What is a Mesh Network vs Extender?
Google Nest Wifi, Netgear Orbi, Amazon EEro are all types of mesh network Wi-Fi systems. A mesh network is a group of devices that act as a single Wi-Fi network; so there are multiple sources of Wi-Fi around your house, instead of just a single router. These additional Wi-Fi sources are called points. In an extender setup, the wireless signal is simply "boosted" with the device rather than being a point to point connection.
Since the mesh devices are broadcast from each point around your house (and not just a single router), they can provide better coverage over a wider space. If you have a large house, you can add more points for additional Wi-Fi coverage. All points are connected to each other wirelessly. As long as they are within range, they can communicate with one another wirelessly without the need for a router or switch. This allows for fast and efficient data routing by allowing devices to connect to multiple wifi pods vs one router handling all the traffic.
But if you do want to use wired connections, you can. Make sure that your points are wired into a switch and that the switch is wired to the LAN port of the router or primary point (the one connected to your modem). The wired points will recognize the wired connection and route traffic over Ethernet.
Mesh Networks
What does a mesh network NOT do?
A mesh network will not change the speed or connectivity of your home router connection. This means your service provider will provide the incoming internet to your house and the mesh network will help maximize the connectivity throughout with all the devices needed in this day and age.
Mesh Install Options
The standard Mesh WIFI will REPLACE your current Wifi router as the device is designed to handle the internet and wifi connectivity.
The second option is a BRIDGE network which will help expand your current WIFI router wireless, but will limit the options available through the app control including device scheduling, etc. The bridge option must have 1 pod hard wired to the WIFI router.
The Mesh WIFI does NOT allow you to block individual websites, but does allow you to control turning devices on and off by schedule or on the fly. If you want something specific to track internet and block websites, see the Disney Circle +
WIFI Extender
The Wifi extender is a technology used to "boost" your wireless signal in your house and utilizes your current router and wireless signal. The standard device load on an extender is 12-15 devices.
Most Mesh installs take approx 1-4 hours depending on devices and current configuration.
CLICK HERE to fill out the @Home Mesh Network Questionnaire : https://forms.gle/WytPJuEHe7wycFnz8