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abangtech · 4 years

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BT Mini Whole Home WiFi review: A compact mesh system that’s simple, effective and cheap

BT’s Whole Home Wi-Fi system has been on our list of recommended mesh extenders since its debut back in 2017, thanks to its solid performance and very reasonable price.

Now, the telecoms giant has come out with an even cheaper option, shrinking down its distinctive discs and scaling back the internals and, although this means performance is slower, it still makes a great way to extend the reach of your home network on the cheap.

READ NEXT: The best mesh Wi-Fi routers to buy right now

BT Mini Whole Home Wi-Fi review: What you need to know

The Mini Whole Home Wi-Fi kit is an 802.11ac mesh system, just like the regular Whole Home kit. As with the original model – but unlike most other mesh platforms – it works as an extender for your existing router, rather than seeking to replace it.

As the name suggests, however, the Mini uses smaller discs that are easier to locate discreetly about your home and the hardware inside them has been cut down a little too. The full-sized units are rated for connection speeds of up to 800Mbits/sec on the legacy 2.4GHz band and 1,733MBits/sec over 5GHz connections, while the Mini claims only 300Mbits/sec and 866Mbits/sec respectively.

Those are still fair speeds, and the Mini claims 4×4 MIMO too. But, since this is only a dual-band platform, your devices won’t be able to make full use of the available wireless bandwidth, as the 5GHz channel also has to carry all the backhaul traffic between nodes.

BT Mini Whole Home Wi-Fi review: Price and competition

The BT Mini Whole Home Wi-Fi system currently costs only £75 for a three-node pack. That’s absurdly cheap for a bona fide mesh setup: hitherto, the only such system we’ve seen for under £100 has been the Tenda Nova MW3.

If you’re willing to pay a bit more, a twin-pack of BT’s regular Whole Home Wi-Fi discs can be had for £125. Elsewhere, the Netgear Orbi Dual-Band will set you back £132 for three units, while the Linksys Velop Dual-Band is on sale at £164.

For maximum performance over 802.11ac, you’ll need a tri-band mesh system, which pushes the price even higher. The cheapest model we’d recommend is the Netgear Orbi RBK20, now down to £180 for two stations; the best of the bunch include the full-fat Netgear Orbi RBK50, which comes in at £300, and the Asus ZenWiFi AC, which combines an extensive set of advanced features with top-tier performance for £285.

If you’re ready for the next generation of wireless, you could even step up to the 802.11ax-enabled Netgear Orbi RBK850, although around at £700 for two nodes, it’s safe to say that this is aimed at a different market to the Mini Whole Home Wi-Fi.

BT Mini Whole Home Wi-Fi review: Setup and features

The Mini Whole Home Wi-Fi units are of a simple circular design, measuring 12cm across. They stand upright on an integrated plastic foot that sticks out of the back and, when the unit’s powered on, a single LED glows through the faceplate in various colours to indicate activity or connection problems.

At the rear, there’s a power socket, a Gigabit Ethernet connector, a WPS button for connecting devices without having to enter a password and a pinhole for resetting the firmware. It’s a nicely functional design and, while the single Ethernet socket may seem restrictive, remember that this is solely a wireless extender system: you can connect additional wired clients directly to your existing router.

BT’s quick-start guide encourages you to set up the system via the free app for Android and iOS and this is pretty easy thanks to a QR code printed on the back of each node. Alternatively, you can open a web browser and log into the Mini Whole Home Wi-Fi system directly, using the preconfigured credentials inscribed on the back of each unit.

Either way, there’s very little to configure. Once the three units are plugged in, they automatically connect to each other and start broadcasting a wireless mesh that connects back to your main network. From the Wireless Settings page you can then change the SSID and WPA2 passphrase to whatever you desire (a set of blank stickers is thoughtfully provided for you to write these on and affix directly over the pre-printed information). You can also tweak the radio channels and disable WPS if you’re concerned about unauthorised visitors connecting to your home network, though sadly there’s no password-protected soft-button option.

Other features include an optional guest network, which grants internet access while keeping users isolated from your own clients and, while you can’t wholly split up the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands into separate networks, you can enable or disable band-steering on a per-device basis. You can manually pause the internet for all connected clients, too, although there are no proper parental controls: that sort of thing is left for your router to handle.

READ NEXT: The best mesh Wi-Fi routers to buy right now

BT Mini Whole Home Wi-Fi review: Performance

The original Whole Home Wi-Fi outperforms most dual-band competitors, largely because its ultrafast 1,733Mbits/sec 5GHz radio provides enough bandwidth to handle both client and backhaul traffic at decent speeds. As we’ve mentioned, however, the Mini’s transceiver is only half as fast and, while BT doesn’t publish the full internal specification, it’s a good bet that the antennae are smaller too.

To see how these changes affect performance, I tested the BT Mini Whole Home Wi-Fi in my usual way, by setting up the primary node in my living room, situating the other two nodes in adjacent rooms, and walking around with a Microsoft Surface Laptop measuring the average upload and download speed to a NAS appliance connected to the main router by Ethernet.

Here are the speeds I saw in various parts of the house, along with the speeds provided by a selection of other mesh systems for comparison:

Transfer speeds over 802.11ac (MB/sec)

BT Mini Whole Home

Tenda Nova MW3

BT Whole Home

Netgear Orbi Dual-Band

Asus ZenWiFi AC

Rear terrace upload

2.9

15.7

10.7

21.1

Rear terrace download

9.1

4.7

22.8

14.2

34.2

Bedroom upload

2.5

14.2

11.2

21.3

Bedroom download

7.3

4.9

18.7

15.8

36.6

Bathroom upload

6.7

13.9

11.4

22.1

Bathroom download

9.8

4.2

19.5

15.7

36.4

The results were hardly a big surprise: for the most part, the Mini performed at just under half the speed of the regular BT Whole Home system. That puts it decidedly towards the low end of the mesh market as a whole; I’ve included scores from Netgear’s dual-band Orbi and the tri-band Asus ZenWiFi system to illustrate what a premium 802.11ac mesh is capable of.

Even so, the Mini delivered a stable connection everywhere in my home, and proved convincingly faster than the Tenda Nova MW3. Indeed, its throughput was still good enough to allow me to sit in the bedroom and stream 4K videos from YouTube and Netflix without a glitch or stutter. If you’re focused on everyday internet duties you probably won’t ever notice the difference between this and a much more expensive mesh.

BT Mini Whole Home Wi-Fi review: Verdict

The Mini Whole Home Wi-Fi isn’t a replacement for an outdated router, nor a turbocharger for your home network. If you’re looking to fling huge data files around at maximum speed then this isn’t the extender for you.

If you’re merely seeking a localised signal boost, however, then the Mini could be just the ticket. The three-node configuration makes it more flexible than a regular wireless repeater, not to mention more manageable and expandable. And while it won’t win any awards for performance, it’s more than fast enough to extend email, web browsing, casual gaming and video streaming to the far reaches of your home. If that’s all you’re looking for then there’s no need to spend more – the BT Mini Whole Home Wi-Fi kit will do the job at a fantastic price.

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reviewsv · 5 years

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Top 10 Best Wifi Routers for Small Business in 2019

When it comes to networking equipment the difference between a small business and a home user are not that significant. For wireless networks, routers need to be reliable and should be able to sustain large volumes of traffic.

This does not mean that a small business should invest in routers that cost thousands of dollars. There are mid-range products that can be used successfully by small businesses because of their reliability and security features.

Depending on the layout of your offices or business, you might require a router capable of delivering a strong signal. For added security, it may need its own firewall. The features that you should look for depends on your needs.

But, the following selection of Wi-Fi routers should have you covered. This includes a selection of quality routers for any of your small business needs.

Best Wifi Routers for Small Business in 2019

Here are the top 10 best Wi-Fi routers for small businesses in 2019.

# Preview Product Price 1

NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 Smart WiFi Router (R8000) – AC3200 Tri-band Wireless Speed (up to 3200 Mbps) |… $212.80 View on Amazon 2

NETGEAR Orbi Pro AC3000 Business Mesh WiFi System, 2-Pack, Wireless Access Point (SRK60) $319.99 View on Amazon 3

ASUS Whole Home Dual-Band AiMesh Router (AC1900) for Mesh Wifi System (Up to 1900 Mbps) -… $132.67 View on Amazon 4

GRYPHON – Advance Security & Parental Control Mesh WiFi Router (up to 3000sqft) AC3000 Tri-Band,… $209.00 View on Amazon 5

Synology RT2600ac – 4×4 Dual-Band Gigabit Wi-Fi Router, MU-MIMO, Powerful Parental Controls, Threat… from $139.99 View on Amazon 6

Linksys AC1900 Wi-Fi Wireless Dual-Band+ Router with Gigabit & USB 3.0 Ports, Smart Wi-Fi App… $60.79 View on Amazon 7

Linksys Tri-Band Mesh Wifi Router for Home (Max-Stream AC2200 MU-Mimo Wireless Mesh Router, Fast… $179.97 View on Amazon 8

Google WiFi system, 1-Pack – Router replacement for whole home coverage – NLS-1304-25 $99.00 View on Amazon 9

Linksys AC1200 Wireless Access Point for Business (Cloud Management PoE WiFi Access Point) $120.13 View on Amazon 10

NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Mesh WiFi System – WiFi router and 2 satellite extenders with speeds up to… $247.59 View on Amazon

Last update on 2019-08-08 / Affiliate links / Price / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Table of Contents

10. TRENDnet AC3200 Gigabit Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router

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At the top of the list is this AC3200 router. It delivers faster Wi-Fi speeds, with up to 3200 Mbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. Other features and benefits include:

Includes “Smart Connect” which automatically groups slower and faster AC devices to improve signal strength

Features a 1 GHz dual-core CPU to ensure high-speed data transfer rates

There are a few disadvantages to choosing this router:

It is expensive

Setup is complicated for the average user

This is an expensive router. You can find similar products at half the price, which is why this router is in the 10th spot on this list. But, it does provide fast Wi-Fi speeds and superior connectivity. You shouldn’t need to worry about dropping connections.

The setup process is complicated. If you don’t have experience with network security or setting up routers, you may have trouble getting this router set up properly. This is especially true if you need to use additional settings, such as bandwidth throttling.

Overall, this router provides several great features and just a couple potential drawbacks. It’s a solid choice.

9. Tenda High Power AC1200 Dual Band Wireless Router

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At number 9 is a dual-band wireless router. It uses 802.11ac Wi-Fi for faster internet connections. It also provides speeds up to 1200 Mbps across 2.4 and 5 GHz. Examine the main advantages and features:

Includes 2 5 dB external antennas and 2 high-gain smart internal antennas

Supports WPS (Wi-Fi protected setup) feature

Includes support for WEP, WPA, and WPA2 wireless connectivity

Affordable – one of the cheapest routers on this list

While those are great advantages, the drawback may limit the use of this router:

Includes 3 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports

This router only includes 3 Ethernet ports and they aren’t 1-gigabit ports. They are 100 Mbps ports. If you plan on connecting PCs or other devices to this router with a wired connection, this may not be your best option.

Other than the one drawback, this is a suitable router for most small businesses. It has a dual-band range and uses the latest Wi-Fi protocol. And, it’s affordable.

8. DrayTek Vigor2912n Dual WAN Router for Teleworkers and Small Offices

Check price on Amazon

This next router includes several useful features that should appeal to most business owners. This includes dual-WAN load-balance and redundancy, which helps prevent connectivity issues. You may also like these benefits:

Supports up to 16 VPN tunnels with VPN failovers for remotely connecting to your business network

USB 2.0 port as WAN 3 for 3G/4G USB mobile broadband

Object-based firewall with web content filtering

Includes bandwidth management features with intelligent VoIP QoS (quality of service)

In addition to the advantages, you should examine these disadvantages:

Does not include 5 GHz connectivity

Does not support 3rd party software

You can’t use open source software or third-party software with this router. But, the provided management software should meet your needs. The only real problem is that it doesn’t include 5 GHz connectivity. This could be an issue, depending on the devices that you’re connecting.

If those drawbacks don’t bother you, then you should enjoy using this router. It is reasonably priced and supports VPN tunnels.

7. AFOUNDRY Dual Band Wireless AC Gigabit Router

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This next router supports 802.11ac wireless, which is the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology. It is also backward compatible with 11n devices. Includes 3 processors to ensure a stable signal to all devices. Other features include:

2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz support with dual-band wireless signals

USB3.0 port for quick access to the network

Smart encryption for WPA, WPA2, WEP, and WPA-PSK

Metal exterior ensures durability and stability with good heat dissipation

6 omnidirectional antennas for providing coverage up to 40 feet without a loss of signal strength

Supports up to 100 devices simultaneously

There are a couple of disadvantages to consider:

Does not include advanced security options

The setup process can be complicated

If you need to maintain a secure business network, you should consider allowing a professional to handle the installation. The setup process isn’t very straightforward and the average user could have trouble. Also, it lacks advanced security options, such as a firewall. You’ll need to use other software for securing your network.

Despite those drawbacks, it does provide support for up to 100 devices. It also includes the latest Wi-Fi technology for faster connections. Overall, it’s still a great choice, if you can get it setup correctly.

6. ALFA High-Power Gigabit AC1200 Router

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Do you need fast speeds? This next router delivers high-speed data transmission through 4 gigabit Ethernet ports and 1 gigabit WAN port. It also features 802.11ac Wi-Fi connectivity. Other features include:

Extra wide signal coverage – includes 4 external dual-band antennas to prevent interference

Superb signal strength and no dead zones

Easy to setup and configure

Includes firewall and system management software

Along with those pros, you need to examine these cons:

Does not include advanced settings for limiting bandwidth

More expensive than similar routers

You can get cheaper routers that offer the same benefits. Though, with this router, you’re also paying for quality customer service. If you happen to run into any issues, you can easily get the answers that you need.

When you combine quality customer service with fast Wi-Fi connectivity and the latest Wi-Fi protocols, you are getting a great value. It is easy to setup and the antennas can be positioned to eliminate dead zones. It should work great in a small office, allowing all employees to connect to your local business network.

Keep in mind that you won’t get advanced features for setting bandwidth limits or tracking internet use. But, you can use proprietary software, if those issues are important to you.

5. Peplink Pepwave Surf SOHO MK3 Router

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Here is a router with bandwidth monitoring and tracking. You can configure this router to limit bandwidth for specific IP addresses. For example, printers and phones could be limited or you could limit the bandwidth for individual employees. Here are some of the other features:

1 USB 4G LET/3G WAN port with automatic failover from Ethernet WAN or Wi-Fi

4 gigabit Ethernet ports

Connections for 3 antennas

The configuration and settings are easy to adjust and edit

You can back up your configurations

The only drawbacks include:

The plastic exterior feels flimsy and cheap

The supplied antennas don’t deliver the strongest signal

The router feels cheap, with a plastic exterior. But, this doesn’t impact the use of the router. It still offers fast Wi-Fi connectivity and LAN connectivity. The other issue is the antennas. You can replace with other antennas if you find that the signal isn’t strong enough.

The main advantage is that this router is easy to setup and configure. It works as advertised and should be able to support your business network needs.

Click her for: Top 10 Best Photocopy Machines For Small Business

4. NETGEAR Dual Band 802.11ac Wireless Router

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Next is a dual-band wireless router that can also act as a wireless access point. It uses 802.11ac Wi-Fi and is backward compatible with 11n devices. In addition to the backward compatibility, it provides these advantages:

Wireless speeds up to 300 Mbps at 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps at 5 GHz

Includes a WPS button for easy one-touch connectivity

Features 4 built-in Gigabit Ethernet ports for connecting phones, printers, or PCs

Comes with a 3-year warranty

Superior coverage with far-reaching signals

The drawbacks include the following issues:

It can be difficult to setup and configure

You may need to position it several times to eliminate dead zones

The user interface is intended to be easy to use. But, it can be a challenge to fully configure this router. This is especially true if you don’t have experience with internet networks. For advanced users, this is less of an issue.

The other issue is that dead zones can be a problem. If the router isn’t in the perfect position, you may have limited range in certain areas. If this is the case, you can simply reposition the router until you’ve eliminated the dead zones. But, this can be inconvenient.

In the end, this is fast Wi-Fi router that is perfect for most small businesses. Other than the setup and configuration, you should have no problems with your Wi-Fi connection.

3. Linksys WRT AC1900 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router

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The 3rd best option is a dual-band router. It offers 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz simultaneous wireless connectivity. You get a strong Wi-Fi signal with no dead zones – even across multiple floors. This could be the perfect solution for delivering Wi-Fi through your offices or small business. Other features include:

4 high-performance antennas for improved signal strength

4 gigabit Ethernet ports

Beam forming technology – increases signal strength to specific devices

Dual band speeds up to 600 Mbps with 2.4 GHz and 1300 Mbps with 5 GHz

What about the disadvantages? There are two potential issues to consider:

It can be difficult to install new firmware updates

You cannot use open source software

The disadvantages may not matter to some businesses. Updating the firmware can be a complicated process. Just make sure that you carefully follow the directions. Due to the difficulty, you might want to try to find an open source software package. But, this router won’t work with open source options.

Other than those drawbacks, this is a decent Wi-Fi router. You get fast speeds and superior signal strength. It’s a great router for most small businesses if you’re not looking for a router that supports open source options.

2. Cisco RV110W-A-NA-K9 Small Business Wireless VPN Router

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Next is a wireless router with VPN support. It includes 4 LAN ports and high-speed 802.11n wireless connectivity. Other features and benefits include:

Includes a browser-based device manager for setting up the router

Offers support for virtual private networks (VPNs)

Integrated 4-port fast Ethernet switch for connecting printers, IP phones, and computers

Affordable – you get a great value with this Wi-Fi router

There are just a couple of potential drawbacks to consider:

Offers 10/100 Mbps data transfer rates – relatively slow compared to other options Does not allow user bandwidth control per IP address

The data transfer rates are slower than some of your other options. Though, it is still fast enough for most small business needs. Also, it doesn’t provide features for limiting bandwidth for each user. It does allow you to set bandwidths to different VLANs, which requires additional setup.

Overall, this is a quality router. It is slightly slower than other options. But, you still get a Wi-Fi router with VPN support and decent Wi-Fi range. You can easily connect to VPNs and access your business network securely from any location away from the office.

1. TP-Link Gigabit VPN Router (TL-R600VPN)

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At the top of the list is this gigabit VPN router. It offers support for virtual private networks (VPNs) and includes 4 Gigabit LAN ports. Along with these features, you get the following advantages:

Supports up to 20 IPsec VPN tunnels and 16 PPTP VPN tunnels simultaneously

Includes SPI firewall and DoS defense features

4KV lightning protection to protect against shock or electrical damage

1 gigabit WAN port and 4 gigabit LAN ports

There are no disadvantages to discuss. It is a solid GB router that is perfect for use in a small office or business.

The bottom line is that you get 1GB data transfer rates with a quality router capable of supporting VPN tunnels. It offers everything that you require in a small business router, including security features and DoS protection. Setup is easy. Overall, this is the best Wi-Fi router for small businesses.

Choosing the Best Wi-Fi Router for Your Small Business

These top 10 Wi-Fi routers should provide you with a great selection to choose from. You have a variety of options that should meet any of your business needs. But, before you make your final decision, here are a few suggestions.

Make sure that the router supports your devices. The latest Wi-Fi protocol is 802.11ac. This is 3 times the speed of 802.11n. Also, don’t forget to check the data transfer rates, security features, and VPN support.

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adevicesetup-blog · 3 years

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Many users also for these kinds of questions that they want to change the default settings for Tenda N301 F3 Router Device. If you want to change the SSID name and security key for your device then steps will be different for all devices. In this article we will mainly concentrate on Tenda N301 F3 Router Device.

#tenda login password #tenda 11n wireless router login #tenda router setup #tenda wifi router login #tenda app

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angelaakers · 6 years

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Best Mesh Routers 2018

Despite only having broken out onto the home networking scene a few short years ago, mesh routers have quickly become the preferred way that thousands of users set up a wireless network in their home. But with so many options to choose from (and so many of them being released in just the past year, making it difficult to tell which models stand the test of time), which is the best mesh router in 2018? After 30 hours of research, we’ve concluded that the Linksys Velop Mesh Networking system is the best mesh router of 2018, but why? Well it’s no secret that for over 20 years Linksys (and their parent company Belkin) have produced some of the best routers in the business, including our #1 pick for best overall router the Linksys WRT3200 ACM. This is no different in the case of the Linksys Velop system, which combines ease of setup, powerful antennas, and a wide variety of features into a stylish and slim package.

3 Best Mesh Routers Compared 2018

#1 Linksys Velop - The Best Mesh Router for the Money

Pros

Functional, minimalist design

Decent performance at short range

Extremely user friendly

Cons

No 2.4GHz/5GHz channel separation

Slow speeds at distance

Ridiculously high price for the 3-pack

When we tested the Linksys Velop last year, we were impressed with many different aspects of its build, design, and setup process. Firstly, the design itself is just about as minimal and unassuming as you can get, fine to blend into the background of your home rather than trying to take center stage in everything. Sure the nodes might be a bit bigger and bulkier than what you would get out of similar mesh systems like the Tera Nova, but what the Velop lacks in slim profiles it more than makes up for in performance and power at its rates ranges. Speaking of power, this is where the Velop truly shines. Although we did struggle to maintain consistent performance at the outermost ranges of the rated distance extension, the onboard AC6600 MU-MIMO, 2.4GHz/5GHz radio pumped out more than enough bandwidth to handle the needs of a family of 10, if it needed to. Getting the Velop running was also a breeze thanks to the dozens of innovations that Linksys has made to the overall setup process, making it one of the most user-friendly and feature-rich routers we’ve tested to date. Related: Mesh WiFi vs Router - Pick the Right One But all that power and simplicity comes at a hefty cost: $299.99 for the two pack, and nearly $450 for the three pack, which means that if you’re looking for something cheaper with just a few less features we might recommend going with one of the other options listed below.

#2 AmpliFi HD - Top Performing Mesh Router

Pros

Clean, thoughtful design

Solid performance at all ranges

Intuitive setup and app UI

Cons

Software was missing many core features

HD model could be pricey for some

From the outside, nothing about the AmpliFi HD’s sleek, slim, and downright gorgeous looks would give you any hints about the beast of a router that’s hiding in wait underneath. The AmpliFi HD takes style and function to a whole new level with its small box main hub that features a tasteful (and helpful) onboard LCD display. This screen displays anything from the time to the current upload/download speeds you’re getting depending on your preference, and man, are those download speeds something to talk about. In our tests not only was the AmpliFi punching way above its weight class in its range, but its performance simply blew the doors off the place without even breaking a sweat. When left unchecked on the 5GHz band, the AmpliFi HD achieved scores of 534Mbps down/368Mbps up, which makes it one of the single fastest routers we’ve ever tested flat out. That said, one area where the AmpliFi HD was still lacking a bit was on the software side of things. The company has since added several of the features we dinged it for not having during our review (QoS, Parental Control, Guest Access), but they’re also slow to bring the router into the future with more nuanced options like port forwarding and DMZ options. All that said, unless you’re a hardcore geek for these types of configuration options the AmpliFi HD marries style, price, and power into an ultra-sleek package that anyone can set up in minutes.

#3 Google WiFi - Best Mesh Router for Stylish Homes

Pros

Seamless software integration

Simple setup

Decent range/power

Cons

Might be too expensive for some larger home owners

No web-based app

Like everything Google does (except Google+, we don’t talk about that anymore), the Google WiFi mesh networking system combines the best elements of its competitors while also adding its own dose of Google flair on top of everything. According to the company’s specs, just a single Google WiFi node (only $99) can cover a home as large as 1500 sq. ft, while adding two additional nodes on top of that ($299) will get you a whopping 4500 sq. ft of total coverage. Related: What is Mesh? Understand before you buy The Google WiFi app is both simple to use and configure, making it easy for the non-tech savvy users out there to completely setup their home network to work exactly the way they want it and protect their network from outside threats. Google WiFi also comes with a nifty extra feature called Network Assist, which automatically switches to the band and channel that’s most optimized for the device you’re trying to connect from. This means you’ll never be left getting less than optimal speeds compared to another mesh networking system, and have a huge jump over traditional routers attached to extenders or repeaters instead. The one (admittedly pretty small) drawback of the Google WiFi home mesh networking system is its lack of any sort of web-based interface. The entire routing network is handled and configured from Google’s own WiFi mobile application for iOS and Android, which means desktop or laptop warriors will be left out of luck if they want to change a new setting on the fly while they’re disconnected from the primary network at work, for example.

#4 Netgear Orbi - Top MU-MIMO Mesh Router

Pros

Alexa-integration support

Tri-band radio

High-bandwidth backhaul

Cons

Less nodes might mean less coverage depending on your layout

A bit bulkier than other units

The Netgear Orbi is the long-awaited mesh system released by one of the biggest networking giants in the world, and for the most part, the wait was well worth it. Using just two satellite nodes the Netgear Orbi can cover homes as large as 5000 sq. ft, which gives it the best bang for the buck power/range value of any router on this list. Netgear also brings the mesh system into the 21st century with its Alexa integration that lets you control every aspect of your home wireless networking experience just with your voice. There’s nothing quite like yelling out “Alexa, kick my kids off the internet for the night” and having the parental controls boot up in a few seconds seemingly almost by magic. There’s also a lot to be said about the tri-band high-bandwidth backhaul technology included with the Orbi, which as far as we can tell, is unique to Netgear’s mesh networking system alone. This configuration guarantees that your devices never drop connection or lose power depending on where they’re connecting from in the house, which feeds into the MU-MIMO capability to provide a truly one-of-a-kind browsing, streaming, and downloading experience. The only drawback that bears mentioning here is the bulkiness of the Orbi units, which, when stacked against other options like the Plume below can seem downright massive by comparison.

#5 Plume SuperPod - Longest Range

Pros

Small, discreet pods

Large number of nodes included in the default package

Innovative pricing system if purchased through the company’s website

Gorgeous design

Cons

Not as much speed throughput as other options on this list

Subscription plan may put some users off

While most mesh networking options on this list might include two, maybe three nodes per system by default (with the option to add additional nodes on for a price), the Plume SuperPods have gone with the “more is more” ethos, including six pods in your basic Plume kit. This means that you can truly customize your mesh networking experience, throwing a pod in just about every room where you plan on browsing the internet and then some. Probably the single best part about this approach (aside from the increased, even coverage of the signal) is that if you’re a gamer or heavy streamer, every pod also comes with the option to plug your device into the pod using a direct Ethernet hookup. For gamers this means less latency, less dropped packets, and more throughput overall when you’re in the heat of battle and need every bit of ping you can muster in the moment. Not only that, but Plume has also made strides to make its system more affordable, offering a monthly subscription plan which subsidizes the cost of the hardware. But it’s not all good. The subscription plan is required if you want to access features such as parental controls and QoS, which means that no matter what, even if you buy all the hardware up front for the full cost, you won’t be able to unlock the Plume’s full potential unless you pony up for an extra fee each month.

#6 Tenda Nova - Best Cheap Mesh Networking System

Pros

Super cheap price of entry

Decent performance for the cost

Sleek design

Cons

Power isn’t great

Coverage could be better

If there’s one trend you might have already noticed on this list, it’s that no matter which mesh networking system you decide to go with, you should expect to spend in the upper $200-$500 range to get the full experience of everything that mesh routing has to offer. Not so with the Tenda Nova kit, which brings the cost of a three-node system down to an almost suspiciously low $99 out the door. Too good to be true? Well, kind of. Sure the Tenda Nova doesn’t have all the latest tech and suffers from the dreaded “backhaul” traffic problem thanks to its limited radio (where the speed of the extended nodes can suffer if the first node is hogging all the available bandwidth), but all that said the system does still put out a respectable amount of zip when used under the most optimal conditions. All in all we can’t fault the Nova Tenda for what it’s lacking when you get a gander at that price point. This system undercuts even the closest competition by a factor of almost half, which means that if you’re shopping for a mesh networking solution on a budget and need something that’ll work in a pinch, there’s nowhere else to go except with Nova.

#7 TP-Link Deco - Best Mesh Network Under $200

Pros

Dedicated backhaul-channel enabled

MU-MIMO enabled

Comprehensive antivirus/firewall options

Cheap

Cons

A bit slower than the competition

It should come as no surprise that TP-Link, the dark horse of the routing industry over the past few years, would bring their same flair for power, performance, and feature-rich production to its newest and best mesh networking system to date. The TP-Link Deco takes all the best elements of routers the company has released in previous years and combines them all into a subversively powerful and feature-rich package. Whether it’s the dedicated backhaul-channel support thanks to the tri-band radio or the slew of onboard parental control, QoS, and firewall options, just about everything you could possibly want out of a router and a mesh system is ready to go in the Deco - all at a price that just skates under the $200 mark if you go with the available 2-node option.

#8 Eero Home WiFi System - Best Mesh Router for Easy Setup

Pros

Sleek design

Low profile external nodes

Simple to set up and use

Cons

Pricey for what you get

Coverage could be better for the cost

Above all else, the eero Home WiFi system holds the title of being one of the very first mesh networking systems to market, and has still managed to maintain its place as one of the best ever since. Originally launched as a Kickstarter project by a tech geek who was tired of troubleshooting his family’s WiFi problems, this little mesh networking system launched an entire industry that it continues to dominate both in sales and in innovation. The eero comes with most of the standard features we’ve come to expect out of mesh networking systems like MU-MIMO and comprehensive configuration settings in the eero app, but what it gains on these fronts it loses a bit of ground when you consider the price. At $400 the eero Beacon system is one of the most expensive systems on this list, and the coverage isn’t as impressive as what you’d get with smaller systems like the Orbi. That said, if you want one of the best mesh routers on shelves today, you simply can’t go wrong with the original that helped to define the entire genre that followed it.

What is a Mesh Router?

A mesh router is a new type of networking hardware that replaces traditional routers with a series of smaller, often much more stylish “nodes” which make up a “mesh” of coverage around your home. Mesh networking works by creating an ad-hoc link that stretches from node to node, removing the need for additional accessories like range extenders and routing repeaters to get a powerful and consistent signal to every area of your home completely unimpeded. Mesh systems are often preferred by customers with larger homes or those who want to browse in areas that can present challenges for less powerful traditional routers. This includes browsing in areas like your backyard, basement, or attic, and can also make it easier to get a more consistent signal to all of your devices at once no matter where you’re trying to surf from in the home.

How Much Should You Expect to Spend on a Mesh Router?

The one drawback that most of you’ve probably already noticed from the list above is that when compared against traditional routers, mesh networking systems can cost quite a bit more out of pocket. This is because physically you’re paying for more hardware, with most mesh systems including at least two nodes and many going up to five nodes to get complete coverage around your home. Because of this, you should expect to spend at least $50 - $200 more than you would for a competing traditional router, though in our opinion if you live in a large home there’s simply no better way to go for getting the most out of your local wireless network. Some options like the Tenda Nova are still relatively affordable with each three pack costing just a little under $100, though this can quickly add up when you need more than three nodes to get complete range and power coverage. Comparatively other options like the eero Pro will set you back a staggering $500 for the same three pack, and it’s in situations like these where you really need to break down all the features you’re looking for and if the Tenda Nova covers them all, consider going that route instead.

Mesh Router Buyers Guide

Below are the top features you should look for in a mesh router.

2.4GHz and 5GHz

This is the big one. Not all mesh systems are made alike, and some may only feature a single bandwidth for you to stream and download your favorite content on.

The entire point of buying a mesh system is to get the absolute most range and power possible out of every device you own, which means that the system you go with needs to support dual-band access in order to build the most complete coverage around your home.

Some mesh systems break down the setup

MU-MIMO

This is a newer feature that’s only been added to most routers (traditional and mesh) within the past few years, but ever since crashing onto the scene it’s become a near essential.

It works like this: in non MU-MIMO routers every packet of data is sent to every device attached to the network one at a time in very, very rapid succession. While this generally is fine if everyone is in different parts of the house, where it starts to slow everything down is if, for example, the whole family is in the living room or kitchen and are all browsing from their devices at the same time.

MU-MIMO, or “Multiple-In, Multiple-Out” fixes this problem with some clever directional routing techniques that stream a consistent number of packets to every device simultaneously. This can be vital if you’re say, trying to stream a movie on Netflix from your Smart TV while you and your kids are on your phones/tablets at the same time all gathered on the same couch.

High Bandwidth Rating

As broadband speeds continue to increase around the globe, you’ll want to make sure you have a router that’s both future-proof and can handle the output of a full family all streaming, gaming, and downloading at the same time.

Most of the benefits that you gain from mesh router ultimately come down to how much bandwidth it can handle, especially in the case of larger families who find themselves at their heaviest periods of usage all at the same time (3-10PM).

Solid Onboard Software/Easy Setup

One of the main reasons why most consumers would want to choose a mesh routing system over a traditional router or router+range extender is ease of setup and a solid onboard software option.

Mesh networks make it simple (sometimes even too much so) to get your home network up and running in 20 minutes or less. This is generally accomplished through mobile apps that connect to the main hub via local ad-hoc WiFi or Bluetooth, and will let you configure everything you need on the router directly from your preferred device without having to plug in a laptop or desktop via Ethernet to set things up properly.

This section also covers the onboard features of a mesh system. Some mesh routers are (as we mentioned before) almost too simplistic, and don’t carry many of the more advanced configuration options we’ve come to expect on routers like parental controls, QoS settings, port forwarding and more. Be sure that when you scan the feature set of the router you plan to buy that it also includes everything you want in this space, or at least a promise from the company that they plan to patch those features in within six months of your purchase.

Stylish Design

Another major reason that some customers prefer to go with a mesh routing system over a traditional router (even if they live in smaller homes that would be perfectly fine with a standard router), is style.

Mesh routers do away with the big blocky routers of yesteryear with their huge, gaudy antennas sticking off all sides thanks to the technology that makes the whole thing work.

Because mesh systems don’t need to use external routers and spread the load of the work to multiple units, these routers can be significantly more stylish and well-designed than their larger counterparts. Some options like the AmpliFi HD and Google Home are quite simply the most beautiful, well-designed routers we’ve ever seen, traditional or otherwise.

Enough Range to Cover Your Whole Home

Finally, we come to the issue of range. As we spoke about before, you’ll want to be sure that you’re carefully checking the manufacturer’s website and spec list to build the perfect mesh system that’s custom-tailored to your home and layout.

Not only that, you’ll also want to maximize what you get for your money. This means pushing every node in the network to its absolute limit of range from the main hub, while also giving just enough slack to prevent signal drops and power loss.

The range factor will ultimately come down to your budget, your home size, and the base power rating of the mesh networking system you choose from the list above.

[/ft_alert]

Mistakes to Avoid

Not Buying Enough Antennas: Although it can be tempting to skimp on the cost of your mesh routing system by only buying the most minimal options available from the manufacturer, we recommend doing a bit of research beforehand and see what the company recommends for your size home. This can also change depending on your use case (browsing outside, in a basement, in a house with 3+ floors, etc), so be sure to read all the specs and how much range you can expect to get out of each antenna before rolling through the checkout.

Going With Mesh Routers When a Standard Router Will Do: Even though it might be tempting to go exclusively with a mesh routing system since they’re the newest hottest product on the block of home networking, realistically they’re only designed for a specific subset of the consumer market. This includes users who have large homes or struggle to maintain a reliable signal throughout their house when they move from one end to the next, but may not make as much sense for those living in apartments. Apartments and smaller homes (generally those under 2500 sq. ft) can be serviced fairly well by a standard router (which can cost significantly less than a mesh router), but of course you may also want something that’s less obtrusive and more stylish than a traditional router, which is where a mesh system might still be the better choice.

Spending Too Much: Another common mistake that first-time mesh router buyers might make is pretty much the opposite of not buying enough antennas – buying too many! Again, you’ll be able to find the ratings for specific mesh systems on the manufacturer’s websites that will effectively break down exactly what kind of setup you’ll need to cover your specific house layout and device count.

The Top Questions About Mesh Routers Answered

The article Best Mesh Routers 2018 See more on: Gadget Review (GR)

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0 notes

bonniepospisil · 6 years

Text

Best Mesh Routers 2018

3 Best Mesh Routers Compared 2018

#1 Linksys Velop - The Best Mesh Router for the Money

Pros

Functional, minimalist design

Decent performance at short range

Extremely user friendly

Cons

No 2.4GHz/5GHz channel separation

Slow speeds at distance

Ridiculously high price for the 3-pack

#2 AmpliFi HD - Top Performing Mesh Router

Pros

Clean, thoughtful design

Solid performance at all ranges

Intuitive setup and app UI

Cons

Software was missing many core features

HD model could be pricey for some

#3 Google WiFi - Best Mesh Router for Stylish Homes

Pros

Seamless software integration

Simple setup

Decent range/power

Cons

Might be too expensive for some larger home owners

No web-based app

#4 Netgear Orbi - Top MU-MIMO Mesh Router

Pros

Alexa-integration support

Tri-band radio

High-bandwidth backhaul

Cons

Less nodes might mean less coverage depending on your layout

A bit bulkier than other units

#5 Plume SuperPod - Longest Range

Pros

Small, discreet pods

Large number of nodes included in the default package

Innovative pricing system if purchased through the company’s website

Gorgeous design

Cons

Not as much speed throughput as other options on this list

Subscription plan may put some users off

#6 Tenda Nova - Best Cheap Mesh Networking System

Pros

Super cheap price of entry

Decent performance for the cost

Sleek design

Cons

Power isn’t great

Coverage could be better

#7 TP-Link Deco - Best Mesh Network Under $200

Pros

Dedicated backhaul-channel enabled

MU-MIMO enabled

Comprehensive antivirus/firewall options

Cheap

Cons

A bit slower than the competition

#8 Eero Home WiFi System - Best Mesh Router for Easy Setup

Pros

Sleek design

Low profile external nodes

Simple to set up and use

Cons

Pricey for what you get

Coverage could be better for the cost

What is a Mesh Router?

How Much Should You Expect to Spend on a Mesh Router?

Mesh Router Buyers Guide

Below are the top features you should look for in a mesh router.

2.4GHz and 5GHz

This is the big one. Not all mesh systems are made alike, and some may only feature a single bandwidth for you to stream and download your favorite content on.

Some mesh systems break down the setup

MU-MIMO

This is a newer feature that’s only been added to most routers (traditional and mesh) within the past few years, but ever since crashing onto the scene it’s become a near essential.

High Bandwidth Rating

Solid Onboard Software/Easy Setup

One of the main reasons why most consumers would want to choose a mesh routing system over a traditional router or router+range extender is ease of setup and a solid onboard software option.

Stylish Design

Mesh routers do away with the big blocky routers of yesteryear with their huge, gaudy antennas sticking off all sides thanks to the technology that makes the whole thing work.

Enough Range to Cover Your Whole Home

The range factor will ultimately come down to your budget, your home size, and the base power rating of the mesh networking system you choose from the list above.

[/ft_alert]

Mistakes to Avoid

The Top Questions About Mesh Routers Answered

The article Best Mesh Routers 2018 See more on: Gadget Review (GR)

Best Mesh Routers 2018 published first on http://www.gadgetreview.com/ Best Mesh Routers 2018 published first on http://www.gadgetreview.com/ Best Mesh Routers 2018 posted first on http://www.gadgetreview.com/

0 notes

lindamarionn · 6 years

Text

Best Mesh Routers 2018

3 Best Mesh Routers Compared 2018

#1 Linksys Velop - The Best Mesh Router for the Money

Pros

Functional, minimalist design

Decent performance at short range

Extremely user friendly

Cons

No 2.4GHz/5GHz channel separation

Slow speeds at distance

Ridiculously high price for the 3-pack

#2 AmpliFi HD - Top Performing Mesh Router

Pros

Clean, thoughtful design

Solid performance at all ranges

Intuitive setup and app UI

Cons

Software was missing many core features

HD model could be pricey for some

#3 Google WiFi - Best Mesh Router for Stylish Homes

Pros

Seamless software integration

Simple setup

Decent range/power

Cons

Might be too expensive for some larger home owners

No web-based app

#4 Netgear Orbi - Top MU-MIMO Mesh Router

Pros

Alexa-integration support

Tri-band radio

High-bandwidth backhaul

Cons

Less nodes might mean less coverage depending on your layout

A bit bulkier than other units

#5 Plume SuperPod - Longest Range

Pros

Small, discreet pods

Large number of nodes included in the default package

Innovative pricing system if purchased through the company’s website

Gorgeous design

Cons

Not as much speed throughput as other options on this list

Subscription plan may put some users off

#6 Tenda Nova - Best Cheap Mesh Networking System

Pros

Super cheap price of entry

Decent performance for the cost

Sleek design

Cons

Power isn’t great

Coverage could be better

#7 TP-Link Deco - Best Mesh Network Under $200

Pros

Dedicated backhaul-channel enabled

MU-MIMO enabled

Comprehensive antivirus/firewall options

Cheap

Cons

A bit slower than the competition

#8 Eero Home WiFi System - Best Mesh Router for Easy Setup

Pros

Sleek design

Low profile external nodes

Simple to set up and use

Cons

Pricey for what you get

Coverage could be better for the cost

What is a Mesh Router?

How Much Should You Expect to Spend on a Mesh Router?

Mesh Router Buyers Guide

Below are the top features you should look for in a mesh router.

2.4GHz and 5GHz

This is the big one. Not all mesh systems are made alike, and some may only feature a single bandwidth for you to stream and download your favorite content on.

Some mesh systems break down the setup

MU-MIMO

This is a newer feature that’s only been added to most routers (traditional and mesh) within the past few years, but ever since crashing onto the scene it’s become a near essential.

High Bandwidth Rating

Solid Onboard Software/Easy Setup

One of the main reasons why most consumers would want to choose a mesh routing system over a traditional router or router+range extender is ease of setup and a solid onboard software option.

Stylish Design

Mesh routers do away with the big blocky routers of yesteryear with their huge, gaudy antennas sticking off all sides thanks to the technology that makes the whole thing work.

Enough Range to Cover Your Whole Home

The range factor will ultimately come down to your budget, your home size, and the base power rating of the mesh networking system you choose from the list above.

[/ft_alert]

Mistakes to Avoid

The Top Questions About Mesh Routers Answered

The article Best Mesh Routers 2018 See more on: Gadget Review (GR)

Best Mesh Routers 2018 published first on http://www.gadgetreview.com/ Best Mesh Routers 2018 posted first on http://www.gadgetreview.com/

0 notes

jennifernail · 6 years

Text

Best Mesh Routers 2018

3 Best Mesh Routers Compared 2018

#1 Linksys Velop - The Best Mesh Router for the Money

Pros

Functional, minimalist design

Decent performance at short range

Extremely user friendly

Cons

No 2.4GHz/5GHz channel separation

Slow speeds at distance

Ridiculously high price for the 3-pack

#2 AmpliFi HD - Top Performing Mesh Router

Pros

Clean, thoughtful design

Solid performance at all ranges

Intuitive setup and app UI

Cons

Software was missing many core features

HD model could be pricey for some

#3 Google WiFi - Best Mesh Router for Stylish Homes

Pros

Seamless software integration

Simple setup

Decent range/power

Cons

Might be too expensive for some larger home owners

No web-based app

#4 Netgear Orbi - Top MU-MIMO Mesh Router

Pros

Alexa-integration support

Tri-band radio

High-bandwidth backhaul

Cons

Less nodes might mean less coverage depending on your layout

A bit bulkier than other units

#5 Plume SuperPod - Longest Range

Pros

Small, discreet pods

Large number of nodes included in the default package

Innovative pricing system if purchased through the company’s website

Gorgeous design

Cons

Not as much speed throughput as other options on this list

Subscription plan may put some users off

#6 Tenda Nova - Best Cheap Mesh Networking System

Pros

Super cheap price of entry

Decent performance for the cost

Sleek design

Cons

Power isn’t great

Coverage could be better

#7 TP-Link Deco - Best Mesh Network Under $200

Pros

Dedicated backhaul-channel enabled

MU-MIMO enabled

Comprehensive antivirus/firewall options

Cheap

Cons

A bit slower than the competition

#8 Eero Home WiFi System - Best Mesh Router for Easy Setup

Pros

Sleek design

Low profile external nodes

Simple to set up and use

Cons

Pricey for what you get

Coverage could be better for the cost

What is a Mesh Router?

How Much Should You Expect to Spend on a Mesh Router?

Mesh Router Buyers Guide

Below are the top features you should look for in a mesh router.

2.4GHz and 5GHz

This is the big one. Not all mesh systems are made alike, and some may only feature a single bandwidth for you to stream and download your favorite content on.

Some mesh systems break down the setup

MU-MIMO

This is a newer feature that’s only been added to most routers (traditional and mesh) within the past few years, but ever since crashing onto the scene it’s become a near essential.

High Bandwidth Rating

Solid Onboard Software/Easy Setup

One of the main reasons why most consumers would want to choose a mesh routing system over a traditional router or router+range extender is ease of setup and a solid onboard software option.

Stylish Design

Mesh routers do away with the big blocky routers of yesteryear with their huge, gaudy antennas sticking off all sides thanks to the technology that makes the whole thing work.

Enough Range to Cover Your Whole Home

The range factor will ultimately come down to your budget, your home size, and the base power rating of the mesh networking system you choose from the list above.

[/ft_alert]

Mistakes to Avoid

The Top Questions About Mesh Routers Answered

The article Best Mesh Routers 2018 See more on: Gadget Review (GR)

Best Mesh Routers 2018 published first on http://www.gadgetreview.com/

0 notes

gadget-reviews · 6 years

Text

Best Mesh Routers 2018

Despite only having broken out onto the home networking scene a few short years ago, mesh routers have quickly become the preferred way that thousands of users set up a wireless network in their home. But with so many options to choose from (and so many of them being released in just the past year, making it difficult to tell which models stand the test of time), which is the best mesh router in 2018? After 30 hours of research, we've concluded that the Linksys Velop Mesh Networking system is the best mesh router of 2018, but why? Well it's no secret that for over 20 years Linksys (and their parent company Belkin) have produced some of the best routers in the business, including our #1 pick for best overall router the Linksys WRT3200 ACM. This is no different in the case of the Linksys Velop system, which combines ease of setup, powerful antennas, and a wide variety of features into a stylish and slim package.

3 Best Mesh Routers Compared 2018

#1 Linksys Velop - The Best Mesh Router for the Money

Pros

Functional, minimalist design

Decent performance at short range

Extremely user friendly

Cons

No 2.4GHz/5GHz channel separation

Slow speeds at distance

Ridiculously high price for the 3-pack

When we tested the Linksys Velop last year, we were impressed with many different aspects of its build, design, and setup process. Firstly, the design itself is just about as minimal and unassuming as you can get, fine to blend into the background of your home rather than trying to take center stage in everything. Sure the nodes might be a bit bigger and bulkier than what you would get out of similar mesh systems like the Tera Nova, but what the Velop lacks in slim profiles it more than makes up for in performance and power at its rates ranges. Speaking of power, this is where the Velop truly shines. Although we did struggle to maintain consistent performance at the outermost ranges of the rated distance extension, the onboard AC6600 MU-MIMO, 2.4GHz/5GHz radio pumped out more than enough bandwidth to handle the needs of a family of 10, if it needed to. Getting the Velop running was also a breeze thanks to the dozens of innovations that Linksys has made to the overall setup process, making it one of the most user-friendly and feature-rich routers we've tested to date. Related: Mesh WiFi vs Router - Pick the Right One But all that power and simplicity comes at a hefty cost: $299.99 for the two pack, and nearly $450 for the three pack, which means that if you're looking for something cheaper with just a few less features we might recommend going with one of the other options listed below.

#2 AmpliFi HD - Top Performing Mesh Router

Pros

Clean, thoughtful design

Solid performance at all ranges

Intuitive setup and app UI

Cons

Software was missing many core features

HD model could be pricey for some

From the outside, nothing about the AmpliFi HD's sleek, slim, and downright gorgeous looks would give you any hints about the beast of a router that's hiding in wait underneath. The AmpliFi HD takes style and function to a whole new level with its small box main hub that features a tasteful (and helpful) onboard LCD display. This screen displays anything from the time to the current upload/download speeds you're getting depending on your preference, and man, are those download speeds something to talk about. In our tests not only was the AmpliFi punching way above its weight class in its range, but its performance simply blew the doors off the place without even breaking a sweat. When left unchecked on the 5GHz band, the AmpliFi HD achieved scores of 534Mbps down/368Mbps up, which makes it one of the single fastest routers we've ever tested flat out. That said, one area where the AmpliFi HD was still lacking a bit was on the software side of things. The company has since added several of the features we dinged it for not having during our review (QoS, Parental Control, Guest Access), but they're also slow to bring the router into the future with more nuanced options like port forwarding and DMZ options. All that said, unless you're a hardcore geek for these types of configuration options the AmpliFi HD marries style, price, and power into an ultra-sleek package that anyone can set up in minutes.

#3 Google WiFi - Best Mesh Router for Stylish Homes

Pros

Seamless software integration

Simple setup

Decent range/power

Cons

Might be too expensive for some larger home owners

No web-based app

Like everything Google does (except Google+, we don't talk about that anymore), the Google WiFi mesh networking system combines the best elements of its competitors while also adding its own dose of Google flair on top of everything. According to the company's specs, just a single Google WiFi node (only $99) can cover a home as large as 1500 sq. ft, while adding two additional nodes on top of that ($299) will get you a whopping 4500 sq. ft of total coverage. Related: What is Mesh? Understand before you buy The Google WiFi app is both simple to use and configure, making it easy for the non-tech savvy users out there to completely setup their home network to work exactly the way they want it and protect their network from outside threats. Google WiFi also comes with a nifty extra feature called Network Assist, which automatically switches to the band and channel that's most optimized for the device you're trying to connect from. This means you'll never be left getting less than optimal speeds compared to another mesh networking system, and have a huge jump over traditional routers attached to extenders or repeaters instead. The one (admittedly pretty small) drawback of the Google WiFi home mesh networking system is its lack of any sort of web-based interface. The entire routing network is handled and configured from Google's own WiFi mobile application for iOS and Android, which means desktop or laptop warriors will be left out of luck if they want to change a new setting on the fly while they're disconnected from the primary network at work, for example.

#4 Netgear Orbi - Top MU-MIMO Mesh Router

Pros

Alexa-integration support

Tri-band radio

High-bandwidth backhaul

Cons

Less nodes might mean less coverage depending on your layout

A bit bulkier than other units

The Netgear Orbi is the long-awaited mesh system released by one of the biggest networking giants in the world, and for the most part, the wait was well worth it. Using just two satellite nodes the Netgear Orbi can cover homes as large as 5000 sq. ft, which gives it the best bang for the buck power/range value of any router on this list. Netgear also brings the mesh system into the 21st century with its Alexa integration that lets you control every aspect of your home wireless networking experience just with your voice. There's nothing quite like yelling out "Alexa, kick my kids off the internet for the night" and having the parental controls boot up in a few seconds seemingly almost by magic. There's also a lot to be said about the tri-band high-bandwidth backhaul technology included with the Orbi, which as far as we can tell, is unique to Netgear's mesh networking system alone. This configuration guarantees that your devices never drop connection or lose power depending on where they're connecting from in the house, which feeds into the MU-MIMO capability to provide a truly one-of-a-kind browsing, streaming, and downloading experience. The only drawback that bears mentioning here is the bulkiness of the Orbi units, which, when stacked against other options like the Plume below can seem downright massive by comparison.

#5 Plume SuperPod - Longest Range

Pros

Small, discreet pods

Large number of nodes included in the default package

Innovative pricing system if purchased through the company's website

Gorgeous design

Cons

Not as much speed throughput as other options on this list

Subscription plan may put some users off

While most mesh networking options on this list might include two, maybe three nodes per system by default (with the option to add additional nodes on for a price), the Plume SuperPods have gone with the "more is more" ethos, including six pods in your basic Plume kit. This means that you can truly customize your mesh networking experience, throwing a pod in just about every room where you plan on browsing the internet and then some. Probably the single best part about this approach (aside from the increased, even coverage of the signal) is that if you're a gamer or heavy streamer, every pod also comes with the option to plug your device into the pod using a direct Ethernet hookup. For gamers this means less latency, less dropped packets, and more throughput overall when you're in the heat of battle and need every bit of ping you can muster in the moment. Not only that, but Plume has also made strides to make its system more affordable, offering a monthly subscription plan which subsidizes the cost of the hardware. But it's not all good. The subscription plan is required if you want to access features such as parental controls and QoS, which means that no matter what, even if you buy all the hardware up front for the full cost, you won't be able to unlock the Plume's full potential unless you pony up for an extra fee each month.

#6 Tenda Nova - Best Cheap Mesh Networking System

Pros

Super cheap price of entry

Decent performance for the cost

Sleek design

Cons

Power isn't great

Coverage could be better

If there's one trend you might have already noticed on this list, it's that no matter which mesh networking system you decide to go with, you should expect to spend in the upper $200-$500 range to get the full experience of everything that mesh routing has to offer. Not so with the Tenda Nova kit, which brings the cost of a three-node system down to an almost suspiciously low $99 out the door. Too good to be true? Well, kind of. Sure the Tenda Nova doesn't have all the latest tech and suffers from the dreaded "backhaul" traffic problem thanks to its limited radio (where the speed of the extended nodes can suffer if the first node is hogging all the available bandwidth), but all that said the system does still put out a respectable amount of zip when used under the most optimal conditions. All in all we can't fault the Nova Tenda for what it's lacking when you get a gander at that price point. This system undercuts even the closest competition by a factor of almost half, which means that if you're shopping for a mesh networking solution on a budget and need something that'll work in a pinch, there's nowhere else to go except with Nova.

#7 TP-Link Deco - Best Mesh Network Under $200

Pros

Dedicated backhaul-channel enabled

MU-MIMO enabled

Comprehensive antivirus/firewall options

Cheap

Cons

A bit slower than the competition

It should come as no surprise that TP-Link, the dark horse of the routing industry over the past few years, would bring their same flair for power, performance, and feature-rich production to its newest and best mesh networking system to date. The TP-Link Deco takes all the best elements of routers the company has released in previous years and combines them all into a subversively powerful and feature-rich package. Whether it's the dedicated backhaul-channel support thanks to the tri-band radio or the slew of onboard parental control, QoS, and firewall options, just about everything you could possibly want out of a router and a mesh system is ready to go in the Deco - all at a price that just skates under the $200 mark if you go with the available 2-node option.

#8 Eero Home WiFi System - Best Mesh Router for Easy Setup

Pros

Sleek design

Low profile external nodes

Simple to set up and use

Cons

Pricey for what you get

Coverage could be better for the cost

Above all else, the eero Home WiFi system holds the title of being one of the very first mesh networking systems to market, and has still managed to maintain its place as one of the best ever since. Originally launched as a Kickstarter project by a tech geek who was tired of troubleshooting his family's WiFi problems, this little mesh networking system launched an entire industry that it continues to dominate both in sales and in innovation. The eero comes with most of the standard features we've come to expect out of mesh networking systems like MU-MIMO and comprehensive configuration settings in the eero app, but what it gains on these fronts it loses a bit of ground when you consider the price. At $400 the eero Beacon system is one of the most expensive systems on this list, and the coverage isn't as impressive as what you'd get with smaller systems like the Orbi. That said, if you want one of the best mesh routers on shelves today, you simply can't go wrong with the original that helped to define the entire genre that followed it.

What is a Mesh Router?

A mesh router is a new type of networking hardware that replaces traditional routers with a series of smaller, often much more stylish "nodes" which make up a "mesh" of coverage around your home. Mesh networking works by creating an ad-hoc link that stretches from node to node, removing the need for additional accessories like range extenders and routing repeaters to get a powerful and consistent signal to every area of your home completely unimpeded. Mesh systems are often preferred by customers with larger homes or those who want to browse in areas that can present challenges for less powerful traditional routers. This includes browsing in areas like your backyard, basement, or attic, and can also make it easier to get a more consistent signal to all of your devices at once no matter where you're trying to surf from in the home.

How Much Should You Expect to Spend on a Mesh Router?

The one drawback that most of you've probably already noticed from the list above is that when compared against traditional routers, mesh networking systems can cost quite a bit more out of pocket. This is because physically you're paying for more hardware, with most mesh systems including at least two nodes and many going up to five nodes to get complete coverage around your home. Because of this, you should expect to spend at least $50 - $200 more than you would for a competing traditional router, though in our opinion if you live in a large home there's simply no better way to go for getting the most out of your local wireless network. Some options like the Tenda Nova are still relatively affordable with each three pack costing just a little under $100, though this can quickly add up when you need more than three nodes to get complete range and power coverage. Comparatively other options like the eero Pro will set you back a staggering $500 for the same three pack, and it's in situations like these where you really need to break down all the features you're looking for and if the Tenda Nova covers them all, consider going that route instead.

Mesh Router Buyers Guide

Below are the top features you should look for in a mesh router.

2.4GHz and 5GHz

This is the big one. Not all mesh systems are made alike, and some may only feature a single bandwidth for you to stream and download your favorite content on.

Some mesh systems break down the setup

MU-MIMO

This is a newer feature that's only been added to most routers (traditional and mesh) within the past few years, but ever since crashing onto the scene it's become a near essential.

MU-MIMO, or "Multiple-In, Multiple-Out" fixes this problem with some clever directional routing techniques that stream a consistent number of packets to every device simultaneously. This can be vital if you're say, trying to stream a movie on Netflix from your Smart TV while you and your kids are on your phones/tablets at the same time all gathered on the same couch.

High Bandwidth Rating

As broadband speeds continue to increase around the globe, you'll want to make sure you have a router that's both future-proof and can handle the output of a full family all streaming, gaming, and downloading at the same time.

Solid Onboard Software/Easy Setup

One of the main reasons why most consumers would want to choose a mesh routing system over a traditional router or router+range extender is ease of setup and a solid onboard software option.

This section also covers the onboard features of a mesh system. Some mesh routers are (as we mentioned before) almost too simplistic, and don't carry many of the more advanced configuration options we've come to expect on routers like parental controls, QoS settings, port forwarding and more. Be sure that when you scan the feature set of the router you plan to buy that it also includes everything you want in this space, or at least a promise from the company that they plan to patch those features in within six months of your purchase.

Stylish Design

Mesh routers do away with the big blocky routers of yesteryear with their huge, gaudy antennas sticking off all sides thanks to the technology that makes the whole thing work.

Because mesh systems don't need to use external routers and spread the load of the work to multiple units, these routers can be significantly more stylish and well-designed than their larger counterparts. Some options like the AmpliFi HD and Google Home are quite simply the most beautiful, well-designed routers we've ever seen, traditional or otherwise.

Enough Range to Cover Your Whole Home

Finally, we come to the issue of range. As we spoke about before, you'll want to be sure that you're carefully checking the manufacturer's website and spec list to build the perfect mesh system that's custom-tailored to your home and layout.

Not only that, you'll also want to maximize what you get for your money. This means pushing every node in the network to its absolute limit of range from the main hub, while also giving just enough slack to prevent signal drops and power loss.

The range factor will ultimately come down to your budget, your home size, and the base power rating of the mesh networking system you choose from the list above.

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Mistakes to Avoid

Going With Mesh Routers When a Standard Router Will Do: Even though it might be tempting to go exclusively with a mesh routing system since they're the newest hottest product on the block of home networking, realistically they're only designed for a specific subset of the consumer market. This includes users who have large homes or struggle to maintain a reliable signal throughout their house when they move from one end to the next, but may not make as much sense for those living in apartments. Apartments and smaller homes (generally those under 2500 sq. ft) can be serviced fairly well by a standard router (which can cost significantly less than a mesh router), but of course you may also want something that's less obtrusive and more stylish than a traditional router, which is where a mesh system might still be the better choice.

Spending Too Much: Another common mistake that first-time mesh router buyers might make is pretty much the opposite of not buying enough antennas -- buying too many! Again, you'll be able to find the ratings for specific mesh systems on the manufacturer's websites that will effectively break down exactly what kind of setup you'll need to cover your specific house layout and device count.

The Top Questions About Mesh Routers Answered

The article Best Mesh Routers 2018 See more on: Gadget Review (GR)

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