{"id":8136,"date":"2017-01-04T18:08:56","date_gmt":"2017-01-05T02:08:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.hellotech.com\/?p=8136"},"modified":"2021-06-14T03:17:17","modified_gmt":"2021-06-14T10:17:17","slug":"mesh-network","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/mesh-network","title":{"rendered":"Mesh Network: The Good, the Bad, and the Alternatives"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Even the most powerful router may not be enough to blanket your entire home in Wi-Fi. Dead spots and frustrations are bound to occur so a workaround may be necessary at some point. Have you thought about setting up a home mesh network?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Mesh Network?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Otherwise called a \u201cWi-Fi system\u201d, it\u2019s a group of routers that wirelessly communicate with each other to create one network that provides a blanket of Wi-Fi connectivity. Instead of just one powerful router, you get multiple sources of Wi-Fi throughout the home with a mesh network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because wireless internet is broadcasted from each Wi-Fi point, this connected system theoretically provides better coverage than traditional wireless setups. For comparison, you might want to read up on powerline networking<\/a> and Wi-Fi extenders<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wi-Fi systems aren\u2019t perfect, though. Let\u2019s look at both sides of the coin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why You Should Get a Wi-Fi System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few reasons why setting up a mesh network is a good move:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ease of Use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The good news to non-techies is that setting up a mesh network is simple. If you know how to navigate your way around a smartphone and plug anything into a wall socket, you\u2019re all set to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Setting up most home mesh networks is as easy as using your mobile device to configure the unit. With most setups, you only need to use a straightforward web interface to connect the device to your broadband modem. Afterward, you just place the units around your home, plug them in, and you’re good to go!<\/p>\n\n\n

\"WiFi<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Customizable Coverage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Besides letting you enjoy an expanded coverage with your wireless internet, a mesh network also makes it easy to tailor the signal according to the shape of your home. Because each unit can be placed 30-50 feet apart from each other, you can place a unit where they\u2019re needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you happen to live in a spacious home, we recommend setting up three hardware units to deliver Wi-Fi signal from end to end. And the beauty with mesh networks? Adding more units expands your coverage further, in case three won\u2019t suffice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequent Updates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mesh networks are managed by vendors that roll out regular software updates to improve their devices\u2019 security, features, and performance. Firmware updates often come automatically should any pressing issues arise. You won\u2019t have to worry about your home network being outdated in terms of security (unlike some vulnerable routers<\/a> we know) at all. You wouldn\u2019t even need to update the firmware manually (a process called \u201cflashing\u201d).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wi-Fi network users would even get a few pleasant surprises in the form of updates bringing new features or improved system performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why You Shouldn\u2019t Invest in a Mesh Network<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A few glaring concerns arise when you go with a Wi-Fi system. Here are the ones that may discourage you from getting one:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Setup isn\u2019t Future-Proof<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no easy way to upgrade the hardware in this system. If you\u2019re no longer happy with its features or speed, you may have to get a new system entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s more, mesh networks have very limited features and settings that you can personalize. You can only customize parental controls and connectivity features most of the time. Accustomed to doing deep customization of your network? Mesh networks may not be for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expensive Hardware<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The hardware for Wi-Fi systems don\u2019t come cheap. Even the most affordable option we\u2019ve found so far will take you back a few hundred dollars for a set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind, though, that you\u2019re paying for convenience when it comes to a mesh network. A lot of Wi-Fi systems actually use relatively low-tier Wi-Fi standard (AC1200), commonly used by routers within the budget range. You\u2019re better off linking routers together manually (if you know how) if you wish to save on cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bad Signal Handoff<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Any device (e.g. smartphones, tablets, etc.) should connect seamlessly and automatically from one router to another in a Wi-Fi system. That is theoretically speaking. If you\u2019re experiencing interruptions when making Wi-Fi calls or playing online games while moving around the house, it could be a case of bad signal handoff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This may not apply to all mesh networks, but complaints on the matter aren\u2019t unheard of. You shouldn\u2019t experience disconnections when you move within the mesh network\u2019s coverage area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which Mesh Network Should I Get?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Coverage has been the biggest problem we\u2019ve all had with our wireless connections at home. That\u2019s why mesh networks have been made in the first place. Read about the popular ones\u2014Eero, Luma, and Ubiquiti<\/a>\u2014to know which one may work for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In case you\u2019re suffering slow speeds with your Wi-Fi system, the best alternative is to run network cables to various corners of your home. Wired connections are far more stable\/faster than wireless ones, after all. Of course, this isn\u2019t a practical (or economical) decision on most days.<\/p>\n\n\n

\"WiFi<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Even the most powerful router may not be enough to blanket your entire home in Wi-Fi. Dead spots and frustrations are bound to occur so a workaround may be necessary at some point. Have you thought about setting up a home mesh network? What is a Mesh Network? Otherwise called a \u201cWi-Fi system\u201d, it\u2019s a group of routers that wirelessly communicate with each other to create one network that provides a blanket of Wi-Fi connectivity. Instead of just one powerful […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8191,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17580,17595],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8136","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tips-and-tricks","category-wifi-networking"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nMesh Network: The Good, the Bad, and the Alternatives - The Plug - HelloTech<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Even the most powerful router may not be enough to blanket your entire home in Wi-Fi. 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