“There’s a little bit more configuration involved than a true mesh system, but it can be a good option if you’ve gone and bought routers and want the benefit of mesh without losing any of the performance benefits,” says Sean Fletcher, marketing manager for TP-Link Australia. Asus’ conversion technology is called AiMesh, while most of TP-Link’s new routers include software called OneMesh that allows users to create a mesh-like system with the help of a range extender and a firmware update. A number of suppliers have technologies that allow you to convert multiple routers into a mesh-like Wi-Fi system. While we’ve mainly been discussing the differences between mesh Wi-Fi and traditional router Wi-Fi, there is now another option that blurs the lines between these two categories. If you’re the kind of power user in need of that extra grunt, it’s easy to make the case for them being the better option.

These routers tend to offer higher speeds and offer more heavy-duty specs than mesh systems do. However, if you’re living on your own or care a lot about gaming or 4K content streaming and want the fastest speeds possible, there are still good reasons to consider a traditional network router instead. Multi-scenario PoE Mesh Wi-Fi systems like the TP-Link Deco X50 can also cover up to 6,500 square feet, so they’re perfect for large homes with up to six rooms. They’re simple to set up, convenient to use and easy to expand. If you’re living in a home with multiple occupants, there are clear advantages to going with Mesh Wi-Fi systems like the Amazon Eero, Netgear Orbi and TP-Link Deco XE75. Mesh Wi-Fi Vs Wi-Fi Routers: Which is better? These companies are less interested in power users and more interested in customers who want their mesh home networking experience to integrate into a wider smart ecosystem. Mesh Wi-Fi smart devicesīrands like Amazon and Google are also making in-roads into the mesh Wi-Fi space. However, Wi-Fi 6E capable mesh systems are quite expensive compared to Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems. Wi-Fi 6E not only delivers faster Internet, but it also allows more Wi-Fi devices to connect to your router without affecting your Wi-Fi connectivity. In 2023 we’re seeing new releases from these brands featuring upgrades, the biggest of which is Wi-Fi 6E functionality. Most traditional networking brands like Netgear, Linksys, TP-Link and D-Link incorporate mesh Wi-Fi systems into their wider product portfolio in one way or another. These days, there are plenty of options in the mesh networking space to choose from. How many mesh Wi-Fi systems are out there? Ideally, your Wi-Fi should be up and running within 15 minutes after unboxing. Preferably, installation should be as simple as navigating to your Apple Store or Google Play Store, downloading the supplier’s app, and then following a step-by-step process. Ease of setup – If you’re none too technically minded, having an app-assisted installation and setup instead of a browser-based one can greatly simplify the process.Even if they’re sometimes more efficient or effective at handling connections from multiple devices, that can mean that you’ll get worse performance from them compared to a top-line traditional router like the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 or TP-Link’s Archer AX90. It should be said that, compared to many modern routers, Mesh Wi-Fi systems tend to have slower processors and less antennas. If you live in a large home or one with multiple floors, you’re going to notice more of a difference than you would in a small, single-storied locale. This fundamental difference can allow mesh-based networks to offer better real-world coverage and speeds in some – but not all – situations. Meanwhile: a mesh Wi-Fi system gives you multiple points of access. If you’re not fussed about getting Wi-Fi in the most remote parts of your home, but still want a fast, and reliable connection, an affordable Wi-Fi 6 router like the ASUS RT-AX55 will do the trick. Recent advances like MU-MIMO and Wi-Fi 6 have addressed these shortcomings to a limited degree but have done little to tinker with the inherently centralized structure that comes as part of this style of home network.

Mesh router vs router