The Simpsons predicted the future again when Carl said:
“Internet? Yeah, it's the inner netting they invented to line swim trunks. It provides a comforting snugness.”
Our old friend the internet has indeed created a comforting snugness, but alas, that comfort can easily be torn to shreds when your WiFi signal doesn’t fill your house.
Fortunately, mesh networking can alleviate this pain point by using a range of devices to create an inner network for your home that allows your signal to line every nook and cranny.
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What is a mesh network?
In the simplest terms, a mesh network is a range of devices that together act as a single WiFi network. Rather than having one modem that emits your precious WiFi signal you’ll have multiple points positioned around the house.
Each of these devices will have its own radius of coverage, meaning that a mesh WiFi network can cover a larger space with less compromise on speed.
Here’s a visualisation of how a standard network works as compared to a mesh network.
In a standard network, you will have one router that distributes your signal as far as it can. The further away from that point you are, the lower the strength of that signal and therefore the speed of your connection.
Mesh networks do the exact same thing, except by using multiple points, you cover more space and have a greater chance of being close to a high-strength signal.
Partially or Fully Connected Mesh?
A mesh topology can either be fully or partially connected - so either all of your points will talk to each other or only some of them will. In most mesh WiFi systems all your hubs will be connected and will route data using the shortest path, in turn making your network more streamlined.
Even if your network is only partially connected, your devices will still work together to negotiate the best route, but any points not connected to one another won’t be able to communicate and may make that path longer. Using a WiFi extender, for example, creates a partially connected mesh WiFi system where the extenders can communicate with the router but not with each other.
Advantages and disadvantages of mesh networks
Advantages
- Wider coverage. With more WiFi hubs you’re more likely to consistently be in signal range.
- Lower chance of outages. If one point goes down then the signal continues to route between the operating devices. Note though, that if your main router goes down, then the whole system will go down with it
- Each connection carries its own data load. Taking the strain off any one device means there is less congestion
- Easily scaled. You can add extra points to create a wider network where needed
Disadvantages
- Installation and configuration is trickier than that of a standard network. For the not-so-technically-minded who struggle with one device, adding more can simply exacerbate the problem rather than fixing it
- Each connection carries its own data load. Yes, this is a pro and a con. Where each point is responsible for transmitting and receiving data from every other point, it increases the amount of data it has to handle. Every device has its limits and depending on the size of the network, it may just reach it
Mesh WiFi vs. wired mesh
Look, your internet is always going to perform better on a wired connection. That’s just how the cookie crumbles. You can, by all means, create a wired mesh system - run cables between each point to the others and back to your suitable devices. But imagine all the cables - nightmarish.
If you’re lucky enough to have multiple phone and internet points within your home or office, then you can easily connect devices to these to cut down on interference across the network. Hell, you can even connect your desktop or gaming console via Ethernet as well. Go for it. All wired connections will recognise the others and route the traffic across Ethernet, while the wireless connections will communicate with one another as usual. This won't howeve,r create a full mesh network but a partial one.
To take the best advantage of a semi-wired connection be sure to plug in your data-heavy devices and position your wireless components in places you’re more likely to be using your phone or tablet.
Just to be clear, though, you don’t need to run cables back and forth across your house or pick and choose your best WiFi spots. In most cases, an entirely wireless mesh network will yield better results than a traditional WiFi network. You’ll achieve better, more stable connections through the multiple points whether you opt for or against cables.
Best mesh network routers
If you’re looking to set up a mesh network you may want to switch to a telco offering a mesh-capable modem with its NBN plans. In the past telcos haven't offered the best modems with their plans. However, it's becoming more common for providers to offer their own mesh-capable devices or ones like the Google Nest or Amazon Eero.
Compare NBN 50 plans from telcos that currently offer mesh-compatible modems:
|
#1
|
Tangerine Telecom
All Fixed Line nbn®
Value Plus NBN 50/20
$64.90/mth
Min. cost $64.90
|
|
#2
|
Swoop
All Fixed Line nbn®
nbn® Home Everyday
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Superloop
All Fixed Line nbn®
Extra-value nbn50/20
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
|
|
#4
|
Aussie Broadband
All Fixed Line nbn®
Value nbn - Unlimited
$70/mth
Min. cost $70
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Origin Broadband
All Fixed Line nbn®
Experience nbn® 50
$79/mth
Min. cost $79
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
Optus
All Fixed Line nbn®
Optus Everyday nbn®
$82/mth
Min. cost $82
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
More
All Fixed Line nbn®
Value Plus NBN
$100/mth
Min. cost $100
Link not supplied
|
If you're happy with your NBN provider but still want mesh WiFi there are several options out there. Depending on which mesh WiFi system you get (and your NBN connection type), you may still need an NBN modem. That's because some systems have a router as the primary point rather than a modem.
If you haven't upgraded your modem or router for a while, there's also a chance you may need new networking hardware to achieve the maximum speeds that an NBN 500 or NBN 2000 plan is capable of. If you're still using a WiFi 4 modem or router (also known as WiFi 802.11n), you'll definitely want to upgrade. WiFi 5 should be fast enough for 1Gbps speeds, but a WiFi 6 or WiFi 7 modem is likely going to be a more future-proof buy. If you have a WiFi 5 router you should be able to keep it for now, but we wouldn't recommend buying a new WiFi 5 router now, given WiFi 6 has become pretty affordable.
Here are some of the best mesh WiFi systems in Australia that come highly rated by customers:
| Name | # of points | Bands | Coverage | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synology WRX560 | 1 | Dual-band | 325 m2 | $408 | |
| Netgear Orbi 770 Series | 3 | Tri-band | 360 m2 | $999 | |
| Amazon Eero Pro 7 | 3 | Tri-band | 555 m2 | $699 | |
| TP-Link Deco BE85 | 3 | Tri-band | 891 m2 | $2,099 | |
| Google Nest WiFi Pro | 3 | Tri-band | 600 m2 | $649 | |
| ASUS ZenWiFi BT8 | 2 | Tri-band | 548 m2 | $835 |
Anula Wiwatowska
Offsite Editorial Lead | Instagram
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