Stay #Techcellent with Mix 93.8 FM - Tuesdays from 11:40. Proudly powered by Afrihost. Listen live: https://fal.cn/3gxr8How does Mesh-WiFi differ from a single WiFi router?

Unlike standalone routers, which use a single device to provide WiFi coverage to a limited area, mesh routers use two or more connected devices to offer multiple sources of WiFi signal, all on the same seamless network.

If you're finding that your current WiFi setup doesn't give you the wireless connectivity you want for your whole home, a mesh-WiFi system may be the solution for you.

First question to ask - what is the size of your home?

If you have a small home - up to 100m2 - a single WiFi router will be sufficient. But remember, a single WiFi router has relatively limited coverage and it becomes spotty the farther away you are from the router.

If you have a larger home - 150m2 and up - or one with an unusual layout, more than two stories or interior brick walls, you will probably regularly encounter WiFi dead zones. This type of house could be a good candidate for a mesh-WiFi system.

So what exactly is Mesh-WiFi

Mesh routers can help eliminate dead zones. Rather than broadcasting WiFi signals from a single point, Mesh router systems have multiple access points. One point links to the modem and acts as the router, while one or more other access points, often called points, capture the router's signal and rebroadcast it.

For those who aren't sure if they need a mesh system, or who anticipate moving into a larger home in the near future, you don't have to commit to a pack of 2 or 3 mesh units to benefit from the expandable coverage of mesh Wi-Fi. Many of the latest standalone routers can actually be paired up for mesh coverage, letting you expand your WiFi to larger areas without ditching your current equipment.

The benefits of Mesh-WiFi

In addition to creating a strong, reliable WiFi signal, mesh-WiFi systems have a few other prominent benefits. Here are some of the biggest pros:

  1. Easy network management: Many mesh-WiFi systems are totally automated, allowing for easy management through a mobile app, even when you're not at home.
  2. Streamlined connections: the access points all broadcast the same signal, rather than having to route requests through multiple networks.
  3. Tight security: Many mesh-WiFi routers automatically check for, and install, firmware updates - keeping your network secure.

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Article by
Conrad de Beer

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