How to set up a mesh WiFi network
If you’re wondering how to set up a mesh WiFi network, you’re not alone. It’s a complex technology unlike traditional single-router systems that use standard WiFi routers and modems. Mesh WiFi systems use interconnected nodes to provide seamless, consistent coverage throughout a space.
With proper mesh WiFi placement, you’ll be able to optimize your WiFi speed, reducing dead zones and providing more reliable connections.
In larger homes or in areas where the WiFi signal may not be able to reach, a mesh WiFi network will provide better network performance, simpler management and coverage that adapts to your needs.
In this article, we’ll explore why a mesh network is an essential upgrade and how to create a mesh network to make the most out of your new tech.
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What is a mesh WiFi network?
Mesh WiFi systems evolved from military communications technology and were made available in consumer markets by the 2000s. In the 2010s, brands like eero simplified the setup of mesh networks and improved mesh WiFi tech.
Since then, the development of technologies like WiFi 6e and WiFi 7 have improved the ability of mesh WiFi to support homes with many connected devices.
Mesh WiFi helps eliminate dead zones and provides a blanket of consistent internet signal over a range of different internet speeds – no matter your space. Unlike traditional routers, which rely on a single point of broadcast, mesh networks use multiple access points in the form of physical nodes. Each node in the mesh network communicates with the main router and the other nodes to carry the WiFi signal farther.
Long range mesh WiFi creates a grid-like infrastructure in which data is routed through the fastest and most efficient paths. Let’s look at the advantages of mesh WiFi:
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- Mesh WiFi vs. traditional WiFi – By using multiple nodes, Mesh WiFi eliminates dead zones. Traditional routers may have issues effectively covering large or complex spaces.
- Mesh WiFi vs. wired ethernet networks – Mesh WiFi provides wireless connectivity and scalability, without the need for cables. Ethernet, on the other hand, is highly stable, but less flexible as it is a wired connection.
- Mesh WiFi vs WiFi extenders – By using a single SSID, mesh networks effectively manage data paths. WiFi extenders often create multiple networks, or SSIDs, and may reduce bandwidth due to retransmission.
Mesh WiFi with eero Secure
Enhanced Whole Home WiFi enables multiple WiFi routers (or eeros®) to work as a team, resulting in improved range, speed and stability of your WiFi network. Plus, with eero Secure now included at no additional cost, it keeps your family safe with parental controls, ad blocking and internet backup so you’re always connected.
What to consider when choosing the right mesh WiFi network
There are many variables to consider when choosing the best mesh WiFi network for your home. However, by factoring in the size and layout of your home, as well as your internet habits and mesh WiFi tech, you’ll be able to make the right decision.
Let’s explore in more detail below.
Size and layout of your home
Without a mesh network, your WiFi signal may struggle to reach the opposite end of your home or cover multiple floors effectively. With a mesh network your coverage is no longer constrained by the size or layout of your space.
To optimize coverage, tailor your mesh network design to your specific home’s layout, paying particular attention to any areas with poor WiFi connectivity.
Not sure how to set up WiFi in your home or apartment? Get started.
Internet usage
When optimizing your mesh network, consider the internet habits of everyone in your household. We’ll go through a few examples below.
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- Streaming: Assess how many household members stream video simultaneously and the quality of content they prefer.
- Gaming: For competitive online gaming, particularly with multiple players, prioritize a stable connection with low latency.
- Smart devices and users: While individual smart devices like speakers and cameras usually don’t require much bandwidth, dozens of them act like energy vampires, sucking bandwidth away from your network.
- Usage patterns: Determine peak usage times in your household, such as evenings when everyone is home. Your network will need to be able to handle this load without slowing down.
- Download and upload speeds: If someone regularly uploads large files, live streams, relies heavily on cloud services, or works from home, opt for an internet plan with higher upload speeds to compliment your mesh WiFi tech.
Mesh WiFi tech
Using your preferences, you can choose which mesh WiFi technology will work best for your household. Review the specifications below to understand which mesh WiFi tech might suit your needs.
WiFi standards and speeds
Node design and coverage
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- Different models specify coverage per node, as well as different visual designs. Choose the right number of nodes and the correct model to cover the size of your space.
Network management and features
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- Some mesh systems, like eero, come with apps for easy setup and network management.
- Choose a system with parental controls that let you monitor and limit specific device access.
- If guest networks are important, find a system that provides separate network access for visitors.
- If you have many connected devices, check that your nodes are QoS-enabled, to prioritize devices or activities.
Price and value
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- Basic features for small homes typically start around $100-$200.
- Better performance and features, suitable for medium homes, range from $200-$400.
- Top-of-the-line features and maximum coverage, usually reach $400.
Astound offers eero as part of our Whole Home WiFi solution. A Whole Home WiFi subscription includes one eero base and one eero beacon/device.
Each additional eero device is an additional charge per month, per device. eero Secure is included as part of the basic subscription and eero Plus is available for an additional monthly charge.
Selecting the right mesh WiFi system requires understanding your coverage needs, the number of devices connected, desired features and budget.
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Step-by-step guide to setting up a mesh WiFi network with Astound
If you’re an Astound customer and you’ve recently subscribed to Whole Home WiFi to complement your wireless internet, read through our guide on how to set up a mesh WiFi network on your Astound network.
In a few simple steps, you’ll be able to be up and running with your very own mesh network.
Step 1: Download the app
With Astound, we provide eero as a mesh WiFi network solution. Using your smartphone, navigate to the Google Play store or iOS App Store and download eero Whole Home WiFi application.
Step 2: Launch the app
After installing the app, you’ll need to launch the app in order to access the onboarding process.
Step 3: Create an account
If you don’t already have an eero account, make sure to create one through the application. Enter your full name, phone number and email address. You may need to verify your phone or email address to proceed.
Step 4: In the app press “Get Started”
After verifying your phone and email, press “Get Started” to start the walkthrough. You may want to move the app icon to your home screen so you can manage your network easily.
Step 5: Connect the wires
Depending on your configuration, you will want to connect your modem to your mesh WiFi device using an Ethernet cable. If you want to use an additional modem, simply connect your modem to your mesh WiFi device using an Ethernet cable and connect your mesh WiFi device to your additional modem using another Ethernet cable. From there, you can wire your fixed devices into your network.
Step 6: Configure the settings
Open the app and configure the security, parental controls and other settings in order to make sure that your mesh network satisfies your security requirements.
Step 7: Test the network
Connect one of your devices wirelessly to your network and test your network by walking around your home to see where the network reaches. If you find dead zones, try moving your nodes around or purchase more nodes to expand coverage.
eero Plus
eero Plus protects your family online with a password manager to safely create, store and share passwords, virus and malware protection and a VPN that lets you browse the web safely and securely.
Optimizing mesh WiFi performance
Optimizing your mesh WiFi performance depends on maximizing the performance of your modem and main node. Follow these tips to make sure you’re running an optimal network.
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- Position the main node (the one connected to your modem) in a central location within your home, if possible. This helps distribute the WiFi signal more evenly throughout your space.
- Place nodes away from large metal objects and appliances like refrigerators and microwaves, which can cause interference. Avoid thick barriers such as brick walls, as they can weaken the WiFi signal.
- Mounting your nodes at a height halfway between the floor and ceiling can help improve signal distribution, as mesh nodes tend to radiate their signal more effectively at this height.
- Ideally, nodes should be no more than 50 feet apart to maintain a strong wireless connection between them. This distance might need adjustment based on the specific layout and construction materials of your home.
- Keep nodes out in the open rather than hidden in cabinets or behind other objects to allow for better signal transmission.
- As every home is unique, you may need to experiment with different placements to find the optimal spots for your mesh nodes. The system’s app can guide you through this process to help ensure you’re getting the best coverage possible.
Troubleshooting
Having difficulties with your mesh WiFi network? Try using the following methods in order to restore your network’s full functionality.
If you have issues with a slow or unstable connection:
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- Regularly update your nodes’ firmware for the best performance and security.
- Reposition nodes in central, open areas for better signal distribution.
If you have issues with interference:
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- Keep nodes away from microwaves or cordless phones.
- Remove nodes from metal enclosures or thick walls.
If your devices aren’t connecting properly:
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- Make sure all nodes broadcast the same SSID for seamless roaming.
- Restart devices that are struggling to connect to refresh the network.
- Check for congestion and allocate enough bandwidth for all devices.
If your dead zones persist:
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- Add more nodes to the network to expand coverage.
- Adjust the placement of existing nodes to improve coverage.
If your network can’t be found:
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- Correctly sync all nodes to the main router node.
- Factory reset the entire system to refresh the network configuration.
By understanding and addressing these common issues, your mesh WiFi network will provide strong, consistent coverage and support your connected devices.
Conclusion
Mesh WiFi networks are designed to offer seamless, consistent internet coverage throughout your home or office by using interconnected nodes that work together to eliminate dead zones and improve connectivity.
Unlike traditional WiFi setups, a mesh network dynamically routes data across multiple nodes, ensuring a strong signal in every corner of your space.
Setting up a mesh network requires planning and proper placement, but the results are worth it. You’ll gain better performance, simplified management and scalable coverage that adjusts to your needs.
Whether you’re streaming, gaming or just browsing, a mesh WiFi network can provide the reliable, high-speed internet you need. By understanding your coverage needs and network usage, you can select the right mesh system and enjoy better connectivity.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a new router to set up a mesh system?
If your existing router is compatible with a mesh system, you might be able to use it with the new mesh network. However, using a mesh system without additional routers often provides better performance and simplifies the network setup.
How do I maintain a mesh network?
Regularly update the firmware for security and performance, position the nodes optimally for coverage, monitor and manage devices via the app and ensure network security by updating passwords, enabling encryption and using advanced security features.
Why is mesh better than using a WiFi extender?
Mesh networks use multiple interconnected nodes for consistent, strong signal strength, whereas extenders may create multiple networks and often degrade speed.
What must be avoided in a mesh network?
If you want optimal performance, don’t place mesh nodes too far apart or behind thick walls. Make sure to keep the system updated and don’t overload nodes with too many devices in order to maintain network performance.
Does mesh WiFi replace my router?
Yes, mesh WiFi typically replaces your router. The main node in a mesh WiFi system acts as the primary router, connecting directly to your modem and then linking to additional nodes to provide extended coverage throughout your home.
Is mesh as fast as wired?
Mesh WiFi networks generally aren’t as fast or consistent as a fully wired Ethernet connection because wireless signals can be affected by distance, interference and other factors. However, mesh networks offer better flexibility and coverage compared to Ethernet, making them a convenient choice for many homes despite the slight trade-off in speed.
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eero Plus is available for an additional $9.99/month and requires subscription to whole home WiFi powered by eero.