Mesh Mashups: Which WiFi Mesh System is Best for You?

Mesh systems are changing the way we network. The best mesh WiFi router systems deliver whole-home WiFi coverage, allowing everyone in your home network or guest network to have their own space for wireless connectivity. WiFi mesh systems are designed for fast speeds, functionality, and excellent performance for all your devices.

WRITTEN BY

NETGEAR Business Team

Types of Mesh WiFi Systems

Choosing the right NETGEAR mesh system for your home network is an important step. The best WiFi routers offer Ethernet cable and wireless connection options on the main router and satellites. Reliable WiFi is more important than ever to future-proof your network and take advantage of WiFi 7 and WiFi 6E quad-band technology. The right mesh system should cover your home in a blanket of high-speed WiFi connectivity.

Dual Band Mesh Systems

These systems offer transmission and shared data between 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz frequencies to connect between the satellite, routers and all devices.

Tri-Band vs Quad-Band Mesh Systems

Every new WiFi standard introduces technological advances, and the leap from Tri-Band to Quad-Band is no exception. While Tri-Band WiFi systems like WiFi 7 utilise the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands, Quad-Band systems add an additional 5GHz band, significantly increasing the available bandwidth. This extra band in Quad-Band systems reduces network congestion, ensuring smoother and more reliable connections, especially in environments with numerous connected devices. For instance, NETGEAR’s Orbi 770 Series Tri-Band WiFi 7 Mesh System delivers impressive speeds and strong network connectivity for all your network devices in all 3 frequency bands. On the other hand, for those seeking the latest in WiFi technology, the Orbi 970 Series Quad-Band WiFi 7 Mesh System offers unparalleled performance, accommodating even the most demanding smart homes and offices.

Quad-Band Mesh Systems

Quad-band mesh systems include NETGEAR Orbi and Nighthawk WiFi 7 and WiFi 6E Routers. Quad-band Orbi mesh technology also uses the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bandwidths, with Enhanced Dedicated Backhaul on the 6GHz band. This frees up multiple channels and enables the latest WiFi 7 innovations such as 320GHz channels, multi-link operation, and 4K-QAM. WiFi whole-home mesh systems, such as the NETGEAR Orbi 973, take WiFi networks to the next level with faster speeds, stronger WiFi signals, and no more WiFi dead spots.

NETGEAR Mesh WiFi Options

Fast WiFi for gamers, gadgets, streamers, and viewers is essential, making multi-gig NETGEAR mesh WiFi a savvy purchase. NETGEAR Orbi 970 two-pack or three-pack mesh systems, for example, give you superfast internet speeds with low latency for your WiFi network and smart home devices. Orbi 970 speed tests have been known to deliver up to 27Gbps internet speeds and WiFi coverage up to 8,200 sq. ft., perfect for larger homes and big households.

WiFi mesh is the secret behind future-proofed homes with a home network, guest network, and smart home IoT network all in sync. The main router and satellites all include wireless or wired connection options, plus WAN ports and USB ports for more choices. NETGEAR Armor software and WPA3 encryption work in the background to deliver security against real-world cyber threats for complete peace of mind.

Comparing Mesh System Performance

Speed and Throughput

Today’s best wireless routers offer speeds almost on par with wired gigabit Ethernet cable connections. Advancements from WiFi 6 and WiFi 7 include improvements from tri-band and quad-band WiFi routers and mesh systems. only a few years ago, Orbi 860 WiFi 6 was introduced with impressive speeds up to 6Gbps. WiFi 7 is another level of next-generation networking, with real-world WiFi speeds of up to 27Gbps.
Data-intensive gaming routers, streaming services, and VR/AR all benefit from faster WiFi 7 broadband internet speeds. WiFi 7 is the best WiFi mesh for seamless coverage. Quad-band WiFi 7 is superior in every performance metric, although WiFi 6 mesh throughput can be adequate for smaller households.

Coverage and Signal Strength

Real-world WiFi coverage of up to 8,200 sq. ft. shows that powerful WiFi 7 NETGEAR Orbi 970 quad-band mesh systems have the edge over the competition. However, even the Orbi 770 WiFi 7 tri-band mesh system with Enhanced Backhaul ensures WiFi stays fast across all devices simultaneously​​ and can deliver up to 6750 sq. ft. of superfast WiFi for the entire household. The benefits of tri-band routers shouldn’t be underestimated.

 

Choosing the Right Mesh System for Your Home

You will need to consider your home size, number of devices, compatibility, and usage requirements before choosing the best mesh WiFi system for your home. A Nighthawk or Orbi mesh system review should consider:
Speed and stability: Consider the speeds you expect from your devices.
Coverage: Estimate the total sq. ft. coverage you need for your home.
Price points: Find an affordably priced mesh system that suits your needs.
System expansion: Future-proof your network with a WiFi whole-home mesh system.
If yours is a large home with lots of connected devices and smart home applications, WiFi 7 mesh systems are a dream come true. The router and satellites work as a seamless WiFi network as you move from room to room. Orbi WiFi 7 can be the best mesh WiFi system for a large home. Orbi WiFi 6/6E systems are ideal in medium-sized homes and units. For a stand-alone router, the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S with speeds of up to 19Gbps is in demand with gamers looking for a winning advantage.

The evolution of Orbi mesh WiFi systems and home networks is ongoing and knowing how to choose a mesh WiFi system is important. The best mesh WiFi system, WiFi 7, can establish a strong and secure internet connection to eliminate WiFi dead zones. NETGEAR WiFi 7 systems include robust security, parental controls, optimised performance enhancements, and easy setup. Modern mesh networks include laptops, iPads, Apple and Android smartphones, Amazon Alexa, smart TVs, security cameras, and more, making WiFi 7 a future-focussed choice for UK households.
Still wondering what the best Mesh system? Visit our “Find My Orbi” tool and find out.