Top 5 Best Mesh WiFi Router And Modem Combo

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There’s a new, amazing, and free way to get internet and development done. And that’s through mesh networking. Mesh networking is a new way of networking that uses big data and machine learning to perform all the processing for the network. You can think of it like a big data platform. With this platform, you can build a model that can handle the huge data sets that come with building a better internet. This is what makes mesh networking so amazing – it can do all the processing for the network, and still provide great web and development experiences.

There are many different Mesh routers on the market, and they all have their own strengths and weaknesses. But one thing they all have in common is that they are all able to connect to the internet and work with development tools like Node.js and Express. Here, we’ll show you how to create a very simple web project using a mesh router and some development tools.

tplink deco x20 mesh wifi router system
  •  coverage up to 5,500 sq. ft
  • speeds of up to 1167 Mbps
  • connections for up to 100 devices.

Pros

  • Reasonably priced.
  • Easy to install and manage.
  • Strong parental controls.

Cons

  • Lacks malware protection.
  • Middling satellite performance.

The Deco M4 has three vertical cylinders that are each 7.5 inches tall and 3.6 inches in diameter, while the Deco M9 Plus and Deco M5 systems utilise low-profile circular nodes. Two gigabit LAN ports are located on either side of the nodes’ grillwork, which is white and has black grillwork. On the bottom, you’ll find a power socket and a reset button.

Since the hardware in each node is the same, it makes no difference which one you use as your primary router. Dual-band 802.11ac circuitry provides simultaneous data streaming, Beamforming (direct-to-client signal transmissions), automated band steering, TP-Deco Link’s Mesh Technology, and Ethernet backhaul, among other features.

The 2.4GHz band has a maximum data rate of 300Mbps, while the 5GHz band has a maximum data rate of 867Mbps. Amazon Alexa voice commands and IFTTT (If This Then That) applets are supported by the Deco M4 but not the Deco M9 Plus’s home automation features. When a new device joins to your network, an IFTTT applet can turn on a Philips Hue light. You can also use Alexa voice commands to switch on and off guest networking.

Installing the Deco M4 couldn’t be easier. My first step was to download the smartphone app, then choose Deco M4 from the drop-down menu. Restarting my modem and attaching a Deco router to it were as per the instructions. When the LED started pulsating blue, I connected to the network using my phone’s Wi-Fi settings. Finally, I went to the app and validated my connection. The Deco router was quickly located. A network name and password were generated, and I specified where it should be located (my bedroom, office, kitchen, etc.). I then selected my internet connection type (DHCP). It took a few seconds for the app to conduct the connection test once I linked my phone. In order to add a second node, I hit the Add Another Deco button and followed the same procedure. I was all set to go after a fast firmware upgrade.

When it came to throughput, the Deco M4 router performed well, while the satellite’s performance was just passable. As far as close-proximity (same room) tests go, the router’s result of 480Mbps surpassed the Linksys Velop Plug-In router and was only a hair slower than the D-Link COVR 2202. At 546Mbps, the TP-Link Deco M9 Plus router is still the fastest Wi-Fi system router we’ve tested. A speed of 342 Mbps was recorded on the Deco M4 router during the 30-foot test. 230Mbps was achieved by the Deco M9 Plus router, 210Mbps by the COVR 2202 router, and 181Mbps by the Velop Plug-In router.

2. NETGEAR – AC1200 Router with 16 x 4 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem

tplink deco x20 mesh wifi router system
  • AC1200 dual-band Wi-Fi router
  • Gigabit Ethernet and USB 2.0 ports
  • 128-bit AES encryption with PSK

Pros

  • Connection quality
  • Home use
  • Set up

Cons

  • Downloads

The R6220 ($129.00 at Amazon UK) is somewhat larger than most of the other cheap routers that we’ve tested, such as the Tenda F3 N300 Wireless Router ($129.00 at Amazon UK), the D-Link DIR-842, and the Amped Wireless High Power Wireless-N 600mW Gigabit Router (R10000G)($129.00 at Amazon UK). The top panel has LED activity indicators for power, Internet, Wi-Fi, wired ports, USB, and WPS, all in glossy black. Two radio bands are supported by the router’s 880MHz MediaTek CPU. The 2.4GHz band has a theoretical maximum throughput speed of 300Mbps, whereas the 5GHz band has a theoretical maximum throughput speed of 867Mbps. On the back panel, there are four gigabit Ethernet connections, an Ethernet WAN port, a Reset button, and a WPS button. It includes a USB connector, but it’s USB 2.0, not USB 3.0, so you can’t attach a speedier storage drive or printer to it.

The Netgear Genie Web portal or the Genie mobile app for iOS and Android smartphones may be used to operate the router. Internet settings, such as Dynamic or Static IP addresses, DNS addresses, and MAC addresses, may all be found under the system’s basic menus. There are options for WPA, WPA2, and the WPA/WPA2 Enterprise option, and the Attached Devices page shows all the devices connected to the router, including both wired and wireless ones. A USB printer and storage devices may be set up in the ReadyShare page while a separate restricted access network can be set up in the Guest Network screen.

Simply connect the R6220 to your computer and the Internet and you’re ready to go. You’re presented with the option of letting the Netgear Genie conduct the configuration of your router, or doing it manually. If you choose yes, the genie will begin a Setup Wizard that will test your Internet connection and guide you through the DHCP and basic wireless setting processes. It’s time to get into the nitty gritty of managing your router’s settings.

R6220’s throughput was outstanding for a low-cost router. At 74.1Mbps on our 2.4GHz close-proximity (in the same room) test, the D-Link DIR-842 (75Mbps) and Tenda F3 (48.5Mbps) fared substantially better than the Amped Wireless R10000G and the Tenda F3 (59.2Mbps). It was somewhat quicker than the D-Link DIR-842 (41.5Mbps), the Amped Wireless R10000G (38.6Mbps), and the Tenda F3 with a 30-foot test score of 48.3Mbps (40.6Mbps).

3. ASUS – ZenWiFi AX1800 Dual-Band WiFi 6 Mesh Wi-Fi System

tplink deco x20 mesh wifi router system
  • Memory: 256MB
  • Storage: 256MB Flash
  • Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax), dual-band 2×2 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz

Pros

  • Easy to hide away
  • Affordable
  • Good Wi-Fi coverage

Cons

  • Can be tricky to set up
  • Poor parental controls
  • No wired backhaul

Among the many things we enjoy about the ZenWifi AX Mini’s satellites is that they are so little and light weight. Because they appear like little Bluetooth speakers, you won’t have to deal with unsightly Wi-Fi antennae or bulky wires. They’re available in either white or black.

It’s vital to note that although if the three units seem to be identical, they are in fact distinct. The router is the only node with a WAN port (which is clearly indicated) where you may plug in your Internet connection. In addition to the two routers with WAN ports, there are two satellites with just a LAN port each.

Wired backhaul support may be achieved by using either the LAN port to connect a device or by running a cable directly to the router node for improved speed support. In order to link the router’s two satellite nodes, you’ll need a switch, since the router only has one spare LAN port available. It’s a hassle and an extra expense, but if you want the finest connection across wide areas, this is a must-do. You can’t share devices or storage media on your network with this router since it doesn’t have a USB port.

When we used the ZenWifi AX Mini as our main Wi-Fi network for a week, none of the devices linked to it experienced network dropouts or pauses. Although we didn’t use a wired backhaul in our system, network speeds were still adequate.

We suggest deploying at least one additional satellite node in addition to the primary router for the greatest possible coverage. Wi-Fi coverage in our 600-square-foot apartment was straightforward to achieve with just one satellite node and one main router. The ZenWifi AX Mini maintained a solid connection even when playing music in the bathroom with the door closed.

This model comes with a few compromises in terms of security. Instead of the correct filtering restrictions that we’ve seen on other Asus routers, the parental controls on this model just let you turn the internet off at specified hours.

To prioritise network traffic from certain apps, you may utilise the Quality of Service (QoS) option, however this should only be used by more experienced users. For example, if you want to prioritise FTP or P2P traffic, you may do so by using the router’s web site to narrow down which apps and types of traffic should be prioritised. Inexperienced users may be baffled by this feature, while more advanced users will enjoy it.

4.NETGEAR – Orbi Tri-Band AX4200

tplink deco x20 mesh wifi router system
  • Supports Up To 6 Gbps
  • AX4200 WiFi Router Built-In
  • No Voice

Pros

  • DOCSIS 3.1 & 3.0 Capable
  • coverage for up to 5,000 sq. ft
  • Connected 40+ Devices

Cons

  • Expensive

At least from a technical sense, this unit’s setup was straightforward. In order to utilise the Orbi app on your mobile device, you must first establish up your own Wi-Fi network connection by scanning a code on the Orbi unit itself, just like any other new wireless network. Aside from the initial set-up, you don’t need to maintain your machine connected to a network beyond that point.

If you have a small or big house, this is a powerful router and mesh system that provides rapid network access across your home (and even outside). As long as you buy two units, this system works best for optimum coverage, and you’ll be able to access all of your gadgets from wherever in your home. If your house is tiny and you don’t need coverage everywhere, one unit should be plenty.

You may easily place this on a desk if you need to have it close at hand at work. Instead of being something you’d like to look at every day, it has the appearance of a little piece of medical equipment.”

You won’t find the stated speeds here if you’re seeking for them. In my tests, I saw no significant difference in speed or range between this router and existing wireless routers. Since this device is part of a mesh network, as opposed to a standard router/access point, there are different expectations for performance. Using the 5GHz frequency, I was able to cover my whole flat with only one device. In order to get the best results with this product series and the 2.4GHz band, you’ll need two units.

5. Linksys – Hydra Pro 6 AX5400

tplink deco x20 mesh wifi router system
  • 2,700 Sq. ft Coverage
  • Connected 55+ Devices
  • USB wireless Adapter

Pros

  • Fast file-transfer performance
  • Solid 6GHz throughput
  • Mesh capable

Cons

  • Middling 2.4GHz throughput
  • Limited parental controls

Like the Linksys Max-Stream Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Router MR7350, the Hydra Pro 6E has a similar design. In addition to the four fixed antennae, it includes a black cabinet with a textured top and measures 2.3 by 11.0 by 6.6 inches (HWD). While utilising WPS to connect to a device, the glossy black front sports a single LED status indicator that blinks blue to indicate that it is connected and operating correctly and solid red to indicate that it has lost its internet connection.

You’ll find a WPS button on the right side of the router, as well as four Gigabit LAN ports, an Ethernet port, and USB 3.0 on the back of the router. There are also power jacks and a power button on the back of the router. Quad-core CPU and RAM and flash memory are found in the device’s inside.

This router is capable of connecting to both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands, as well as the 6GHz radio band, with the Hydra Pro 6E (your client devices must support 6E to identify and connect to the 6GHz band). However, it only provides 160MHz bandwidth on the 6GHz band, and it doesn’t allow link aggregation like Netgear’s RAXE500. Wi-Fi 6’s 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) technology includes OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), 1024 QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation), WPA3 encryption, direct to client broadcasts (beamforming), and MU-MIMO simultaneously streaming data. However

You can get up to 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band with this AX6600 router, and up to 1,200Mbps on the 5GHz band with this AX6600 router. When used in conjunction with other Linksys Velop-compatible routers and nodes, it may serve as a mesh router or node.

The Linksys mobile app for Android and iOS may be used to administer the Hydra Pro 6E. In the Dashboard section, you can see the name of the network, the number of devices connected to it, and the number of routers or nodes. To get a list of all of your customers and which band they’re on, go to the Devices panel. It is possible to activate Device Prioritization and Parental Controls for an individual client by tapping on the client. The TP-Link Archer AX11000’s parental controls include the ability to block websites, suspend internet access instantaneously, and set up access schedules. It’s also lacking anti-malware technologies that safeguard your network and customers from phishing, virus, and spyware threats.

A button for Ookla’s Speed Test application is located just below the Device and Router panels, and a list of the last five clients to connect to the network is located just below that.. If you keep scrolling down, you’ll come across a panel with links to the Parental Controls and Guest Network settings screens.

How to choose the best mesh router for you(Buying Guide)

Finding the right mesh Wi-Fi system starts with deciding whether you even need one. 

Coverage: 

If you live in a house with more than 3,000 square feet, you’ll need a router that can handle the traffic. A similar situation applies to residences with many floors and irregularly arranged layouts, whose range patterns don’t always match those provided by most routers on their own. No matter how well-suited a standard wireless router seems to your home, there are a variety of impediments and signal disturbances that may make it impossible to get robust Wi-Fi coverage across your whole house.

The general rule of thumb is that mesh Wi-Fi systems are preferable if your router leaves you with dead patches throughout your house or even in your yard.

Speed:

 Picking the right mesh Wi-Fi system is much like any other Wi-Fi device. Our reviews look at design, range and throughput performance,  setup, and which settings you can adjust. We look at security protections and parental controls. We even look at whether a mesh extension is easy to adopt into your home decor, or whether it’s something you’ll want to tuck away out of sight. Any of our reviews will dig into these aspects of a product, and will also highlight any unique features you may want to consider in your decision making, like whether you want voice interaction, or how well a mesh solution pairs with other connected devices in the home.

Ports: 

Though wireless connectivity is the main thing you want from a mesh Wi-Fi kit, you’ll also want to think about wired connections. Ethernet offers faster connectivity for devices like game consoles and smart TVs that use more bandwidth, and USB ports are handy for attaching a printer or storage to your network. But not every mesh system has physical ports, so make sure you get a system that will meet your needs.

How we test mesh routers

We use Ixia’s IxChariot software to assess each mesh router’s performance and range. Multi-story house with brick walls is used for testing. Real-world information concerning coverage and speeds may be obtained by testing at a distance, much as with ordinary routers. In addition to testing in the lab, we also look at the device’s simplicity of use and features.

To determine the router’s maximum data transfer capacity, we conduct our tests at a 5-foot distance away from any obstacles. Higher throughput is preferable for data-intensive applications like streaming video, gaming, or connecting several users at the same time.

The router’s maximum useful range is determined by its range. If you have a lot of space in your house, a longer range is excellent. At 5, 50, 75, and 100 feet, we assess how much data a router can transport and the maximum coverage area of a mesh system.

In addition, we check each router’s ability to broadcast and receive signals through drywall, brick, concrete, and even metal walls, as well as its ability to cover a two- or three-story house. Detailed testing of mesh routers is carried out to see how effectively each system performs while transmitting a signal via the main router and its satellites.

Franklin Lee
Franklin Lee
Articles: 88

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