With more individuals working, studying, and gaming from home, home Wi-Fi networks have taken on a much larger role in recent years. When everyone and all of their smart gadgets need to utilize the internet at the same time, dead zones and poor signals become visible immediately. By expanding the reach of your Wi-Fi, mesh Wi-Fi systems decrease or even eliminate dead zones and boost speeds across the home.
A mesh Wi-Fi system employs a group of routers to provide coverage while maintaining internet speeds. As a consequence, you’ll have access to high-speed internet throughout your house. The systems differ in terms of the speeds they provide and the territory they serve. Which sort of mesh system will work best for you depends on how many smart gadgets, PCs, and game consoles you have in your house and how you use them? We’ve compiled a list of our best recommendations, as well as some advice, to assist you in selecting the perfect system.
HOW DID WE SELECT THE PRODUCTS?
Wireless Specification:
Wireless standards specify the speed and frequency of your Wi-Fi – in other words, they explain how your network operates. According to Lifewire, most devices employ the 802.11ac wireless technology (also known as 5G), with dual and tri-band variants giving 450 megabits per second (Mbps) on the 2.4 GHz band and 1,300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. According to The Verge, those who use the newest 802.11ax (a.k.a. WiFi 6) wireless protocol may achieve rates of up to 9.6 Gbps. As a result, there will be less latency, less interference, and quicker speeds.
Ease of Setup:
Mesh Wi-Fi systems are known for simple installation. We looked for systems with apps or web consoles that walk users through the setup process.
Speed:
Internet speed isn’t just determined by having access to numerous bands. MIMO (Numerous-Input, Multiple-Output) and MU-MIMO (Multiple User, Multiple-Input, and Multiple-Output) models can also increase router performance by allowing multiple antennas to operate as transmitters and receivers and allowing routers to divide bandwidth into streams that link to particular devices.
Security and Parental Controls:
Parental controls and security: Routers with thorough malware and antivirus protection can safeguard your family from identity theft and hostile cyber assaults. Although not every router has parental controls, we wanted to provide choices that allow parents to keep an eye on their children and safeguard them from hazardous information.
Here Are the List of 2022’s Top Mesh Wi-Fi Systems
Overall, the TP-Link Deco M9 Plus Mesh Wi-Fi System is the best mesh Wi-Fi system.
Why It Made The Cut: The Deco M9 Plus offers seamless connectivity but also acts as an automation hub to control smart devices, making it a 2-for-1 for smart homes.
Specs:
— Wireless Specification: 802.11ac
— Parental Controls: Yes
— Coverage Area: 6,500 sq. feet
Pros:
— Built-in virus and malware protection
— Excellent parental controls
— Acts as smart device hub
— Alexa and IFTTT compatible
— Simple installation
Cons:
— Cannot separate bands
More: 4 Great Wi-Fi Extenders To Boost Your Wireless Connection At Home
The greatest mesh Wi-Fi system, the TP-Link Deco M9 Plus, is a 2-in-1 device that can act as a router and an automation hub for controlling smart devices. It has two identical nodes that cover a total area of up to 6,500 square feet. According to TP-Link, this system is best for four to six bedrooms.
This tri-band system has one 2.4 GHz band and two 5 GHz bands, however they can’t be separated for bespoke control. It works with a variety of smart devices, including Securifi sensors, Samsung SmartThings outlets, and Philips smart lamps, to name a few.
From the moment you switch on the first node, you’re protected by built-in malware and virus protection. To round off the package, it also has superb parental controls.
The Rockspace Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi System is the easiest to set up.
Why It Made The Cut: This tri-band system sets up like a dream and covers a large 6,000 square foot area.
Specs:
— Wireless Specification: 802.11ac
— Parental Controls: Yes
— Coverage Area: 6,000 sq. feet
Pros:
— Fast, simple setup
— Easy to configure upon setup
— Compact nodes
— Excellent coverage
Cons:
— Insufficient user’s guide
The Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi System by Rockspace has three cube-shaped nodes that span an area of 6,000 square feet. Over 100 smart gadgets may be accommodated by the system, which can span up to eight rooms. It has a 2.4 GHz band, a 5 GHz band, and a 5.8 GHz band, making it a tri-band system. The fastest band, 5.8 GHz, serves as the network’s backhaul, allowing for better speeds across the board.
Everything can be set up and operating in a matter of minutes. Because of its user-friendly software that guides you through the procedure, it receives the simplest setup award. Each node has two LAN Ethernet connections for connecting to televisions, PCs, and gaming devices.
While the setup process is easy and the app walks you through it, the included user’s guide offers little actual guidance. You have to rely on the app.
NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System Is The Best Value.
Why It Made The Cut: The Orbi provides excellent coverage, speeds, and uses MU-MIMO technology to streamline your network at a price most can afford.
Specs:
— Wireless Specification: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
— Parental Controls: Yes
— Coverage Area: 4,500 sq. feet
Pros:
— Uses MU-MIMO technology
— Excellent speed and performance
— Can set up with either an app or browser
Cons:
— Large units
The Netgear Orbi delivers outstanding performance at a price that most individuals who need fast internet can afford. It employs MU-MIMO technology, which allows devices to transmit and receive data concurrently instead of in a queue. It lets consumers to utilize many devices at the same time without sacrificing internet performance. This technology, together with the rest of the system’s characteristics, ensures that the Orbi provides exceptional speed across its coverage area.
The system may be quickly set up using the app or a web-based console. Both offer a single point of access to all controls. The Orbi’s security system is updated on a regular basis via authenticated and encrypted connections. Although its direct parental controls aren’t the finest, it integrates with a number of applications that let you tailor parental restrictions to your specific requirements.
ASUS Zenwifi ET8 Is The Best Option For Larger Homes.
Why It Made The Cut: The ET8 features the latest 6E technology for fast throughput. It also offers impressive security, parental control, and ports, making it the best option for large homes.
Specs:
— Wireless Specification: 802.11ax
— Parental Controls: Yes
— Coverage Area: 5,500 sq. feet
Pros:
— Powerful parental and malware controls
— Strong signal, even at the edges of the coverage area
— Simple installation
— Fast speeds
— Ready for the next wave of technology
Cons:
— Expensive
— Some settings can only be accessed through web console
The ASUS ZenWiFi ET8 has a big coverage area of up to 5,500 square feet and a lot of power. Its 6E technology aids in the provision of some of the fastest speeds accessible, even quicker than the already lightning-fast Wi-Fi 6. There aren’t many 6E gadgets on the market now, but it’ll only be a matter of time. And, with the ET8, you’ll be prepared for the next generation of smart gadgets even before they’re released.
Aside from speed and coverage area, the ET8 is very easy to set up. You don’t need to be an expert to set it up and use its various capabilities. It comes with anti-malware and parental controls, for example, which you can access via the app that comes with it.
However, there are certain advanced features and functions that will require users to log into a web-based console. Additionally, at over $500, this is an expensive system.
About The Author
Hassan Zaka
I am an expert in accounting and possess diverse experience in technical writing. I have written for various industries on topics such as finance, business, and technology. My writing style is clear and simple, and I utilize infographics and diagrams to make my writing more engaging. I can be a valuable asset to any organization in need of technical writing services.
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