A mesh network is used by Google Nest WiFi. In essence, it connects to your current router to give you a reliable Wi-Fi connection across your house. The concept is that when you change rooms, you automatically transition to the new network node without having to physically change networks.

If you have a large house, then a mesh network solution is a great option to invest in. It might be best for you to simply get a more powerful router.

Since mesh wifi network devices are made to be expandable, you can use many of them in your home. You can stream in the bedroom and kitchen while kids play video games in the basement, thanks to its ability to manage more devices and any Wi-Fi congestion or competition for bandwidth.

How does the Nest Mesh WiFi Network Operate?

In essence, you employ a number of these “nodes” around your house to form a single network. While you turn off the router’s built-in wireless signal, the principal node connects directly to your modem, which is often the router your ISP provides.

The remaining nodes are then powered up and placed in ideal spots throughout your house, and the Google Home app is used to configure everything.

Once completed, you will have Wi-Fi access in every room, including the basement and bathroom. Consider Google Nest Wifi as a system that can be expanded for more coverage. Instead of one router, numerous routers work together to create a speedy network across your house.

It effectively provides mesh network-like coverage to prevent connection dark spots. The routers determine which one of them your device has to be linked to in order to maintain this seamless connection because of how the mesh network operates.

You won’t need to manually choose the secondary node in your phone’s Wi-Fi settings menu if you go upstairs or to the rear of the house since coverage shouldn’t drop off.

How many nodes are required?

Google recommends starting with a single Google Nest Wifi for a house of up to 1,500 square feet. Nevertheless, we advise updating your router instead if you’re only going to utilize one.

If you want much more coverage, a mesh network may be quite useful. If your building has more than one level, it is worthwhile to purchase at least two of them: one for the first floor and one for the bottom floor. A three-pack set from Google may cover up to 4,500 square feet.

Advantages of a Mesh Network

No Downtime

If a node’s signal becomes temporarily weak, devices will immediately switch to another node that is producing a stronger signal, ensuring that users experience no downtime.

Easy Installation

Mesh network setup simply requires plugging nodes into power sockets and the use of a mobile app to start up. The biggest problem could be figuring out where to put the main router node, which should be as close as possible to the cable modem or current router.

Scales well

Mesh networks also have the benefit of allowing consumers to transfer coverage without the need for extra hardware by just moving a node to a different room. Devices close by will be able to detect the connection, facilitating more seamless communication. However, adding more nodes is all that is necessary to increase mesh Wi-Fi coverage.

Multi-Device Support

When every device in a standard home Wi-Fi network is connected to the same main router at the same time, latency problems can happen. Yet, in a mesh network, devices connect to the node that is nearest to them or has the greatest connection.

Disadvantages of a Mesh Network

Low-Cost Alternatives

Customers look for cheap alternatives to mesh networks, such as Wi-Fi repeaters and extenders, because mesh networks are expensive. Repetition of an existing signal from a Wi-Fi router gives price-conscious users a workable alternative to increasing coverage.

Unrealistic for Low-Broadband Areas

Mesh networks need fast bandwidth, so they are not a good choice for people who live in rural areas or in countries that are still developing. Mesh Wi-Fi vendors and service providers will be at a disadvantage because they won’t be able to get into most global markets quickly. For these customers, the best way to get more Wi-Fi coverage will be to use repeaters and extenders.

A Risk is Data Hopping

A mesh node will move on to the next node if it cannot connect with the previous one until it reaches the main router. This data hopping makes communication difficult. And the more nodes that are put within the home, the more data hopping that will occur, leading to performance problems. This drawback suggests that multi-hop installations for wireless mesh networks should be avoided.

Having considered the pros and cons of a mesh network, you are one step closer to deciding if the investment is appropriate for the demands of your work or home related Wi-Fi needs.