Home office networks: Are mesh or traditional Wi-Fi routers better?
Mesh networking is a relatively new entry into the consumer market, so you would be forgiven for thinking that a mesh router would automatically be “better” in all cases than a simple, standard router. However, this isn’t the case.
We now have to give more thought to the underlying connectivity in our homes. Mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, began increasing the load shouldered by our routers — and were quickly joined by Internet of Things (IoT) devices, ranging from security cameras to smart appliances.
All of these devices need the resources and connectivity provided by your router. However, older router models were not designed to deal with many endpoints simultaneously.
The problem has been compounded by the popularity of streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the face of modern work by introducing remote and hybrid working to the population at large.
Despite the resistance of some companies to continuing these arrangements, home offices are likely to be a common feature in homes for the foreseeable future.
When you combine mobile devices, IoT, streaming, entertainment, gaming, and work, we are putting a lot of pressure on our routers — and this is where mesh networks come in. Designed to lighten the endpoint load and reduce congestion, mesh systems can be invaluable for maintaining connectivity, but they aren’t suitable for every household. In some cases, all you need is a standard router and a mesh network could be considered overkill.
ZDNET explains the difference and whether a traditional router or mesh system is better for your home and office.
Standard, traditional home routers
A traditional router acts as a central hub for Internet connectivity. Traffic requests from devices funnel through a main router’s internet service and a single access point. Routers can be accessed either through wireless channels or by plugging in an Ethernet cable. Typically, these routers are password-protected.
The benefits:
-
Price: Standard routers are generally more affordable than mesh network products. While you still may expect to pay hundreds of dollars for a premium router, there are many options that are budget-friendly and both quick and stable enough to keep your home office running effectively without further input.
-
Plug and play: A standard router is often less hassle to set up than a mesh network. For something that ‘just works,’ a typical router might be the best option. Set it up, make sure updates are automatically applied, and forget about it.
-
Speed and wires: Many routers today, such as the Netgear Nighthawk or TP-Link models, are designed with the technology needed to meet heavy bandwidth and streaming requirements. Gamers and livestreamers, for example, should generally stick with wired Ethernet connections that may perform better with traditional routers instead of wireless-first products.
-
Separate devices: You can set up guest Wi-Fi networks on most modern routers, but if you also want to keep all of your IoT devices on a separate home network in the interests of security, most routers will allow you to do this without much hassle.
The disadvantages:
-
Coverage issues: As Internet access is distributed through a single point, this can mean that areas far away from your router will have slow or spotty connections that drop. Range extenders can help remove this barrier, and while they can still be cheaper than investing in a mesh network, it’s an additional expense.
-
Overload: Unless extenders or channel separation features are used, too many connections may result in overloading, bottlenecks, lags, and connectivity drops.
-
Tweaking: If you want to tweak the more advanced settings on a router, this can often require annoying visits to a platform via desktop, rather than the seamless mobile app connectivity we have learned to enjoy for many of our modern services.
Also: How to convert your home’s old TV cabling into powerful Ethernet lines
What about Wi-Fi 6?
It’s worth mentioning Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax. This is the latest standard in wireless technologies, designed to increase wireless device performance and coverage compared with 802.11ac, or Wi-Fi 5. Some modern home devices support this standard, which may offer better speeds and lower latency, and so could be considered when future-proofing your smart home office.
MU-MIMO (Multi-user, multiple-input, multiple-output) is another technology to look for. Some routers use this technology to improve data transfer speed when multiple devices are connected simultaneously.
Mesh router networks
While traditional routers are singular, centralized access points, mesh networking devices, such as mesh Wi-Fi routers, dual-band, and tri-band mesh Wi-Fi, are decentralized.
Instead of a device connecting to a single gateway to the Internet, mesh networks are created from multiple Wi-Fi nodes that all provide web connectivity. For example, you could have a central hub in the kitchen and then have satellite nodes in the home office, kitchen, and bedroom.
When you access the internet while in the kitchen, you would automatically connect to the hub, whereas you would jump on a node while you’re in your home office, and so on.
With remote working and video calls now the new normal, now may be the right time to upgrade your Wi-Fi with one of the latest mesh networking systems if you need improved coverage.
The benefits:
-
Improved coverage: The main benefit of a mesh network is extended coverage. Investing in a mesh setup will remove annoyances such as coverage blackspots or slow connections in larger properties with a lot of square feet.
-
A boost in reliability: As your device will connect to the nearest satellite node rather than a central point of access, this helps ensure that no matter where you are on a property, you are less likely to experience connectivity failures or drops.
-
Additional controls: Once a mesh network is active, many vendors will allow users to control their router through a mobile app. This could include keeping an eye on network traffic, rebooting, or even turning off the Internet entirely — perhaps an appealing prospect for those with children.
The disadvantages:
-
Initial expense: Generally, mesh devices require a more expensive outlay to set up. While a device’s hub and one satellite might not be too costly, if you want to take full advantage of what a mesh network can provide, you may need to buy more — and that spending can add up.
-
More than one: Setting up a mesh network means you will need more than one power outlet. For each satellite you add to your home network, you will need to ensure that there is a power supply and that you’re happy to have the nodes dotted around your property.
-
Speed: Mesh means coverage over speed. In some cases, mesh networks — especially lower-priced systems — will not provide the same speeds you can expect from typical wireless routers or Ethernet cabling.
What router system is best for my home office?
You need to decide whether the finanical outlay for a whole mesh network is worth it. In larger homes with dead spots, mesh networking can provide a way to improve your Wi-Fi signal strength and coverage immediately.
However, it can be expensive to overhaul your existing router setup for a large home, and going for a full mesh system may be overkill unless you consistently have multiple users and connected devices competing for bandwidth. A Wi-Fi extender can be a worthwhile investment instead if you decide to stay with a traditional home router but need to expand coverage.
Some mesh network systems, such as Google Wifi, Netgear Orbi, and Amazon Eero, are relatively cheap to set up as long as you don’t need too many satellites.
If you’re the only person using your network and you need a stable, powerful internet connection — such as for resource-hungry work applications or gaming — a traditional router and an Ethernet cable may be all you need for reliable and rapid Internet access. Wired internet speeds should be quicker than wireless, and investing in a simple Ethernet cable, easy to find for $10 to $15, could be enough, saving you the cost of a complete overhaul.
Wi-Fi range extenders, too, could be considered as an alternative to mesh if you just need to boost coverage and throughput in some areas, and will likely be less expensive than purchasing individual mesh nodes. Some vendors also offer mesh “bolt-ons” such as Asus’ AiMesh, which creates a mesh-like coverage wireless network without ripping everything out and starting again.
Mesh networking is here to stay and at a time when many of us are now in the home rather than traditional home offices, a mesh setup could be a future-proof investment. It’s not suitable for you if you rely on wired connectivity for speed, but if you need to make sure that dead zones and drops do not impact your working day, and you don’t mind the potential expense, mesh systems are a worthwhile upgrade to your home equipment.
Check your ISP first
Before changing your setup, you should review your ISP package. If you’re subscribed to a low-speed offering, or your Internet provider throttles your speed at peak times, new equipment is not going to help. Instead, a package upgrade could be a better option.
Mesh networking is a relatively new entry into the consumer market, so you would be forgiven for thinking that a mesh router would automatically be “better” in all cases than a simple, standard router. However, this isn’t the case.
We now have to give more thought to the underlying connectivity in our homes. Mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, began increasing the load shouldered by our routers — and were quickly joined by Internet of Things (IoT) devices, ranging from security cameras to smart appliances.
All of these devices need the resources and connectivity provided by your router. However, older router models were not designed to deal with many endpoints simultaneously.
The problem has been compounded by the popularity of streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the face of modern work by introducing remote and hybrid working to the population at large.
Despite the resistance of some companies to continuing these arrangements, home offices are likely to be a common feature in homes for the foreseeable future.
When you combine mobile devices, IoT, streaming, entertainment, gaming, and work, we are putting a lot of pressure on our routers — and this is where mesh networks come in. Designed to lighten the endpoint load and reduce congestion, mesh systems can be invaluable for maintaining connectivity, but they aren’t suitable for every household. In some cases, all you need is a standard router and a mesh network could be considered overkill.
ZDNET explains the difference and whether a traditional router or mesh system is better for your home and office.
Standard, traditional home routers
A traditional router acts as a central hub for Internet connectivity. Traffic requests from devices funnel through a main router’s internet service and a single access point. Routers can be accessed either through wireless channels or by plugging in an Ethernet cable. Typically, these routers are password-protected.
The benefits:
-
Price: Standard routers are generally more affordable than mesh network products. While you still may expect to pay hundreds of dollars for a premium router, there are many options that are budget-friendly and both quick and stable enough to keep your home office running effectively without further input.
-
Plug and play: A standard router is often less hassle to set up than a mesh network. For something that ‘just works,’ a typical router might be the best option. Set it up, make sure updates are automatically applied, and forget about it.
-
Speed and wires: Many routers today, such as the Netgear Nighthawk or TP-Link models, are designed with the technology needed to meet heavy bandwidth and streaming requirements. Gamers and livestreamers, for example, should generally stick with wired Ethernet connections that may perform better with traditional routers instead of wireless-first products.
-
Separate devices: You can set up guest Wi-Fi networks on most modern routers, but if you also want to keep all of your IoT devices on a separate home network in the interests of security, most routers will allow you to do this without much hassle.
The disadvantages:
-
Coverage issues: As Internet access is distributed through a single point, this can mean that areas far away from your router will have slow or spotty connections that drop. Range extenders can help remove this barrier, and while they can still be cheaper than investing in a mesh network, it’s an additional expense.
-
Overload: Unless extenders or channel separation features are used, too many connections may result in overloading, bottlenecks, lags, and connectivity drops.
-
Tweaking: If you want to tweak the more advanced settings on a router, this can often require annoying visits to a platform via desktop, rather than the seamless mobile app connectivity we have learned to enjoy for many of our modern services.
Also: How to convert your home’s old TV cabling into powerful Ethernet lines
What about Wi-Fi 6?
It’s worth mentioning Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax. This is the latest standard in wireless technologies, designed to increase wireless device performance and coverage compared with 802.11ac, or Wi-Fi 5. Some modern home devices support this standard, which may offer better speeds and lower latency, and so could be considered when future-proofing your smart home office.
MU-MIMO (Multi-user, multiple-input, multiple-output) is another technology to look for. Some routers use this technology to improve data transfer speed when multiple devices are connected simultaneously.
Mesh router networks
While traditional routers are singular, centralized access points, mesh networking devices, such as mesh Wi-Fi routers, dual-band, and tri-band mesh Wi-Fi, are decentralized.
Instead of a device connecting to a single gateway to the Internet, mesh networks are created from multiple Wi-Fi nodes that all provide web connectivity. For example, you could have a central hub in the kitchen and then have satellite nodes in the home office, kitchen, and bedroom.
When you access the internet while in the kitchen, you would automatically connect to the hub, whereas you would jump on a node while you’re in your home office, and so on.
With remote working and video calls now the new normal, now may be the right time to upgrade your Wi-Fi with one of the latest mesh networking systems if you need improved coverage.
The benefits:
-
Improved coverage: The main benefit of a mesh network is extended coverage. Investing in a mesh setup will remove annoyances such as coverage blackspots or slow connections in larger properties with a lot of square feet.
-
A boost in reliability: As your device will connect to the nearest satellite node rather than a central point of access, this helps ensure that no matter where you are on a property, you are less likely to experience connectivity failures or drops.
-
Additional controls: Once a mesh network is active, many vendors will allow users to control their router through a mobile app. This could include keeping an eye on network traffic, rebooting, or even turning off the Internet entirely — perhaps an appealing prospect for those with children.
The disadvantages:
-
Initial expense: Generally, mesh devices require a more expensive outlay to set up. While a device’s hub and one satellite might not be too costly, if you want to take full advantage of what a mesh network can provide, you may need to buy more — and that spending can add up.
-
More than one: Setting up a mesh network means you will need more than one power outlet. For each satellite you add to your home network, you will need to ensure that there is a power supply and that you’re happy to have the nodes dotted around your property.
-
Speed: Mesh means coverage over speed. In some cases, mesh networks — especially lower-priced systems — will not provide the same speeds you can expect from typical wireless routers or Ethernet cabling.
What router system is best for my home office?
You need to decide whether the finanical outlay for a whole mesh network is worth it. In larger homes with dead spots, mesh networking can provide a way to improve your Wi-Fi signal strength and coverage immediately.
However, it can be expensive to overhaul your existing router setup for a large home, and going for a full mesh system may be overkill unless you consistently have multiple users and connected devices competing for bandwidth. A Wi-Fi extender can be a worthwhile investment instead if you decide to stay with a traditional home router but need to expand coverage.
Some mesh network systems, such as Google Wifi, Netgear Orbi, and Amazon Eero, are relatively cheap to set up as long as you don’t need too many satellites.
If you’re the only person using your network and you need a stable, powerful internet connection — such as for resource-hungry work applications or gaming — a traditional router and an Ethernet cable may be all you need for reliable and rapid Internet access. Wired internet speeds should be quicker than wireless, and investing in a simple Ethernet cable, easy to find for $10 to $15, could be enough, saving you the cost of a complete overhaul.
Wi-Fi range extenders, too, could be considered as an alternative to mesh if you just need to boost coverage and throughput in some areas, and will likely be less expensive than purchasing individual mesh nodes. Some vendors also offer mesh “bolt-ons” such as Asus’ AiMesh, which creates a mesh-like coverage wireless network without ripping everything out and starting again.
Mesh networking is here to stay and at a time when many of us are now in the home rather than traditional home offices, a mesh setup could be a future-proof investment. It’s not suitable for you if you rely on wired connectivity for speed, but if you need to make sure that dead zones and drops do not impact your working day, and you don’t mind the potential expense, mesh systems are a worthwhile upgrade to your home equipment.
Check your ISP first
Before changing your setup, you should review your ISP package. If you’re subscribed to a low-speed offering, or your Internet provider throttles your speed at peak times, new equipment is not going to help. Instead, a package upgrade could be a better option.
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