Internet connectivity has become a crucial need in today’s world and without good high-speed connectivity, things often become more difficult than they should be. However, having a high-speed connection isn’t enough. You need a good router setup too to get that speed delivered to our devices.
That’s not the only thing that ensures good speed from internet service providers, there are other factors too. For instance, the dead zone within the Wi-Fi signal lets our device drop the Wi-Fi network which leads to reduced speed or completely relying on the mobile data.
The solution to this is a “good Wi-Fi router”. So, you can either get the Mesh Wi-Fi connection or the regular single-point routers that we often get from our ISPs or one from brands like TP-link, D-Link, Netgear, etc.
The main question is: which is the right Wi-Fi router for you – the mesh type or the regular one? In this guide, we will try to solve your router worries by discussing the pros and cons of both routers to help you make an informed decision. Read one.
Mesh Wi-Fi setup
Let’s start with a mesh Wi-Fi setup. A mesh setup is a combination of multiple routers that get connected in series with one another to deliver seamless connectivity throughout without any drop in signal, latency and speed. The setup consists of multiple nodes which act as a junction between one point to another.
For instance, you have a three-node mesh setup at your home. So, you are supposed to place the three nodes in your house at different locations. Name them with Node A, Node B and Node C. Now, Node A is your primary relay and it will be connected to your modem., Node B and Node C will pick up Node A’s signal and amplify it without altering the SSID or password. Basically in this setup, the entire network acts as one single family and delivers seamless connectivity.
That’s not it. A mesh setup is flexible. If you have a bigger house, you can add more nodes to make the Wi-Fi signal reach every corner of the house. Even a single broadband connection can work for a multi-story building without any issues.
But, there’s a catch. A mesh W-Fi system is often more expensive compared to a regular router. For instance, a basic mesh system with three nodes can cost you up to Rs 6000. Whereas, the regular router will cost you around Rs 1500.
That’s not it. A basic mesh system also lacks some important security and safety features which a regular router delivers. Moreover, an affordable mesh setup also lacks basic features and network monitoring tools that are necessary for users.
Regular routers and extenders
A regular router is affordable and easy to set up. But, if you have a big house or if your router placement is not appropriate, there can be signal issues in the house. But, there are a variety of options available that offer more range with multiple antennas.
Range issues can also be solved with some extenders placed in different places at home. You can use multiple extenders to make sure the Wi-Fi networks reach every corner and there are no W-Fi dead zones in the house.
However, this setup has its limitations. The first thing to note is that the extenders are in parallel setup and they are just amplifying the Wi-Fi signal they are able to catch. So, if your extender is getting 50Mbps speed, it will only be able to boost the signal to 50Mbps even if your connection is 100Mbps. Also, they have their own SSID which means that every time you move out of your main Wi-Fi zone, your phone will drop it and then connect with the extender’s Wi-Fi network.
Now, this approach isn’t going to be a problem if you are connecting things permanently like your TV, gaming console, system, etc. However, if you are continuously moving to and fro in your house, the phone or tablet will keep dropping the signal and disrupting the task at hand.
Not everything is bad here. These routers are affordable to set up and are easily available too. Plus, they offer much better network safety and security features compared to a basic mesh setup.
Let’s look at this table that summarises the pros and cons of both mesh and regular router setups:
Feature Mesh Wi-Fi Setup Regular Router with Extenders
| Feature | Mesh Wi-Fi Setup | Regular Router with Extenders |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Seamless coverage across large areas with no dead zones | Coverage can be extended with extenders but may have dead zones in some areas |
| Setup | Requires multiple nodes; slightly complex | Easy to set up; extenders can be added for additional coverage |
| Signal Transition | Single SSID ensures seamless transitions between nodes | Different SSIDs for router and extenders; devices may drop and reconnect |
| Flexibility | Highly scalable; nodes can be added for larger areas | Limited scalability depending on extender performance |
| Performance | Consistent speed and low latency throughout the network | Speed depends on extender placement; may amplify reduced signal quality |
| Security Features | Basic security; lacks advanced network monitoring tools in affordable setups | Generally offers better security and advanced features |
| Cost | Higher cost; basic three-node systems start around Rs 6,000 | More affordable; regular routers cost around Rs 1,500, extenders cost extra |
| Ideal Usage | Best for large homes, multi-story buildings, or spaces with many devices | Suitable for smaller homes or fixed-location devices like TVs or consoles |
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