Connected by the same network: TOP 5 Mesh routers for home

TP-Link Deco M4 is the "junior" home Mesh system in the manufacturer's line. Unlike older models, this one focuses on simplicity so that the user can deploy a regular Wi-Fi or Mesh network in a small apartment or house in a matter of minutes.

To install a router (or several routers), you need to follow a couple of simple steps: read the QR code on the box, get a link to the mobile application, register the TP-Link ID after installation and then follow the step-by-step instructions with illustrations. The whole process of placing routers in the apartment and setting up the network is as simple as two times two and takes at most 15 minutes. But, unfortunately, there is no familiar web interface for point-to-point network configuration.

For advanced users, there is an Advanced menu where you can configure port forwarding, dynamic DNS, configure LED indication, etc. Also in the application menu, you can find the Friends of Deco item, which has options to connect the Amazon Alexa voice assistant or the IFTTT automation service. On the one hand, Alexa will not be particularly useful to a Russian-speaking user, on the other, with the help of IFTTT crutches, the router can be tied to the necessary commands of a Google Assistant who understands Russian.

In terms of technical characteristics, the Deco M4 meets modern standards, supporting two operating ranges (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), and having a bandwidth of up to 867 Mbit/s. Plus, the Deco M4 will not only not spoil the home interior, but it will easily become part of it: the router looks like a smart speaker, or a vase from Apple (if there were such).

Tenda has been producing home and office network equipment for more than 10 years and is gaining popularity quite quickly due to reliable operation and low cost of devices. So the Tenda Nova MW3 takes its toll primarily at the price, offering a little less than $90 a set of two Mesh routers at once. This greatly increases the attractiveness in the eyes of a potential buyer.

The router is a small plastic cube with rounded side faces. The upper plane is covered with a relief panel, which gives it a stylish look. In general, the Nova MW3 looks strict, stylish and modern, resembling a smart speaker rather than a regular router.

During automatic configuration, new access points receive data from existing network members. Thus, the user does not need any special knowledge at all: you just need to scan the QR code on the box to download the application, then hammer the network data into it and that's it, the system is ready to launch. By the way, all network settings, data on its status and firmware updates are in the application, there is no usual web interface here. For the average user, this is a plus, for an experienced system administrator, rather a minus.

In terms of speed, the Nova MW3 shows good results in both the 2.4GHz and 5 GHz bands. However, when working on a 2.4 GHz network, the maximum possible speed will be 300 Mbit/s. Switching to an access point with a better signal works clearly — when moving a laptop from room to room, it was always connected to the nearest router. Plus, instead of one LAN port, there are two of them, which expands the connectivity.

The American company Ubiquiti has radically updated the UniFi line by releasing a compact Mesh access point UniFi AC Mesh, which is equally designed for use at home or creating an outdoor network in a cafe or a recreation park.

If many Mesh routers have a tincture system simplified to the format "install the application and follow the instructions", then Ubiquiti offers the user a standard web interface and freedom of choice. If you want, set up the network in a few clicks, if you want, dive into the options and customize everything for yourself. Accordingly, the functional set here is decent. For example, there is Plug-n-Play Mesh support for creating a network in automatic mode without the participation of a network administrator. With it, the controller will monitor changes in the position of points or the addition of new ones, and then automatically rebuild routes.

UniFi AC Mesh can also be connected to each other in a cascade, which can be useful in parks, concerts or festivals where it is not possible to stretch a twisted pair, but there are lampposts. In such places, the main thing is the ability to access the network at all, not high speed. Plus, the router case is reliably protected from moisture and dust.

In terms of performance, we have a standard bandwidth of up to 300 Mbit/s in the 2.4 GHz band and up to 867 Mbit/s in the 5 GHz band. The range of the access point reaches a decent 183 metres, which again will be a plus when used outdoors. The mode of operation is only dual-band, each channel is used both for communication with clients and for data exchange between routers, therefore, with a massive load of gadgets, the speed may sag.

The power supply is organized through a gigabit network port and allows you to do without using a separate power line. This is another plus for external use. But if you buy UniFi AC Mesh for home, then you need to be prepared that wall mounting is the only option. You can, of course, just put it on the table, but it will not look as impressive as TP-LINK Deco M5 (1-pack) Price from 2 832 up to 6 176 ₴.

Well, the main point is that UniFi AC Mesh works only as an access point, so the company needs a full—fledged router to create a Mesh network.

TP-Link positions the Deco M5 not just as a router, but also as a stylish gadget that you want to put in a prominent place. The design resembles a small saucer, the body materials are plastic, but it is very high quality. The upper and lower parts have received a matte finish, and gloss is already on the perimeter. The "saucer" looks great and is likely to fit into the interior. It's just a pity that there are no openings for mounting on the wall, it would be useful if there is no place on the table or there is no table nearby.

According to TP-Link, three modules are capable of creating a Wi-Fi network covering an area of 510 m²., and a single unit will replace the usual familiar router in a 2-room apartment. You can buy both a single module and a set of several pieces. Or else buy one, and then, if necessary, buy him another pair. Regarding the speed in perfect conditions in the 2.4 GHz range, the user will receive indicators of 400 Mbit / s, and in 5 GHz – 867 Mbit. The wired connection is represented by two gigabit LAN ports.

As with many Mesh routers, the installation of a network with Deco M5 takes place using a smartphone application. The process is simple and does not require special system administration skills: in fact, you only need to connect the router to the network, plug in an Ethernet cable, install a proprietary application and follow its instructions. To an advanced user, this will seem even too simple. Instead of advanced settings in the application, the user is provided with a built-in antivirus, parental control profiles and a list of available clients with the ability to manage them.

As a bonus, Deco is able to work with the IFTTT service and the Amazon Alexa voice assistant. The first one allows you to automate some processes of the router (for example, turn on parental control in the evening), Alexa also helps to control the router using voice commands. However, both services are not very popular in our open spaces and are unlikely to play a decisive role when buying.

When designing routers, it is difficult for an engineer to come up with something unusual. Here's a box for you, here are antennas sticking out of it, hang it in the hallway or put it on a bedside table. In the case of MAP-AC2200, the guys fromAsus found inspiration in astronomy and managed to go a little beyond the usual framework. The model is named after the constellation Lyra in the northern hemisphere and routers seem to form this constellation, glowing in the dark like stars.

Under the top opaque cover of the MAP-AC2200 is an array of RGB LEDs that glow in different colours depending on the state of the Lyra. When turned on, they shimmer with different colours, glow with a pleasant light blue colour during normal operation, etc. Due to the matte corrugated lid, the backlight somehow resembles the starry sky and looks great overall. As a bonus, the router can be used as a night light. On the other hand, this backlight may annoy someone.

Up to five ASUS Lyra devices can be connected to one network. They are sold individually or in sets of two or three pieces. Routers support three frequency bands: two are used for client devices, and the third is for communication of nodes among themselves. The network can be organized in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands with a maximum bandwidth of 867 Mbit/s.

ASUS Lyra deserves special attention for its support of AiProtection protection technology (something like a network antivirus) and flexibility in network configuration. The user can choose from an option with express network setup using a mobile application, or a standard web interface with the ability to dive deeper. If you want to make it even easier, then there is a separate Pairing button on the cover of the router, which allows you to instantly connect a new router to the network. The modules can also be connected using a cable.

Perhaps the main problem with Lyra is the price. Yes, the router turned out to be beautiful, reliable and functional. At the same time, it does not offer something that other Mesh systems like Tenda Nova MW3 (2-pack) Price from 2 499 up to 3 812 ₴ or TP-LINK Deco M4 (1-pack) Price from 1 890 up to 2 160 ₴, but it costs one and a half to two times more expensive.