8 Best Mesh Wi-Fi Routers in the Philippines 2021 (TP-Link, Tenda, Google, and More)

Mesh Wi-Fi systems aren’t meant to replace your current router, it was designed to work alongside it by creating a separate network and help unload some connection duties from the main router. There are advantages of having a mesh system in your area, but there are some drawbacks too.

Here are the biggest gains of having a mesh system in your home or office.

The ease of network configuration is faster and easier if you have a mesh network. Management is automated and if it needs to be tweaked, you can do it via a mobile app. 

You can scan the speed, limit Wi-Fi access to other users, create guest networks, or connect to smart home devices. This eliminates the hassle of logging into a network through a desktop web interface and configure the settings.

Unlike Wi-Fi extenders, where a separate network should be set up for each extender and you will need to constantly reconnect every time you use the extender's network. In a mesh network, you will never have to reconnect even if you move from room to room. 

It also lets you experience lesser lags because all the access points broadcast the same signal all over the area.

Thanks to its easy management capability, a mesh router's security can be configured hassle-free because of its built-in protection parameters. The ability to check for network threats and automatically eliminate is the best factor to have. You can also automate the system to download and install firmware updates regularly.

With the awesome qualities of mesh-router systems come some drawbacks that might deter some consumers. Here are some of the few.

The cost of a mesh system versus a Wi-Fi extender is like comparing the price of a Toyota Vios to a cherry red Ferrari. Both can take you anywhere you want to go, but the luxury and speed of getting there are what you're paying for in a Ferrari. 

If you have a really big mansion, you might need to have more than two satellites to cover your real estate. Most access points are small and discreet where you might need to find strategic places for its installation and have an electrical provision to make it work. All these costs might pile up, in the end, eat up your savings.

Installing a mesh router system might sometimes be overkill if you don't regularly experience loss of Wi-Fi connectivity or demand extensive internet use. All that power and resources are put to waste and you're like bringing a machine gun to a sword fight.

If you have a smaller home or building, a few dead spots can be remedied by a range extender and you don't need to use the big guns. Putting your router at a more centralized location is another way to solve those dead zones.

The design, features, and settings of a mesh system should be your primary concern. The following section will provide you with the basic criteria on how to select the right product.

A mesh system's software comes integrated into the product so it is dependent on the brand you choose. Pore over the different models in the market and find time to research on the merits of their systems. You will be locked into using the app of the brand, so be picky about it. 

It will be notable to mention that new technology such as Wi-Fi 6 must be present, where it generally doubles the number capacity of connected devices at around 9.6 Gbps of speed. Additionally, the operation must have some basics such as parental control, traffic priority markers, or inherent cybersecurity scanning.

In a wireless device such as a router, the flash memory and RAM significantly provides more space to prevent network congestion and throughput. If you're wondering what is a throughput is, it determines the user experience. This is the average rate of successful delivery of messages in a network. 

Larger memory allows the possibility of installing bigger firmware builds and accommodate even more advanced features to enhance the mesh system. It can also support more device connections and users at any given time.

If you're constantly working on bandwidth-extensive tasks or streaming 4K media on your network, a great speed can deliver it seamlessly. Any type of wireless connectivity should be quick and lag-free, allowing devices to freely perform their job without hindering each other's experience. 

Of course, the speed and bandwidth you are getting are totally dependent on your internet service provider. If you have a limited plan, then you will also receive a limited service. Most modern mesh Wi-Fi has dual bands at 2.4GHz and 5GHz, which offers speed up to 500 Mbps. The bottom line, with great speed, means more productivity and fun.

The main purpose of having a mesh system is to cover all the connectivity dead zones within your area. Invest in a system that has a wider range of coverage to maximize the system's capabilities. Discover first on how broad can a single node encompass, so you will have a fair idea on the number of nodes needed for your home or office. 

The broader coverage, the fewer you will require to kill those black spots. A typical mesh network could range up to a 457 square meter coverage area. But bear in mind that signals couldn’t penetrate walls or ceilings so important to consider these interferences.

The design and appearance of the access points mainly rely on a user's preference. Having multiple nodes inside your house shouldn't be an eyesore. 

These small devices could easily blend with your decor or be disguised on strategic nooks within a room if you don't like the looks of it. But don't sacrifice aesthetics over its functionality.

These days, a myriad of options to create your mesh network is readily available for purchase. Let’s see some of the best brands.

Now that you have an idea or two about the best mesh Wi-Fi network, here are some tips on how to set it up so you can use it without any hassle and get your money's worth!

Required internet coverage - where you need to determine the area covered to receive Wi-Fi signal, including outdoor spaces. Keep in mind that signals cannot pass through dense objects like walls or metal barriers, so considering these architectural installations will affect the number of nodes to be provided.

Strategically position the router and nodes - generally, the main router is placed at the center of the house to maximize the scope and the nodes will fill in the dead spots around the edges. Nodes must be out of the way to prevent tampering or toying with if you have small children around the house.

Know the specifications required by the mesh network - take into account the maximum range of each node and create an installation plan. Inspect the proposed node spot according to plan and determine if you need an additional power supply or there are some obstructions.

Here’s a helpful guide from Lifewire on setting up your home mesh network. Although each mesh-network vendor's setup process differs in detail, they all follow the same general procedure:

1. After you've chosen a system, download its app to your phone.
2. Unplug your router and connect the main node to it using an Ethernet cable. Reconnect your router and let it and the main node power up.
3. You'll be prompted to log into your account with the mesh network or create one if you don't currently have one.
4. Scan the QR code on the bottom of the main node, or input a serial number, to link your account and the main node.
5. Offer, as prompted, a name or location for the main node. Indicate the number of satellite nodes. Don't worry if you overestimate or underestimate it, as you can add nodes later.
6. Plug in the nodes one at a time. As each node is added, you'll be asked which room of the house it's located in.
7. After you've added all your planned nodes, go to each room of your house and any outdoor areas and check your network speed.

If you’re looking to replace your Wi-Fi router at home or business there are factors to consider. A secured network relies on an excellent routing device with impeccable security software. 

You don’t want hackers snooping around your network and downloading vital information, do you? Know the basics and some buying tips before shopping, click on the link provided below.

Choosing the right mesh network system should depend on the location, speed of service, and demand. There's no room for error so it's better to allocate enough time for research to know model or version works for you. 

These nifty devices doesn't come cheap and could cost you serious sums, only to find out that you made the wrong decision and bought the wrong product.

Author: Chafi Lacson

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