Mesh networking is an advanced wireless network architecture that enables multiple wireless devices (referred to as nodes) to connect to each other wirelessly, forming a distributed network. This network structure enables each node to act as a repeater, forwarding data from one node to another, thereby achieving the expansion and coverage of wireless signals.
When it comes to WiFi signal coverage in villas and duplexes, due to the national restrictions on the transmission power of wireless devices, a single router often fails to achieve full coverage of the entire house. In this case, using multiple devices (such as routers and aps) for WiFi signal coverage becomes a necessary choice. At present, AC+AP and Mesh networking are the two most mature solutions.
Mesh networking
Advantages
Wide coverage: Mesh networking can achieve wireless coverage throughout large buildings or multi-story residences, eliminating signal blind spots, and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments.
Automatic seamless roaming: Mesh networking enables wireless devices to automatically switch to the node with the strongest signal within the coverage area, achieving seamless switching and avoiding the connection interruption of traditional routers when switching nodes.
Load balancing: Mesh networking automatically shares network load among multiple nodes, providing more stable and reliable network connections.
Security and stability: Mesh networking employs multiple security protocols and encryption technologies, which can protect wireless networks from attacks and hacker intrusions.
Disadvantage
Speed may be limited: As the signal transmission in Mesh networking needs to pass through multiple nodes, it may lead to signal attenuation and speed reduction.
Complex configuration: Mesh networking requires the layout and setting of nodes based on the actual environment and demands. Relatively speaking, its configuration and management are rather cumbersome.
Power dependency: Mesh nodes need to be connected to power. If there is a power outage, it may cause the entire network coverage to be interrupted.
AC+AP solution
Advantages
Seamless roaming: Through the control of the AC (Access Controller), the roaming threshold between adjacent aps (access points) can be adjusted, enabling connected devices to achieve seamless roaming between adjacent aps, providing a superior experience compared to Mesh networking.
Unified management: In the AC+AP overall solution, one AC can achieve unified management and control of all aps within the internal network, enabling each AP to adjust its configuration in real time to adapt to the actual environment.
Stable network with low interference: AC can dynamically adjust the transmission power of each adjacent AP in real time, keeping the wireless network in the optimal state.
Flexible power supply for aps: Most aps are powered by Poe and do not require additional power. One network cable is sufficient.
Disadvantage
Fixed installation location: It is necessary to determine the installation location in advance and lay the network cable. Changing the location later is rather troublesome.
Complex debugging: It requires certain technical skills for debugging. If you install it yourself, you need a certain level of hands-on ability.
Higher price: The same WiFi6 AP is more expensive than the router.
Both Mesh networking and AC+AP solutions have their own advantages and disadvantages. Mesh networking is suitable for scenarios that have high requirements for coverage and can accept a certain degree of speed loss. The AC+AP solution is suitable for scenarios that have high requirements for seamless roaming and network stability and have sufficient budgets. When making a choice, it is necessary to weigh the actual needs and budget.
