![]() ![]() The throughput drop may not be an issue or noticeable if users will be doing general Web work or network browsing. In some cases, the throughput issue with mesh APs could be acceptable, especially given the data rates offered by 802.11ac. In a mesh WiFi configuration, you have to contend with significant bandwidth loss from one repeater to the next with every wireless link between mesh APs, throughput drops about 50% from what it is at the prior AP. For situations that require the highest throughput and fastest Wi-Fi speeds, traditional APs are likely a better fit. Throughput is one of the most important factors to consider before going with a mesh Wi-Fi network. Mesh allows you to more easily patch capacity holes or modify coverage. The same applies if there will be significant changes in the desired coverage area or levels. It’s also great for rented spaces, such as an office where there isn’t viable cabling.Įven if pulling cable isn’t a big issue, you still might consider mesh for networks where there's likely to be drastic building or environmental changes in the future. Mesh networks are ideal for temporary indoor or outdoor networks, such as for events and conferences at public venues. ![]() This could be the case with old or historic buildings, parks, and outdoor venues. Mesh is especially useful when it’s difficult or impossible to pull cables. ![]() Mesh installs can be faster and less expensive in environments where there aren’t any existing cables, for example. In certain cases it makes sense to consider deploying mesh, rather traditional APs, in the enterprise. When Wi-Fi mesh is a better fit than traditional APs So, if one mesh AP fails or the environment changes and negatively affects a wireless link, the wirelessly connected mesh APs are designed to find another mesh AP or a better path to a host AP. This helps make setup easier and provides better redundancy. The wireless links between APs are designed to be automated and offer self-healing multi-path links or hops. Many mesh APs have a dedicated radio for the wireless links between mesh APs, which allows the regular dual-band radios to serve Wi-Fi users. Mesh APs can wirelessly connect to mesh APs that have either a wired or wireless connection to the network. Furthermore, WDS links usually utilize the same radio and channel as regular Wi-Fi traffic, which can hamper Wi-Fi performance. Additionally, the number of wireless links between APs is limited, and security/encryption of the wireless APs can be complicated. The wireless connections to the host APs are generally static and require manual configuration of MAC addresses. WDS typically only allows you to configure APs to wirelessly connect to another AP that has a wired network connection. Mesh is basically a smarter version of WDS that’s easier to configure and deploy. Although both can extend a Wi-Fi network without running Ethernet to the APs, there are some crucial differences between the two technologies. Wi-Fi mesh technology is different from the wireless distribution system (WDS) feature supported by most routers and APs. Can Mu-Mimo really boost Wi-Fi capacity?.5 Wi-Fi analyzer and survey apps for Android.How enterprises can prep for 5G networks.8 free Wi-Fi stumbling and surveying tools.Larger networks require multiple mesh APs to be plugged into the network to support those that are connected wirelessly. Small mesh networks might require only a single mesh AP plugged into the wired network. Those that aren't plugged in get their network connection wirelessly from a nearby mesh AP. The idea behind Wi-Fi mesh networks is that not all the access points (AP) have to plug into the wired infrastructure. But there are Wi-Fi mesh solutions for the enterprise market as well, and advances in wireless technology have increased the viability of deploying enterprise mesh networks, particularly in settings where it's not practical to run cabling. Wireless mesh has been around since the early times of Wi-Fi, and it's getting more attention lately in the consumer world. ![]()
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