5 Tips for a Better Mesh Network

5 Tips for a Better Mesh Network

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Choosing the Right Router

3. Wired Backhaul vs Wireless Backhaul

4. Increasing Wi-Fi Range with Wired Backhaul

5. Tri-Band Routers for Wireless Backhaul

6. Dual Band Routers and Band Selection

7. Minimizing Hubs for Better Performance

8. Avoiding DFS Channels for Backhaul

9. Selecting the Best Channel for Backhaul

10. Conclusion

Introduction

Setting up a mesh network can greatly improve the quality and coverage of your Wi-Fi network. However, there are several important considerations to keep in mind to ensure optimal performance and reliability. In this article, we will discuss the key factors to consider when setting up a mesh network and provide valuable tips to help you Create a robust and efficient network.

Choosing the Right Router

When building a mesh network with different models of routers, it is crucial to use the most powerful and advanced router as the main or primary device. This router should be directly connected to the internet and responsible for handling the majority of tasks. Using a less powerful router as the secondary device may lead to an overload on the main router while underutilizing the secondary router's capabilities.

Wired Backhaul vs Wireless Backhaul

In a mesh network, a wired backhaul connection is almost always preferable to a wireless backhaul connection. Wired backhaul offers greater reliability and speed compared to its wireless counterpart, as it is not affected by factors like distance, noise, and interference. Additionally, using a wired backhaul allows the entire wireless capacity to be dedicated to serving the clients, resulting in improved performance and range.

Increasing Wi-Fi Range with Wired Backhaul

One of the key advantages of using a wired backhaul is the ability to increase Wi-Fi range. When the backhaul connection is wired, the routers do not have to be within the wireless range of each other. This means that the coverage area of the mesh network can be larger, providing better Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home or office. It is recommended to have a 15 to 20 percent coverage overlap for seamless roaming between routers.

Tri-Band Routers for Wireless Backhaul

If a wired backhaul is not feasible and a wireless backhaul must be used, it is best to opt for tri-band routers. With a tri-band router, one band can be dedicated solely to the backhaul connection, while the other two bands are left for serving the clients. This ensures that the full capacity of the router is available for the devices connected to the network, minimizing the loss of throughput.

Band Selection in Dual Band Routers

In situations where only dual band routers are available, careful consideration should be given to the selection of the frequency band for the backhaul connection. Using one of the bands for backhaul means sacrificing its full capacity for serving clients, resulting in a loss of around 50 percent throughput. The mesh system usually automatically selects the best band for backhaul Based on connection quality. However, in cases where specific devices, such as IoT devices, predominantly use one band, manual selection of the other band for backhaul may be beneficial.

Minimizing Hubs for Better Performance

To ensure optimal performance of the wireless network, it is advisable to minimize the number of hubs between the clients and the primary router. Adding additional nodes to the mesh network can degrade the quality of the wireless network for connected clients. Therefore, it is best to keep the number of hubs to a minimum, allowing for a stronger and more stable connection between clients and the primary router.

Avoiding DFS Channels for Backhaul

DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) channels are 5 GHz channels that are shared with radar systems. Using DFS channels for backhaul can cause interference issues if radar signals are detected. In such cases, the router will automatically switch to a different channel, leading to a temporary disruption in the connection. If living near an airport or in an area with radar, it is advisable to exclude DFS channels from the router's selection or manually select a non-DFS channel to avoid potential interference.

Selecting the Best Channel for Backhaul

Whether the Channel for the backhaul is automatically selected by the mesh system or manually chosen, it is important to consider factors such as channel utilization and interference. The mesh system typically selects the least utilized channel automatically, but manual selection may be preferred to ensure the best channel is chosen. By selecting the appropriate channel, the performance and reliability of the backhaul connection can be optimized.

Conclusion

Setting up a mesh network can greatly enhance your Wi-Fi experience, providing better coverage, improved performance, and seamless connectivity. By considering factors such as router selection, backhaul options, minimization of hubs, and channel selection, you can ensure a robust and efficient mesh network that meets your wireless needs. Keep these tips in mind when setting up your own mesh network and enjoy a superior Wi-Fi experience throughout your home or office.

Highlights

• Choosing the most powerful router as the main device in a mesh network is critical for optimal performance.
• Wired backhaul connections offer greater reliability and faster speeds compared to wireless backhaul.
• Wired backhaul can significantly increase the Wi-Fi range of a mesh network.
• Tri-band routers are ideal for wireless backhaul, as one band can be dedicated solely to the backhaul connection.
• Dual band routers may experience a loss of throughput when using one band for backhaul.
• Minimizing the number of hubs in a mesh network improves overall wireless network performance.
• Avoid using DFS channels for backhaul, especially in areas near airports or radar systems.
• Consider channel utilization and interference when selecting the best channel for backhaul in a mesh network.

FAQ

Q: What is a mesh network?

A: A mesh network is a system of interconnected routers or nodes that work together to create a single network with extended coverage and improved performance.

Q: Why is the choice of the main router important in a mesh network?

A: The main router in a mesh network is responsible for handling most of the tasks and directly connecting to the internet. Choosing a powerful and advanced main router ensures optimal performance and utilization of network resources.

Q: Why is wired backhaul preferred over wireless backhaul?

A: Wired backhaul offers greater reliability, faster speeds, and increased Wi-Fi range compared to wireless backhaul. It allows for dedicated wireless capacity for serving clients and eliminates the limitations of wireless signal interference and distance.

Q: How can I increase the Wi-Fi range in a mesh network?

A: Using a wired backhaul connection can significantly increase the Wi-Fi range of a mesh network. By eliminating the need for routers to be within wireless range of each other, a larger coverage area can be achieved.

Q: Are tri-band routers necessary for wireless backhaul?

A: Tri-band routers are not necessary for wireless backhaul, but they offer the AdVantage of dedicating one band solely to the backhaul connection. This allows for better utilization of the router's capacity and minimizes throughput loss.

Q: What should I consider when selecting a channel for backhaul?

A: Factors such as channel utilization and interference should be taken into account when selecting a channel for backhaul. The mesh system typically automatically selects the best channel, but manual selection may be necessary in certain situations.

Q: How many hubs should I have in a mesh network?

A: It is recommended to minimize the number of hubs between clients and the primary router to ensure optimal performance. Adding additional hubs can degrade the quality of the wireless network for connected clients.

Q: Can DFS channels cause interference in a mesh network?

A: DFS channels, which are shared with radar systems, can cause interference issues in a mesh network. It is advisable to avoid using DFS channels, especially in areas close to airports or radar systems, to maintain a stable connection.

Q: Is it necessary to manually select a channel for backhaul?

A: The mesh system typically automatically selects the best channel for backhaul. However, in certain cases where specific devices predominantly use one frequency band, manually selecting a non-DFS channel may be beneficial to optimize performance.

Q: What are the benefits of using a mesh network?

A: Mesh networks provide extended Wi-Fi coverage, improved performance, and seamless connectivity throughout your home or office. They eliminate dead zones and allow for devices to seamlessly roam between routers without losing connection.