A mesh router is a type of router that creates a whole-home or mesh Wi-Fi network by joining two or more Wi-Fi access points together to create and share a single, seamless Wi-Fi network. Mesh routers are used to create a mesh network, which is a group of connectivity devices, such as Wi-Fi routers, that act as a single network, so there are multiple sources of connectivity around your house instead of just a single router.
Mesh routers differ from traditional routers in that they provide easy network management through a mobile app, even when you’re not at home. Many mesh router apps allow users to quickly scan their speeds, cut off Wi-Fi access to certain networks, create guest networks, test the quality between various connection points, and even connect to smart home devices.
Mesh routers are ideal for large houses with multiple floors and walls that block wireless signals, as they can fully cover these areas. They also offer flexible coverage, as additional points can be added to get better coverage in hard-to-cover areas like hallways and near walls for outdoor coverage. In a mesh network, if one point goes down, communication is simply rerouted through another point, making it self-healing.
Mesh systems consist of a main router that connects directly to your modem, and a series of satellite modules, or nodes, placed around the house. Most mesh systems use a mobile app for a guided setup, which walks you through the set-up process for optimal placement of nodes throughout your home. The app also incorporates some cool features to help you manage your Wi-Fi, such as parental controls, device prioritization, guest access, and more.
