If you’re looking to upgrade your office Wi-Fi network, but you’re not sure how to choose from the plethora of Wi-Fi signal strength-boosting options or Mesh routers out there, you’ve landed in the right place. Today, we are comparing Wi-Fi extenders to Mesh networks.
Both Wi-Fi extenders and Mesh networks promise to improve and extend your signal, but they do so by different means. Plus, if you buy the wrong system, you may find that the investment wasn’t worth it. Let’s discover the pros and cons of each option and which one is suited for your small or medium-sized office.
Definitions, Definitions, Definitions: Understanding the basics
A Wi-Fi extender is a simple device that extends the coverage of the Wi-Fi signal by rebroadcasting it further into your home or office. Wi-Fi extenders are sometimes called Wi-Fi ‘boosters’ or ‘repeaters’, but all these names mean the same thing.
A Wi-Fi mesh system is made up of router-like devices (nodes) that are used to create and manage a Wi-Fi mesh network. Some manufacturers use the name whole-home Wi-Fi systems to make people understand that these systems offer improved Wi-Fi coverage in their homes, compared to traditional wireless routers.
When it comes to functionality, one of the main differences between Wi-Fi range extenders and mesh networks is seen in their primary functions. A Wi-Fi range repeater extends the coverage area of an office’s primary Wi-Fi router by connecting to the existing network and repeating the signal. In most cases, you have to manually switch over to the extender’s network, and you experience a disconnection while switching manually.
A mesh network employs numerous devices called “nodes” spread throughout the office to broadcast a single seamless network. Users are not required to manually switch between networks as they move around, as the extended network has a single name. Moreover, devices will automatically connect to the node providing the strongest signal as the user moves around.
Mesh Network vs. Wi-Fi Range Extenders: A Pros and Cons List
What are the pros and cons of each option, and which one does your office Wi-Fi network need?
Wi-Fi Extenders
Pros
– Eliminates Wi-Fi dead zones and offers fast internet speeds
– Less expensive network upgrade options
– Ability to select a better channel and avoid interfering channels. If the Wi-Fi extender has two radios, one radio can be used to connect with the Root, while the other can be set to a different channel
– Plugs straight into a power outlet
Cons
– Not ideal for large office spaces
– Can be quite hard to configure. If there are multiple repeaters, each one needs to be configured individually
– Requires that you manually switch your device over to the new network
– May experience compatibility issues with certain routers
Mesh networks
Pros
– One big, seamless Wi-Fi network for your entire home and extended Wi-Fi coverage
– Easy to configure. Mesh systems are usually configured remotely via a mobile app and all changes can be applied to all network nodes in real-time
– 100% stable connection and zero downtime due to node failure
– Nodes can be moved to different locations
– Stylish node design
– Extended support. Older devices that only support Wi-Fi 4 will connect to the network using the slower 2.4 GHz frequency, while newer devices that support Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 will connect using the faster 5 GHz frequency
Cons
– “Vendor lock-in”. Unlike wireless routers and repeaters that work together well even if they are made by different manufacturers, Wi-Fi mesh systems only work with “satellites” from the same family, from the same manufacturer. For this reason, it’s important to choose wisely when picking one Wi-Fi mesh system over another.
– Higher price for small area coverage. Wi-Fi Mesh networks work in any type of area. But unless you have a large office space, a mesh network is more expensive to deploy than a traditional network with routers and repeaters.
– Some Wi-Fi mesh systems don’t have USB ports. Advanced users will not be able to connect external hard drives or printers through the USB port. They’ll have to find other ways to connect their devices.
– Lack of reserved bandwidth. Some Wi-Fi mesh systems don’t have a band reserved just for communication between the stations. That means you can’t get a faster wireless network than a traditional one, just a longer range.
Having reliable internet coverage at the office is downright critical to getting the job done. When it comes to Wi-Fi, having the signal to reach across the entire space is ideal, leaving no areas uncovered or struggling with a spotty internet connection that could hamper workers’ productivity. Before you decide whether to purchase a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network system, you can try improving your Wi-Fi signal on your own. For example, try moving your router to a more central location in your office, changing your router’s Wi-Fi channel to a less congested channel, and if your router is dual-band, you can try switching the Wi-Fi frequency bands to that which your devices are using to connect. If all this fails, you at least know what to choose between a Mesh Network and Wi-Fi Range Extenders.
