Define Wi-Fi Router
At the center of traditional Wi-Fi networks is the router, the key piece of equipment that broadcasts the wireless signal to which your devices connect. A router, as its name suggests, seamlessly routes internet traffic between a cable or DSL modem and your Wi-Fi-enabled gadgets such as computers or tablets. Most people completely forget about their Wi-Fi routers — that is, until the Wi-Fi signal goes down.
Many of the latest Wi-Fi routers can provide strong coverage to most rooms of a typical medium-size house but larger homes and dwellings with dense walls, multiple floors, metal and concrete substructures, and other structural impediments may require additional components to bring Wi-Fi to areas that a single Wi-Fi router can't reach. Range extenders do a fair job of filling in dead zones, but typically provide only half of the speed you would be receiving from a wired internet connection. Most traditional Wi-Fi routers won't cover large homes or offices with multiple floors and walls that block wireless signals. Large buildings that need internet access on multiple floors often have areas with a limited or nonexistent Wi-Fi signal, called Wi-Fi dead zones, when the wireless network uses a standard single-point Wi-Fi router.
Basics Of Mesh Wi-Fi Routers
Mesh Wi-Fi routers help to eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones without slowing the Wi-Fi down. Rather than broadcasting Wi-Fi signals from a single point, mesh Wi-Fi router systems have multiple Wi-Fi access points. The main mesh Wi-Fi access point connects to the cable or DSL modem and acts as the network router while one or more other mesh satellites capture the main mesh router's Wi-Fi signal (without slowing it down) and rebroadcasts it. Additionally, if you're interested in smart-home features the easy remote management that mesh Wi-Fi routers offer through their mobile apps is a huge plus.
On the other hand, if you live in a small home or apartment and only deal with dropped Wi-Fi every so often you can probably pass on mesh Wi-Fi routers. A new, long-range Wi-Fi router would work just as well to patch any Wi-Fi dead zones.
Benefits Of Mesh Wi-Fi Routers
In addition to creating a strong, reliable Wi-Fi signal, mesh-router systems have a few other prominent benefits. Here are some of the biggest pros.
- Easy network management: One main feature that distinguishes mesh-router systems from traditional routers is the easy network access they provide. Many mesh-router systems are totally automated, allowing for easy management through a mobile app, even when you're not at home. Many mesh-router apps let users quickly scan their speeds, cut off Wi-Fi access to certain networks, create guest networks, test the quality between the various connection points and even connect to smart home devices. Some high-end traditional routers have similar features, but you'll usually have to be connected to the local network from a desktop web interface to turn them on.
- Streamlined connections: With traditional routers, devices known as range extenders are often used to repeat the signal so Wi-Fi can be accessed from long distances. However, many extenders require you to create a separate network, with a separate name, for the range extender. This means you may have to switch Wi-Fi connections, sometimes manually, as you move around the house. A mesh-router system, on the other hand, doesn't require constant reconnection, even as you move from room to room. You also won't have to deal with as much lag, as the access points all broadcast the same signal, rather than having to route requests through multiple networks.
- Tight security: Along with easy management, some residential mesh-router kits come with good security support. Thanks to the aforementioned easy network management, it's not hard to keep your router devices safe — many automatically check for, and install, firmware updates. (Until recently, most routers had to be updated manually by the owner.) For example, the Luma takes security a step further by screening out known malicious websites.
If you're tired of slow Wi-Fi internet access, gaping Wi-Fi dead zones or constant router resets now is a good time to upgrade to a new Wi-Fi router with longer distance capabilities or a mesh Wi-Fi router system — whichever product best fits your situation and budget.
Call 845.841.0789 or email to have your Wi-Fi needs analyzed to determine which Wi-Fi solution is best for your home or office.