Whereas good coverage and connectivity with traditional WiFi is relative to your distance from the modem, mesh network technology allows for high-speed coverage everywhere in a house or workplace. Mesh networking is a system comprised of multiple wireless access points placed throughout a home, workspace, or other vicinity that all broadcast the same wireless network name, and are managed from one interface. Mesh networking is believed by many to be the future of WiFi connectivity, effectively eliminating the limitations of conventional WiFi like dead zones or areas of a vicinity where connectivity isn’t as strong.
Although a lot of products consider themselves mesh technologies, not all of them possess the same features or capabilities. As a consumer, this makes choosing the right mesh networking technology a lot more difficult on your end, especially if you have tenuous knowledge on the concept. Being managed from a single interface is the most essential facet to possess when being considered a mesh technology because this means all connected devices are aware of each other, and can work together to manage the WiFi throughout a vicinity.
One noteworthy common sense (but important nonetheless) distinction that’s imperative to know when individually considering mesh technologies from each other is the difference between hardware and software. It’s always important to remember that hardware never changes, while software can be altered through updates and add-ons. It’s worth considering whether your vendor of choice is likely to update their software at a pace you can render acceptable. Each platform that’s proclaimed to be mesh technology has features you might find personally important, or are vital for a particular work-related layout or operation. The chart below lists some of the high-profile technologies considered to be mesh platforms, along with the different features each one possesses or accepts.
Model |
WiFi Radios |
BufferBloat QoS |
Ethernet Backhaul |
Intrusion Protection |
Package Price |
Radios |
Ethernet Backhaul |
Amped ALLY |
2 |
|
|
Yes |
$260 |
3×3 5 GHz (1) 4×4, 2.4 GHz (1) |
N/A |
Eero |
2-3 |
Gen 2 only |
Yes |
Yes |
$377 |
2×2 (2)- first gen, 2×2 (3)- second gen |
1st, 2nd gen only |
Google WiFi |
2 |
|
Yes |
|
$268 |
2×2 (2) |
Supported |
Linksys Velop |
3 |
|
Yes |
|
$449 |
2×2 (3) |
Supported (except setup) |
Luma |
2 |
TBA |
Yes |
Yes |
$295 |
2×2 (2) |
Supported |
Netgear Orbi |
3 |
Yes |
|
|
$340 |
2×2- client devices, 4×4- AC3000, 2×2- AC2200 |
N/A |
TP-Link Deco |
2 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
$242 |
2×2 (2) |
Supported (except setup) |
Ubiquti AmpliFi HD |
2 |
|
Yes |
|
$320 |
3×3 (2)- all HD units |
Supported |
One of the main features worth paying attention to on the above chart are the number of antennas. They indicate the maximum number of streams a single mesh access point can simultaneously administer, along with how flexible it can be in terms of getting the best connection to existing devices.
The number of radios makes a significant difference as well. Expressed by transmit x receive, mesh access points with two radios have one each of 2.4 and 5.0 GHz devices with three radios include a second 5 GHz device for enhanced bandwidth to high-speed clients and/or backhaul. Based on previous experiences of consumers, most homes fare well with a pair of 2×2 radios. If a large number of client devices are often simultaneously streaming data, utilizing a third radio (like a Velop or Eero) can be beneficial to the consumer.
Another noteworthy detail to point out is if there’s a long backhaul between mesh points. A platform like the Netgear Orbi can maintain a 100 Mbps connection across over 100 feet, including through walls. Since most people who buy mesh systems are in homes that aren’t wired and can’t easily run Ethernet wires in their walls, this can make a mesh system significantly more efficient. Ethernet backhaul support enables mesh access points to link with each other over Ethernet, freeing up wireless radios for client communication.
With the variety of options, features, and conditions widely-proclaimed mesh platforms possess, it’s not entirely inconceivable to say there’s a fit for almost everyone’s individual needs. When choosing the right mesh networking platform for your residence, workspace, or whichever vicinity, paying attention and having keen knowledge of the minor details is paramount, and can be the prime determinant in the performance quality of your wireless service.
Filed Under: M2M (machine to machine)