The COVID pandemic brought about some major changes in how Americans work. For instance, about 35 percent of employees who have jobs that can be done remotely now do so all of the time. That is an increase from about seven percent before the pandemic.
The continual increase in people working from home, along with ever-accelerating advances in computer systems and hardware, makes reliable internet that much more vital. That is why many people have turned to mesh Wi-Fi systems.
There are many different types and features of mesh systems available. It can make choosing one seem overwhelming.
This article explains what to look for in a mesh Wi-Fi system. It will help you determine which features and functions are right for your home or business. Keep reading to learn more.
How Wi-Fi Works
In order to know how a mesh Wi-Fi system functions, it is important to first understand how standard Wi-Fi systems work. First, a connection to the internet usually comes into a home or building through a cable and connects to a modem. This is a device responsible for sending and receiving signals from an internet service provider (ISP).
The model also connects to a router. Although, often both modem and router functions are built into the same device.
As the name suggests, the router disperses the internet signal. This can be directly through a cable (historically, this was the only way to connect) or through a wireless network.
A wireless or “Wi-Fi” network uses a radio frequency to broadcast the internet signal into the surrounding area. Then, computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other devices can detect and connect to it. Almost all Wi-Fi networks can be secured with a password to limit who can access them.
What Is a Mesh Wi-Fi System?
What is a mesh system for Wi-Fi? This refers to an extensive wireless network system created using specialized routers, called “mesh routers.” It is also sometimes called “whole home Wi-Fi.”
In a mesh Wi-Fi system, there is a main router that broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal, like with traditional systems. However, it also connects to other routers throughout the home.
Each router, or “node,” acts as a connection point for any device in the space. It would be similar to having several free-standing routers providing internet connections throughout your home.
Is a Mesh Wi-Fi System Different Than a Wi-Fi Extender?
It may seem like mesh Wi-Fi systems are similar to Wi-Fi extenders, but there are some major distinctions. Extenders are devices that you plug into the wall and configure with the existing network. They can help broadcast the signal further throughout a particular space.
Extenders are inexpensive and portable. However, they only produce a stronger Wi-Fi signal, but do not guarantee the same speeds or reliability as the original network.
That is because the signal has to travel from the router to the extender, and then to the device. This can result in much slower internet speeds, especially if you have multiple devices relying on that one signal.
Another disadvantage of extenders is that they have a dedicated signal. This means you have two (or more) that you must connect to in your home.
This may not be an issue for a stationary computer. But for devices that you use throughout the home, you will need to connect to a distinct Wi-Fi signal when moving from room to room. This can be a huge hassle and not at all feasible for devices like smartphones that you use in different locations in your home.
A final disadvantage of Wi-Fi extenders is that they can interfere with other devices in your home, such as baby monitors. They often operate on the same frequency as these, which can lead to disruptions for either device.
Benefits of a Mesh Wi-Fi System
One of the main reasons that people set up mesh Wi-Fi systems is if they live in buildings where a signal from a single router will not suffice. A common example is if you have a large home. It may be difficult for a single router to broadcast a signal strong enough to reach every corner of the building.
Homes that have odd layouts or thick brick walls (especially in central spaces) could see limited Wi-Fi signals in certain areas. Standard routers and Wi-Fi extenders can have a difficult time producing adequate signals in these spaces. Even in close proximity, a signal may have a tough time getting through flooring to basements or second stories.
Mesh Wi-Fi systems work like a Wi-Fi signal extender to deliver strong signals to these areas. Also, unlike extenders, they offer similar network performance levels as a wireless connection to the base router.
One of the main reasons people go with mesh Wi-Fi systems is not only for use with computers, tablets, or smartphones, but for the expansion of smart home devices. If you are installing smart lighting, thermostats, appliances, audio, or other technologies in remote areas of your home, mesh systems are the best way to ensure strong, reliable signals.
This goes for other buildings as well. If you have free-standing garages, sheds, pool houses, or other structures where you need an internet connection, a mesh system is ideal.
Another advantage of mesh Wi-Fi systems is that they are easy to set up. Most quality ones need little configuration beyond plugging in and connecting to your internet service.
Disadvantages of Mesh Wi-Fi Systems
While the disadvantages of mesh Wi-Fi systems are minor, they are worth mentioning. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of what setup involves.
The first one is the price. Since you may need to buy two or more nodes, the upfront costs can be more than other Wi-Fi options.
You can expect mesh Wi-Fi systems to be more expensive than Wi-Fi extenders. Keep in mind though that this is a one-time cost, although some systems do require a subscription (which is usually nominal). Quality systems last and perform well for years, so there is no need to replace them with any frequency.
Another minor disadvantage of mesh systems is that they may use more electricity than, for instance, Wi-Fi extenders. Since each node essentially functions as its own router, it requires a bit more power to do so.
Finally, while this is not technically a “disadvantage” of mesh Wi-Fi systems, it is important information: they are not a fix to already slow internet speeds.
Many people purchase these systems due to performance issues with their network. This does nothing to address the problem.
If you are experiencing slow internet speeds, regardless of your proximity to the router, that is an issue for your ISP to address. Mesh systems will not speed up otherwise slow internet speeds.
What to Look For in a Mesh Wi-Fi System?
There are many different types of mesh Wi-Fi systems. Not all them perform equally, and they can each come with distinct attributes. Here are the main features to consider to ensure you are getting the most out of your internet connection.
Higher Frequency and Speeds
Modern mesh systems can have different capacities when it comes to broadcast bans. Look for ones that have at least 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) and up to 5GHz capacity. These will guarantee stronger, more consistent connectivity and performance.
Also, look at total throughput. If your ISP provides greater than 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps), you want to be able to take advantage of those speeds. Look for systems with bandwidth speeds up to AX300, which can produce speeds upwards of 1,700 Mbps.
You also will want to make sure the mesh system is compatible with Wi-Fi 6. One of the biggest advantages of Wi-Fi 6 over its predecessor (Wi-Fi 5) is not sheer speed, but the ability to deliver consistent speeds to more devices.
U.S. homes now have an average of 16 smart devices operating at any given time. That number is up from five only a few years ago. In short, if your ISP offers Wi-Fi 6, you want to ensure your mesh system has the capability to access and use that power.
Number of Antennas
A related advantage is its ability to handle the number of devices connected to the internet. For this, one of the simplest yet most important qualities to look for in a Wi-Fi mesh system is the number of antennas on nodes. Look for those with “mulit-user, mulit-in, muli-out” (MU-MIMO) capabilities. This means every note will be able to simultaneously send multiple high-strength signals in each location.
Ease of Installation
As mentioned, mesh Wi-Fi devices create an intricate system of available networks. This can make some of them confounding to set up and configure.
Quality systems will come with easy-to-use online instructions and programs for setup. Most will have features that make nodes immediately recognizable and easy to connect to, name, and configure.
Adaptability
One of the biggest advantages of installing a mesh Wi-Fi system is the ability to configure internet signals to be available where you need them most. The best mesh systems do this for you.
For instance, our Genius Wi-Fi whole home mesh solution by Plume uses adaptive Wi-Fi technology to analyze your network and adjust bandwidth allocation based on usage. This means that it automatically creates the speed and performance you need at any location, without making manual adjustments. It also does so continually, so there is no need to reconfigure based on how or where you access various networks at any given time.
A Dedicated App
When looking at types of Wi-Fi mesh systems, consider one that has a dedicated smartphone application.
For instance, the EverFast Genius Wi-Fi Whole Home Mesh Solution by Plume uses the HomePass application. This allows you to access advanced controls, configuration, and security.
It also allows you to see which devices are connected to each node in real-time. It relays information like MAC and IP addresses, and how much bandwidth a particular device is taking up. It also lets you pause access for a device.
Besides control and configuration, one of the biggest advantages of this feature is that it allows you to receive notifications about disruptions or other problems with your system. For instance, you can set up HomePass to send a push notification to your phone to notify of you of signal disruptions.
Security
With the ever-increasing cyber threats–including identity theft and fraud–you want to ensure your mesh Wi-Fi system has adequate security tools. These include encryption capabilities as well as protections against malware, adware, spyware, botnets, and other malicious threats.
This goes for parental controls as well. Look for age-based website filtering and the ability to set up individual user profiles and view blocked websites. Make sure that the system you select offers adequate protection for you and your family.
For instance, the EverFast Genius Wi-Fi Whole Home Mesh Solution by Plume instantly adapts to your home’s Wi-Fi setup.
Size and Design
Often, when it comes to technology, outstanding performance can come at the expense of style and aesthetics. Having faster, more reliable internet should not require that you have bulky, unattractive devices strewn throughout your home.
High-end mesh systems will come with compact, sleek, low-profile nodes that you can plug in anywhere. You can find systems that blend in (or even complement) furnishings without surrendering performance.
Plume’s SuperPods, for instance, are less than four inches in diameter and less than two inches wide. They also come in a variety of color options, including silver, champagne, plum, and walnut.
Setup a Whole-Home Mesh Wi-Fi System Today
Now that you have an answer to ‘what to look for in a mesh Wi-Fi system?’ you can identify one that suits your internet needs. Whether you use it for work, school, gaming, streaming, or some combination of these, a quality mesh Wi-Fi system can guarantee performance anywhere in your home or office.
EverFast Fiber Networks has been serving the Kansas City metropolitan area since 1999. Our 1 Gig fiber network delivers fast and reliable connections to more than 140,000 homes and businesses. Reach out to us today to learn more or to set up a service.
