What is Router or Mesh Network?

So that the speed of Wi-Fi and network coverage meet users' needs, ordinary Wi-Fi networks may not be enough. That is, the old model with a single router no longer works if you have many devices connected or many rooms in the house or apartment. That's where the Router or Mesh Network.

How do mesh networks work?

Typically, a Wifi network or wireless works as follows: connected by modem telephone operator (VIVO, Claro, NET, etc.), the internet goes to the router or home transmitter antenna, which sends this signal to devices that are in its coverage area, such as a computer, cell phone or smart TV.

This type of basic structure suffers from several problems, such as poor signal quality, blockage by walls or pipes in the house, and equipment congestion. That's why the Wi-Fi signal can "get well" in the living room, but not reach your room.

In the past, this problem was solved by installing devices repeaters (wifi repeaters, in English). But they often had lower download and upload capabilities than the main router and were often more complicated to set up.

It is to solve this problem that the Mesh routers and networks. They are devices sold in kits of 2 or 3 identical routers, which also work as Wi-Fi signal repeaters. Here, simplicity reigns: you plug in the socket, connect one of them to the operator's modem and configure the rest through apps on your Android smartphone or iPhone.

Also called “mesh structure”, Mesh network distributes the signal evenly to each repeater-router, with intelligence to understand if your PC or cell phone is close to one of these points, directing the most powerful signal to it.

In this way, Mesh networks and routers are an excellent solution if you need to increase the coverage of your home Wi-Fi network and have multiple devices connected at the same time, such as smartphones, gaming PCs, video games and TVs with 4K streaming.

What are Mesh Routers?

Each jump point in a mesh network is composed of a mesh router. Similar to Wi-Fi routers, the difference in this equipment is that it will always seek the closest point to your end device, such as a cell phone or computer, thus ensuring the best connection.

Furthermore, one of the main advantages of Rede's mesh is in the ease of installation and configuration. You buy the kit with 2, 3 or more routers, install a point connected to your operator's modem and the others in nearby rooms.

Some routers, like the Google Wi-Fi (yes, from Google itself), they alert you if the second Wi-Fi point was installed too far from the main one. And there is an installation step-by-step, which you can follow directly in the app. Google Home on your smartphone Android ou iPhone, to mount your Wi-Fi network at full power.

Through the app you can also check the quality of the connection, set access passwords and find out which devices are connected. You can even create a second Wi-Fi network for visitors, with limited access.

What are the advantages over traditional routers and repeaters?

The main advantage of Mesh routers over traditional routers and also repeaters is that in standard Wi-Fi networks the traffic is centralized, while in a Mesh network this traffic is configured in a distributed and intelligent way.

With a traditional router, all wireless traffic will depend on this single access point. With a Wi-Fi Mesh system, there are multiple access points and intelligence in choosing the best point. This fundamental structural difference can allow mesh routers to offer better speeds, coverage and reliability.

In addition, Mesh Wi-Fi systems are next-generation Wi-Fi 5 ou 6, making use of the 2,4 ou 5GHz, with at least four transmit/receive streams (two in each band), providing greater speed and network capacity. Take the opportunity to know a little more about the Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E standard in this post.

Maximum distance or radius of Wi-Fi signal?

The level or total coverage of each Mesh router model varies depending on the Wi-Fi standard and signal strength present in it. While higher quality models can cover up to 400m², others only reach 100m², enough for a small apartment. This total radius can still be impaired by metals and thick walls.

When choosing the model, remember that not only the low price counts. Look for “full coverage” in the specs and prefer models with the latest Wi-Fi standard (WiFi 5, 6 or 6E). For apartments and small houses, kits of 2 or 3 Mesh routers are enough.

What are the ideal connection speeds?

You also need to keep in mind that a mesh network structure will not, by itself, make your Internet connection faster. This also depends on the internet data plan contracted with your operator.

Traditional houses, with 1 to 3 residents, do not need more than one 100 Mbps or 100 Mega broadband plan, and the fiber optic internet option is always better. This is also enough for streaming 4K movies or playing multiplayer games (ask your carrier if you notice connection issues).

For each type of need, there is an appropriate connection speed that will provide a smooth and lag-free experience. For more information, consult your telephone company:

• Browsing websites to watch videos online: up to 15 Mb / s
• Watch 4K videos and streaming services: from 15 Mb / s a 35 Mb / s
• Enjoy online games and download large files: from 35 Mb / s

For those who have a broadband internet plan of 100 Mega or higher, it is recommended to buy Mesh routers from at least 1200 Mbps. We will list some models below.

The best Mesh Router to buy today

There are already several options on the market for mesh routers compatible with this concept, passing through models of traditional companies in this market, such as TP-Link, ASUS, D-Link, intelbras e multilaser and even by giants from other sectors, such as Google and the chinese Tenda.

Below we list some of the best mesh models that can be found on the market. The list is organized according to the bandwidth (Mb/s) that each of the routers supports, according to their configurations.

Mesh routers up to 1200 Mbps

The mesh routers that we will list below can achieve a bandwidth of up to 1200 Mbps, when we add the speeds that its two frequency bands can reach: 300Mbps for 2.4GHz e 867Mbps for 5GHz. Note that, as it is a higher frequency, 5 GHz will offer you a higher bandwidth (and consequently a higher connection speed), but the signal range will be lower and limited.

Twibi Fast and Intelbras

If you don't have a big house and aren't willing to invest heavily in a mesh router, intelbras offers a more affordable option for your budget but that does not disappoint in terms of service quality. The Intelbras Twibi Fast mesh router is a kit consisting of 1 or 2 units that can cover an area of ​​up to 200 m² (although the user can extend this coverage with 6 more units and have a strong and constant signal until 600 m²). In addition, this model is recommended for users with Internet plans of up to 100 Mb and who want to connect up to 40 devices simultaneously.

About Sistema Wi-Fi Mesh Twibi Fast da intelbras is ideal for those who want to have a strong and constant Wi-Fi signal throughout the environment, ensuring that their devices are always with the best possible connection!

Technical specifications of Intelbras Twibi Giga mesh router:

• Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz up to 1200 Mbps.
• Ports (per router): 1 10/100 Mbps Fast LAN port and 1 10/100 Mbps Fast LAN / WAN port (each unit)
• Memory: 128 MB of RAM
• Price: R$510,00 (2 units)

Twibi Giga by Intelbras

the mesh router Twibi Giga da intelbras is similar in functionality to the model listed above, with the kit containing two units and a system that allows for the addition of up to six extra modules. In addition, it offers a strong and constant Wi-Fi signal throughout the room, with two units capable of covering up to 360m² and supporting 60 connected devices at the same time! This model is highly recommended for users who have Internet plans above 100 Mb.

Technical specifications of Intelbras Twibi Giga mesh router:

• Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz up to 1200 Mbps.
• Ports (per router): 1 Gigabit 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN port and 1 Gigabit10 / 100/1000 Mbps LAN / WAN port (each unit)
• Memory: 128 MB of RAM
• Price: R$424,90 (1 unit)

RE010 Cosmo by Multilaser

the mesh router RE010 Cosmos da multilaser It's ideal for homes with thick walls where your router's signal doesn't reach every room.

The device has easy configuration through applications to iOS e Android and the kit consists of two units of the Cosmos, a primary and a secondary that simply extends your network.

Technical specifications of Multilaser RE010 Cosmo mesh router:

• Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz up to 1200 Mbps.
• Ports (per router): 1 Fast Ethernet 10/100 WAN/LAN port AND 1 Fast Ethernet 10/100 LAN port (per unit)
• Dimensions (per router): 90 90 x x 90mm.
• Price: R$409,00 (2 units)

Deco M4 from TP-Link

the mesh router Deco M4 from TP-Link uses a system of units to achieve perfect Wi-Fi coverage for the whole house, eliminating areas with weak signal. A pack of two Deco M4 offers Wi-Fi for an area of ​​up to 260m².

Deco M4 offers fast and stable connections with speeds up to 1167 Mbps and can handle the most demanding network traffic, providing lag-free connections for up to 100 devices.

TP-Link Deco M4 Mesh Router Technical Specifications:

• Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz up to 1200 Mbps.
• Doors: 1 Gigabit LAN port and 1 Gigabit LAN / WAN port
• Memory: 16 MB of flash memory
• Dimensions: 90.7 mm x 190 mm
• Price: R$1.026,00 (2 units)

Deco E4 from TP-Link

Similar to the previous model, the mesh router Deco E4 da TP-Link uses advanced technology mesh deco, where units work together to form a unified network with a single name. The devices automatically switch between Decos as you move around your home, giving you the fastest speeds possible.

a kit Deco E4 with two pieces provides Wi-Fi for an area of ​​up to 250m². And if that's not enough, just add more Decos to the network at any time to increase coverage.

TP-Link Deco M4 Mesh Router Technical Specifications:

• Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz up to 1200 Mbps.
• Doors: 1 10/100 LAN port and 1 10/100 LAN / WAN port
• Memory: 16 MB of flash memory
• Dimensions: 90.7 mm x 190 mm
• Price: R$832,18 (2 units)

Tenda's new MW12

O New MW12 is a complete home mesh networking system designed for medium to large families with high-speed broadband service. powered by technology mesh tent, it creates a distributed network with multiple nodes throughout your home. A package of 3 MW12 devices can cover up to 500m².

Technical specifications of Tenda's Nova MW12 mesh router:

• Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz up to 1200 Mbps.
• Ports (per router): 3 10/100 Ethernet ports.
• Dimensions (per router): 100 100 x x 100mm
• Price: Not officially released in Brazil

Tenda's new MW6

the mesh router New MW6 was created with true Mesh technology, with three units that together cover up to 550m² with an extremely strong Wi-Fi signal. the smart technology auto-path selection provides an even faster connection for all environments.

Technical specifications of Tenda's Nova MW6 mesh router:

• Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz up to 1200 Mbps.
• Ports (per router): 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Dimensions (per router): 100 100 x x 100mm
• Price: R$799,94 (3 units)

Tenda's new MW3

O New MW3 is another bet of Tenda for Wi-Fi Mesh. The device, in its three-piece kit, is capable of covering an area of ​​up to 200m².

A Tenda also provides the kit with three routers New MW3, with this additional router the company says that the coverage area reaches 300 m². The configuration is done by a dedicated app and there is support for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

Nova MW3 mesh router technical specifications:

• Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz up to 1200 Mbps.
• Ports (per router): 2 10/100 Ethernet ports.
• Dimensions (per router): 90 90 x x 90mm.
• Price: R$1.215,91 (3 units)

COVR from D-Link

In addition to using mesh technology, the COVR from D-Link works with the Google Assistant and Alexa to create a smart home Wi-Fi experience. He also owns smart roaming, a feature that creates a single network and allows automatic Wi-Fi network migration.

Technical specifications of D-Link COVR mesh router:

• Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz up to 1200 Mbps.
• Ports (per router): 2 Gigabit LAN / WAN ports.
• Dimensions (per router): 109 x 117 x 51 mm
• Price: R$1.439,00 (3 units)

Mesh routers of 1300 Mbps or more

Below, we list the models with the highest bandwidth available and that are highly recommended for very large homes, offices or for those users who use a high-speed connection and need to stream games and content in 4k. Most mesh routers in this section can achieve speeds between 600 Mbps e 750 Mbps on 2.4 GHz or of 1300 Mbps even impressive 2100 Mbps only using the frequency channel of 5GHz!

AC86-U to ASUS

The main advantages of using mesh router AC86-U to ASUS are the game accelerator WTFast incorporated and to Adaptive Priority Control (QoS) that offer lag-free online gaming and 4K UHD streaming. In addition, the powerful antennas of this model are capable of providing a strong and constant signal for large homes.

Technical Specifications of ASUS AC86-U Mesh Router:

• Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz up to 2167 Mbps.
• Ports (per router): 1 Gigabit WAN port and 4 Gigabit LAN ports
• Memory: 512 MB of RAM
• Dimensions (per router): 220 x 160 x 83.3 mm
• Price: R$2.372,42

AC68-U to ASUS

With the focus on users who are more demanding with the quality of their connection and speed stability, the mesh router AC68-U ASUS supports bandwidths of 1900 Mbps. In addition, the device has ahigh-performance antennas and ASUS AiRadar that eliminate “dead spots” in your home.

Technical Specifications of ASUS AC68-U Mesh Router:

• Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz up to 1900 Mbps.
• Ports (per router): 1 Gigabit WAN port and 4 Gigabit LAN ports
• Memory: 256 MB of RAM
• Dimensions (per router): 220 x 160 x 83.3 mm
• Price: R$1.424,05

Google Nest WiFi

Launched in 2016, with a circular and minimalist design, the Google Nest WiFi is sold in a standard kit with 2 or 3 routers.

With these three routers the Google says that it is possible to cover an area of ​​up to 418m². If you don't think it's possible to expand, adding new routers Google Wi-Fi structure, since mesh networks are essentially modular. In the American market, the standard kit contains three routers, but the product is not yet for sale in Brazil.

Google Wifi Mesh Router Technical Specifications:

• Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, AC1200 2×2 Wave 2 Wi-Fi (expandable mesh; dual band 2.4GHz and 5GHz); Bluetooth Smart ready
• Processor: CPU Quad-core ARM (nucleos of 710MHz)
• Memory: 512MB RAM
• Storage: 4GB eMMC flash
• Doors: 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports per router (1 WAN port and 1 LAN port)
• Dimensions: 106.1 x 68.7mm
• Price: Not officially released in Brazil yet

ASUS Lyra

Betting on wide coverage and network security, the Lyra is a mesh kit released by the Taiwanese ASUS last year. The standard kit with three routers offers a coverage area of ​​up to 550 m².

A ASUS says the Lyra works with three frequency bands, two at 5 GHz and one at 2.4 GHz. In terms of security, the company cites the resource AiProtection, which protects the network from cyber attacks.

It is worth making a special mention of how the ASUS treats some of its Mesh products. It is very likely that you will find some models mentioned as AIMesh, which is how the ASUS defines its refinements for Mesh products, promising to deliver even more performance.

Technical specifications of ASUS Lyra mesh router:

• Connectivity: 3x3 802.11ac with MIMO. AC1750
• Memory: 128MB of RAM and 32MB of flash memory (each unit)
• Doors: 1 Gigabit LAN port and 1 Gigabit LAN / WAN port (each unit)
• Price: R$3.792,00 (3 units)

Deco M5 from TP-Link

O Deco M5 is a mesh router that bets on a minimalist design, adopting a router pattern that doesn't look like that traditional scheme we're used to.

The standard kit also includes three routers, capable of covering an area of 400m², when they are operating together. Both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands are supported. The management of the network can be done by application, which even has parental control options, allowing you to block sites and content inappropriate for children, messaging applications and social networks.

TP-Link Deco M5 Mesh Router Technical Specifications:

• Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
• Processor: Quad core CPU.
• Memory: 512MB of RAM.
• Doors: 2 Gigabit ports per unit, 1 USB Type-C port, Bluetooth 4.2.
• Dimensions: 120 x 38mm.
• Price: R$1.799 (3 units)

And you, readers? Already use or intend to use the new Rede's mesh? Don't forget to comment!