Mesh WiFi is the latest in wireless internet technology, providing high-speed internet to your home or office. Grand View Research estimates that the global worth of the mesh network market reached USD 8.29 billion in 2022, and it is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6% from 2023 to 2030.
The utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technology is responsible for its growth in the global market. Additionally, the rise in mobile and handset device usage, as well as the adoption of advanced technology in mobile phones, are driving the market demand.
You might be wondering what even is mesh WiFi is and how does it compare to broadband? Let’s find out.
What Is Mesh WiFi?
Mesh WiFi is a type of wireless internet service that allows you to connect multiple devices, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets, in your home. There are two main types of mesh WiFi systems:
- Mesh routers – these use a single router to deliver internet access throughout your home via multiple radios and antennas placed throughout it. This gives you better coverage than traditional routers because there’s no need for additional hardware or wiring between rooms or floors.
Cool Things describes a mesh router as more expensive than it is. Equipped with WiFi 6, WPA3 security, and dual 5GHz bands, this device boasts impressive performance. Its bandwidth remains relatively stable across short, medium, and long-range connections, but the decrease in bandwidth from short to long-range is significant. It results in a potential loss of approximately 200 Mbps in fast connections.
- Multiple access points – this works similarly to how other types of networks work, but instead of having one central hub that connects all the devices (like in a wired network), each device has its dedicated connection point. This means there’s no interference between them, meaning faster speeds.
Benefits of Mesh WiFi
Mesh WiFi is easy to install and maintain. Mesh routers are typically plug-and-play, meaning you don’t have to worry about configuring them before they work. Once they’re set up, many mesh routers have mobile apps that allow you to see what devices are connected and check their signal strength.
Mesh WiFi providers have eero-connected devices that provide stronger coverage than broadband or fiber connections in large homes with thick walls or multiple levels (like condos).
How Does Mesh WiFi Work?
Mesh WiFi is a type of wireless internet that uses multiple routers to create a network and ensure you have access to fast, reliable internet no matter where you are.
Mesh networks differ from other types of WiFi in that they use multiple routers to create a single network rather than just one router with range-extending antennas or similar technology.
These networks are created by connecting each device via the same SSID, enabling it to communicate with other devices within range (as well as other mesh nodes). This allows for seamless handoffs between devices, regardless of their location within the home or office.
Once your mesh network is established, maintaining it requires little effort on your part. Just leave things alone. Your new setup will work automatically, thanks to its self-configuring nature. There’s no need for manual configuration like with traditional wireless routers because each node knows what role they play within the greater whole and adjusts accordingly, when needed.
Comparison to Broadband
Mesh WiFi is much more reliable than broadband because it has a much higher uptime rate. This means that you will be able to use your internet connection more often, with less downtime and interruptions. You’ll also be able to use Mesh WiFi at home, work, or on the go without worrying about losing connection.
Mesh WiFi is faster than broadband because it uses multiple access points to transfer data across each node in its network (a mesh). It also uses newer technologies like 5GHz 802.11ac, which allows for faster speeds than traditional 2.4GHz 802.11n WiFi routers do.
Comparison to Fiber
Fiber internet is a physical connection to your home. This service uses fiber optic cables to connect directly to the internet via a box outside or inside of your house, which can be installed by a technician. Mesh WiFi works differently. It’s a wireless connection that doesn’t require any additional equipment or installation work at all.
Fiber internet is generally faster than mesh WiFi (especially when comparing wired connections), but not always. There are situations where mesh WiFi outperforms fiber in terms of speed. This depends on many factors, including how far away from the router you are located and whether or not there are other obstructions interfering with the signal between devices.
Future of Mesh WiFi
TechHive notes that in today’s world, WiFi serves a broader purpose than just basic internet browsing. Its usage has expanded to include powering the connected home, a task that demands high performance and extensive coverage.
According to Deloitte, in 2022, the average American household had 22 connected devices, reflecting changes in entertainment and work culture. The number of individuals primarily working from home in the US has tripled since 2001, making up nearly 1 in 5 workers (17.9%), according to the US Census Bureau. These individuals rely heavily on video conferencing and quick access to company information to carry out job responsibilities, thus a seamless internet connection is imperative.
With so many devices connected throughout the home, the future of Mesh WiFi looks promising. It has the potential to revolutionize the way we connect to the internet by offering a more reliable, secure, and efficient way to access the web.
Mesh WiFi is also expected to support the growth of smart home technology, making it easier to connect and control various devices throughout the home. Mesh networks can also make it possible for rural areas to enjoy smart home capabilities whereas traditional internet access is limited.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a broadband solution, we recommend that you consider mesh WiFi. The installation process may be a little bit more complicated than with traditional DSL or cable modems, but the benefits of mesh WiFi far outweigh this inconvenience.
You’ll have fast internet access wherever there is a signal from one of your routers and will no longer have to worry about dead zones in your home or office.
