Getting a WiFi signal to stretch across a large area is no easy task. Whether you have a residential or commercial property, dead zones can interfere with your connectivity and activities online.
There are two main solutions that most turn to: WiFi extenders or mesh networks. Though they might seem like they are similar, there are clear differences between the two. Your budget, internet connection, and even floorplan might affect which you choose.
Understanding the differences between WiFi mesh and WiFi extender can help you make an informed decision about which solution is best for your property. Let’s take a closer look!
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WiFi Extenders
A WiFi extender might also be referred to as a WiFi repeater or booster depending on the chosen terminology of your internet service provider (ISP). A WiFi extender itself is quite simple; it increases the range of your current WiFi network. Your existing router broadcasts a WiFi signal out to its range, the extender then rebroadcasts the signal to push it that little bit further.
This system is a great option if you have a smaller footprint to cover or you just want to push the signal into one specific dead zone, such as to a home office. Make sure that the extender is in a good position for optimal signal strength.
Pros of WiFi Extenders
- Cost-effective: WiFi extenders are generally less expensive. They can also often be used with an existing router, so you just need to buy the extender and not an entirely new system.
- Simple to install: Most extenders just need to be plugged into a power outlet. They will connect to your existing network without any major changes needed.
- Flexibility: You can place extenders in strategic locations to specifically target areas with weak signals.
Cons of WiFi Extenders
- Potential speed loss: WiFi extenders can halve your bandwidth because they have to receive and then retransmit the data along the channel. Imagine a line of people having to pick up and put down a rock in turn to move it from one end of the line to another – it will take some time!
- Separate network SSIDs: Some extenders create a new network SSID that you have to connect to manually when moving from one area of your home to another. There are some advantages to it – such as if you have a home business – but it can also be quite inconvenient.
- Complexity with multiple devices: Managing multiple extenders can be cumbersome, as each needs to be set up separately and they might not work together seamlessly. This may lead to an uneven signal distribution, requiring further adjustment for optimal connectivity.
Mesh WiFi Systems
We’ve already covered how mesh Wifi works but, as a quick recap, you have multiple nodes throughout your home each acting as its own router. This gives you reliable internet connectivity throughout your property, as you have blanket coverage rather than separate extenders. For larger footprints that need a seamless network while removing signal dead zones, a mesh network is a great choice.
Pros of Mesh WiFi
- Seamless roaming: Mesh systems use a single network SSID, allowing for seamless transition between different nodes without manually switching networks, as can be needed with WiFi extenders.
- Better Coverage: Designed to blanket a large area with WiFi, mesh systems often provide more consistent and reliable coverage than extenders.
- Ease of Use: Many mesh systems come with intuitive apps for easy management, including guest network setup, parental controls, and device prioritisation.
- Scalability: Adding or removing nodes to a mesh network is usually straightforward, making it easy to change the footprint of coverage as and when you need to.
Cons of Mesh WiFi
- Cost: Mesh systems are typically more expensive than traditional extenders or routers, making them a larger initial investment.
- Overly complex for small areas: For small apartments or spaces where coverage isn’t a significant issue, a mesh system might be unnecessary.
- New systems: Adopting a mesh network might necessitate a switch to new hardware or even a different ISP in some cases as not all support mesh technology, and not every existing router or modem is compatible with mesh nodes.
Mesh Network vs WiFi Extender: What is right for you?
Both mesh WiFi systems and WiFi extenders can be great choices depending on your needs. With both, you can get great coverage and the opportunity to control who is using your network and where. Though factors like internet speed and how many nodes you need might be important factors in your decision, there are a couple of other considerations you should not ignore.
Optimisation
Is your current system correctly optimised? Your current setup, whether it is in your home or office, might not be arranged most optimally, naturally leading to poor performance. A quick consultation from our experts could help you boost your wireless connection and WiFi coverage without having to invest in a completely new system.
Budget
Upping your network could require you to purchase new WiFi solutions. As we discussed above, extenders are the more affordable solution here. A WiFi range extender can be a much more affordable option compared to investing in a full new mesh system.
Floorplan
What is the size of your home? Mesh WiFi does tend to be the better option for creating one seamless network that stretches across a large area, but a small office or home might benefit from one or more WiFi extenders instead.
Multiple devices
Connecting multiple devices to a single router can cause a lot of network congestion. In a small home, this should not be too much of an issue. However, if you have a lot of connected devices like computers, tablets, or even modern smart appliances, a mesh network could be the better option. Each node is treated like its own router, helping to balance connected devices among them without causing too much strain on the overall signal.
Find the right solution for you with Inlink System
Whether you are considering range extenders or a mesh network for your WiFi signal, or whether you just want to chat through your options, the experts at InLink Systems are here to help.
Contact us for free, no-obligation advice now and get ready to boost your WiFi signal throughout your property.
