What Are the Benefits of Upgrading to a Wireless Mesh Network?
Do you have problems with your home or office network that you’ve just chalked up to “that’s the way it is?” Maybe your internet cuts out when the microwave is on or you have that one room way at the end of the hallway that no one can get a connection in.
Your network is really the backbone of anything you do online. Without a decent internet connection, you can’t work effectively, video calls freeze or get dropped, and instead of enjoying that new streaming movie release, you get frustrating buffering.
Today’s networks are more overloaded than ever due to cloud applications being used for just about everything, meaning you need a connection just to get things done. Networks also are getting more crowded due to mobile and IoT devices (Ring security cameras, smart speakers, etc.).
That additional overloading can lead to those small issues that you “just deal with” becoming more problematic and eating into more of your productive online time.
If you’re dealing with network issues like “dead zones” and lack of signal reach, it may be time to upgrade from a single router to a wireless mesh network.
What is the Difference Between a Router & a Mesh Network?
First, let’s look at how a wireless mesh network differs from a single wireless router network.
When you have just one wireless router, the farther a device is from that signal, the weaker the internet connection. Since the Wi-Fi is generated from a single point, it can also easily run into interference with things like a solid block wall, heavy piece of furniture, or a microwave (which can use the same frequency as a Wi-Fi).
You’ve also got just a single point of failure. If that router goes down, your entire internet is down.
A wireless mesh network uses one node (or router) that connects directly to your ISP’s modem, and then adds additional nodes (i.e., connection points) that can be placed strategically around your home or office, inside or outside.
Devices can connect to the main node or any of the others. What this does is blanket the area with a net (or “mesh”) of internet connectivity, improving reach, signal strength, and reliability.
The mesh network market is expected to grow over 20% between 2020 and 2026.
Advantages of Upgrading To a Wireless Mesh Network
You No Longer Have One Point of Failure
When you have multiple internet connection nodes, you eliminate the issue with a single point of failure that you have with a single router setup. If one of the mesh nodes goes down, the others pick up the slack and keep you connected.
As long as you still have an internet connection coming from the modem, you can stay online while getting the down node repaired or rebooted.
You Can Easily Increase the Reach of Your Network
The beauty of a mesh network is that it’s expandable affordably. If you need Wi-Fi to reach a far corner office or out to your garage, just add another node and connect it to the others.
Each node will come with a certain area of signal reach, allowing you to remove any weak zones or dead spots when it comes to your Wi-Fi, and even expand into outdoor areas using a node designed for outside use.
Better Multiple Device Handling
Because devices don’t all have to connect to the same single router, a mesh network handles multiple devices much better, ensuring each gets the bandwidth they need.
If one node is getting overcrowded, the mesh system can even automatically switch a device to another less crowded node without the user dropping any connections.
Less Interference
Solid walls and other potential areas of interference for a single router signal are no longer a problem if you have a mesh network.
Each node is connected to another creating a huge internet web, so signals each easily move around potential solid barriers and keep users connected with a strong and reliable connection.
Self-Configuring
Mesh network nodes are designed to be easy to use and self-configuring. They connect to the other nodes automatically and all can adjust to any potential problems, like one node going offline.
They’re designed to be fluid and keep in continuous contact with each other, your modem, and your devices.
Place Then Anywhere
Wireless mesh nodes are designed to be easy to place anywhere you need to. They are roughly the size of a coffee thermos or large mug and can be placed on counter tops, mounted on walls and easily moved to accommodate your home or office needs.
Are You Being Held Back by a Problematic Network?
Whether you have a Sturgeon Bay business with Wi-Fi issues or need more power for your home Wi-Fi, Quantum PC Services can help with expert network solutions.
Contact us today to learn more! Call 920-256-1214 or reach us online.
