Group test: Mesh Wi-Fi systems
Dodgy Wi-Fi at home? Mesh networking provides the speed and range that you need
Mesh modes link together to create a network that can reach further than a single router
Mesh networking has certainly been one of the hot technologies of recent years, with dozens of mesh routers and kits claiming to boost your home Wi-Fi with higher speeds and greater range than the cheap-and-cheerful router provided by your broadband supplier.
Instead of relying on a single router, mesh networking systems typically include two or three identical routers – sometimes called nodes – that you can place in different locations throughout your home. These nodes then link together to create a mesh network that can reach further than a single router on its own, so they’re a good option for larger homes with several bedrooms, or which may have rooms spread across upper or lower floors.
You don’t have to live in a massive mansion, either, as many smaller homes may have thick walls or ceilings between floors that can block your Wi-Fi signal. There are two key features to look out for here. A feature called MU-MIMO (multiple users, multiple input/multiple output) can improve reliability in buildings where lots of devices are connected to the network at the same time. And while less expensive routers just use ‘dual-band’ transmission on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bandwidths, there are more expensive models that use ‘tri-band’ networking – with an additional 5GHz band – to improve speeds.
More to consider
Speed and range aren’t the only things to consider, though. Ease of use and well-designed apps are important, especially for parents who may want to keep an eye on their children’s online adventures – or just turn off the Wi-Fi to get them to come to the dinner table in the evening. Other features to look out for include Ethernet ports for wired connections – some devices, such as games consoles work better with a wired connection – or a USB port on the router that will allow you to share a printer with other people on your network.