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.
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.
Read on to find out more:
- What is a mesh network?
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Mesh WiFi vs wired mesh
- Best mesh network routers
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 it’s own radius of coverage meaning that a mesh 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
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.
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 however 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
Modems that come along with your NBN plan usually aren’t that great and almost certainly won’t lend themselves to mesh networking. If you’re looking to set up a mesh network you’ll need to look a bit further than your telco and be ready to pay a bit more too.
Note that most mesh WiFi systems have a router as the primary control point, not a modem. Depending on your NBN connection type, you may still need a modem.
Read more about what you need to consider before buying your NBN modem here.
Our friends over at Reviews.org compared the best options for mesh networks and to combat common issues with the NBN.
These are their selections, but you can read more about the methodology here.
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