiFi is easy to install, requiring few ethernet cables. Though one will be needed for the main router, the other nodes create a wireless network, so all you will need is a power source. This makes setup and arrangement quite simple to manage and can make it much easier to hide the nodes if you prefer a sleek and modern aesthetic in your home or business.
Self-healing
One of the best benefits of mesh WiFi is that it can be self-healing. If one of the nodes becomes unresponsive or goes offline, the others will configure themselves to offer uninterrupted coverage. They will even work to find the best route to send and receive data around the issue – all without you noticing any drop in service.
Flexibility
With a mesh WiFi network, it is very easy to set up guest networks within your main system. Offering guest WiFi to visitors, whether in your home or at your place of business, enhances hosting and helps secure your own network from unwanted explorers.
Have you decided that a mesh WiFi system is right for you? Let Inlink System help you select the right routers for your needs and optimise the node layout around your property for seamless connectivity wherever you are.
