What is Mesh? An article to understand the 4 major features and Mesh router purchase standards

Know the principle of Mesh Wi-Fi｜What are the differences between Star, Tree, and Mesh networks?

The basic network transmission principle can be divided into three types, namely Star Network, Tree Network, and Mesh Network. The following is the difference between the three to help you understand the Mesh Wi-Fi principle.

Star Network

The Star Network communicates in a one-to-one manner. If there are two devices (End Node) connected to the network at the same time, the Router Node as a Gateway must serve both devices at the same time. 

Tree Network

As the name suggests, Tree Network's communication method is expanded in a tree-like manner, using a host with multiple relay points to enhance the network signal and coverage. When you move around in different areas, you may have to switch to different Router Node signals because you exceed the coverage of the Router Node.

Mesh Network

Mesh Network is an upgraded version of Tree Network. The biggest difference from Tree Network is that Router Nodes can communicate with each other to avoid affecting efficiency due to the failure or overload of the Router Node in the middle.

What are the characteristics of Mesh Wi-Fi? 4 major features to enhance the network experience

After understanding the principle of Mesh network transmission, let us introduce you to the 4 characteristics of Mesh Wi-Fi, and tell you how Mesh Wi-Fi can improve your network experience.

1. Seamless roaming

When using a traditional router or extender, when you enter the coverage of different routers, you need to switch between different Wi-Fi signals, which can easily cause network instability and disconnection. In contrast, Mesh Wi-Fi uses a single SSID technology that can automatically switch between different signal sources to achieve a seamless roaming network experience. Take the full range of TP-Link Deco products as an example. They support the 802.11k/v/r standard and can connect 10 Mesh routers in series. In addition to the more stable signal, the network configuration will not be lost during troubleshooting.

Most Wi-Fi network hardware vendors support 802.11k, 802.11v and 802.11r (FT) :

◆ 802.11k

The 802.11k standard can help devices build an optimized channel list and quickly search for available AP roaming targets nearby. When the signal strength of the existing AP decreases, the device scans the target AP in the list.

◆ 802.11r

When a device is roaming between APs on the same network, 802.11r uses a function called "Fast Basic Service Set Transition" (Fast Basic Service Set Transition, FT) for faster authentication. FT can be used with pre-shared key (PSK) and 802.1X authentication methods at the same time.

◆ 802.11v

Basic Service Set (BSS) conversion management:

• The loading information of the surrounding access points can be provided to the control layer of the network to influence the roaming behavior of the client. The device will take this information into consideration when determining possible roaming targets.
• Directed Multicast Service (DMS): It can optimize the transmission of multicast traffic on the wireless network. The device will use this information to enhance multicast communication and preserve battery life.
• BSS longest idle time service: It can help the client and the access point to efficiently determine the time to keep the connection when there is no traffic. The device uses this information to preserve battery life

When you combine the functions of 802.11k and 802.11v to quickly search for the best target AP, and FT's faster AP association method, you will get a better Wi-Fi experience.

2. Adaptive routing technology

Mesh's network transmission characteristics allow Router Nodes to communicate with each other, so many signal transmission paths will be generated, and adaptive routing technology can find the path with the least interference according to the load status of each router or the information of the current frequency band. To improve overall network performance.

3. Self-repair function

The same is the use of the feature that Router Nodes can communicate with each other. When a Router Node in the system is damaged, Mesh Wi-Fi will automatically adjust the transmission path to bypass the failed Router Node and maintain normal network functions. In addition, some systems can even assist in diagnosing and troubleshooting.  

4. Advanced features

In addition to the above three basic functions, some Mesh Wi-Fi will also have advanced functions such as smart antennas, AI smart roaming technology, and home care:

• Smart antenna: Smart antennas can establish a stronger backhaul than ordinary antennas, provide stronger signals and wider coverage
• AI Smart Roaming Technology: Use AI technology to automatically detect network environment, device-side traffic, and user behavior, and after considering various factors, provide you with the most ideal Mesh Wi-Fi signal
• Family Care: Provides functions such as checking network security issues, limiting online time, blocking links to specific websites, etc.

5. Flexible expansion

There is no limit to the model of Deco routers, up to 10 can be connected in series, and the hotspots can send out signals to form a scalable and flexible Wi-Fi system. And bandwidth allows users to enjoy extremely fast transmission rates and more device connections.

3 major criteria for the mesh router purchase: coverage, network speed, and advanced features

When choosing a router, what you care most about is coverage and network speed, but how do you choose to achieve the best experience? The following is a comparison of TP-Link's Mesh router coverage, network speed, and advanced features to help you find a suitable router product.

TP-Link Deco Mesh Wi-Fi system purchase index

Recommend the most suitable products for you according to different environments.

Welcome to the Deco purchase guide, and give suggestions for products based on the more detailed information you provide:*The above suggestions are based on actual measurement in the actual environment, and the network speed will be affected by the environment.

The top 3 Mesh routers recommended for you

Deco X90 - Suitable for you who are pursuing perfection. In addition to being equipped with revolutionary Wi-Fi 6 new technology, Deco X90 also has AI smart roaming technology. It can learn by itself based on experience and create exclusive Mesh Wi-Fi for your environment. For the perfect network experience, you rely on Deco X90.

Deco X20 - The purpose of science and technology is to make people's lives more convenient. Wi-Fi 6 is the future equipment standard trend. With revolutionary improvements in wireless speed, coverage, equipment capacity, and low latency, Deco X20 will subvert Your imagination of the general Mesh Wi-Fi system, new technology & large build-up area dedicated Wi-Fi system will be satisfied at one time.

Deco M4 - Double-Storey Mesh Wi-Fi entry model. With a large build-up area or double-storey houses, are you still using a traditional router but cannot receive the signal from the corner? Deco M4 can expand flexible Wi-Fi, greatly improve coverage, network speed, and broadband, enjoy extremely fast transmission and connect more devices.