What is Mesh WiFi?
A Guide to Whole Home Mesh WiFi in 2021
Learn everything you need to know about a mesh WiFi network
What is Mesh WiFi?
Mesh WiFi is a whole home WiFi system built to eliminate dead zones and to provide uninterrupted WiFi throughout your home.
Mesh routers enable devices in your network to have faster speeds, greater coverage, and a more reliable connection. While traditional routers broadcast WiFi from a single point, mesh WiFi systems have multiple access points.
Benefits of a WiFi Mesh Network
Mesh WiFi is built for all types of homes specifically mid size and large homes that have suffer from weak or incomplete WiFi coverage. Usually when you experience dead zones or slow wifi, you might opt into a range extender but find that it doesn’t provide you with the fastest speeds or connectivity throughout your home. Whereas mesh wifi routers are built to fully cover large homes up to 6,000 sq. ft., with two stories or more, interior brick walls, or an unusual layout. With more family members being home, a typical wifi router will have issues with maintaining strong internet access to all devices like phones, computers, or tvs. With multiple mesh nodes, everyone can easily connect more smart home devices simultaneously without slowing down your wifi bandwidth.
They also represent a great option for people who are interested in a powerful WiFi system but don’t want to deal with the complicated setup and configuration that most regular routers come with.
Features of a Whole Home WiFi System
One Network for Your Entire Home
Mesh technology is smart and intuitive, letting you stay online even if one of your mesh nodes fails. You can skip signing into a new network every time you go upstairs and stay connected to a single sturdy network no matter where you are.
Stable Long-Range Connectivity
With a mesh router, you can get a powerful and stable connection no matter where you are in your home. Because each mesh node piggybacks off the other nodes signal, you can get powerful WiFi whether you’re at the top of the stairs or the bottom of the basement.
Easy Setup and Management
Most mesh routers on the market today come with easy network setup and management controls allowing you to toggle network settings, check speeds, and enact parental controls.
Control Your Smart Home
Mesh systems like our Deco M5 (3-Pack) or Deco X60 WiFi 6 are so advanced that they function as a WiFi router and a smart hub, connecting your Zigbee and WiFi devices and enabling you to manage all your connected smart devices through the Deco app.
Deco Mesh WiFi Home Security
Hardware Security
Deco only gets better and more secure with free over-the-air firmware updates, and its firewall only allows approved packets onto your devices.
Advanced Encryption
Deco automatically protects every wireless connection using advanced encryption, whether it’s between each Deco unit or between Deco units and your WiFi devices.
Real-Time Antivirus
Select Deco models featuring HomeShield automatically protects every device from viruses, malware, ransomware. That includes devices that don’t normally have protection, like WiFi cameras and smart locks.1
Content Filtering
Create profiles and filter content using preset or customized lists while Deco automatically blocks malicious websites using a continuously updated database.1
1. Free lifetime subscription to TP-Link HomeCare™ is included with purchase on select TP-Link routers at no additional cost. “Lifetime Subscription” refers solely to the life of the purchased device and can not be transferred. TP-Link reserves the right to modify the service and feature at any time. Please visit and check: HomeCare
Behind Mesh WiFi Network Technology
Mesh WiFi works by using two or more devices or “nodes” to create a secure and strong wifi network.
These nodes are important in efficiently delivering WiFi, as each node serves as a “daisy chain” for other nodes in the system. Even nodes that are furthest from the router can still deliver a strong signal. Nodes communicate with one another in order to determine the fastest band for your devices, and to reroute traffic in the event that one node fails with its self-healing technology.
What’s the difference between Mesh WiFi and a Range Extender?
While mesh WiFi and Range extenders might appear to have the same functionality, there are some key differences.
Mesh technology is meant to cast the strongest wifi as you’re roaming room to room.
Range extenders require you to sign on to a new network manually in order to maintain a strong connection once you’re far enough away from your router.
Mesh WiFi is faster and more efficient at delivering a WiFi signal than a range extender. This technology has grown quickly and been the go-to for wifi routers for its long-range signal, ease of use, and quick setup. Check out TP-Link mesh wifi systems to see all Deco routers.
FAQ
Does this replace my existing WiFi?
Deco Mesh units replace your current router, therefore, your current WiFi.
What is the best mesh WiFi system this year?
Explore our Deco routers that are rated as the best mesh wifi systems.
What is the best router for a 1500 square foot home?
There are several Deco systems that have coverage for up to 6,500 sq. ft. For a 1,500 sq. ft. home checkout Deco M5. For a 5,800 sq. ft home see our Deco X20. For even faster wifi speeds there’s our Deco X60 WiFi 6 Mesh system.
Is mesh WiFi better?
Mesh wifi alone offers stronger WiFi coverage but when paired with the latest technology of WiFi 6 you get the ultimate in WiFi performance. More speeds and greater wifi coverage. Check out our Deco X90 Wifi 6 Mesh system for best in mesh performance.
Can I add more Deco units to my existing Mesh network?
Yes! The great thing about mesh systems is they grow as your home grows or your needs change. All deco units work together regardless of the model and adding new units is as easy as powering on and following the guided steps in the Deco app.
Will Mesh WiFi work if I have brick, stucco, or concrete walls in my house?
Yes! Mesh WiFi systems will work in houses with these conditions. However, most routers (including mesh WiFi) may experience some drop in connectivity due to environmental factors. If you have overly thick walls, you might be better served by getting a powerline extender.
How many devices can be connected to a Deco network?
Depending on the Deco Mesh WiFi system you choose, you can connect up to 200 smart home, gaming, and streaming devices. Each Deco Mesh system will provide information on how many devices you can connect based on the pack size. Visit the product page of your favorite Deco for additional details.
How many Deco units can I have in my home?
It is best to connect 10 or fewer Deco units in your home to maintain better performance; however, there is no limit on the number of Deco units you can add to your network. Current 3-packs can cover as much as 7,000 sq. ft., which works for most users.
Where can I find mesh WiFi products?
Many solutions are on the market. You can find mesh networking products on Amazon, Walmart, Costco, Newegg and other places where electronics are sold.
For more questions and answers, check out our Deco FAQ page!