How to Use Mesh Routers
Do you have Wi-Fi dead spots in your home? Are you thinking of extenders to solve the issue? Well, that is a good choice most times because they are simple to setup. However the down side is all the network names and manually choosing an extender or the router Wi-Fi. With a mesh system, all of that takes place automatically, but they can be more expensive and complicated to setup. Here is a quick guide that should work for nearly all makes of routers that support mesh architecture.
Understanding Mesh Architecture
A mesh system is made up of multiple routers (or extenders that support a mesh architecture). Mesh systems consist of;
- Primary Node (Router): Connects directly to your modem and acts as the network’s brain.
- Satellite Nodes: Placed throughout your home to extend coverage.
- Backhaul Communication:
- Wireless Backhaul: Nodes communicate over Wi-Fi.
- Ethernet Backhaul: Nodes are wired together for faster, more stable communication.
Choosing the Right Mesh System
When choosing a manufacturer, consider your needs. Do you need VLAN Support? Do you want a unit that is capable of connecting the different nodes via Ethernet cable or use wireless Wi-Fi? The rule of thumb on price is simple; the more advanced features, the more expensive the router and its nodes will be. I recommend spending wisely, which to me means spending more money initially to plan for future needs. Make sure you check that those extra features I mentioned earlier are supported before you purchase.
How to Setup Your System
- Connect Primary Node to modem via Ethernet.
- Install Manufacturer App (allows you to configure the system).
- Follow Guided Setup in the app to name your network and set a password.
- Place Satellite Nodes:
- Midway between the primary node and coverage gaps.
- Avoid placing near thick walls or metal appliances.
If you want an Ethernet Backhaul --
- Run Ethernet cables between nodes.
- Enable Ethernet backhaul in the app or web interface.
- Confirm nodes are using wired links (check status in app).
Otherwise, follow the guided steps in the app to use wireless (Wi-Fi) between nodes. This is how I have implemented it and unless you are dealing with large distances between nodes, Wi-Fi should work fine. If you do need VLAN or other advanced settings, the manufactures app will guide you. Chances are in a home environment, you won’t.
Troubleshooting Tips
Most apps will help assist you in placing the router and its nodes for the best signal. If you notice issues while using your mesh, it usually is due to a weak signal between nodes or interference from other Wi-Fi users on your channel. You may have to use Ethernet cables between the satellite nodes (which is why you should spend the extra money for this feature upfront).
If portable devices (e.g. phones, laptops) are not switching between nodes properly, check to make sure you have Roaming Assist turned on, this feature forces these devices to switch to another node when the signal gets too low and improves performance
Maintenance
Make sure you enable regular router firmware updates. It’s the best way to make sure your system gets improvements and patches against attacks from the outside. If you want to do them manually instead, fine…Personally I do it this way because I don’t want the router updating when I might be on a trip or vacation. Things can go wrong with updates so it might be best to do them yourself, but make sure you do this by checking for updates at least weekly.
Conclusion
Mesh routers solve many Wi-Fi coverage areas in the typical home. Whether you're optimizing for gaming, streaming, or smart home integration, understanding the architecture and configuration options lets you tailor the network to your needs. Make sure you check for the features you need and learn all you can from the manufacturers website regarding setup to ensure you have a smooth configuring experience.