Home Wi-Fi has become increasingly necessary for just about everyone. Having a reliable internet connection is no longer a luxury – with more people working from home and children participating in hybrid learning environments, access to basic internet services is crucial.
There are various home network systems on the market, but finding the right one to suit your needs may be challenging. Your home network should be fast, always available, and reliable.
Mesh Wi-Fi is a relatively new type of Wi-Fi setup that can benefit you and those who use devices in your household. Mesh Wi-Fi systems can provide you with advantages that a traditional Wi-Fi router or wired connection cannot.
Below, we’re going to learn more about mesh Wi-Fi vs. a wired network connection, some of their advantages and disadvantages, and how you can decide which type of networking will work best based on your home internet needs.
Basic Overview of Mesh Wi-Fi
Mesh Wi-Fi is a modern internet system that links two or more access points called nodes. One access point is the router or base station and connects to the modem for an internet connection.
The other nodes are satellites that receive internet access from the base station. The nodes then rebroadcast it to nearby devices extending the signal quality to devices located farther and farther away from the base station. All of the units in a mesh Wi-Fi setup share data back and forth and help fill any gaps in your home internet coverage.
Several big players in the consumer market, such as Google and Netgear, offer home mesh Wi-Fi systems. They’re easy to set up, perform well, and provide a stable and reliable internet connection across all the rooms in your home.
Pros and Cons of Mesh Wi-Fi
Below, we’ll discuss some of the pros and cons of a mesh Wi-Fi system. Here are some benefits:
Streamlined connections: A mesh-router system doesn’t require constant reconnection as a traditional router would. Mesh systems help you avoid lags in your connection.
Tight security: Home mesh-router kits come with enhanced security, and you can usually set them up for automatic firmware updates that remove bugs or patch security issues.
Easy network management: Most mesh systems are automated and easily managed through a smartphone app. You can usually scan your internet speeds, cut off Wi-Fi access to certain networks, set up guest networks, and test the quality of your connection with the mesh network’s app.
However, there are some cons you should consider before using a mesh Wi-Fi system:
Expensive: Most mesh-router kits cost around $200 or more, and if you add more satellites, it could cost you between $100 and $600 per unit.
Wasted resources: Small homes may not need a mesh-router system, as it would be overkill. If you don’t deal with connectivity issues or if you don’t heavily depend on a strong internet connection, mesh routers are a bit excessive.
More equipment: To take advantage of mesh connectivity and its advantages, you’ll need to place multiple pieces of equipment around your home, which will necessitate more available electrical outlets.
Now that we know more about mesh Wi-Fi, let’s explore how it compares to wired networking.
What Is Wired Networking?
The most popular form of wired networking is Ethernet, which is powered by local area network (LAN) technology. Ethernet is essentially a hardwired connection to the internet. It comes in several varieties, such as Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and 10-gigabit Ethernet.
It’s stable, reliable, and more secure compared to a wireless connection. However, it is typically less accessible and more costly for you.
Ethernet does not rely on radio waves for a connection, thanks to its use of cables such as Cat 5 or Cat 6. These cables tether a device to an internet router to allow for data transfers.
Ethernet connections are a bit outdated compared to a wireless networking setup. Still, they can be very useful for specific applications, such as video streaming and conferencing.
Pros and Cons of Wired Networking
Below are some of the benefits and drawbacks of using a wired network instead of a mesh-router system or traditional wireless router.
Here are some benefits of using an Ethernet network:
Speed: Ethernet cables send information back and forth almost instantly, meaning an Ethernet connection is typically much faster than Wi-Fi.
Security: Unless someone is connected to your Ethernet network, they won’t have access to your network, meaning it’s generally more secure than Wi-Fi.
Stability: Tethered Ethernet cables provide more stability than wireless frequencies.
And here are some of the drawbacks of using an Ethernet connection for your home:
Transportability: Using hardwired, physical Ethernet connections means you may not be able to move from one location to another or from one device to another.
Cost: It can be expensive to expand an Ethernet connection, and it may take a significant amount of time and energy to do so. It may be simple to outfit a residential home with an Ethernet connection. Still, other buildings like offices or campuses may require more effort.
Accessibility: Nowadays, most devices do not have built-in Ethernet ports, and it can be more difficult to add other users to an Ethernet network.
Overall, mesh Wi-Fi and Ethernet networks are two viable options if you’re looking to reap the benefits of internet connectivity. They both come with advantages and drawbacks depending on your home internet needs and what type of activities you do online.
Are Wired Networks Worth Using in 2022? What About Mesh Networks?
While there’s a lot of hype surrounding mesh Wi-Fi networks, they may not be necessary if you live in an apartment or small home. If you live in a medium or large-sized house, a mesh Wi-Fi network could be extremely beneficial.
Also, consider the unprecedented number of people working from home now – most industries had to adapt and enhance their communication methods to support a remote workforce. If you work from home and want to avoid any lags in your internet connection, a mesh network would be a good choice.
If having a stable connection is a concern for you, using a wired network is your best option. A hardwired connection is typically faster than any wireless connection and more reliable. Keep in mind that you may not be able to change locations in your home, and some modern devices have ditched Ethernet ports altogether.
Finding a Wi-Fi Setup to Suit Your Unique Needs
Both mesh Wi-Fi systems and an Ethernet connection suit most people and their varying internet needs. We’ve discussed the pros and cons of each and provided some basic scenarios where they would come in handy.
Mesh Wi-Fi will likely become more popular, whereas Ethernet is outdated and not as widely used for home internet service. Consider which type of internet connection would best suit your home.
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