Enhance Your Home WiFi with Mesh Networks

It’s common for homeowners to come to us perplexed that their super-fast broadband connection isn’t as super-fast or reliable as they had expected. A speed test will confirm that the connection into their home is reaching service level agreement levels. The problem comes from its distribution within the property with large homes and those built with granite or thick walls, typically experiencing dropouts and inconsistent speeds.  A Mesh network can offer the solution in these instances.

WiFi mesh networks are designed to provide robust and consistent internet coverage throughout a home, eliminating dead zones and maintaining strong signal strength across all areas. Here’s a detailed explanation of how WiFi mesh networks work in a home setting:

Components of a WiFi Mesh Network

1. Primary Router (Mesh Router or Gateway): This centrally positioned device connects directly to your ISP’s modem, acting as the hub of your mesh network.
2. Satellite Nodes (Mesh Points or Extenders): These additional unobtrusive units are placed around your home to extend WiFi coverage. They communicate with the primary router and each other, forming a cohesive network.

How WiFi Mesh Networks Work

1. Seamless Coverage:
   • Interconnected Nodes: Unlike traditional extenders that create separate networks, mesh nodes form a single, unified network. As you move around your home, your devices automatically connect to the nearest node with the strongest signal, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.
2. Self-Correcting:
   • Redundancy: If one node experiences a problem, the network reroutes data through another node, maintaining continuous internet access. This self-correcting feature enhances reliability.
3. Dynamic Routing:
   • Optimal Path Selection: Mesh networks dynamically select the best path for data to travel. This means the system evaluates various routes and chooses the fastest and most efficient one at any given time.
4. Easy Setup and Management:
   • User-Friendly Apps: Most mesh systems come with apps that guide you through the setup process, manage network settings, and provide tools for troubleshooting. These apps often include features like guest networks, parental controls, and device prioritisation (great for when work trumps Call of Duty!)
5. Scalability:
   • Expandable Network: Extending your home or adding a garden office? It’s easy to add more nodes to extend coverage. The system adapts to the new nodes, integrating them seamlessly into the existing network.

Benefits of WiFi Mesh Networks

• Eliminates Dead Zones: Place nodes strategically to ensure consistent WiFi in every room, including basements, attics, and outdoor areas.
• Improved Performance: Distributed nodes help maintain high speeds and reduce latency, even with multiple connected devices.
• Enhanced Capacity: Mesh systems can handle many devices simultaneously, making them ideal for modern smart homes.
• Unified Network Management: A single network name and password simplify the management of your home WiFi

Installation Tips

• Optimal Placement: Position nodes where their coverage areas overlap for seamless connectivity. Avoid placing them too far apart or in areas with heavy obstructions like thick walls or metal objects.
• Central Location for Primary Router: Place the primary router centrally in the home to maximize the reach of the initial signal.
• Height Matters: Elevate nodes off the ground, ideally on shelves or tables, to improve signal distribution.

In Summary

WiFi mesh networks provide a practical and user-friendly solution for comprehensive and reliable WiFi coverage in your home. They adapt to your space and needs, making it easier to enjoy uninterrupted internet access throughout your living area.

If you’re experiencing issues with your home coverage, get in touch to discuss how a mesh system could be the answer to your problem.