Best MESH Systems

The Wi-Fi signal often does not reach the remote corners of a large apartment or a country house. The Mercusys Halo H50G MESH system is perfect for solving this problem.

Structurally, the system consists of two small white cubes with edge sizes slightly less than 9 cm. Each "cube" has power connectors and a trio of reassignable gigabit WAN/LAN ports with automatic connection type detection. There is also a reset button near the interfaces. Each cube of the MESH system covers an area of about 60 m².

The modules support two wireless communication bands — 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. In the first case, the bandwidth reaches 600 Mbps, in the second — 1300 Mbps. The nodes of the MESH system connect wirelessly or via cable connection. Client devices automatically connect to the node with the strongest signal. Beamforming technology helps focus the signal in the direction of connected devices.

The MESH system is configured through the Mercusys Halo mobile app. The model supports WPS and QoS, and also has parental control functions. The web interface provides limited functionality: you can only update the firmware and check the logs. Mercusys Halo H50G leaves the most delicious for last — a democratic price that minimally impacts the wallet.

The Xiaomi Mesh System AX3000 differs from classic routers both in appearance and functionality. By what criteria? Let's figure it out.

The device is intended for deploying seamless wireless internet access networks in large apartments and country houses. The MESH system consists of two rectangular towers about 22 cm high with built-in antennas. The towers are supposed to be installed in a vertical orientation. The Xiaomi Mesh System AX3000 connects to the provider's network through a gigabit WAN port. The model also has three gigabit LAN ports for cable connection of client devices.

The MESH system operates in Wi-Fi 6 networks with a total wireless channel bandwidth of up to 2976 Mbps. The 2.4 GHz band has a theoretical data exchange speed of up to 574 Mbps, and the 5 GHz carrier frequency — up to 2402 Mbps. The connection between the system modules is carried out in the 5 GHz band. In terms of capabilities, the device is characterized by support for WPA3 encryption mode (software only), a number of familiar functions like VPN/Smart VPN, DDNS, port forwarding, IPTV, and, of course, is tailored for creating Mesh networks with one button press.

To configure the Xiaomi Mesh System AX3000, the proprietary web interface or the Mi Home mobile app is used. Both options provide an intuitive menu. The MESH system impresses with high stability and good coverage, and its strength is quite enough to fully meet home needs.

The affordable D-Link M15-2 Mesh system offers a ready-made set of two devices to create an effective Wi-Fi zone covering up to 370 sq. m in small offices and private homes, cafes, parks. The equipment supports multiple user connections (more than 100 devices). The free EAGLE PRO AI smartphone app operates using artificial intelligence algorithms, allowing you to optimize synchronization between nodes, their interaction with connected gadgets, and traffic. Built-in voice assistants Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant facilitate control, diagnostics, and parameter changes of nodes. All nodes are equipped with WAN and LAN ports, ensuring independent operation and the possibility of wired connection of PCs, laptops, and other equipment.

The D-Link M15-2 operates simultaneously in two bands with high data exchange speed. At a frequency of 5 GHz, the traffic speed is 1201 Mbps, allowing you to unlock the full potential of gigabit internet from popular providers using fiber optic connections. The Mesh system fully meets the needs for home or office use. A good level of security is ensured by the WPA3 standard and built-in Firewall. Parental control allows you to create a general Wi-Fi work plan, control and restrict distribution to individual users, create a guest network, and prohibit access to certain web resources.

Mesh Wi-Fi systems combine the power of multiple wireless access points to fully cover large areas with internet "over the air". An interesting option of such a system is presented in Asus's portfolio. Meet the ZenWiFi AX Mini model!

The MESH system consists of two compact "cubes" with built-in antennas that provide coverage of up to 310 m². The market also offers a configuration of the device consisting of a leading router and two auxiliary nodes, covering an area of over 450 m². Stable internet access is achieved through seamless client reconnection from one system cell to a closer one, without the slightest delay in the internet connection.

The Asus ZenWiFi AX Mini base station has two gigabit ports: WAN/LAN and LAN. The system components operate in Wi-Fi 6 networks — in the 2.4 GHz band, the device can achieve data transfer speeds of up to 574 Mbps, and at a frequency of 5 GHz, the data exchange rate reaches 1201 Mbps. In practice, speed indicators will depend on the specific conditions of the MESH system's environment. The points connect to each other in the same bands where user devices are located.

The MESH system implements options for express network setup using a mobile app or deep parameter configuration through a standard web interface. The model also supports Beamforming, MU-MIMO, and AiProtection technologies. It lacks more ports (the system is not equipped with any USB interfaces). The Asus ZenWiFi AX Mini is truly a high-class product for deploying a large and fast wireless network in a home or small office with quality coverage and a minimal number of "blind spots".

The advanced TP-LINK Deco X50-PoE Mesh system with two complete nodes has extensive installation and power connection capabilities. The universal bracket allows devices to be placed on the wall or ceiling. A separate PoE input provides simultaneous power supply and data transmission via twisted pair cable, so the socket and adapter can be excluded from the scheme. The equipment is well-suited for large private homes, offices, restaurants, parks, and other public places where the number of connected participants can reach 150.

The technical component will delight even enthusiasts. The LAN port with 2.5 Gbps speed guarantees fast exchange of large files (e.g., 4K movies) on the local network, as well as effective gaming on a PC. Wi-Fi is transmitted in two bands with a rate of up to 3000 Mbps (2402 Mbps for 5 GHz and 574 Mbps for 2.4 GHz). The system is equipped with technologies for optimizing signal propagation, directionality for creating a reliable connection with devices connected via wireless channel. The bandwidth is increased to 160 MHz, so long distances will not be an obstacle for data exchange.

It is worth noting that a mobile app is implemented for easy setup. Interaction is also carried out through voice assistants Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Mesh system provides maximum benefits for connected users and effectively eliminates unauthorized access thanks to the WPA3 standard. Basic security features are available within the TP-Link Home Shield software, but additional ones require a paid subscription.