Wi-Fi Showdown: Traditional Routers vs Mesh Networks - Which One Wins?

Traditional Wi-Fi Routers vs Mesh Setups: A Comparative Analysis In a recent experiment, ZDNET's home office team compared the performance of a traditional Wi-Fi router with a mesh setup to determine which one offers better coverage and reliability. The results show that while traditional routers can still provide adequate connectivity, mesh setups are the clear winner in terms of range and stability. The comparison involved setting up both types of networks in a 2,000-square-foot home office with multiple devices connected simultaneously. The traditional router used was a high-end model from Netgear, while the mesh setup consisted of three nodes from Google Wifi. Over the course of several days, the team monitored signal strength, speed, and overall performance. According to ZDNET's lead reviewer, "The mesh setup consistently outperformed the traditional router in terms of coverage and reliability. With multiple nodes strategically placed throughout the home office, we were able to maintain a strong signal even in areas with thick walls or farthest from the main router." Mesh setups have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their ability to provide seamless connectivity across large spaces. By using multiple nodes that communicate with each other, mesh networks can adapt to changing conditions and provide a more stable connection. However, traditional routers still have their advantages. They are often less expensive than mesh setups and require fewer devices to set up. Additionally, some users may prefer the simplicity of a single router over the complexity of managing multiple nodes. Industry expert and networking specialist, John Blevins, notes that "While mesh setups offer better coverage and reliability, they also introduce additional latency due to the need for each node to communicate with its neighbors. This can be a concern for applications that require low-latency connections." Despite these limitations, mesh setups are becoming increasingly popular among consumers and businesses alike. According to market research firm, IDC, "Mesh networking is expected to grow at a CAGR of 25% from 2020 to 2025, driven by increasing demand for reliable and high-speed connectivity in the home and enterprise environments." As the demand for fast and reliable internet continues to rise, mesh setups are likely to become an essential component of modern networking infrastructure. With their ability to provide seamless coverage across large spaces, they offer a promising solution for users who require high-performance connections. Background Wi-Fi routers have been the primary means of connecting devices to the internet for over two decades. However, as the number of connected devices continues to grow, traditional routers are struggling to keep up with demand. Mesh setups, on the other hand, use multiple nodes to create a network that can adapt to changing conditions and provide a more stable connection. Additional Perspectives Some experts argue that mesh setups may not be necessary for smaller homes or offices where traditional routers can still provide adequate coverage. However, as the number of devices connected to the internet continues to grow, mesh setups are likely to become an essential component of modern networking infrastructure. Current Status and Next Developments The market for mesh networking is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for reliable and high-speed connectivity. As manufacturers continue to innovate and improve their products, we can expect to see even more advanced features and capabilities emerge. *Reporting by Zdnet.*