With a proliferation of laptops, smartphones, tablets and smart TVs, the need for a strong and fast connection is bigger than ever. While a single router may not be able to cover the entire office space, range extenders or access points which complement the network may come in handy. But having multiple networks within the same office may cause the devices to hop on and off a separate network causing delays and interruptions. Corner to corner coverage and a stable connection can now be achieved through Wi-Fi mesh, an elegant and budget-friendly solution.
Wi-Fi mesh – designed for smart homes, useful in a small office
The wifi mesh network system is usually comprised of one or more nodes to create a large network. Unlike classic range extenders, each node in the mesh system will extend the network with the same network ID (SSID). For example, if an employee moves around the office with a connected device, the Wi-Fi connection will be hand-off from one node to another as it receives a stronger signal from a new node. In order to cover the entire office space, you may place as many nodes as you wish. Nowadays, setting up a mesh network is very easy: you just need to buy the gear, plug it in and run a simple setup routine. Big brands have been fired up about this networking technology, and in 2018, consumers have a wide array to choose from. Discover below our top picks for Wi-Fi Mesh Network Systems.
Samsung is bringing AI-based mesh Wi-Fi technology
In an effort to eliminate dreaded Wi-Fi buffering and prevent streaming, Samsung recently announced its new SmartThings Wi-Fi mesh network system. Equipped with AI-based mesh Wi-Fi technology from Plume and a built-in SmartThings Hub, the system delivers an intelligently optimized whole home network with the added value of complete smart home control throughout every room. A single unit promised to extend Wi-Fi to around 1,500 square feet, while the mesh network effect would be realized via a three-pack of the devices, which served to extend this to around 4,500 square feet. Plume basically monitors all the internet usage to learn how Wi-Fi is used across the entire home or office, so it can allocate bandwidth based on the devices that need it most.
Netgear Orbi – speedy, but pricey
Thanks to the innovative Tri-band WiFi, Netgear Orbi delivers a crazy fast internet experience, the official website claiming that it has 100% faster WiFi than Google WiFi and Eero. Dead zones are history, as Orbi can cover every inch of a small office – up to 5.000 Square Feet with a strong Wi-Fi signal.
For the $399 price tag, you get two nearly identical parts: the Orbi Router and the Orbi Satellite. It’s surprisingly easy to set up and it has a built-in diagnostic tool that allows the user to monitor the connection between the two devices. Its strong point is the speed: the Orbi Router and its Satellite broadcast three distinct bands of Wi-Fi signal – one at 2.4GHz, another at 5GHz, and then another 5GHz band that’s locked off from normal access.
Google Wi-Fi – the simplest Wi-Fi mesh system
Google Wi-Fi has the best-designed individual units and the easiest setup of any offering, at a decent price. It retails at $279 for a set of three units – one primary Wi-Fi point (the one connected to the modem or gateway) and two secondary Wi-Fi Points. A single Wi-Fi unit can be purchased for $119.
Each unit, a tiny cylinder with a simple white LED band in its center, is capable of the same functionality. This means that any of the three units could function as the “router” of the system, while the others can bestow wired internet (which is beamed to the unit wirelessly) with their included Ethernet ports as well as wireless internet, using the free iOS and Android app to facilitate the process. In its latest version, Google has expanded the Network Check feature to test multiple devices and spot potential bottlenecks.
Ubiquity Amplifi HD – best for large spaces
Ubiquity Amplifi HD is designed for large, multi-story houses with dense walls and other obstructions. This device uses six high-density, long-range antennas to cover up to 20,000 square feet, making it an ideal solution for a multi-story headquarter. The system consists of a router and two plug-in mesh points, with the price tag of $340. One of the cool features is the smart LCD included in the router, which reveals different stats: current Internet speeds, router and WAN IP addresses, current throughput speeds.
The router supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands and delivers up to 5.25 Gbps aggregate speed. Just like Google Wi-Fi, the AmpliFi HD has a mobile app that lets you manage settings.
Linksys Velop – strong performance, lacks in features
In terms of performance, Belkin’s first home mesh Wi-Fi system finds itself right between the Google Wi-Fi and Netgear Orbi. The price tag for the top spec model (AC6600) is $499, a bit expensive, compared to its competitors. Featuring Dynamic Tri-band technology, Velop provides fast speeds through its combination of three WiFi radios, each tuned for optimal Wi-Fi load balancing to ensure peak Wi-Fi performance throughout the home or the office. The three nodes are beautifully designed to fit into any environment and come in white and black to match any home or office style. Velop nodes are modular and work together to fit in any floorplan, each unit offering up to 2,000 square feet of coverage. Additional features include guest access, device prioritization, auto-fix and network speed test.
Whether you’re looking for robust infrastructure, rapid deployment, or just the ability to serve bandwidth to dozens of people moving around the office, Wi-Fi mesh networks show lots of advantages over older topologies, making them an easy choice for many types of corporate networking.
