Seamless Networks: 5 Great MESH Systems for the Home

Equipment for computer networks is the main activity of the Chinese company Tenda. To create a single seamless coating with high-quality connection in all corners of a large apartment or country house, the Tenda Nova MW5 MESH system is well suited.

The system broadcasts in two bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. In the first case, the peak data rate threshold is 300 Mbps, in the second - 867 Mbps. The main block of the kit is a small "cube" with dimensions of 93x91x91 mm. On the receiving side of the module, there are two gigabit WAN/LAN and LAN ports. The additional node plugs directly into a 230 V socket and is equipped with a LAN port for wired connection of a desktop computer.

To set up the connection, the user will need to download and install the Tenda Wi-Fi application on the smartphone. It provides intuitive functions for configuring, creating a guest network, parental control settings. Also, new nodes are included in the system through the menu. Their maximum number reaches six, thanks to which the wireless network can be deployed over an area of over 500 m². In a configuration with one signal amplifier, the MESH system works to serve a “square area” of about 300 m².

The assets of Tenda Nova MW5 include support for Beamforming and MU-MIMO technologies. The disadvantages of the model are a small number of ports and the lack of a web interface for configuring the network. However, for an ordinary home user, the system's capabilities are more than enough. Indeed, with its main mission of creating a single seamless Internet coverage, the device copes with a solid "five".

TP-LINK Deco M3 is a key network infrastructure link for deploying wireless Internet in complex multi-room apartments, two-story houses and other spacious residential areas with a total area of up to 223 m².

The MESH system is designed to provide seamless reconnection of wireless network clients when moving around the perimeter of the serviced "square". The stylish M4R node with two gigabit WAN/LAN ports is assigned to the role of the leading module in it. The auxiliary unit of the system is marked with the M3W mark. Thanks to Deco Mesh technology, the modules create a single Wi-Fi network with a single name. The service area is to be expanded by adding new amplifier units compatible with the above technology.

The system is controlled through the Deco mobile application. Its setup is described step by step, so everyone can understand the settings of TP-LINK Deco M3. The device also recognizes voice commands through the Amazon Alexa virtual apprentice. But the model does not provide the usual web interface for point network configuration. The MESH system distributes the Internet in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, during which the maximum throughput is 300/867 Mbps, respectively.

In a network with TP-LINK Deco M3, up to 100 client devices can be connected at the same time. The parental control function helps to monitor the activity of children on the Internet. The aesthetic component of the kit is improved by built-in antennas. As a result, the TP-LINK MESH system will be an excellent choice for creating a seamless coating in medium and large residential areas.

A system of a wireless router and one additional Asus ZenWiFi AC Mini CD6 node covers a “square area” of more than 300 m² with wireless networks. It looks quite decent in appearance, demonstrates good speed characteristics and functionality.

The nodes of the kit look akin to small white columns. The main one provides for an extended set of communications: a gigabit WAN port and three gigabit LAN ports for connecting via a local area network. The nodal repeater of the system has two LAN ports. Asus ZenWiFi AC Mini CD6 complies with the AC1500 device class: in the 2.4 GHz band, the system provides a maximum throughput of 600 Mbps, and at a frequency of 5 GHz - 867 Mbps. Four built-in antennas are responsible for signal transmission.

Together with the kit, the user receives the AiProtection Classic information protection system with flexible parental control tools. Access to it is opened through the intuitive web interface for setting up the router or from the ASUS Router mobile application. In it, you can track the general state of the network and consider in more detail the loading of the MESH system.

In the back of the model's functions, there is support for Beamforming and MU-MIMO technologies to improve the quality of coverage, as well as the ability to connect to the smart home ecosystem(using the Amazon Alexa voice assistant). As a result, the kit will serve as an excellent solution for completely covering an apartment or house with a single wireless network without "dead" zones.

Mesh Wi-Fi systems combine the power of multiple wireless access points to provide complete over-the-air Internet coverage of a large area. An interesting version of such a system is presented in the Asus portfolio. Meet ZenWiFi AX Mini!

The MESH system consists of two compact "pods" with built-in antennas that cover an area of up to 310 m². Also on the market is a complete set of the device from the leading router and two auxiliary nodes, covering a "square area" of over 450 m². Stable Internet access is achieved through seamless reconnection of the client from one system cell to a closer one, and without the slightest delay in the operation of the Internet connection.

The Asus ZenWiFi AX Mini base station has two gigabit ports: WAN/LAN and LAN. The operation of the system components is established in networks of the Wi-Fi 6 generation - in the 2.4 GHz band, data transfer rates of up to 574 Mbps can be squeezed out of the device, at a frequency of 5 GHz, the data exchange rate reaches 1201 Mbps. In practice, speed indicators will depend on the specific habitat conditions of the MESH system. The points are connected to each other in the same ranges in which the user devices are located.

The MESH system implements options for express network configuration using a mobile application or deep settings via a standard web interface. The model also claims support for Beamforming, MU-MIMO technologies and AiProtection protection. It only lacks more ports (there is not a single USB interface in the system equipment). Asus ZenWiFi AX Mini is a truly high-end product for deploying a large and fast wireless network in a home or small office with high-quality coverage and minimal blind spots.

Network equipment with an American pedigree under the LINKSYS brand is in demand both for the home and for the business segment. The Velop Wi-Fi 6 AX4200 MESH system will fit perfectly into a private country house or a large apartment.

The highlight of the model lies directly in the name - it supports high-speed Wi-Fi 6 networks. In total, you can squeeze throughput up to 4200 Mbps from the system: 600 Mbps at 2.4 GHz, 1200 Mbps in one 5 GHz band and 2400 Mbps in the second 5 GHz band. LINKSYS Velop Wi-Fi 6 AX4200 uses the latest 802.11ax technologies, including WPA3 encryption, OFDMA transmission, MU-MIMO simulcast streaming, and more.

The head unit of the kit is equipped with gigabit WAN and LAN ports (3 pcs.), a USB interface for connecting network storages, and four antennas are built into the central module of the system for efficient distribution of a wireless signal. A repeater node with three gigabit LAN ports is made in a similar stylish design. Switching client devices from one system node to another happens seamlessly - users will not even notice it when moving around the house.

The operation of the kit is managed through the configuration web interface or the LINKSYS mobile application. The programme has separate tabs for quickly setting up guest access, parental control functions, and viewing network status. Additional options include DHCP and IPv6 settings, MAC address filtering, and DNS settings. Upsets the model only for its high cost. However, it is not a sin to shell out a tidy sum for a high-class product, being confident in its reliable and uninterrupted operation for the benefit of providing a wide wireless network coverage area.