It’s hard to remember a world when we weren’t all connected to the nearest Wi-Fi. As technology evolves, it seems more of our devices, from tablets to baby monitors to TVs, are relying on having a strong internet connection. But, has router technology kept up?
If you’re like a lot of people, you may have Wi-Fi “dead zones” or areas in your home where the signal isn’t the best. These weak Wi-Fi spots dictate where you can set up your technology and how you use your own living space.
One of the newer technologies to come out to help us keep up with the ever-increasing demand on our wireless connection is called a wireless mesh network. And it is an evolution of router technology that allows you to do several things with the signal you get from your internet service provider (ISP), including:
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Extend signal range
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Reduce bottlenecking
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Strengthen Wi-Fi signal throughout your property
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Improve speed
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Use Wi-Fi outside
When we’re providing trusted managed IT services to homes in Framingham, Natick, Sudbury, and the surrounding Metrowest area, the need to improve Wi-Fi reliability is a common issue we hear repeated in multiple households.
Is it time to move to a wireless mesh internet connection? We’ll give you the scoop on this technology so you can decide.
How is a Wireless Mesh Network Different from a Regular Router?
Most homes are used to using one wireless router that’s connected to the modem from an ISP. The problem is that if you’re in a multi-level home, a large home, or have solid brick or block walls, the signal from that one router can get blocked or lose its strength.
A wireless mesh network differs because instead of just one router sending a signal throughout your home, it uses multiple units. They’re called satellites or nodes. One node connects to the ISP modem and the others can be placed throughout your home.
Each of these wireless nodes communicates with the others as well as with the base unit connected to the modem. So, they create a web (or mesh) of signals throughout your property that can ensure a stronger and more wide-reaching Wi-Fi connection.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Wireless Mesh Wi-Fi?
If you don’t have any issues with your Wi-Fi signal and don’t care to extend it, then you probably won’t see a big benefit in a wireless mesh system. However, if you have any weak or dead areas where you can’t get a strong Wi-Fi connection, then a using a mesh network can significantly improve your online life.
Here are some key benefits of this technology.
Extends Wi-Fi Range
Each wireless mesh node gives you a certain range of coverage, and adding more can increase it without weakening the signal. For example, each unit in the Google WIFI mesh network has a range of about 1,500 S.F. So, their 3-pack of units covers 4,500 S.F. of strong wireless signal.
You can buy one node at a time, which allows you to easily add on more coverage without needing to purchase another internet service plan.
The Units are Portable
The wireless mesh nodes are fairly compact, about the size of a coffee mug, and can easily be moved around your home. They can either be mounted on a wall or placed on a surface.
Get Routed to the Best Signal
Do you have issues with an “internet hog” at home, downloading large files that cause your connection to slow down? Wireless mesh networks have the ability to route you around slower nodes and place you on the least congested channel. Because there are several units instead of just the one router, you’ve got multiple options for a faster connection.
Use Wi-Fi Outside
If you’ve ever dreamed of having a strong Wi-Fi signal reach out to your backyard pool or garage? A wireless mesh network can make that happen. There are nodes designed specifically for outdoor use that can communicate with the indoor nodes and extend your internet connection to outside spaces.
Remove Signal Barriers
Certain types of solid brick or block construction can make it difficult for a wireless router’s signal to reach the other side. And if you have a tri-level home, that signal might not reach all the way to the upper or lower floors.
A mesh network allows you to deploy the nodes like “mini-routers” in multiple areas of your home and the web-like blanket of connections between the nodes ensures that the signal gets beyond any barriers so you can enjoy the same speed and strength throughout your living space.
Have Questions About a Wireless Mesh Set Up?
If you’re interested in learning more about a wireless mesh set up in your home, Pro Tech Guy can help! We can answer all your questions and get a well-positioned mesh network set up for you in no time.
Schedule a wireless mesh setup today at 508-364-8189 or through our contact form.