


While in 2021 there was a trend toward minimalism, in 2022 the incorporation of Wi-Fi 6 means some unit sizes have slightly increased. Read more D-Link Covr review: A mesh system with snazzy looks but uneven results What should you look for in a Mesh Wi-Fi router?ĭesign - Since you’re going to be throwing several of these Mesh Wi-Fi nodes around your house, it doesn’t hurt for them to look visually appealing or, at the very least, innocuous. Credit: TP-Link The TP-Link Archer AX90 with Wi-Fi 6. Even if they're sometimes more efficient or effective at handling connections from multiple devices, that can mean that you'll get worse performance from them compared to a top-line traditional router like the Netgear Nighthawk AX11000 or TP-Link's Archer AX90. It should be said that, compared to many modern routers, Mesh Wi-Fi systems tend to have slower processors and less antennas. If you live in a large home or one with multiple floors, you're going to notice more of a difference than you would in a small, single-storied locale. This fundamental difference can allow mesh-based networks to offer better real world coverage and speeds in some - but not all - situations. Meanwhile: a mesh Wi-Fi system gives you multiple points of access. If you're not fussed about getting Wi-Fi in the most remote parts of your home, but still want a fast, and reliable connection, an affordable Wi-Fi 6 router like the Huawei WiFi AX3 (Quad-core) will do the trick. Read more Which Mesh Wi-Fi System Should I Buy? What are the differences between Mesh and Traditional Wi-Fi routers? If you're having trouble with one corner of your home, it's easy to expand a Mesh Wi-Fi network and build the home networking solution that makes the most sense for your circumstances.

As systems, they're also very scalable and quick to customise. In some situations, mesh Wi-Fi can allow for faster speeds, better reliability and greater wireless coverage of your home than a conventional router would. This allows for better performance and less network congestion. It's all the same network but your devices will connect in the way that makes the most sense. If you’re in the backyard, you’ll connect to the closest Wi-Fi node. If you’re in the kitchen, you’ll connect to the closest Wi-Fi node. If you’re in the living room, you’ll connect to the closest Wi-Fi node. Collectively, these nodes behave like a single seamless network. In a mesh Wi-Fi system, one node is designated the primary router and is directly wired into your gateway connection while the other nodes act as satellites. They start from a place of accepting that your regular router probably isn't located in the perfect spot to serve every connected device in your house and work forward from there. Rather than force every device in your home to wirelessly connect to the internet through the same router, Mesh Wi-Fi systems rely on multiple Wi-Fi nodes.
