Is the Wi-Fi signal weak in certain parts of your home? Do your video calls drop, or streaming buffer in the bedroom? Luckily there is technology to help reduce these problems! In this blog we will explain what Mesh Wi-Fi is, how it works and how to set up one to eliminate those ‘dead zones’ in your home.
What can cause weak/no Wi-Fi signal in your home?
There a quite a few factors that can result in poor Wi-Fi around your home. Thick or multiple walls between your router and the connected device create physical blocks to Wi-Fi wavelengths and signals (this is known as passive interference), also large or electrical appliances such as fridge freezers and microwaves can cause disruption through electrical interference.
What is Mesh Wi-Fi?
A Mesh Wi-Fi system is designed to eliminate ‘dead zones’ in your home that the traditional router can’t reach. A Mesh Wi-Fi system uses multiple devices that work together to cover your home with reliable seamless Wi-Fi so that you stay connected wherever you are.
Why would you need Mesh Wi-Fi?
- You have a large home with rooms that have weak or no signal.
- Video calls/streaming drop in specific areas of your home.
- Your home is large or has thick walls which limit the signal strength.
- You have multiple devices connected at the same time.
What are the benefits of Mesh Wi-Fi?
- Connection everywhere: With Mesh Wi-Fi, you will have consistent connection throughout your home as Mesh networks use a single network name. Your phone or tablet connects to the fastest satellite router as you move around your house.
- Easy setup: Most Mesh Wi-Fi systems come with a mobile app that guides you through setup and managing your network.
- Extendable: Mesh Wi-Fi systems can be extended by adding extra satellite routers.
Choosing a Mesh Wi-Fi System
Below is a selection of the best known and rated systems available:
- Google Nest Wi-Fi – This has a sleek design, a simple app and integrates with Google Home.
- Netgear Orbi – This system is known for its fast performance, especially in larger homes.
- Amazon Eero – This system is user-friendly, compact and ideal for small homes.
- TP-Link Deco – This system is budget friendly with great performance and has parental controls.
Where is the best place to place your Mesh Wi-Fi System?
Placement is very important. For best results:
- Place your main router in a central location.
- Avoid placing the satellite routers too close together or too far apart.
- Ensure the main router and satellites are kept away from thick walls, large metal appliances or microwave ovens.
How easy is it to set up a Mesh Wi-Fi System?
Setting up a Mesh Wi-Fi system in general is straightforward, but the setup process will vary slightly depending on the brand. Below is a general setup guide that works on most of the systems:
- Download the app that relates to the Mesh system you have purchased, then register an account.
- Connect the Mesh router to the internet using an ethernet cable plugged into the Mesh router and your router.
- Power on the Mesh router.
- Using the app select the Mesh router you have and follow the instructions to connect it to your network.
- Once the Mesh router has been added to your network, more Mesh routers (satellite routers) can be added using the app.
- Run a connectivity test to check the coverage around your home.
- Optional but recommended, if you are using an Internet Providers router, disable its Wi-Fi to avoid interference by accessing the router's admin settings which is usually accessed by going to 192.168.1.1 in a browser.
In Summary
Adding a Mesh Wi-Fi system is an easy way to create a seamless internet connection throughout your home. In just a few minutes of setup, you can eliminate the dead zones in your house and stream, game and browse wherever you are.
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