Four Benefits of Mesh Networking

iWired
As we continue through 2021, “mesh networking” is a term becoming more familiar to homeowners looking to broaden their Wi-Fi coverage. Satellite nodes are connected to your main router to create a mesh Wi-Fi system, making dead zones a problem of the past. No matter how many devices and users are on a single network, you’ll be able to enjoy high speeds. Here are four reasons to make the change to mesh networking in your home.

Say Goodbye to Ethernet

It’s time to move beyond the frustration of Ethernet with Wi-Fi and mesh technology. As you connect your main router to satellite modules, also known as nodes, you get to choose where to place these nodes throughout your home. Older setups utilize range extenders like 2.4GHz radio bands to communicate with the router, but this can create dead zones in spaces where the signal is weaker. Mesh networking, on the other hand, is used to create the connection between router and nodes, so your Wi-Fi connection will remain strong no matter how far you are from the router.

No More Dead Zones

Each household struggles with dead zones; it’s likely your family members know which spots mean buffering videos and a sluggish connection. Most wireless routers can only provide full coverage to a small or medium-sized home, meaning that homes with multiple levels, balconies, metal or concrete substructures, or dense walls are beyond their range. If you’ve used range extenders, you know they only produce half the bandwidth plus the inconvenience of a wired connection from access point to router. Another annoying feature is the requirement to log in to a new network SSID as you enter a different access point across your home. However, under a mesh Wi-Fi system, you can enjoy a consistently powerful signal under one network. You can even add satellite nodes to the edges of your yard; there’s no limit to the number you can connect to your network.

A Stronger Network Performance

Since more members of the family shifted to working and learning from home, there’s a great number of devices being used simultaneously that eat away at bandwidth. But under Wi-Fi 6, the newest generation, up to 30 users can game, video conference, stream, and browse the internet on a single network while enjoying a strong connection. Mesh technology is quite compatible with Wi-Fi 6. Furthermore, the main router and nodes are equipped with internal antennas and no blinking lights, meaning they will blend quietly into your home’s furnishing. Most routers and nodes feature at least one LAN port if you ever need a wired connection to any device.

Simple Management and Installation

One of the best aspects of Wi-Fi systems is that almost any member of the family can manage it even with little technical knowledge. Most modern systems come with instructions for speedy system installation and recommendations for node placement. Because it’s a smart system, it will automatically select the best Wi-Fi channel and radio band for an optimal wireless connection. Instead of fussing with a confusing admin website, you’ll be able to control your Wi-Fi system, security settings, and individual devices through an app on your mobile device. These smart systems often install updates automatically, so you won’t feel the need to check on your system too often.

No matter where you are in your home, you deserve to enjoy a consistent and strong Wi-Fi connection, whether it’s for work or entertainment. Mesh networking is the next step in expanding your coverage, so you can leave wired connections and confusing maintenance in the past. If you have any questions about satellite nodes, Wi-Fi 6, or installing a mesh networking system,  contact our team at iWired today!