What Are Mesh Wi-Fi Networks, And How They Work

What Are Mesh Wi-Fi Networks, And How They Work

Composed of multiple signal repeaters, the Wi-Fi mesh networks allow you to extend the signal quickly and immediately. It happens many times that you are browsing with your smartphone or watching a movie streaming with your computer and then move to another room and find yourself without a signal, even at a distance of a few meters from where you were before. It is not always easy to understand how the coverage of the Wi-Fi signal of the home router works, especially when the movement becomes a dancer, even moving a little or moving to two communicating rooms. For this reason, some methods have been devised to extend and improve reception on connected devices.

A widely used method is a mesh router capable of increasing the Wi-Fi signal throughout the house and guaranteeing complete coverage, but what are mesh networks? Mesh networks are based on a peer-to-peer architecture in which each node has an equal role. Therefore, unlike other local networks, no main element or clear hierarchy exists. Each aspect of the network is placed on the same level and performs the same functions. This feature allows the balanced distribution of the data flow and avoids the overload of the nodes that make up the network.

How The Mesh Router Works

The peer-to-peer architecture of mesh networks is now used for signal enhancement inside homes and buildings. At least, in theory, Mesh routers are compared to Wi-Fi signal repeaters. Still, in reality, there is a substantial difference since these do not just replicate the signal of the central node but actively participate in sorting data and are a fundamental part of the network itself. 

If one of the elements that make up the mesh network should stop working, the other devices react and adapt to the situation, allowing the data packets to reach their final destination. This does not happen in a standard Wi-Fi network since if the router fails to work, it will not be possible to navigate, or if a repeater breaks, the covered area will stop receiving the signal.

Benefits

It is clear that a mesh Wi-Fi network is more stable and versatile than a network based on a standard central router; moreover, another advantage is the ease of adding a new node to increase coverage. It is sufficient to connect it to a power outlet and wait a few seconds.

The mesh router is configured automatically without user intervention. This allows extending the signal quickly.

Disadvantages

A mesh network can also include many nodes depending on the area to be covered. The more there are and the higher the costs are. With more network nodes and connections, even the routing protocols become more complex since each node functions as a router, guaranteeing the correct functioning and suitable computing capacity.

Conclusions

Mesh networks are ideal if you have to extend the signal over an extensive area. They ensure stability and that it always arrives at its destination, since even in the event of a node failure, the others adapt to the situation and do not stop working. They are also acceptable as a solution for small areas, but if it is one or two rooms, a regular router with a Wi-Fi repeater may also be good, which is cheaper than mesh devices.

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