With an increase in the number of internet-dependent devices in our homes, there is a constant need to maintain uniform connectivity throughout the space to get the most out of these devices. Enter, Mesh WiFi systems, which cover large areas of the home (including multiple floors) to avoid dead spots and maintain uniform connectivity for a seamless experience across a wide range of devices.
At large, a Mesh WiFi system includes the main router that connects directly to your modem and a series of satellite modules or nodes that are spread across the home to cover large areas. Since that increases the device count, the system incorporates all the different nodes as part of a single network, which share the same SSID Service Set Identifier) and password, to offer ease of use.
An ideal use-case scenario for Mesh WiFi system would be when, say, you have a pretty large house with a lot of rooms (full of doors, windows, and obstacles) and you want the same speed and connectivity throughout the space. This is where a Mesh WiFi system offers the best solution. By installing multiple nodes in different parts of the house, dead spots can be eliminated to instate proper speed and connectivity at every part of the house.
So, if you are looking for a solution to curb your bad WiFi issues, a Mesh WiFi system is the way to go. And in case you decide to buy one for yourself, here is a list (in no particular order) for some of the best Mesh WiFi systems you can buy in 2019.
1. Netgear Orbi (RBK50)
Unlike most mesh WiFi systems, the Netgear Orbi system offers two large towers, a router unit, and a satellite unit. Both units look identical (not interchangeable) and come in a cylindrical-shaped white casing. When connected, they promise to cover up to 5,000 sq. ft of the area, while maintaining uniform connectivity and speed. If you are on a tighter budget, you can also consider the Netgear Orbi RBK20. In our tests, the RBK20 worked great in a 3-BHK apartment with just one satellite.
Specs
- Connectivity: Tri-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (802.11b/g/n at 2.4GHz, 802.11a/n/ac at 5GHz)
- Memory: 512MB RAM
- Storage: 4GB flash
- Features: Implicit and Explicit for 2.4 & 5GHz bands Beamforming, MU-MIMO capabilities
- Ports: 4 x 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports (1 WAN + 3 LAN for Router, 4 LAN for Satellite), 1 x USB 2.0 port
Pros
- Easy setup
- Good coverage
Cons
- Expensive
- Big footprint
2. Google WiFi
If you are looking for a more simpler and manageable solution for your home, the Google WiFi promises to do just that. It has a very minimal design and offers a pretty straightforward setup process that is as simple as setting up a router. For its price, it manages to check all the boxes, while still providing the best level of security, compared to most other solutions. Sadly, it’s not yet officially launched in India and hence much higher pricing as compared to the US.
Specs
- Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, AC1200 2×2 Wave 2 Wi-Fi (expandable mesh; dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Processor: Quad-core ARM CPU
- Memory: 512MB RAM
- Storage: 4GB flash
- Features: Implicit and Explicit for 2.4 & 5GHz bands Beamforming
- Ports: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports (1 WAN, 1 LAN)
Pros
- Easy setup
- Value for money
- Convenient design
Cons
- Less hardware control
3. TP-Link Deco M5
The Deco M5 from TP-Link is another good option that claims to offer value for money, similar to Google WiFi. It has a small footprint, with a minimal, low-profile design language that blends in any corner of the house. The coverage offered is pretty impressive, and the device manages to offer good throughput across the house. Overall, they do manage to provide value for money with their performance. If you are on a tighter budget, you can also consider TP-Link Deco M4.
Specs
- Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Wireless 400 Mbps on 2.4 GHz + 867 Mbps on 5 GHz
- Processor: Quad-core CPU
- Memory: 512MB RAM
- Ports: 2 x Gigabit ports per Deco M5 unit, 1 x USB Type-C port, Bluetooth 4.2
Pros
- Easy setup
- Good coverage
- Value for money
Cons
- Lacks control
4. Linksys Velop
The Linksys Velop offers tall, tower-shaped devices that come with a curved base design, a plastic clip for cable management, and small holes on the body for heat dissipation. It manages to maintain uniform connectivity up to a specific distance, after which, even with the addition of extra nodes, there is not a significant improvement in the signal strength. And eventually, that causes the network to face speed issues.
Specs
- Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, AC2200 2×2 Wi-Fi (expandable mesh; dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz)
- Processor: 716MHz ARM Cortex
- Memory: 512MB RAM
- Storage: 4GB flash
- Features: MU-MIMO, Beamforming
- Ports: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports (1 WAN, 1 LAN)
Pros
- Easy setup
Cons
- Bulky design
- Expensive
- Weak connectivity
Those were our picks for the best Mesh WiFi systems you can buy in India in 2019. We hope, in 2020, there will be more options like Amazon Eero and Ubiquiti Amplifi coming to India. Which system from the list do you find the best value for money? Do let us know in the comments.
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