WiFi Extender vs WiFi Mesh: Which One is Better?

WiFi infrastructure has become an affordable option for providing fast, secure, and stable internet for everyone. But not all WiFi systems can provide universal coverage for the entire, there are always some dead zones on the premises, frustrating your efforts to cater to the internet needs. The time-tested solution to address these dead zones is the deployment of either a WiFi extender or WiFi mesh. However, it is not always easy to choose the best device to meet your needs. Therefore, we have written this blog to help you understand the ins and outs of WiFi extenders and WiFi Mesh, it will go a long way in allowing you to make a well-informed decision.

What is a WiFi Extender:

As the name suggests, a WiFi extender helps you enhance the coverage of your WiFi signals coming from the router. They pick up signals, amplify them, and rebroadcast them into a specific area. In this way, they eliminate the dead spots in your WiFi system.

Besides, WiFi extenders, there are WiFi repeaters and WiFi boosters. All three have the same functions, but they are different slightly from one another.  For further you can read WiFi Extenders Vs. Booster, Repeater.

WiFi Extenders offers both pros and cons.

WiFi extenders are affordable and easy to deploy. They are essentially plug-and-play devices. The downside of deploying extenders is that you need to switch over manually from one network to another. Therefore, are also not suitable for larger houses or offices.

Here are the best WiFi range extenders:

• TP-Link AX1750 Wi-Fi 6 Range Extender

• Netgear AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Extender (EAX15)

• TP-Link AX1500 Wi-Fi 6 Range Extender (RE505X)

• TP-Link RE600X AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Range Extender

What is a WiFi Mesh System:

Unlike WiFi extenders, the WiFi Mesh system comprises several nodes, dubbed as satellites or repeaters. These nodes work together to extend WiFi coverage for the entire area. Furthermore, each node is connected with the help of a single network, therefore, no different WiFi systems are created. Also, to make a single network with your existing modem via ethernet which as a result can replace the wifi router. Moreover,  to get the most out of your mesh network your other mesh system node or router node should be placed within the range of nodes.

Advantages of Using WiFi Mesh System:

• They are suitable for big houses or workspaces; they can enhance your WiFi reach without any adverse impact on network speed. 

• They are capable of self-organization, keeping you to the nearest possible node having the strongest signals. 

• They offer redundancy, you can continue having a robust WiFi connection even if one node fails or you can also add more nodes to scale the network up. 

• WiFi Extenders are easier to set up and configure. They are almost plug-and-play devices.

• Since no new network is created in the WiFi Mesh system, you don’t need to switch your network manually to enjoy WiFi connectivity uninterruptedly. They create a single network.

• They are suitable for large homes, providing seamless WiFi coverage for the entire home.

• They also support Smart Tech capabilities for optimizing traffic.

WiFi extenders suffer from some drawbacks as well. For instance:

• They consume power because each node requires more power than an individual range extender.

• WiFi Mesh devices are more expensive than other repeaters, boosters, or extenders.

WiFi Extender vs WiFi Mesh: Which One is Better for Your Needs

Here is a quick overview of WiFi extender vs WiFi mesh.

1- Deployment and Configuration:

Setting up a WiFi extender is simple. You can simply put your device in a power socket and here you go! WiFi extenders are ready to work. WiFi mesh is comparatively complicated. You need to configure every satellite or WiFi extender. This may end up taking some time. WiFi mesh manufacturers usually come up with user-friendly apps to make setting up and configuring WiFi Mesh easy.

2- Coverage:

Coverage of both WiFi mesh and WiFi extender differs considerably. WiFi extenders can extend coverage to an area of 300-2,000+ square feet. This makes them suitable for only small or mid-size homes and offices. 

WiFi Mesh can provide coverage to an area of 2,000-5,500+ square feet. You can also extend them with additional new modes. Therefore, WiFi mesh systems are suggested for large homes and workspaces.

3- Scalability and Flexibility:

Scalability and flexibility are another major factors differentiating WiFi extenders and WiFi mesh systems. WiFi extenders can not be extended easily. Each device needs to be connected to the router, either wirelessly or through wired. This makes it challenging to add more WiFi extenders to your home. 

The WiFi mesh system is easy to scale up. It is very easy to remove or add new nodes, you can simply expand the capacity of your network without creating a new network system. This leads to seamless transitioning from one network to another.

4- Affordability:

When it comes to affordability, WiFi extenders are the clear winner. They are undoubtedly cost-effective and don’t cost you much. WiFi mesh solutions are expensive and need some technical expertise to maintain them, leading to overall maintenance costs. 

Can We Help You?

Morgan Ingland LTD. is one of the most prominent IT firms in the UK, specializing in offering the widest range of networking equipment including routers, modems, WiFi range extenders, network cables, and more. We deal in every brand manufacturing WiFi range extenders such as TP-Link, Netgear, D-Link, Linksys, and more. Contact us and enhance your internet experience with our top-rated and cost-effective WiFi Signal Boosters.