Wi-Fi coverage everywhere with Wi-Fi mesh

Customers always receive a router from the internet provider. This network device broadcasts a wireless Internet signal. For example, connect a laptop, tablet or smartphone and surf the internet via WiFi.

In many homes, the wireless range of the default router is insufficient. Usually because the network device is set up in an unfavorable location, for example in the meter cupboard. In addition, the signal is too weak to provide the entire house with WiFi. As a result, the reception in, for example, the bedroom or in the attic is poor. A stable WiFi connection in all rooms of the house is becoming increasingly important. Who knows, maybe you like to watch a Netflix series or television broadcast via NPO Start in the bedroom. A good solution for a comprehensive WiFi network is the construction of a WiFi mesh system.

Wifi mesh is also called multi-room wifi. This technique uses multiple broadcasting stations to distribute the wireless internet signal in the house. The main unit is connected to the current router via an internet cable. This main unit spreads the WiFi signal in the house, but at the same time also sends a signal to one, two, three or perhaps four other satellites. Because both the main unit and the satellites exchange the WiFi signal with each other and distribute it in the house, a comprehensive WiFi network is created.

The construction of WiFi mesh is relatively simple. Users only need to connect the main unit wired. The mutual communication between all satellites is wireless. Incidentally, you must connect the WiFi mesh devices to the mains. For example, place the main unit on the ground floor, while placing satellites on the first floor and attic. Wi-Fi mesh is visible to devices as a single wireless network. Tap the network name and enter the correct password to connect. A mobile app from the respective manufacturer usually helps with the configuration of the WiFi mesh system.

In addition to better coverage, Wi-Fi mesh has a number of advantages. With a smartphone in your pocket, you are constantly moving around the house. Most WiFi mesh systems automatically connect the smartphone to the most powerful wireless access point. If necessary, the smartphone switches access points, but users do not notice this transition. If someone walks through the house during a video call, the connection does not drop as soon as the smartphone switches to another satellite. Furthermore, the better WiFi mesh systems distribute network traffic efficiently between the main unit and linked satellites, so that an access point is not overloaded. Many products also support parental controls. This makes it possible to (temporarily) block specific web content. Finally, satellites usually contain one, two or three normal network ports. An advantage, because this way users can also connect wired devices to a WiFi mesh system. Think of a computer, network printer or security camera.

There are all kinds of WiFi mesh systems. For example, Netgear, TP-Link, Google Nest and Linksys are developing suitable products. The price depends, among other things, on how many satellites the product box contains. The product box often states how many square meters the WiFi mesh system is suitable for. Are you in doubt? For the vast majority of systems, the satellites are also available separately. Users can thus extend the Wi-Fi mesh system afterwards. Incidentally, it is usually cheaper to purchase the main unit and all necessary satellites in one go.

For an apartment or small house, two WiFi mesh devices are usually enough. A typical terraced or semi-detached house requires three appliances. For a detached house or villa, consider a WiFi mesh system with four or five satellites (including the main unit).

In addition to fully-fledged WiFi mesh systems, there are also so-called powerline adapters that support this technology. A set of powerline adapters transfers part of the wired internet network to the electricity grid. This means that, for example, in a remote attic room, an internet connection is still available via the socket. The better powerline adapters also distribute WiFi mesh in your home, so you can connect devices wirelessly. The German manufacturers Devolo and FRITZ!Powerline specialize in such products.