WiFi Extender Or Mesh Router – Which Suits Your Requirements The Best?

A discussion has picked up regarding the difference between Wi-Fi Range Extender and Mesh Router with the inception of the latter into the tech world. A decade ago, when Wi-Fi Routers became prevalent, users were excited to access the internet without using any wires and cables, but then, the same users felt the need of internet in every nook and cranny of the house, hence gave rise to extenders.

WiFi Range Extenders were good; no… actually, they were great because they allowed users to connect to the internet from any corner of the house. The only downside to WiFi Range Extenders was their range, which wasn’t that great. A WiFi Range Extender is excellent in covering a small house with 2-3 rooms, but for bigger homes, the dead spots may continue to exist.

To overcome this problem, the bright minds of this world sat together and brainstormed on what new can be delivered to users to ensure uninterrupted internet connectivity throughout their homes without changing the network. This led to the discovery of ‘Mesh Router’, a revolutionary device, which can overcome the problem of dead spots in large homes. The functioning of mesh routers is very different from WiFi Range Extenders. Where the role of an extender is to boost the internet signal it receives from the router, Mesh Router on the other hand creates a seamless network all around the house.

A mesh router is not a single device, but it is a group of 3-4 devices out of which, one device works as a hub and other as nodes. You need to place the hub at a central location, whereas the nodes in all corners of the house, so as to cover the entire area with internet. A notable feature of the mesh router system is that you receive immaculate internet throughout the premises without changing the network, which means, you remain on a single network but receive the best internet signal from the closest node.

Which is better? A WiFi Range Extender or Mesh Router?

Well, both devices are used in different setups. Where a WiFi Range Extender is used for small houses, mesh routers are suitable for large houses. Moreover, the technology incorporated in mesh routers is more advance compared to what is included in WiFi Range Extenders. It all boils down to personal preference as to what a user really wants. Netgear offers the best of both worlds, i.e., it has the best WiFi Range Extenders as well as Mesh Routers, so you can consider getting a product of this company. Or, if you have another company in mind, then you can opt for it.

How To Eliminate Wi-Fi Black Spots Around Your House?

Internet black spots are very frustrating during the lockdown because you want to send an email, post a status on Facebook or refresh your Twitter feed, but you can’t do any of these because of dead spots around the house. As if COVID 19 was not enough to annoy you, the absence of Wi-Fi signals is adding to your troubles.

When it comes to fixing the black spots, you can consider one of the following two solutions, which are a WiFi Extender or wireless mesh router. But, which solution is best for you? Let’s find out in this post.

Wi-Fi Router Placement

Before you proceed with the solution part, it is important that you should place the Wi-Fi router at the right spot. If you think your router is at the right spot, yet the internet is not working, then read on.

What is a mesh router system? And, what is a WiFi Extender?

Mesh Router system and WiFi Extender are the same things, but they work in slightly different ways.

WiFi Extender

A WiFi Extender picks up Wi-Fi signals originated from the router and passes them on to areas where internet signals used to remain absent. You can plug this device anywhere in the house and enjoy fast and seamless internet. The only downside to a WiFi Extender is that it behaves like a separate network, so your Wi-Fi enabled device has to switch from your main Wi-Fi to the extender with a different username and password. Moreover, there will be a drop in the signal as you go away from the extender.

Mesh Router System

This system involves multiple Wi-Fi Extenders, but they all are on the same network, thus letting you enjoy fast and seamless internet in all corners of the house without changing the username and password. Each mesh device connects to other mesh devices in the network instead of just going back to the main router as WiFi Extenders do.

A mesh network creates a much larger wireless footprint compared to a single router or the combination of router and extender. Your device comes to think as you have a large Wi-Fi area.

What is more suitable for you? WiFi Extender or Mesh Network?

Well, it depends upon your home and the way you want to use your Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi Extender is suitable for:

  1. Single-story houses.
  2. Small houses.
  3. Single Wi-Fi black spot.
  4. Few internet users.

There are many brands of WiFi Extenders available on the market, so you can buy the device that suits your requirements the best.

Wireless Mesh Network is suitable for:

  1. Old houses with thick walls.
  2. Multi-storeyed houses.
  3. Multiple Wi-Fi black spots.
  4. Multiple users.

You can also find a wide range of mesh routers on the market. If you need any assistance regarding the installation of the extender or mesh router, then you can get in touch with experts.