Learn everything you know about a mesh WiFi network

For many years mesh WiFi was used exclusively in areas such as businesses or military bases where secure networks were critical. Recently mesh WiFi entered the consumer market, providing consumers access to a secure high speed and long range WiFi network.

In this post, we’ll be explaining what mesh WiFi is, who it’s for, and some great options to get you started to answer the following questions:

What is Mesh WiFi?
Who needs Mesh WiFi?
What are the Benefits of Mesh WiFi?
How does Mesh WiFi Work?
What’s the difference between Mesh WiFi and a Range Extender?
Mesh WiFi Features
Conclusion
Common Questions regarding Mesh WiFi
Deco Mesh WiFi vs Google WiFi
Deco Mesh WiFi Home Security

What is Mesh WiFi?

Mesh WiFi is a whole home WiFi system built to eliminate dead zones and to provide uninterrupted WiFi throughout your home.

Mesh systems enables devices in your network to have faster speeds, greater coverage, and a more reliable connection. While traditional routers broadcast WiFi from a single point, mesh WiFi systems have multiple access points.

When one unit links to the modem, that unit becomes the main hub. The other units (called “nodes”) will capture and rebroadcast the router’s signal. The result is an efficient wireless network that provides a strong signal no matter where you are.

Who needs Mesh WiFi?

Mesh WiFi is built for people who live in homes with weak or incomplete WiFi coverage as well as people who want an uncomplicated easy to set up WiFi System.

Because traditional routers have a limited range; they are often unable to fully cover multi story or large homes. If you live in a home that’s 3,000 sq. ft., has two stories or more, interior brick walls, or an unusual layout, then you would benefit from a mesh WiFi router.

Mesh WiFi also represents a great option for people who are interested in a powerful WiFi system but don’t want to deal with the complicated setup and configuration that most regular routers come with.

Since mesh operates on a single network, mesh WiFi is also a great option for people who own range extenders and don’t want to switch between networks as they move upstairs or downstairs.

What are the Benefits of Mesh WiFi?

Traditional routers come with a limited range. While adding a range extender can help with this issue, range extenders sacrifice speed for connectivity. Mesh WiFi gives you the best of both worlds – so you can experience both powerful speeds and long-range connectivity.

One Network for Your Entire Home

With a Mesh WiFi router, you can skip signing into a new network every time you go upstairs and stay connected to a single sturdy network no matter where you are. Mesh technology is smart and intuitive, letting you stay online even if one of your mesh nodes fails.

Stable Long Range Connectivity

With a mesh router, you can get a powerful and stable connection no matter where you are in your home. Because each mesh node piggybacks off the other nodes signal, you can get powerful WiFi whether you’re at the top of the stairs or the bottom of the basement.

Easy Setup and Management

Most mesh routers on the market today come with easy network setup and management, allowing you to toggle network settings, check speeds, and enact parental controls.

Control Your Smart Home

Some mesh routers like the TP-Link Deco M9 Plus are so advanced that they function as a WiFi router and a smart hub, connecting your Zigbee, Bluetooth and WiFi devices and enabling you to manage all your smart devices through the Deco app.

How does Mesh WiFi Work?

Mesh WiFi works by using two or more mesh WiFi devices or “nodes” to create a mesh WiFi network.

One node is connected to an internet modem, while the rest can be placed throughout your home to create a powerful wireless network. Unlike traditional routers, these nodes are all part of the same network and share the same SSID and password. This makes setting and scaling up your mesh network as easy as adding another node.

These nodes are important in efficiently delivering WiFi, as each node serves as a “daisy chain” for other nodes in the system. Even nodes that are furthest from the router can still deliver a strong signal. Nodes communicate with one another in order to determine the fastest band for your devices, and to reroute traffic in the event that one node fails.

What’s the difference between Mesh WiFi and a Range Extender?

While mesh WiFi and Range extenders might appear to have the same functionality, there are some key differences.

Mesh WiFi devices comes with roaming protocols (to keep you on the same network) and mesh technologies such as self-healing and adaptive routing to keep your network stable.

Range extenders require you to sign on to a new network manually in order to maintain a strong connection once you’re far enough away from your router.

Most range extenders are set up under different networks; but with mesh networks there are no other networks to worry about. While each mesh node essentially functions as its own router, range extenders are merely duplicating the routers original signal.

Mesh WiFi is faster and more efficient at delivering a WiFi signal than a range extender.

Side note: While our Deco M3 (3-pack) uses mesh satellites that look similar to range extenders, the two are not interchangeable. These mesh satellite units use similar technology and logic to create a powerful mesh WiFi system that range extenders cannot.

Mesh WiFi Features

One Name. One Password

Mesh WiFi allows you to sign into your network with just one network name and one password to receive seamless WiFi throughout your home.

Seamless Roaming

Seamless roaming allows you to stay connected to your network no matter where you go in your home. Switching from one mesh node to another is so smooth that it’s unnoticeable even when you’re streaming.

Adaptive Routing

Mesh WiFi routers use adaptive routing to automatically choose the best configuration and band for your data, so that you’re always getting the fastest possible speeds.

Self-Healing

In the event that one of your mesh WiFi nodes goes down, your Mesh WiFi network will automatically reroute data to make sure you stay online.

Conclusion

Since its launch, mesh WiFi has grown quickly and been enthusiastically embraced by the general population for its convenience, ease of use, and easy set up. You can click the TP-Link Mesh product list to see all Deco mesh routers.

Common Questions regarding Mesh WiFi

Do I have to purchase a new router to get mesh WiFi?

No you don’t! You can upgrade your existing compatible TP-Link router to OneMesh via a free firmware update, and pair with a compatible mesh extender or powerline extender to receive mesh WiFi.

Will Mesh WiFi work if I have brick, stucco, or concrete walls in my house?

Yes! Mesh WiFi systems will work in houses with these conditions. However, most routers (including mesh WiFi) may experience some drop in connectivity due to environmental factors.
If you have overly thick walls, you might be better served by getting a powerline extender.

Does mesh WiFi work with my older devices?

Yes it does!

Deco Mesh WiFi vs Google WiFi

With over two decades in global networking, we know what it takes to make great WiFi. Which is why it’s no surprise that Deco outperforms Google WiFi in both wireless range and speed.***

First Floor

Second Floor

Coverage No coverage

Deco Mesh WiFi Home Security

Hardware Security

Deco only gets better and more secure with automatic firmware updates, and its firewall only allows approved packets onto your devices.

Advanced Encryption

Deco automatically encrypts every wireless connection using WPA2-PSK, whether it’s between each Deco unit or between Deco units and your WiFi devices.

Real-Time Antivirus

Deco automatically protects every device from viruses, malware, ransomware. That includes devices that don’t normally have protection, like WiFi cameras and smart locks.

Content Filtering

Create profiles and filter content using preset or customized lists while Deco automatically blocks malicious websites using a continuously updated database.

We delighted to annouce that CYP have increased their Product Warranty Cover from 2 years to 5 years.

All Products are now offered with a 5-year warranty as follows:

6 months: Warranty Replacement

Year 1 & 2: Replacement or Repair

Year 3: Parts, Labour & Shipping

Year 4 & 5: Labour & Shipping

This is subject to the following terms and conditions:

CYP (UK) Ltd – Warranty Terms and Conditions

This warranty applies to all Products purchased from us, CYP (UK) Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales under number 04259586, of Unit 7, Shepperton Business Park, Govett Avenue, Shepperton, Middlesex, TW17 8BA, whose registered office address is at Sundial House, 98 High Street, Woking, Surrey, GU21 4SU (referred to as “we/us/our”).

In this warranty, the following terms have the following meanings:

“You/Your” means the customer that has purchased the Product(s) under the Sales Contract;

“Product” means the product(s) supplied by us to you under the Sales Contract; and

“Sales Contract” means the contract formed between us and the Customer for the purchase of the Product(s), subject to our terms and conditions of sale, which forms part of this warranty by its reference.

1. Warranty Inclusions

1.1 If any defects or faults appear in the Product, commencing from the date of proof of purchase of the Product:

1.1.1 within 6 months, we will replace it;

1.1.2 within 2 years, we will repair or replace it, at the manufacturer’s discretion;

1.1.3 within 3 years, we will cover the cost of parts, labour and shipping to repair the Product. We will supply a new outer box and inner pack material to protect the repaired Product during shipping.

1.1.4 The Product will not be automatically refurbished but this can be carried out at your request or alternatively we can provide a reduced price to replace the Product, both of which will be subject to an additional fee;

1.1.5 within 5 years, we will cover the cost of labour and shipping to repair the Product. We will provide a quotation for the repair costs and you will need to agree to this in writing before returning the Product to us, and pay all such costs before we will return the repaired Product to you. We will supply a new outer box and inner pack material to protect the repaired Product during shipping. The Product will not be automatically refurbished but this can be carried out at your request or alternatively we can provide a reduced price to replace the Product, both of which will be subject to an additional fee.

1.2 If any defects or faults appear in the Product due to no fault of yours during the timeframes set out in clause 1.1, please contact your account manager and our technical support department within 7 days of becoming aware of such defect or fault, who will issue you with an RMA number.

1.3 Your returning of the Product to us is at your risk and you agree to bear the cost of delivery for this.

1.4 We will investigate the alleged issue on receipt and if the Product is proven by us to be faulty or defective, we will offer you the appropriate remedy as detailed in clause 1.1. We will then refund the reasonable costs of you returning the Product to us under clause 1.3.

1.5 If an exact replacement for the Product (or any parts required to repair it) is unavailable for any reason, we reserve the right to replace the Product with an alternative of similar specification.

1.6 Where the Product is not found to be faulty or defective, we will return it to you, in the same condition in which we received it, together with only the accessories you returned to us. We reserve the right to charge for any costs we may incur as a result.

1.7 Repairs and replacements may take up to 4 months from receipt.

2. Warranty Exclusions

2.1 This warranty is subject to us having received payment in full under the Sales Contract.

2.2 This warranty does not apply to faults, damage or defects arising in any of the following circumstances:

2.2.1 normal wear and tear;

2.2.2 if you or any third party not authorised by us has interfered with, altered, repaired, improperly used, improperly cared for, failed to maintain, vandalised, damaged, misused or neglected the Product, in all cases either wilfully or accidentally;

2.2.3 your failure to follow our and/or the manufacturers’ instructions;

2.2.4 as a result of any cause beyond our reasonable control including, but not limited to, fire, explosion, natural disaster, severe weather conditions, war, terrorism, faults or premature deterioration resulting from your failure to comply with any maintenance instructions, or any other cause or event beyond our reasonable control.

2.3 We reserve the right to require payment on account prior to any works being carried out, in which case the sum will be refunded should the problem reported prove to be justified.

2.4 Any repaired or replaced Products reissued within the warranty period will also be covered by the warranty, but only for the remainder of the original warranty period.

3. General

3.1 This warranty is non-transferrable and cannot be assigned to any other party.

3.2 The terms and conditions of this warranty cannot be amended without our prior written consent.

3.3 To the extent permitted by law, and except in respect of death or personal injury caused by our negligence, we accept no liability for any indirect or consequential loss or damage, beyond making good defects other than those excluded above.

3.4 If you are a consumer (as defined in the Consumer Rights Act 2015), this warranty will not affect your consumer rights.

3.5 This warranty is valid for the time period stated, so long as you fulfil your obligations set out in these warranty terms and conditions. Any breach of your obligations under this warranty and/or the Sales Contract may render this warranty null and void.

3.6 No failure by either party to enforce the performance of any provision in this warranty will constitute a waiver of the right to subsequently enforce that or any other provision. Such failure will not be deemed to be a waiver of any preceding or subsequent breach and will not constitute a continuing waiver

3.7 Any part of this warranty found to be unlawful, invalid or otherwise unenforceable would be severed from the warranty and the validity and enforceability of the remaining parts would not be affected.

3.8 This warranty does not grant or intend to grant any benefit on any third party. In particular, rights that would otherwise arise in favour of third parties under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 are excluded.

3.9 This warranty, the Sales Contract and any other contract between us will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales and any dispute, controversy, proceedings or claim will fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

TDI Group

Year: 2020

What is Mesh WiFi? A Guide to Whole Home Mesh WiFi in 2020