Hearing the squeak of your dial-up modem isn't the only sign that your networking solution is outdated. Walk into any store that sells networking gear, and you'll come across two main solutions: a single router -- which you'll find in most homes -- or mesh Wi-Fi networking products.

While mesh Wi-Fi products may seem complicated, there are pros and cons to deploying them. Mesh Wi-Fi, for example, can be powerful and extend coverage, but not all businesses or remote workers need it—it depends on a variety of factors, including business needs and the size of the property.

What is Mesh Wi-Fi?

A mesh Wi-Fi system is a network that works a bit like a pyramid. Mesh networks rely on a series of nodes rather than a single router (the atlas of IT technology destined to carry the weight of data transmission) to support the internet. These nodes are physical devices, usually shaped like pucks or small speakers, that share the load, allowing for simpler connections, easier scaling, and faster speeds.

While some customers may opt for a less expensive Wi-Fi extender to achieve the goal of increasing coverage in a given space, most products only talk to the router itself. With this constant back and forth comes a plethora of issues, including degraded signal quality and a more difficult user experience.

Whether you need a mesh wireless networking solution is essentially a matter of scale. However, if you can change it, mesh networking will -- in general -- improve your internet speed and provide a better overall user experience.

How does mesh Wi-Fi work?

From a technical point of view, these networks use a so-called mesh topology to communicate with each other. Then, an algorithm is used to determine what traffic should pass through which node of the network.

Connect two or more nodes to create a mesh Wi-Fi network, with one node connected to an internet modem and others scattered throughout the space. These nodes are all part of the same network and share the same independent service set identifier (SSID) and password, which makes scaling up or down very simple.

These nodes also handle the backhaul, the task of moving data back to the internet's original access point (in this case, a mesh router). Large-scale installations, such as universities or open Wi-Fi projects in cities, often rely on mesh networks. Otherwise traffic flow on this scale is uncontrollable.

Why do businesses and remote workers need mesh Wi-Fi?

As more people have worked from home over the past two years, the number of properties connected to the internet has exploded, and more people are also online. The outbreak has seen more than 700 million people come alone, bringing the total number of internet users to 4.9 billion, according to the United Nations. Meanwhile, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that in 2020, 92% of people used the internet every day.

However, your internet speed needs may vary depending on your business. If you're happy with your current Ethernet solution and have no reason to upgrade, a mesh Wi-Fi network probably won't make a difference. For example, an enterprise wireless mesh network may be too expensive or confusing if the only purpose of the wireless network is to serve customers in a small waiting room. However, if you're a tech startup with hundreds of simultaneous users using their phones or laptops, a mesh Wi-Fi network might make sense.

For remote workers, especially if you have a lot of people sharing a space with you, a mesh network might be right for you. Operating a mesh network is also simple, and the distributed structure reduces downtime. This is because, if one node goes down, it doesn't mean the entire network will go offline. Finally, by default, the extension usually relies on an SSID, a name it gave itself. In practice, this means you don't have to switch between extenders when you move to different parts of the house. With mesh solutions, your device sees the network as a cohesive whole.

What are the downsides of using mesh Wi-Fi?

While there are many obvious advantages to mesh Wi-Fi networks, such as the ability to increase coverage and ease of network upgrades, there are also some disadvantages.

Firstly, these networks are significantly more expensive than many of the commonly used alternatives; for example, you can buy a traditional mesh-free extender for £30, while a mesh Wi-Fi system from a reputable brand can easily cost hundreds of pounds . Second, more nodes means more devices to plug into. This means that if you have a minimum of power outlets, or you're worried about your power consumption, a mesh network might not be the best solution.

Finally, it has been widely reported that mesh networks are initially more difficult to run than regular setups. With something like an extender, you usually just click a few buttons and get to work. However, a mesh network—much like a surround speaker system—requires you to choose optimal locations around your house to place nodes for maximum coverage.

Also, with a mesh network, you're often locked into an ecosystem, so mixing and matching brands can be difficult or next to impossible. Likewise, if you choose a mesh system from a lesser-known manufacturer that may go out of business, you may lose customer service or other products when you run into problems or want to expand.

How to secure a mesh Wi-Fi network?

Although mesh networks are advertised as being more secure than their counterparts, there are a few things you need to be aware of when trying to improve network performance.

Each node of a mesh Wi-Fi network is more like a computer than a regular Wi-FI extender or repeater. With this extra capability comes the possibility of additional risk. On the bright side, many mesh offerings from big names like Google and Amazon have protections built into their hardware and software, including elements like encryption and real-time antivirus.

Finally, if you're the type of consumer who already trusts these tech giants with your data, you can rest easy knowing that tasks like automatic updates you set up on your smartphone or tablet will run on your Wi-Fi. Implemented in Fi connection.

The more nodes, the more physical access points, but in a home office environment, mesh networks are often closely tied to smart home solutions. If your Google Home ecosystem also powers a security camera, your network is effectively protecting itself.