This could save you the cost of a complete overhaul. Wired internet speeds should be quicker than wireless if the connection is working properly, and investing in a simple Ethernet cable, easy to find for no more than $10 or $15, could be enough. If you're the only person using your network and need a stable, powerful internet connection - such as for resource-hungry work applications or gaming - a traditional router and an Ethernet cable may be all you need for reliable and rapid internet access. Some mesh network systems, such as Google Wifi, Netgear Orbi, and Amazon Eero, are relatively cheap to set up if you don't need too many satellites.Īlso: The best mesh Wi-Fi systems you can buy Going for a complete mesh system may be overkill unless you consistently have multiple users and connected devices competing for bandwidth.Ī Wi-Fi extender can be a worthwhile investment instead if you decide to stay with a traditional home router but need to expand coverage.

However, it can be expensive to overhaul your existing router setup for a large home. In larger homes with dead spots, mesh networking can provide a way to improve your Wi-Fi signal strength and coverage immediately. You need to decide whether the financial outlay for a whole mesh network is worth it. In addition, some mesh networks also act as smart hubs and are compatible with voice assistants.Ī note of warning, however: you may need to spend some time tweaking configuration settings when you first setup a mesh network. This could include keeping an eye on network traffic, rebooting, or even turning off the internet entirely - perhaps an appealing prospect for those with children who don't want to mess with a typical router's configuration. Once a mesh network is active, many vendors allow users to control their system through a mobile app. In this manner, mesh networks are particularly useful if you have a home office in a garden area separate from your house, for example.Īnother benefit is that mesh systems and satellites are often designed to look modern, sleek, and may be more discreet than bulky, traditional routers, giving you more options for placement. You need a reliable connection, no matter where you areĪs your device will connect to the nearest satellite node rather than a central point of access, this feature helps ensure that - no matter where you are in a property - you are less likely to experience connectivity failures or drops. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.

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