Wi-Fi 6<\/a> protocol, which ensures faster speeds and better range. But consider connecting mesh nodes using ethernet cables, not Wi-Fi, to get the fastest speeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA Wi-Fi mesh network might not give the fastest upload\/download speeds in speed tests, but they eliminate the primary cause of speed problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/strong>: Wi-Fi Mesh 2: Long Range Wi-Fi Router 0<\/p>\n\n\nEthernet Support<\/h2>\n\n\n Wired device connections will always be faster and more stable than wireless network connections. So running ethernet cables from the router to your TV or gaming console is necessary if you are a streamer or gamer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nA gaming console<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nRegular routers offer better support for ethernet connections because they usually have four or more internet ports. So you can connect your TV, PC, console, printer, and other wired devices to a single router.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, mesh routers lack multiple ethernet ports. Even the primary nodes that connect to the internet can have only two. And one is for the internet connection to the cable modem, while the other is for connecting to the other nodes to form the mesh system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nA basic router with four free ethernet ports<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nIt is possible to increase ethernet ports in a Wi-Fi mesh network using a switch, but this will cost more money. So the router wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/strong>: Wi-Fi Mesh 2, Long Range Wi-Fi Router 1<\/p>\n\n\nCost<\/h2>\n\n\n Cost is a significant factor, as well. A standalone router will set you back around $100 or less, but some high-end tri-band routers can go up to $300. If you have cable internet, your ISP can provide a modem\/router combo for free or at an affordable monthly rental price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nCheap wireless routers<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, a set of two or three nodes can set you back anywhere from $150 to $350, the difference being premium features and Wi-Fi speeds. But remember, you might need more than three nodes if your house has multiple rooms and square feet. So the cost can increase exponentially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For tiny homes, you might not even need a long-range Wi-Fi router; a standard router could be enough. And you can get it for as low as $50 or less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/strong>: Wi-Fi Mesh 2, Long Range Wi-Fi Router 2<\/p>\n\n\nControls<\/h2>\n\n\n Modern standalone routers and mesh units have control apps or browser interfaces for managing the device. The app is usually faster and simpler to use. But the web interface gives access to complex administrative functions. Although the quality of the control interfaces might vary depending on the manufacturer, they are generally the same. So it’s a tie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/strong>: Wi-Fi Mesh 3, Long Range Wi-Fi Router 3<\/p>\n\n\nSetting Up<\/h2>\n\n\n Long-range units are easy to set up because they come as single routers. And newer models come with a set-up guide app to help you through the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mesh systems are not challenging to set up either. But they require more work because you have to install and wire multiple nodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/strong>: Wi-Fi Mesh 3, Long Range Wi-Fi Router 4<\/p>\n\n\nNumber of Connected Devices<\/h2>\n\n\n In this technological, data-driven era, most homes have IoT<\/a> devices, plus regular smart devices. So the network can have multiple connected devices and users.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis heavy network traffic can strain your current router, affecting its effectiveness and reliability. So you might notice issues like internet connection problems and dropped signals when you exhaust all the router’s available bandwidth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nA smart home with different things connected to the internet<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe situation couldn’t be more different with mesh systems. Since the nodes operate like router units, they expand the available bandwidth to connect all your smart home devices. And if the mesh has a third wireless band, the better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, some mesh systems feature a backhaul 5GHz band that comes in two forms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nOne visible 5GHz band to connect nodes and devices<\/li>\n\n\n\n A hidden 5GHz band for interconnecting the nodes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe first option allows more device connections, while the second increases the bandwidth between the nodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/strong>: Wi-Fi Mesh 4, Long Range Wi-Fi Router 4<\/p>\n\n\nVerdict<\/h2>\n\n\n As you can see, long-range routers and mesh networking kits have advantages and drawbacks in equal measure, so we have a tie. You can never go wrong with mesh networking kits because they will ensure all the rooms in your home have fast, reliable Wi-Fi. But the nodes are expensive, and you might not need them. So consider the factors above and pick the best one that suits your needs. That’s it for this article. Let us know what you think about these wireless devices and how they compare in the comment section below, and we’ll be in touch. Cheers!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Almost everyone is conversant with wireless routers because they are the traditional Wi-Fi solutions for home connectivity. Some come as routers only, meaning they need an external modem to provide a link to your ISP. Others come as router\/modem combos (also known as gateways) from your internet provider. But mesh routers are relatively new and … <\/p>\n
Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1795,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nLong Range Router vs. Mesh Systems: Which Is Better For Your Home?<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n