Expanding your Mesh Wi-Fi network typically involves adding more nodes or satellites to the existing system. First, ensure that any additional nodes you plan to add are compatible with your existing Mesh network by checking manufacturer guidelines. Once you have the compatible equipment, position the new node at a midpoint location between your main router and the area where you want to extend coverage. Make sure it's within the range of another node to maintain a strong connection with the rest of the network. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, usually found in their mobile app or website, for adding the new node to your network. This typically involves connecting the node to a power source and following a synchronization process that might include pressing a button on the node or using the app to recognize the new hardware. Once the new node is added, the app will typically prompt you to update its firmware to ensure optimal performance and security. After installation, use the app’s network map or similar feature to verify the node's placement and connectivity strength, adjusting the location if necessary to optimize performance. With the new node integrated, your Mesh Wi-Fi network should now offer expanded and more consistent coverage throughout the desired area.
Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems of January 2025
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Amazon eero 6+ mesh wifi system - Supports internet plans up to a Gigabit, Coverage up to 4,500 sq. ft., Connect 75+ devices, 3-pack
-
GIGABIT SPEEDS FOR LESS - Supports wifi speeds up to a gigabit, without the premium price tag. eero 6+ is our most affordable gigabit system ever. Backward-compatible with previous-generation eero devices.
-
EXPERIENCE THE EERO TRUEMESH DIFFERENCE - eero’s patented TrueMesh technology intelligently routes traffic to reduce drop-offs and dead spots.
-
SET UP IN MINUTES - The eero app guides you through setup and allows you to manage your network from anywhere.
-
WORLD-CLASS CUSTOMER SUPPORT - Any questions? Our expert wifi troubleshooters are ready to help by phone in the US at +1-877-659-2347 or by [email protected].
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
TP-Link Deco AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System – Wi-Fi up to 7200 Sq.Ft, Engadget Rated Best Mesh For Most People, Replaces WiFi Router and Extender, AI-Driven Mesh New 6GHz Band, 3-Pack(Deco XE75)
-
WiFi 6E Tri-Band Mesh WiFi – Cover up to 7,200 Sq.Ft with next-gen seamless WiFi and make dead zones and buffering a thing of the past¹ ²
-
Brand-New 6 GHz Band – Experience the latest frequency of WiFi, eliminating interference from all legacy devices. The 6 GHz band can work as a backhaul to ensure stable connections between nodes by default. You can switch it to Wi-Fi Network mode and connect your WiFi 6E-compatible devices to 6GHz Network³
-
True Tri-Band Speed – All three WiFi bands work together to unleash your network’s total speeds up to 5,400 Mbps for 200 devices(6 GHz: 2402 Mbps (HE160);5 GHz: 2402 Mbps (HE160);2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps)¹ ³
-
AI-Driven Mesh - Deco XE75 delivers smart WiFi that follows you wherever you are, without interruption. It automatically learns your network environment, client quality, and user behaviors
-
Easy Setup and Management - The Deco app helps you set up your network in minutes with clear visual guidance and keeps you in control even when you are not home; Works with Alexa as well Turn on or off Guest Wi-Fi by simple voice commands
-
Works with all internet service providers, such as Comcast, Charter, ATandT, Verizon, Xfinity, Spectrum, RCN, Cox, CenturyLink, Frontier, etc.( a modem is required for most internet service providers)
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
TP-Link Deco AXE4900 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Mesh WiFi System (Deco XE70 Pro)| 2.5G WAN/LAN Ports | 4.9 Gbps Wi-Fi | 7,200 Sq. Ft Coverage | Connect up to 200 Devices | New 6 GHz Band | 3-Pack |2024 Release
-
𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗶-𝗙𝗶 𝟲𝗘: Experience the future of Wi-Fi performance with Wi-Fi 6E. With a new, congestion-free 6 GHz, connect more devices at faster speeds with smoother connections and less interference.
-
𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴-𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗶-𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗶-𝗙𝗶: Experience lightning-fast Wi-Fi speeds up to 4.9 Gbps across 6 streams. Perfect for binge-watching your favorite 4K shows, dominating online gaming sessions, and downloading gigabit files in seconds.
-
𝗔𝗜-𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗶-𝗙𝗶 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝗵: Deco Mesh seamlessly unifies your network under a single name. With built-in AI-roaming technology, it optimizes your WiFi experience through advanced algorithms and self-learning capabilities.
-
𝟮.𝟱-𝗚𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: Fully harness the power of gaming PCs, NAS servers, and more with lightning-fast wired connections via a 2.5 Gbps port and two Gigabit ports in every Deco unit.§
-
𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱: TP-Link's premium security service keeps your network safe with advanced parental controls, and cutting-edge features for network, and IoT protection.*
-
𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗼 𝗔𝗽𝗽: Set up, secure, and optimize your home network in minutes using the free Deco app. Plus, manage your Wi-Fi from anywhere for ultimate convenience.
-
𝗥𝗼𝗯𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗵𝗮𝘂𝗹 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: Leverage both wireless and wired backhaul simultaneously, harnessing tri-band Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5-gigabit wired backhaul to optimize the network's overall performance.
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Amazon eero 6 mesh wifi system - Supports internet plans up to 500 Mbps, Coverage up to 3,000 sq. ft., Connect 75+ devices, 2-pack (1 router + 1 extender)
-
WHOLE-HOME WI-FI 6 COVERAGE - an eero 6 2-pack covers up to 3,000 sq ft. with wifi and supports wifi speeds up to 500 Mbps.
-
MORE WIFI FOR MORE DEVICES - Wi-Fi 6 supports faster wifi than prior standards and permits 75+ connected devices.
-
SET UP IN MINUTES - The eero app walks you through setup and allows you to manage your network from anywhere. Plus, free customer support is available 7 days a week.
-
CONNECT TO ALEXA - eero 6 doubles as a Zigbee smart home hub, making it easy to connect and control compatible devices on your network with Alexa.
-
GETS BETTER OVER TIME - Automatic updates bring the latest and greatest in eero wifi while also helping to keep your network safe and secure.
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
ASUS ZenWiFi XD4 Plus AX1800 Dual-band Mesh WiFi 6 System (XD4 Plus)-Whole home coverage up to 4,800 sq.ft & 25+ devices, 1800Mbps, AiMesh, Lifetime Free Internet Security, Parental Control, EasySetup
-
Banish WiFi Dead Zone — Mesh WiFi system with unique antenna placement delivers strong WiFi to every corner of your house, providing total wireless speed of 1800Mbps.
-
Hassle-free Control — 3-step setup and easy management with ASUS Router App.
-
Always Up-to-date Security — The subscription-free cloud-based security powered by Trend Micro makes sure your privacy on connected devices is protected.
-
Support AiMesh — Mix and match ZenWiFi with AiMeshcompatible routers to form a powerful and flexible whole-home WiFi system.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Amazon eero 6 mesh wifi system - Supports internet plans up to 500 Mbps, Coverage up to 4,500 sq. ft., Connect 75+ devices, 3-pack (1 router + 2 extenders)
-
WHOLE-HOME WI-FI 6 COVERAGE - an eero 6 3-pack covers up to 4,500 sq ft. with wifi and supports wifi speeds up to 500 Mbps.
-
SAY GOODBYE TO DEAD SPOTS AND BUFFERING - eero’s mesh wifi technology optimizes for your space—so you can confidently stream 4K video, game, and video conference across your home.
-
MORE WIFI FOR MORE DEVICES - Wi-Fi 6 supports faster wifi than prior standards and permits 75+ connected devices.
-
SET UP IN MINUTES - The eero app walks you through setup and allows you to manage your network from anywhere. Plus, free customer support is available 7 days a week.
-
GETS BETTER OVER TIME - Automatic updates bring the latest and greatest in eero wifi while also helping to keep your network safe and secure.
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Google Wifi - AC1200 - Mesh WiFi System - Wifi Router - 4500 Sq Ft Coverage - 3 pack
-
Google Wifi gives you whole home coverage; 1 Pack covers up to 1500 square feet and 3 Pack covers up to 4500 square feet; points work together to create a mesh network for more coverage
-
Intelligently works behind the scenes to make sure your Wifi remains fast so you can stream with speed[2]
-
Simple setup in a few steps; use the Google Home app to create your network and get online in minutes[3]
-
Parental controls let you manage screen time, restrict certain kinds of adult content, and pause Wifi to specific devices on your mesh network whenever you want
-
Easy to control home Wifi system lets you prioritize devices check your network speeds, set up a guest network, and more
-
Sustainably designed; 49% of the plastic part weight is made with recycled material (2020 model)
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
TP-Link Deco WiFi 6 Mesh System(Deco X20) - Covers up to 5800 Sq.Ft. , Replaces Wireless Routers and Extenders(3-Pack, 6 Ethernet Ports in total, supports Wired Ethernet Backhaul)
-
Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Wi-Fi - Next-gen Wi-Fi 6 AX1800 whole home mesh system to eliminate weak Wi-Fi for good
-
Whole Home Wi-Fi Coverage - Cover up to 5800 square feet with seamless high-performance Wi-Fi 6 and eliminate dead zones and buffering Better than traditional Wi-Fi booster
-
Connect More Devices - With Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Deco X20 (3-pack) is strong enough to connect up to 150 devices with strong and reliable Wi-Fi. Smartphone/Tablet Requirements: iOS 9.0 or later; Android 4.4 or later
-
Easy Setup and Management - The Deco app helps you set up your network in minutes with clear visual guidance and keeps you in control even when you are not home; Works with Alexa as well Turn on or off Guest Wi-Fi by simple voice commands
-
Peace of Mind with Parental Controls - Manage limit and monitor internet use with profiles that let you customize Wi-Fi access for every person and device in your home
9
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
TP-Link Deco AX3000 WiFi 6 Mesh System(Deco X55) - Covers up to 6500 Sq.Ft. , Replaces Wireless Router and Extender, 3 Gigabit ports per unit, supports Ethernet Backhaul (3-pack)
-
Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Wi-Fi - Next-gen Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 whole home mesh system to eliminate weak Wi-Fi for good(2×2/HE160 2402 Mbps plus 2×2 574 Mbps)
-
Connect More Devices - Deco X55(3-pack) is strong enough to connect up to 150 devices with strong and reliable Wi-Fi
-
More Gigabit Ports - Each Deco X55 has 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports(9 in total for a 3-pack) and supports Wired Ethernet Backhaul for better speeds. Any of them can work as a Wi-Fi Router
-
AI-Driven Mesh - Intelligently learns the network environment to provide ideal WiFi unique to your home
-
Easy Setup and Management - The Deco app helps you set up your network in minutes with clear visual guidance and keeps you in control even when you are not home; Works with Alexa as well Turn on or off Guest Wi-Fi by simple voice commands
-
Works with all internet service providers, such as Comcast, Charter, AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity, Spectrum, RCN, Cox, CenturyLink, Frontier, etc.( a modem is required for most internet service providers)
What is a guest network in Mesh Wi-Fi?
A guest network in a mesh Wi-Fi system is a secondary network that is set up to allow visitors internet access without giving them full access to the main network and the devices connected to it. This network operates alongside the primary network provided by the mesh system. Here are some key points about a guest network in a mesh Wi-Fi system:
- Separate Access: Guests can connect to this network to use the internet, but they are kept separate from the main network. This separation helps to protect devices and files on the primary network from unauthorized access.
- Security: By isolating guest access, a guest network improves security for the main network. Guests typically cannot see or communicate with devices on the main network, which prevents potential malware or hacking attempts from spreading to devices connected to the primary network.
- Ease of Use: Setting up and providing access to a guest network is straightforward, often managed through a mobile app or web interface associated with the mesh system. Hosts can easily share the guest network credentials without disclosing the main network's details.
- Flexibility: Some mesh systems allow for customization of the guest network, such as setting time limits for access or limiting bandwidth, to control how much network resource guests can use.
- Convenience: Having a guest network makes it convenient for homeowners or businesses to offer internet access to visitors without compromising the security or performance of the main network.
Overall, a guest network in a mesh Wi-Fi system provides a convenient and secure way to allow internet access to guests, enhancing network control and user experience.
How to choose the right location for Mesh nodes?
Choosing the right location for mesh nodes is crucial to ensure optimal performance, coverage, and reliability of your mesh network. Here are some guidelines to help you decide on the best locations for your mesh nodes:
- Centralized Location: Place the main router or primary node in a central location in your home or office. This helps extend coverage evenly in all directions.
- Line of Sight: Whenever possible, maintain a line of sight between nodes. Walls, floors, and other obstacles can reduce signal quality, so minimizing these obstructions will improve performance.
- Even Spacing: Distribute the nodes evenly throughout the area needing coverage. Avoid clustering them unless necessary for specific coverage needs.
- Consider Interference: Avoid placing nodes near common sources of interference, such as microwaves, cordless phones, Bluetooth devices, and large metal objects or appliances.
- Height Matters: Position nodes at a good elevation, like on a shelf or mounted on a wall. Avoid placing them on the floor to reduce interference from furniture and other objects.
- Testing Coverage: Utilize the mesh system's app or management interface to test signal strength and coverage from various locations. Some systems have built-in tools to help identify optimal node placement.
- Outside Areas: If you need outdoor coverage, place a node near windows or outdoor areas. Mesh nodes may have specific models designed for outdoor use.
- Doorways and Staircases: Place nodes near doorways or staircases to facilitate signal transition between floors or rooms, ensuring seamless connectivity as you move.
- Power Availability: Ensure that each location chosen for a node has access to a power outlet, as mesh nodes typically require constant power.
- Network Coverage Goals: Prioritize areas where strong internet is needed most, like home offices, entertainment rooms, or high-traffic areas.
- Expand Gradually: If you have a large or complex space, start with essential coverage areas first and gradually expand by adding more nodes as needed.
By considering these factors, you can optimize the placement of mesh nodes to achieve a robust and efficient wireless network throughout your space. Regularly reviewing and adjusting node placement can help maintain network performance as layout and usage patterns change.
What is the difference between dual-band and tri-band Mesh?
Dual-band and tri-band mesh networks refer to the number of frequency bands they use to transmit data. Understanding these differences can help you decide which is more suited to your needs:
- Dual-Band Mesh Network:
Frequency Bands: Utilizes two frequency bands — typically 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
Performance: The 2.4 GHz band provides wider coverage and is better at penetrating walls and obstacles but offers slower speeds. The 5 GHz band provides faster speeds but with a shorter range and less ability to penetrate obstacles.
Traffic Management: In a dual-band system, both the backhaul connection (the communication between the mesh nodes) and the connection to client devices (like phones, tablets, etc.) must share these two bands. This can lead to congestion if both functions are using the same bands simultaneously, especially under heavy usage.
- Tri-Band Mesh Network:
Frequency Bands: Utilizes three frequency bands, usually one 2.4 GHz and two 5 GHz bands.
Performance: The additional 5 GHz band is often dedicated to the backhaul connection between mesh nodes, freeing up the other two bands for greater capacity and improved data flow to connected devices.
Traffic Management: This separation allows tri-band networks to handle more devices and maintain better performance, even during high-demand scenarios, as the primary communication with client devices does not interfere with the node-to-node backhaul traffic.
Considerations:
- Suitability: Dual-band mesh systems are generally more cost-effective and can work well in smaller homes or less demanding environments. In contrast, tri-band systems are better suited for larger homes, environments with a high number of connected devices, or situations where performance is critical.
- Price: Tri-band systems tend to be more expensive than dual-band systems because of their additional capabilities.
- Interference and Congestion: If the area has a lot of Wi-Fi networks (like apartment buildings), a tri-band system might avoid congestion more effectively.
Choosing between the two depends on your specific needs, including coverage area, number of devices, and performance demands.
