Wireless Mesh Network Reviews: Summarized
A mesh network is a decentralized communication network in which each node relays data for the network. Unlike traditional hub-and-spoke networks, mesh networks offer redundancy and self-healing capabilities, as data can be routed through multiple paths. This resilience makes mesh networks crucial in scenarios where traditional infrastructure is unreliable or unavailable, including remote areas, disaster recovery, or smart cities.
A Synopsis of Wireless Mesh Network Reviews
Before examining the various applications of mesh networks in more detail, let’s first look at some popular wireless mesh network reviews by CNET, the New York Times, Tom’s Guide, and Wired.
| Summary: Wireless Mesh Network Reviews | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mesh System | CNET | NYT | Tom's Guide | Wired |
| TP-Link Deco W7200 | Best Overall | — | — | — |
| Asus ROG Rapture GT6 | Best Performance | — | 7.) Finally, a mesh Wi-Fi system designed for gamers | Best for gamers |
| Eero 6 | Plus: Great 3-piece setup for large homes | Best Wi-Fi mesh-network kit | Pro 6E: 4.) Wi-Fi 6E speeds with incredible convenience | Best for smart homes |
| Google Nest Wifi | A sold Wi-Fi 5 system | — | — | — |
| Netgear Orbi AC1200 | Best value | — | — | — |
| Netgear Orbi RBE973 | — | — | 1.) Blazing fast Wi-Fi 7 performance at a premium | — |
| Vilo VLWF01 | — | — | 2.) A powerful and compact cheap mesh Wi-Fi system | — |
| TP-Link Deco XE75 | — | — | 3.) A convenient and affordable way to build a Wi-Fi 6E mesh network | Affordable Wi-Fi 6E |
| Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) | — | Ahead of the curve for Gigabit internet | — | Best overall |
| TP-Link Deco S4 | — | Fewer devices to serve, lower price | — | — |
| Netgear Orbi RBK863SB | — | — | 5.) An excellent update to the best Wi-Fi 6 mesh router | — |
| TP-Link Deco X20 | — | — | — | Best budget mesh router |
| Asus ZenWiFi XD5 | — | — | — | Best value |
| TP-Link Deco BE85 | — | — | 8.) Best for Wi-Fi 7 | A Wi-Fi 7 mesh |
| TP-Link Deco X50 | — | — | — | Best outdoor mesh router |
| Linksys Atlas 6E | — | — | 6.) Great overall performance | — |
| Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 | — | — | 9.) Best for Wi-Fi 7 | — |
Wireless Mesh Network Benefits and Applications
As noted above, wireless mesh networks are self-healing and redundant. Below is a more detailed description of some of the benefits of wireless mesh networks:
- Self-Healing. If one node fails, the network can reroute data through alternate paths, ensuring continuous connectivity.
- Scalable. Easy to expand by adding more nodes without significant network reconfiguration.
- Cost Effective. Utilizes existing infrastructure and doesn't require expensive dedicated hardware for each node.
- Redundant. Multiple paths for data transmission reduce the risk of network congestion and improve reliability.
- Flexible. Nodes can be mobile or stationary, allowing for dynamic network configurations.
- Low Power Consumption. Nodes can operate on battery power, making them suitable for remote or off-grid locations.
- Increased Coverage. Extends range through node-to-node communication, instrumental in areas with limited connectivity.
These benefits enable a range of applications for wireless mesh networks, such as:
| Wireless Mesh Network Applications | |
|---|---|
| Smart Homes | Ideal for connecting various smart devices throughout a home, ensuring reliable communication between them even if one node goes offline. |
| Disaster Recovery | Resilient in disaster scenarios where traditional infrastructure may be damaged, providing emergency communication capabilities for first responders and affected communities. |
| Rural Internet Access | Useful in rural areas to extend internet coverage beyond the reach of traditional ISPs, bridging the digital divide and providing access to underserved communities. |
| Large-Scale IoT Deployment | Deployed in smart cities, industrial settings, or agricultural environments, allowing for the connection of thousands of IoT devices over a wide area. |
| Outdoor Events | Temporary Wi-Fi coverage for large outdoor events where setting up traditional infrastructure is impractical or cost-prohibitive. |
| Military Operations | Military applications where flexibility and adaptability are crucial, enabling troops to establish communication networks in remote or hostile environments. |
RUCKUS Wireless Mesh Network Advantages
While not listed in the above reviews, RUCKUS Networks’ wireless access points (APs) excel at wireless mesh networking due to its intelligent SmartMesh technology.
SmartMesh reduces complexity and cabling expenses with the ability to dynamically create self-forming, self-healing mesh networks between APs wirelessly. Here are some of the advantages of RUCKUS APs with Smart Mesh:
- A mesh auto-forms to create an optimal uplink topology that is load-balanced across as many root APs as possible.
- RUCKUS APs have a simplified design that takes advantage of self-forming and self-optimizing SmartMesh features.
- Due to RUCKUS’ mesh algorithm, the path to the root AP can change dynamically in the event of an uplink node failure, signal strength changes, or the availability of a node with higher throughput.
At the hardware level, RUCKUS does not distinguish between a root AP and a mesh AP; any AP in a mesh can play any mesh role. A mesh node’s role is determined by its connectivity and throughput compared to other mesh nodes rather than the AP model (see diagram above).
The RUCKUS SmartZone Controller simplifies network setup and management, enhances security, minimizes troubleshooting, and eases upgrades for mesh networks built on RUCKUS access points. The controllers can set up AP zones to create individual mesh network configurations that are easy to understand and monitor.
WAV and RUCKUS Can Help With Wireless Mesh Networks
WAV is a trusted partner of CommScope RUCKUS, which makes industry-leading equipment for wireless mesh networks. To help potential customers, RUCKUS has written a white paper on best practices for designing and deploying a wireless mesh network.
WAV’s team of experts can help you choose the best design and equipment for your wireless mesh network.
