In today’s homes and offices, there are more internet-connected devices than ever before. Gone are the days when you only needed to connect a computer or two to your Wi-Fi.
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Now everything from smart security cameras and locks to an entire family of tablets and smartphones are relying on that wireless network to connect and get online 24/7.
By 2021, each person in North American will have 13 internet-connected devices. (MediaPost)
All those connection needs cause issues with older router technology, such as Wi-Fi “dead zones” and weak signals, particularly in multi-level homes or structures with solid brick walls inside. This is why advanced wireless networking technology is becoming popular – Wireless Mesh Networks.
Magnify247.com is often called in to consult with small businesses on their wireless network needs and residential clients with Wi-Fi problems. Our computer support and services include doing what’s needed to secure them a fast, reliable wireless connection, which is why mesh technology was particularly interesting to us when it first came on the scene.
So, what is a mesh network and how can it give you better internet? We’ll go through a primer below and give you five reasons you’ll want to take a look at installing one in your home or office.
What’s the Difference Between a Regular Router and Wireless Mesh Network?
While both a regular router and a mesh network have the same main purpose of connecting your devices to your internet signal wirelessly, the Mesh network offers a more advanced way to do it.
Traditional Router Wi-Fi
With a traditional Wi-Fi setup, you have a router that connects to your main modem (cable, DSL, etc…) and broadcasts the wireless signal throughout your home of office.
Get farther away from that signal origination point and the Wi-Fi signal becomes weaker. Construction like solid brick or block walls can also interfere with a wireless signal from a single router.
Mesh Network Wi-Fi
A mesh network uses more than one unit to transmit your Wi-Fi signal. You have the main router that connects to your modem (like with a traditional router), but you also have “satellites,” also known as nodes, which are self-contained units that wirelessly communicate with the main router and transmit a strong signal throughout a radius of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 feet (range varies by brand).
It’s called “mesh” because each of these satellites acts as a transmitter between itself, the host router, and each other, basically blanketing the area with a wireless internet mesh, or web.
The satellites are small, about the size of a coffee mug, and can be easily placed or moved around a home or building, eliminating any dead zones, extending coverage, and carrying a strong signal through the coverage web.
Residential & Business Benefits of Installing a Wireless Mesh Network
If you’re not happy with your current Wi-Fi coverage or would like to extend it further, there are a number of reasons to upgrade to a mesh networking system.
1. Extend Your Wi-Fi Signal Outside
Do you have a garage or patio where you’ve love to be able to get a strong Wi-Fi signal for streaming movies on your tablet? Do you have a courtyard at your office that’s currently without internet? Mesh network technology includes satellite units that are built for outdoor use, enabling you to easily extend your Wi-Fi signal into outdoor areas.
2. Solve the “Dead Zone” Issue
The mesh design is meant to eliminate dead spots where Wi-Fi is weak or non-existent. For example, if you’re in a bonus room over the attic, instead of having to connect to a router that’s two floors down, you would connect to a satellite that you’ve placed much closer. This allows multi-level homes or large buildings, to enjoy a fast, strong internet connection.
3. Cost Effective Way to Cover Large Areas
If you have a large area to cover with a Wi-Fi connection, the mesh technology offers a more cost-effective way than having to purchase two separate internet modems (and connections) in order to get a fast signal throughout the area.
You can easily add more satellite units to extend your Wi-Fi signal over a larger square foot area.
4. Market Your Business with Wi-Fi
The ability of a mesh network to extend your signal affordably makes it easier for small businesses to offer guest Wi-Fi and take advantage of the marketing opportunities that come with it. Statistics show that guest Wi-Fi causes customers to stay longer and purchase more while at your business.
5. They Can Handle High Demand
Mesh networks are built to handle high demand, so they’re able to be used in organizations that are absolutely reliant on fast, efficient wireless internet. So, whether it’s public safety, emergency services, or medical offices, the technology is useful for high demand commercial and residential use.
Learn More about Wireless Mesh Networks & Get Help with Setup
If you’re considering a wireless mesh network, Magnify247.com can answer all your questions about this advanced Wi-Fi technology and get it set up for you in an afternoon.
