Why are mesh Wi-Fi systems like Eero gaining popularity?
If you struggled with a poor Wi-Fi signal in some areas of your home, then you surely know what a mesh network is. For those that don’t, it is one of the most cost-effective and easy ways to ensure that you have strong wireless internet connectivity throughout a home, no matter its size.
Eero was the first company to bring a router system into use that could cover a whole home from top to bottom with Wi-Fi. Since 2016, their invention has brought an end to the dreaded dead zones within homes, making it easier to implement smart home adaption throughout. Eero continues with new testing and developing and since then they have released a new second generation system that is faster and a lower-tier system that is more affordable. The newer models incorporate beautiful design, Ethernet ports, good performance, an easy setup and clever software, making them a popular choice. PCMag provided a rather impressive review of Eero, with other retailers agreeing.
How does a mesh network improve the internet signal?
Usually, the main router bringing Wi-Fi to a home is plugged in with an Ethernet cable. Gaps in the wireless signal can occur at various points within the home and this is where devices from a mesh network can be set up to enhance the internet. The importance of a mesh network as opposed to Wi-Fi extenders is that it has a bigger range, communicates internally which ensures that there are no conflicts in the coverage and doesn’t require a strong signal from the existing router.
What the mesh network (or points) does is to fill up these areas with a stable and strong Wi-Fi signal that communicates perfectly between points. Anyone who moves around the home can be assured that any type of device in use will receive the correct signal strength without needing to have separate login details each time.
Clearly, of all the tips provided to improve wifi around the home, a mesh network is a superior option.
Which are currently the most popular mesh Wi-Fi systems
One of the easiest mesh systems to set-up is the Eero Pro and even people with hardly any technological knowledge can install them. Other recent popular releases include Orbi, Velop, Google Wi-Fi, and Nest Wi-Fi.
Setting up a mesh Wi-Fi system
Depending on the size of your home, you will most likely need a mesh network with a main point and perhaps another one device. Most manufacturers have a guideline for how many points are needed for a home according to its size. Other factors that need to be considered include, how many levels the home has, room locations, building materials used, and garden size.
Easy installation
The set-up procedure is quite easy and most mesh networks have a free iOS or Android application to help with the set-up. Through the application you will be able to see the strength of each point connected and many other options like access restrictions and the option to disable the Wi-Fi of your router so that it works like a modem. These smartphone apps make it easy to manage your network system and the Eero has the smartest software.
Modern looking homes
As people work more from home and need internet access everywhere, these new mesh systems are aesthetically pleasing and do away with the need for many bulky routers scattered around, each needing a different login code. All the smart devices and gadgets have constant access to the internet 24/7 with the mesh Wi-Fi system.
These points are generally sleek and modern looking and they blend in perfectly with the décor of the home. Eero is the best looking and most polished of all the units and the Orbi are the bulkiest of the lot.
Number of units and costs
Eero recommend a single unit for a home of up to 1,500 square feet and it is affordable at $99. However, any home up to 5,000 square feet would need a three-pack, costing $249. The Orbi costs $300 for a two-set.
How to choose the best mesh Wi-Fi system for your home?
If speed is everything to you, then the Orbi currently has the fastest performance according to most testers. It is not very good to look at though. Google Wi-Fi and Eero are also relatively fast. However, if you are one of those people that want a combination of looks, speed, ease of set-up and an intuitive application, then the Eero is the one that offers the full package. Besides being more affordable, the new Eero units can be added to existing Eero networks for added coverage and to add any extra Ethernet ports to areas of the home.
Now that Eero has been acquired by Amazon, their mesh home routers will allow for the easier set-up of all Alexa compatible gadgets and the company will continue to lead the way in bettering home Wi-Fi.