The technology has drastically changed over the years, and what seemed normal has been replaced with more sophisticated systems. Satellite internet was once the only way for rural communities to get internet, but today more Internet providers are opening the rural towns into internet hubs. People with large homes were forced to install more than one router or get internet from more than one provider to ensure that the whole apartment is covered.
As if that is not enough, the speeds were easily compromised as one moved from one room to the other. Recently, mesh wifi was introduced in the market to solve the problem of dead zones. But still, many people cannot differentiate mesh wifi from traditional routers. They might really look the same, but there are many differences that you should equally think about.
To make it easy for a typical internet user to discern between these two gadgets, let’s assume that there’s no physical difference and concentrate on how the two works. The router basically makes it easy for a user to connect either wirelessly or through Ethernet.
The Mesh wifi, on the other hand, includes a router and nodes, which extends wifi coverage to other rooms in the house. This simply shows that Mesh wifi are typically routers but with smart functionalities. Some mesh wifi system manufacturers have even gone a mile higher to include built-in smart speakers and microphones. Google Nest wifi is one of the exemplary smart Mesh systems. Mesh wifi are equally easy to set up and maintain, and they even look better than the traditional routers. This is actually what encourages you to keep them out in the open.
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Wifi 6 and Mesh Networking
We cannot talk about Mesh wifi without talking about wifi 6, which is also known as 802.11ax. It is actually a standard wireless technology and a design that is made to increase wireless device performance. Most modern routers support these advanced systems. It is actually considered a future-proofing technology. In this regard, we should talk about the Multi-user Multiple-input, Multiple-output, or better known as MU-MIMO. This is a modern technology that has been used to improve the speed of data transfers in modern routers.
There’s another big difference between Mesh wifi and Routers. The traditional routers are singular and centralized access points, while the mesh networking is decentralized. This means that the mesh networks are created from several nodes instead of this connecting to a single gateway. A good example is that you could have a central hub in the kitchen and several nodes in other rooms such as bedroom, garage, and home office. While you are trying to connect the internet in the garage, you will automatically be connected to the nearest hub.
The major benefits of Mesh Networking
Mesh Network has a couple of benefits. It was made specifically to improve the speed and coverage around the home. For that reason, most manufacturers concentrate mainly on improving the range and the performance of these devices. Here are some main benefits of mesh wifi.
- Improved coverage – Traditional routers can have coverage issues, and in a bid to eliminate this glitch, many manufacturers choose to create Mesh wifi, which improves the coverage in a big house significantly. This is actually the biggest benefit of the mesh network. In case you live in a large house or apartment with many square feet, the mesh wifi eliminates dead-zones and encourages improved and stable coverage.
- Improved reliability – The device will connect to the nearest satellite node instead of a point of access, as it’s the case with the traditional routers. This encourages a stable connection and improves reliability, meaning that you will not experience drops in network stability regardless of where you are on the property.
- Additional controls – It’s very hard for parents to monitor what teenagers are doing with the internet. Mesh wifi has increased the parent’s ability to control and manage the internet from a single app.
Traditional routers
A router works together with your modem to connect multiple devices using a single network either wirelessly or through an Ethernet. The key significant function of the router is to create and send the signals in your home.
Connection
The router has many benefits, but this device’s primary function is to share a single network connection with multiple devices. The router establishes a connection with a couple of devices, including phones, laptops, and computers.
Security
Using a router, a user can set a password and a username for the network. This means that only authorized people can connect to the internet. Connecting directly to the wifi exposes other users to security threats.
Dynamic routing
The router uses dynamic routing techniques to facilitate internetwork communication. It determines which path is available for the interworking.
Packet filtering
The router can also facilitate packet switching and packet filtering. This means that they filter the network using a set of rules, and the packets are either allowed or can’t pass through.
What’s the difference?
Traditional routers
Mesh wifi, unlike traditional routers, are new in the market. You can be forgiven for actually confusing the two of them or automatically assuming that they work the same. The traditional router is basically a central hub for internet connectivity. The computers and every other connected device are permitted to connect to the router, typically through a password.
The price
Standard routers are affordable than mesh networks, but you might still have to pay hundreds of dollars to get a top performer. That said, some standard routers are budget-friendly. On the other hand, mesh wifi is expensive depending on the features. As the market opens up for other manufacturers, the prices for mesh wifi might come down.
Plug and Play
Setting a standard router is very easy. They are actually factory set in a way that you just have to plug and play. If you just need something that works, then a typical router might be the best choice. Mesh wifi can take some time to set. You might equally have to get a professional to set the devices appropriately.
Speed and wires
Most standard routers are manufactured with heavy bandwidth and streaming requirements in mind. Taking the Netgear Nighthawk and Asus ROG, for example, they are designed using the latest technology to improve the speeds and establish stable connections. Some are made specifically for streamers, others for Business, and few others for gamers. Depending on the main aim of the manufacturer, they can come with different features and physical appearances. For example, for the streamers and gamers, they should have ports where you can connect the devices using an Ethernet wire.
Separating devices
Most modern routers leave room for the manufacturer to set up guest networks. However, if you want to keep all of the IoT devices on the same or a different network for your security, some routers have dedicated features for this.
Traditional routers usually have coverage issues
Traditional routers usually distribute internet access from a single access point. This means that the area that the signals can cover is limited. Some areas in the house might have spotty internet connections. This is where the Mesh wifi comes in to help remove not-zones.
Over-Loads
Many connections to the traditional routers can result in overloading, lags, or drops. This is usually not the case with mesh wifi because you have a chance to connect different devices and manage them from a single system.
Tweaking
People who want to tweak advanced settings on traditional routers can be annoying because you have to make annoying visits through a desktop rather than just using an app. Most mesh wifi systems have mobile apps that can help with connectivity.
Router vs. Mesh Networking: What’s the best for your home wifi?
I have shared enough information above which can easily help you make the decision. Most people use a router for the rest of their time, mainly because there are no dead spots in the house. Besides this, there are few other reasons to choose mesh Networking. You probably have a good internet connection in the living room but cannot upload photos when in your bedroom. The mesh networking works as a wifi extender and can help you deal with the dead spots.
If you have already made the decision that you want to get rid of the devices you are currently using in your home networking, the choice between mesh networking and typical routers can be tough. A typical router can still work, but now you might be looking for a faster internet connection in your house. The mesh networks will update automatically, monitor, and even link with the smart home devices. This means that mesh networks are mainly a one stand solution to all the issues.
Router vs. Mesh wifi: What is right for my home office?
When making the decisions of which of the two is the best for your office, you should ensure that the mesh network’s outlay will be perfect for the office. The size of the office and the actual number of users is also important. If you have a large office with dead spots, a mesh network will be considered best. It can improve the coverage and signal strength. But remember, Mesh network is relatively expensive to overhaul the existing router setup. It’s an overkill to go for the full mesh unless you have a lot of users and connected devices using the internet simultaneously.
The other decision to make is the extra features that you want with your mesh network. There are many manufacturers out there, with some of them adding extra features such as a smart speaker and Google assistant features. If you need these, then you should ensure that you search for the exact one.
Lastly, consider your ISP package, are you subscribed to low-speed internet or fast internet. If the speeds are low even when you are close to the router, then system upgrade is the best and not just going for the mesh network. Being a sole user, you might not consider mesh network as a viable option, given the money that you will invest in this. Then it would help if you considered improving the speeds or going with a higher package.
FAQs
Is Mesh wifi the same as a router?
No, Whole Home wifi or better known as the mesh, is made up of a router connected to the modem and a couple of nodes placed around the house to improve coverage and internet reliability. Routers are actually part of the mesh system only that unlike the traditional routers, the Mesh system is part of a single wireless network. As a matter of fact, they share the same password and SSID.
Does a mesh wifi replace a router?
Yes, the mesh router might have to replace the router, but you’ll still rely on the built-in modem. The modem is what connects the internet to the router.
Can I use mesh wifi with the existing router?
Yes, there are a couple of ways that you can integrate the mesh system with the existing router. You just have to research whether the existing router is compatible with the mesh system that you are going for. Alternatively, you can use The AmpliFi HD Mesh Point, which lets you use the existing router with the new system.
Conclusion
Mesh WI-Fi is here to stay, and you should consider it as a future-proofing system. When many people are working from home, students studying from home, a solid internet connection is very necessary. You shouldn’t only rely on wired and low-speed internet, which can create more dead zones.
Invest in a good Mesh wifi system such as the Google Nest, eero, and Google wifi, which can work perfectly fine for you. Some of them have cool extra features such as smart speakers and Google Assistant to help customize the house into a smart unit. Take time to research the market and make sound decisions regarding the best Mesh routers.
