Ditch the Wi-Fi Extender: Why You Need a Mesh Node for Faster Internet
Wi-Fi extenders are a popular solution for boosting weak signals, but they often do more harm than good. In this article, we’ll explore why a mesh node is a far superior choice for extending your Wi-Fi coverage and achieving those blazing-fast internet speeds you crave.
The Problem with Wi-Fi Extenders
To illustrate the shortcomings of Wi-Fi extenders, I partnered with Asus to conduct an experiment using the Asus RT-BE92U tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router.
I performed speed tests in two locations: my lounge and my office, the furthest point from the router.
Initially, the speeds were impressive:
- Lounge: 408 Mbps (internal link speed) and 519 Mbps download/34 Mbps upload (external).
- Office: 97 Mbps (internal link speed) and 285 Mbps download/147 Mbps upload (external).
Then, I introduced a standard 5 GHz Wi-Fi extender, strategically placing it halfway between the router and the lounge. The results were disappointing:
- Lounge: 78 Mbps (internal link speed) and 23 Mbps download/16.5 Mbps upload (external).
- Office: 52 Mbps (internal link speed) and 13.8 Mbps download/5.14 Mbps upload (external).
The extender significantly reduced both internal and external speeds, making the Wi-Fi worse, not better.
The Mesh Node Solution
Instead of a Wi-Fi extender, consider a mesh node, like the Asus RT-BE58U. This standalone Wi-Fi 7 router boasts speeds up to 3,600 Mbps and features like dual-band MLO, 4K QAM, and advanced 160 MHz channels. It also offers robust security with AI Protection powered by Trend Micro.
The beauty of Asus devices like this is their flexibility. If you upgrade your main router, you can repurpose the RT-AX58U as an AI mesh node to extend your Wi-Fi coverage.
After replacing the Wi-Fi extender with the AI mesh node, the speed results speak for themselves.
The mesh node effectively extended the network without sacrificing speed, providing a true solution for eliminating dead zones.
Factors Affecting Wi-Fi Speed
It’s important to remember that Wi-Fi speeds can vary based on several factors, including:
- Obstacles: Thick concrete walls, metal appliances, and other interferences can weaken Wi-Fi signals.
- Internet Plan: Your internet speed is ultimately limited by the bandwidth you purchase from your internet service provider.
Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7
If you’re considering upgrading to a Wi-Fi 7 router, even when your devices are still on Wi-Fi 6, then check this out.
