Mesh networks are an increasingly popular way of improving broadband connectivity throughout homes and businesses in Ireland. But what exactly are they? And could one be right for your situation?
Spotty broadband connection can be infuriating, forcing users to move around the house to get sufficient speeds.
Mesh networks offer an appealing solution to this common problem, promising to provide complete coverage across the home.
In this article, we break down the basics of how mesh networks work, and whether they could suit your home broadband set-up.
Assessing your situation
Before deciding on a strategy to fix patchy broadband speeds, it is important to find out the exact areas that suffer from poor connectivity.
An easy way to do this is to conduct a broadband speed survey of your home, using a tool such as our broadband speed test.
If there is only one room or area that your WiFi signal struggles to reach, and you have a limited budget, it may be worth considering a simple and affordable WiFi extender before investing in a mesh system.
If you cannot find any obvious black-spots, it is possible that you simply do not have enough bandwidth for the online activities you are engaging with.
To find the best possible broadband plan, head to our comparison page. Our network availability checker is the only one like it in Ireland, showing you exactly what providers are available at your address.
Now you have an understanding of your home broadband situation, let’s move on to more about mesh networks.
What is Mesh Wi-Fi?
Unlike traditional routers that rely on a single device to broadcast Wi-Fi signals, mesh Wi-Fi networks employ multiple interconnected nodes.
These nodes, often called satellites or beacons, work together to create a seamless Wi-Fi network throughout your home.
As you move from room to room, your device automatically connects to the nearest node, ensuring a consistent and strong signal.
The two main components of a mesh network are:
The Base Station - The primary node, usually referred to as the base station, is connected to your internet service provider (ISP) modem. It acts as the central hub for the network.
Satellite Nodes - Additional nodes are placed strategically throughout your home. They communicate with the base station and each other to extend the Wi-Fi coverage.
Benefits of Mesh WiFi
Broader Coverage:
Mesh networks eliminate black-spots, ensuring you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection in every room.
Many homes have physical features that can prevent complete broadband coverage, such as metal beams, multiple floors or simply the overall size of the home.
Mesh networks can help circumvent these areas, ensuring even connection throughout the property.
Faster Speeds:
By distributing the Wi-Fi load across multiple nodes, mesh networks can improve overall speeds, especially in areas with high demand.
Therefore, if you have many people in the home engaging in high bandwidth activities, such as streaming and gaming, a mesh network can help balance the load.
Seamless Roaming:
As you move from room to room, your devices will automatically switch between nodes, ensuring a continuous connection without interruptions.
Some Wi-Fi extenders or similar devices will require your device to switch from one connection to another, whereas a mesh network will give you continuous signal on the same network.
Easy Setup:
Most mesh systems come with user-friendly setup processes that guide you through the installation.
However, if you are not confident in setting up a mesh network at your home yourself, it is well worth considering getting professional help. Most IT support companies will be able to assist you in this.
Scalability:
If your home grows or your Wi-Fi needs change, you can easily add more nodes to expand the network.
When deciding on your first mesh system, good advice is to start small, purchasing additional satellite nodes if and when needed. This ensures you don’t over-purchase expensive equipment.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Mesh WiFi System
Home Size and Layout:
The size and layout of your home will determine how many nodes you need. Larger homes or homes with multiple floors may require more satellites.
On the flip side, if you live in an apartment or small house, a mesh network will likely be overkill.
A better solution for smaller homes could be a simple and affordable WiFi extender, or upgrading your router.
However, before purchasing anything, make sure your router is placed optimally within your home. Read this guide to learn more about optimising your existing connection.
Budget:
Mesh systems can vary in price depending on the number of nodes, features, and brand.
Consider your budget and choose a system that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
Popular brands include Google Nest WiFi, TP-Link and Netgear. Each system will come with unique features, for example the Nest system is integrated with Google Assistant, if that is something you use.
While systems vary based on your exact set-up, expect to spend north of €100 for a basic system, with more advanced systems running into many hundreds of euros.
Therefore, it is imperative that you ensure a mesh network is the correct solution for you, as there are plenty of potentially cheaper fixes to spotty broadband connection.
In summary
If you're experiencing Wi-Fi dead spots or slow speeds in your home, a mesh Wi-Fi network can be a great solution.
By providing broader coverage, faster speeds, and seamless roaming, mesh systems can enhance your overall internet experience.
Remember, before making a purchase, consider your home's size, the number of devices you use, and your budget, to ensure a mesh network is the best solution for you.
Get the best broadband deal
Switching broadband providers is rarely as simple as finding the cheapest plan, and getting the best value broadband, phone and TV bundle can seem like a daunting and time-consuming task.
At bonkers.ie, we have made this process easy for you with our comprehensive broadband comparison service. Our free tool allows you to compare the different speeds, prices and offers available in your area from all of Ireland’s main broadband providers.
If you have any questions about the broadband comparison and switching process, make sure you consult our helpful broadband Quickstart Guide.
And remember, on bonkers.ie we also offer a range of services that will help you cut the cost of your energy bills, insurance expenses, banking fees, and help you find the best mortgage rates on the market.
