In home networking, mesh routers have become a popular alternative to traditional routers. But what exactly is a mesh router, and do you really need one?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the unexpected benefits of mesh routers and help you determine if they’re the right choice for you.

What is a Mesh Router, and How Does it Work?

A mesh router uses multiple nodes (wireless access points) to create a network that connects your home with WiFi signals. Each node is connected to the others wirelessly, creating a seamless network that extends your WiFi coverage throughout your entire home.

The main difference between a mesh router and a traditional router is that a conventional router typically only has one access point, whereas a mesh router has several. Therefore, you can connect multiple devices to your WiFi network without experiencing any drop in internet speed.

Improved Signal Coverage

One of the most significant benefits of a mesh router is that it provides better coverage than a traditional router. Traditional routers typically have a limited range, making it difficult to get a strong WiFi signal in all the areas of your home. For example, if your router is downstairs, your signal can be weak upstairs.

On the other hand, mesh routers’ nodes create a network that expands the signal throughout your home. For example, you can keep one unit in the kitchen, one in the office, and one in the bedroom. That way, you’ll be able to get a strong signal no matter where you are in your home.

Better Signal Strength

In addition to providing better coverage, mesh routers also offer better signal strength. That’s because the multiple nodes in a mesh network work together, so your devices always connect to the strongest possible signal.

As a result, you’ll enjoy faster internet speeds and more reliable connections, even if you’re using multiple devices simultaneously.

do you need a mesh router

Faster Speeds

Another benefit of mesh routers is that they can provide faster internet speeds than traditional routers. This is because your device automatically connects to the node with the fastest possible connection.

Additionally, mesh routers often come with advanced features such as beamforming and MU-MIMO, which can further improve your internet speeds.

MU-MIMO stands for Multi-User Multiple-Input Multiple-Output, or Next-Gen AC, or AC Wave 2. It’s a wireless communication technology that enables multiple devices to simultaneously receive data on a single radio channel. It’s an essential feature of the WiFi 6 routers and mesh routers.

In simpler terms, the devices in your home don’t need to compete for the WiFi signal. This mesh router features, in turn, reduces game lag, prevents buffering, and ensures all your online experiences are seamless.

Beamforming is a signal processing technique used in wireless communication systems that sends the radio signal in a specific direction or location rather than transmitting it in all directions equally. The benefits of beamforming include stronger signal and better data transfer rates.

Traditionally, routers use omnidirectional antennas to transmit and receive radio signals, which means the signal travels in all directions equally. This can result in decreased signal strength and quality, particularly in environments with a lot of interference.

Easy to Use and Set Up

Despite their advanced features, mesh routers are surprisingly easy to set up and use. Most mesh routers come with user-friendly apps that guide you through the setup process.

Once your mesh network is up and running, you can easily manage your network and devices from your smartphone or tablet with network management apps, such as Race CommandIQ.

do you need a mesh router

Do You Really Need a Mesh Router?

Now that we’ve covered the benefits of mesh routers, you may want one. The answer to this question depends on numerous factors, including the size of your home, the number of devices you have, and the type of activities you do online.

A traditional router should be sufficient for your needs if you live in a small apartment and only use a few devices. However, if you live in a larger home or have multiple devices that need to connect to your WiFi network, a mesh router can provide significant benefits in terms of coverage, signal strength, and speed.

Additionally, if you enjoy streaming movies or playing online games, a mesh router can help guarantee that you always have a fast and reliable connection. The same applies if you own many smart home devices that require a stable and consistent connection. Finally, if multiple household members use the internet simultaneously, you’ll definitely benefit from a mesh router.

Do You Need a Mesh Router: The Main Takeaway

In conclusion, mesh routers offer many benefits that can help improve your home network. From improved coverage and signal strength to faster speeds, mesh routers are a great choice for anyone who wants a better WiFi experience in their home.

If you still need to figure out if a mesh router is right for you, consider contacting your internet service provider. They can help you determine which router is best for your needs and provide additional information on how to set up and use a mesh network.