Mesh network: three systems on trial promising full Internet coverage
16.3.2017
Translation: machine translated
Are you looking for a simple solution to get WiFi throughout your flat? Then a mesh network could be the ideal solution. I irradiated my flat with three models and here's what I came up with.
The WiFi network is a pesky subject. Those who have a flat with lots of nooks and crannies or a house and want a reliable Internet connection won't get far with a normal router. A few thick walls or a single storey are enough to drastically reduce transmission speed and network quality. Since not everyone wants to run cables, many people opt for a wireless solution. A suitable solution can also be found with additional repeaters. However, repeaters generally use the same frequency band for receiving and sending and divide it in two. This can reduce performance by up to 50 per cent.
Mesh networks promise a simple and reliable solution. They use several bands so that each client (mobile, laptop, etc.) has several available. Using this method, clients will, in theory, suffer no loss of performance, regardless of which satellite or router they are connected to.
Most mesh network systems are available as a starter set with a router and a satellite. Additional satellites are purchased separately and can easily be integrated into the existing network. Out of the box, they provide WiFi coverage with no loss of connection as you move from room to room. I tested the performance and ease of use of three systems.
Google Wifi
As Google WiFi lacks European certification, we are unfortunately not selling this product until further notice. But we still used this interesting little device for testing.
Installation
Model. Simply connect power (USB C) and the network cable, install the app and off you go. In just a few steps, the app guides you through the settings. Scan the barcode on the router again and the network is ready to use. If you're looking for a simple network and don't need any configuration, you'd be well served with this device if we sold it. With its sober design and small size, it fits perfectly into any flat. However, it's not the best performing appliance in the test.
Performance
This is where the disadvantages of the small size show themselves. I certainly had network throughout my flat, but the speed was below my expectations. But it also has to be said that I was only using the base station. I didn't have a satellite at my disposal.
Linksys Velop
Both devices can be used as routers or satellites. The point of placing such and such a tower in such and such a place is therefore secondary. Optically they are more or less sober and not too big. So they don't need to be hidden, like my Asus router for example. The latter looks like a UFO from bad sci-fi movies.
Installation
As with Google Wifi, an application must be installed on the mobile to get it up and running. It takes you step by step through the process. I found it a pain to have to make an account. Admittedly, Google also asked for one, but almost everyone already has one. Otherwise, the settings were done quickly and I was perfectly able to ignore the remark about having to disconnect the existing modem or router first. But everything worked straight away. Only the satellite, named Node, connected on the second try.
From the app, you can make all the current network settings. For more in-depth changes, as always, you need to connect from the browser (type 192.168.1.1 in the address bar).
Performance
When testing speed and reception throughout my flat, Velop showed itself at its best. Whether in the bathroom, bedroom or on the balcony, the connection was extremely stable and the download speed belonged to the best.
Netgear Orbi
Holy Moly! What is this monster? The Netgear satellite router duo is huge. Each white brick is as big as my old router, which I banished to a shelf for this very reason. I wouldn't call it discreet. The majority of people will certainly hide these things. Which can have an influence on the connection.
Installation
But let's start with the installation. Connect the power and the Internet and choose the mobile or laptop network. As with WiFi at the hotel, a window from the site in question opens and guides you through the settings. An app is also available as an option, but is not essential for installation. On the other hand, coloured rings on the device tell you if there's a problem or if everything's running smoothly. The router is quickly configured. Only the satellite was a little reluctant at first. If it doesn't let you add it during installation, you can press the Sync button on the router and satellite afterwards. That's how I went about it.
Performance
For performance, it looks like size does pay off. The connection and speed were always great. Even when I locked myself in the bathroom, the measurements barely changed. Only my Asus router was still ahead with its huge antennas.
Comparison table
For comparison, I had a 250 Mbit line from UPC. To measure performance with the smartphone I used the Speedtest- and Wifi-Analyzer applications. In the table are listed the values for the 5GHz network. The test with the laptop gave similar results.
Conclusion: practical and reliable
Out-of-the-box solutions like mesh networks are a reliable way to fully connect your home. No annoying cables or complicated installations to spoil the fun. All the models we tested could be installed quickly and without any major complications. Every corner of my large 4.5-room flat had a strong WiFi signal. With the exception of the Google WiFi, the speed of all the devices was consistently high. All lost power on the balcony and often lost half their performance on the balcony.
For installation, Google Wifi leads the way. The app guides you quickly and easily through the set-up process. The other candidates were also installed more or less quickly. Optically, I like the cylindrical Google Wifi the best. Unfortunately, you pay for the design with average performance. The Orbis, on the other hand, are huge, but don't require any additional software for installation. Linksys is somewhere in the middle. The positives are the size and the good performance, unfortunately a Linksys account and an application are required. All devices have their pros and cons. I hope I've been able to help you choose.
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Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
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