IN THIS ARTICLE
The Challenges of Using Multiple WiFi Extenders
WiFi extenders (WiFi repeaters or WiFi boosters), rebroadcast the WiFi signal to eliminate WiFi dead spots. A WiFi Extender gives you additional internet coverage for one or two rooms. A WiFi extender can improve wireless signal strength and eliminate dead zones in smaller homes.
You can even use a second WiFi extender connected to your router by positioning your router in a central location and placing the extenders at opposite ends of your home. However, you may wonder about the worth of using multiple WiFi extenders, as there can be challenges, such as:
- WiFi extenders have limitations, especially in homes with thick walls and multiple floors.
- The extenders and main router may need separate SSID logins. You will need to reconnect devices as you move around your home.
- The WiFi signal can diminish significantly when connecting via an extender. Setup can get complex when using multiple extenders.
- First extender and second extender signals may overlap, causing wireless network interference. A range extender won’t give you whole-home WiFi coverage.
- The extenders can’t broadcast speed faster than your modem, router, or ISP.
Why Mesh WiFi is a Superior Option for Your Home
How Mesh WiFi Works
The uptake of home WiFi mesh systems in the UK is dramatic, and WiFi 7 is a game-changer for future-focused networking opportunities. Mesh WiFi includes the multi-gigabit main router and multi-gigabit router satellites that communicate as a whole home network. Each mesh router satellite provides a strong signal with a 360° wireless range for all your WiFi connections, upstairs and downstairs.
The wireless router satellites can be strategically placed around your home for optimal performance. WiFi mesh is the secret behind advanced smart home networks, where up to 200 devices such as laptops, gaming consoles, smartphones, and smart home applications can seamlessly connect.
Advantages of Mesh WiFi Over Extenders
Even the best WiFi extenders are limited in their capabilities compared to NETGEAR Mesh WiFi Systems. If your older extender struggles to keep pace with the latest technology, an upgrade to a NETGEAR Orbi Whole-Home Mesh System is the answer. Comparing dual-band WiFi extenders vs mesh for your new router is a no-contest. NETGEAR Orbi Mesh WiFi 7 Systems include new router technology that can easily handle the latest AI and VR programs. WiFi 7 delivers faster speeds, superior performance, and whole-home connectivity.
Choosing the Right Orbi Mesh WiFi System
WiFi tech fans in the UK consider NETGEAR Orbi Mesh Systems among the best available. NETGEAR WiFi 7 routers and mesh systems offer unparalleled internet speeds, lower latency, more bandwidth, and multiple Ethernet ports. NETGEAR Orbi 970 Series and NETGEAR Orbi 770 Series Whole-Home Mesh Systems are standout performers.
Orbi 970 Series
NETGEAR Orbi 970 Quad-Band WiFi 7 Mesh Systems are a quantum leap forward for home WiFi networks. Orbi 970 mesh systems include the main router and multiple WiFi 7 satellites that seamlessly communicate with each other. Orbi 970 mesh is great in homes of all sizes, and perfect for large homes with thick walls or challenging layouts. Orbi 970 Series Mesh features include:
- Speeds up to 27Gbps for streaming, gaming, video conferencing, and VR applications.
- Up to 8,200 sq. ft. of seamlessly connected internet coverage.
- Exclusive quad-band technology for greater bandwidth and less network traffic.
- 10Gbps & 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports, beamforming antennas, and 360° WiFi coverage.
- Establish a home network, guest network, and smart home Internet of Things (IoT) network.
Orbi 970 Whole-Home Mesh Systems come with NETGEAR Armor WPA3 encrypted security with VPN plus Strict Parental Controls. Orbi 970 allows you to connect in several ways: wirelessly; with Ethernet; or via USB ports for Bluetooth, Apple and Android smartphones, Amazon Alexa, and other smart home applications. Orbi 970 Mesh Systems offer the best WiFi coverage for large and expansive homes.
Orbi 770 Series
Orbi 770 Tri-Band WiFi 7 Mesh Systems include all the best WiFi 7 capabilities, making them perfect for medium-sized homes where performance and value are prioritised. A NETGEAR Orbi 770 WiFi Mesh smart home network can include laptops, smartphones, smart TVs, security cameras, home cinema & lighting, baby monitors, and more. Orbi 770 features include:
- WiFi speeds up to 11Gbps
- 6,750 sq. ft. of internet coverage for connecting up to 100 devices concurrently
- Tri-Band WiFi 7 technology with a 2.5 Gig wired backhaul option
- A 2.5 Gig internet port and 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports
- Easy setup and management with the Orbi App
Setting Up Your Mesh WiFi System
With such a broad range of routers and mesh systems available, NETGEAR makes it easy to select the best mesh WiFi router for your UK home. NETGEAR mesh systems can be expanded and adapted to suit homes of all types. However, the first step in setting up a whole-home WiFi mesh system is assessing the size and layout of your home. Follow these steps to set up in minutes.
1. Choose the right mesh network and number of satellites for your needs.
2. Find the best router and satellite locations in your home to avoid thick walls and obstructions.
3. Extend the satellite network if required.
4. Plug in your Orbi router and download the Orbi App.
5. Name and connect your Orbi router.
6. Plug in and name your WiFi satellite access points.
7. Finalise your setup.
Now you can connect seamlessly with all the devices in your home network, guest network, and smart home IoT network. There are loads of mesh WiFi benefits for better home coverage. WiFi 7 features include Target Wake Time for pre-programmed device use, and Strict Parental Controls to ensure safe browsing habits for your loved ones.
1. Can I use multiple WiFi extenders with one router?
You can use multiple WiFi extenders, but you won’t necessarily get a better or more reliable internet connection. The WiFi extenders can be connected wirelessly or via ethernet cables/Ethernet ports.
2. What’s the difference between Mesh WiFi and WiFi extenders?
WiFi extenders are independent devices that rebroadcast the router signal, although the signal strength will diminish. Mesh WiFi is an integrated whole-home system that delivers powerful WiFi with low latency to every corner of your property, without any noticeable loss of signal strength or speed.
3. Will a Mesh system improve my WiFi in a house with thick walls?
Mesh system satellites can be positioned so the WiFi signal doesn’t encounter thick walls and other solid objects. The WiFi signal is handed from satellite to satellite to avoid WiFi obstacles and deliver the best WiFi coverage possible.
4. How do I know if I need a WiFi extender or a Mesh system?
The need for speed has led to innovative WiFi 7 with greater bandwidth and enhanced backhaul. WiFi extenders, in comparison, have limited capabilities. NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 7 mesh systems are ahead of the curve for future-proofed home networking systems.
5. Which Orbi Mesh WiFi system is best for large homes?
NETGEAR Orbi 973 WiFi 7 Mesh Systems can cover up to 8,200 sq. ft. with blazing-fast internet speeds of up to 27Gbps. Orbi 973 Mesh can handle up to 200 devices in concurrent use, making it a savvy choice for next-generation networking, plus AI, VR, AR, and a whole lot more.
