Perhaps you’ve heard the term “mesh networking” recently. Mesh Wi-Fi systems extend your Wi-Fi coverage through connections between the main router and its satellite nodes, allowing more devices and users to be on a single wireless network. It’s quickly becoming the new way to enjoy your home networks without worrying about dead zones again. While mesh networking began hitting residential markets in 2015, it began spreading in popularity in 2020 and will become a more mainstream option in 2021. Here are several ways to determine if mesh networking is right for your household.
You Can Leave Ethernet In the Past
Perhaps one of the primary advantages of Wi-Fi technology is that it does not require an Ethernet connection. Mesh technology is no different. These systems are comprised of the main router that directly connects to your modem and several satellite modules, otherwise known as nodes, that you place throughout your home. While range extenders communicate with the router through 2.4GHz radio bands, modern Wi-Fi system satellites utilize mesh technology to communicate between the router and each other. This means that the node farthest away from your router can still receive as strong a Wi-Fi connection as the nodes closest to the router. However, if you still have ethernet wiring, it’ll be easier to upgrade to faster standards in small steps by using range extenders, which are a cheaper option than mesh networking.
You Have Inconsistent Coverage Across Your Home
You and your family probably know the dead zones of your home where buffering videos are common and the connection is poor. While most wireless routers can cover a medium-sized home, it fails to provide a consistent connection to larger homes with dense walls, multiple floors, metal and concrete substructures, and other structural elements out of reach of the router. Range extenders can fill in dead zones but still only provide around half the bandwidth from your main router. And although access points offer more bandwidth, they require a wired connection to the main router. Both of these options also require you to log in to a different network SSID as you move through the house. A mesh Wi-Fi system eliminates these bugs by offering plenty of bandwidth and a strong wireless connection across your whole home, using a single network SSID. If you decide to extend coverage to your garage or yard, Wi-Fi mesh systems are simple to expand; there is currently no limit to the number of nodes you can add to the system.
You Want to Improve Network Performance for the Future
As more family members are working, attending school, and finding entertainment at home, you’ve probably noticed an uptick of devices on your network that contribute to a slow connection. However, the latest Wi-Fi protocol, known as Wi-Fi 6, makes it possible to maintain a smooth Wi-Fi performance for gaming, streaming, and even video conferencing; even with up to 30 users on a network at a time. Mesh technology makes it easier than ever to add devices without overthinking placement and configuration. The router and nodes utilize internal antennas and are well-designed, often without flashing LED indicators, so they discreetly blend in with your home’s décor, and you can place them in open areas that maximize an efficient connection. While USB connectivity is a dying feature, the routers and nodes tend to have at least one LAN port if you prefer a wired connection with a TV or gaming console. No matter how many devices you may add in the future, your system will be prepared to handle it.
You Don’t Want to Deal with Confusing Administrative Tasks
Wi-Fi systems are intuitively designed for users with little technical knowledge and can be installed in minutes. Most systems include a mobile app with instructions to install your system and include suggestions for placing your nodes around the home for optimized coverage. The smart system will automatically select the best Wi-Fi channel and radio band for maximum performance, so your wireless connection will remain strong no matter where you are in the house. You can continue to manage your system with your smartphone, whether you decide to disable Wi-Fi access to particular devices, give specific devices network priority, or adjust your wireless security settings without having to log into a confusing admin profile. Better yet, these systems tend to automatically install updates, so you won’t have to continuously check your app to see what you’ve missed.
Mesh networks utilizing Wi-Fi 6 are quick to set up and manage while offering seamless coverage across your whole home through discreet nodes connected to a single network. If you’re ready to take control of your network without getting bogged down with radio bands and confusing maintenance, a mesh Wi-Fi system will be right for you. Call our team of experts at Saavi today to get started!