What is a mesh network?
A mesh network is a wireless network that enables devices to communicate with each other over a shared network. A mesh network uses a series of interconnected nodes to extend the range of a single router or access point, creating a more extensive, robust network. The most common example of a mesh network is a local area network (LAN) or home network, but they can also be found in public places, such as coffee shops, hotels, and airports.
Wi-Fi mesh networking is the latest buzzword in the tech world. Many wireless mesh-networking kits are out there, but not all are as easy to set up and use as others. This article discusses the 3 best wireless mesh-networking kits available out there today.
Best Wi-Fi Mesh-Network Kits
1. TP-Link AV600 Powerline Adapter Wi-Fi Kit, Wi-Fi Booster/Hotspot/ Extender (TL-WPA4220 KIT)
2. BT Whole Home Wi-Fi, Pack of 3 Discs, Mesh Wi-Fi for seamless, speedy (AC2600) connection
3. Devolo MESH 2-2400 Wi-Fi 5 Starter Kit, 2x Magic Mesh Wi-Fi 5 Adapters, 4k/ 8k UHD Streaming, Stable Home Working
#1. TP-Link AV600 Powerline Adapter Wi-Fi Kit, Wi-Fi Booster/Hotspot/ Extender (TL-WPA4220 KIT)
Product Description
The TP-LINK AV600 Powerline Adapter Kit enables high-speed Internet access to your home or office with Wi-Fi. With a range of up to 300Mbps (download speed), the TP-LINK Powerline AV600 Home Wi-Fi Adapter extends the Internet coverage to your home or business. Connecting your devices with two Ethernet ports (included), the TP-LINK Powerline AV600 will give you fast Internet speeds for multiple devices.
Features
- Super-fast powerline Speed: The HomePlug AV standard is a new type of powerline technology. It’s ideal for Ultra HD streaming and online gaming and comes with a range of up to three hundred meters and 1000 feet over existing electrical wiring.
- Wi-Fi Auto-Sync for Unified Wi-Fi Network: You can easily copy your network name and password from your router by pressing the Wi-Fi button. Wi-Fi Sense helps to keep your devices secure and connected. Wi-Fi settings in your home will be synced to the new extender automatically.
- Two Fast Ethernet Ports for Wired Connections: The TL-WPA4220 wireless router offers two high-speed Ethernet ports and can run multiple wireless networks simultaneously for devices like smart TVs, PCs, and game consoles 2. Ethernet cables are included in the box.
TP-Link Powerline WiFi Extender - Powerline Adapter with WiFi, WiFi Booster, Plug & Play, Power Saving, Ethernet over Power, Expand both Wired and WiFi...Amazon.com
Pros
- Setup is easy
- It did speed up the Mbs in our Wi-Fi black spot
- Speeds are excellent
- Pairing the device was very straightforward.
Cons
- Cloning the SSID from the hub to the unit via WPS doesn’t work
Customer Review
It has straightforward instructions to follow for setup. It was set up in less than 5 minutes and now has Wi-Fi in all rooms, where previously could not get a signal. Very pleased with the product.
#2. BT Whole Home Wi-Fi, Pack of 3 Discs, Mesh Wi-Fi for seamless, speedy (AC2600) connection
Product Description
With whole home Wi-Fi, mesh Wi-Fi, and the convenience of an app, BT Whole Home Wi-Fi is a powerful combination. It provides fast, reliable (AC2600) internet throughout your home, wherever you are. You’ll be connected quickly and easily in the living room, bathroom, or bedroom. The new mesh technology, combined with a range of antennas, ensures every corner and space in your home is covered. BT Whole Home Wi-Fi gives you a reliable connection throughout your home. You can be connected wirelessly anywhere in your home.
Features
- Bedtime Controls: BT Whole Home Wi-Fi lets you control your home’s Wi-Fi network from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Create a schedule to control Wi-Fi access for users and groups of devices to ensure you don’t have a screen in your bedroom at night.
- Secure Guest Network: With Access Control, you can easily share details via the app, see which devices are connected, and block any device you do not recognize. The mesh network technology ensures that the connection stays secure and stable and keeps out external interference.
- Intelligent Wi-Fi technology: Intelligent Wi-Fi technology connects you to a fast and strong signal as you move from place to place. The latest mesh-networking technology gives you a quick, secure wireless network.
BT Whole Home Wi-Fi, Pack of 3 Discs, Mesh Wi-Fi for seamless, speedy (AC2600) connection, Wi-Fi everywhere in medium to large homes, App for complete...Amazon.co.ukCreate Your Free Price Drop Alert!Set Alert for BT Whole Home Wi-Fi, Pack of 3 Discs, Mesh Wi-Fi for seamless, speedy... -
Pros
- The discs give an excellent stable signal for streaming
- The signal quality is amazing
- Setting up was very easy with the phone app
Cons
- The inbuilt app disc placement detector
Customer Review
I had been struggling with TPLinks for 5 years, and it constantly disconnected/randomly stopped working/had dead spots, and a range of 10 meters. I then got this mesh system and 3x the speeds with low ping and no disconnections. I highly recommend it. Very easy to set up too.
#3. Devolo MESH 2-2400 Wi-Fi 5 Starter Kit, 2x Magic Mesh Wi-Fi 5 Adapters, 4k/ 8k UHD Streaming, Stable Home Working
Product Description
The Devolo MESH 2-2400 Starter Kit with Wi-Fi 5 (Wi-Fi 5 Advanced Mesh Networking) is ready for the future of home connectivity. Enjoy ultra-fast wireless speeds of up to 2400Mbps using Mesh Wi-Fi 5 technology designed to connect your devices. This kit also includes 4 x Gigabit Ethernet ports and a robust and reliable Powerline backbone that allows for faster data transfer speeds, providing stable, uninterrupted service throughout your home.
Features
- High-speed mesh performance: The two Wi-Fi adapters are provided for a high-performance wireless network at speeds up to 1200 Mbps in every corner of your home. The Mesh Network Adapter has a built-in Powerline adapter that works with your electrical wiring to provide a faster, more reliable network connection.
- For unimpaired performance: Connect the adapters to your router and disable the router Wi-Fi, and you will enjoy a solid performance boost because the old router Wi-Fi will no longer slow down your state-of-the-art end devices.
- Expand your mesh network: Devolo Wi-Fi adapters are compatible with all Wi-Fi routers, Devolo magic adapters, and devices that can access Wi-Fi networks. Some HomePlug adapters, including the Devolo outdoor Wi-Fi powerline adapter, are incompatible with the Dylan.
![devolo Magic 2 LAN triple Powerline Starter Kit | 2000 Mbps | G.hn Wave 2 | 2 Passthrough Adapters | 4x Gb LAN Ports [3+1] | Plug & Play | 1,600 ft. Coverage | Best for multimedia use](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61+mBUIPC+L._SS520_.jpg)
devolo Magic 2 LAN triple Powerline Starter Kit | 2000 Mbps | G.hn Wave 2 | 2 Passthrough Adapters | 4x Gb LAN Ports [3+1] | Plug & Play | 1,600 ft. Coverage...Amazon.com
Pros
- Nice and compact
- Most of the setup was automatic
- The signal is reliable and strong
Cons
- These adaptors get very hot very quickly
Customer Review
I bought this set because it was cheaper than a single unit to replace an older one from another manufacturer. Easy to set up and good throughput for both wired and wireless, which I need to extend coverage in an old house with thick walls.
Is Mesh Wi-Fi Better?
A mesh networking kit includes two Devolo Wi-Fi adaptors. They are made to work with each other and connect with your router. A mesh network is better for improving your home’s Wi-Fi coverage than an extender. Mesh networks are more intelligent, work better, and give your Wi-Fi network a much more extended range than an extender.
How to choose a Wi-Fi mesh?
If you want to find the best Wi-Fi mesh networking kit, you should consider the following factors:
- Budget
- Fully wireless household
- Security features
- App control and configuration features
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best Wi-Fi mesh networking kit is the one that has the best price, the best features, and the best support. The best Wi-Fi mesh networking kits are the ones that have a reasonable price, a good feature set, and good customer support.
Wi-Fi mesh networks can provide much more connectivity than a traditional Wi-Fi setup and can be used for all sorts of purposes. Mesh networking is growing in popularity because it is a cheap and scalable way to extend a wireless network. This type of home network has become necessary in smart homes and other high-traffic areas.
TP-Link Deco Powerline Mesh WiFi 6 System (Deco PX50), Covers up to 6,500 sq.ft, Replaces Routers and Extenders, Signal Through Walls and Floors, Compatible...
Amazon.com
NETGEAR Powerline Adapter + Wireless Access Point Kit, 1000 Mbps Wall-Plug, 1 Gigabit Ethernet Ports (PLW1000-100NAS), 1 Gbps Kit - Wireless
Amazon.com
Tenda Powerline WiFi Extender (AV1000) - Powerline Ethernet Adapter with Dual Band WiFi, Gigabit Port, Plug & Play, Power Saving, Ideal for Smart TV, Online...
Amazon.com
TP-Link Powerline WiFi Extender (TL-WPA7517KIT) - AV1000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter with Dual Band WiFi, OneMesh, Gigabit Port, Ethernet Over Power, Plug &...
Amazon.com
