If you want to increase the range of your network by setting up several connection points across your house, apartment, or office but are unsure how to do it properly, worry not. In this article, you can read all about how to set up a mesh network successfully to maintain network speed and smooth, uninterrupted connection in all your devices.
Moreover, we have included all the essential things you need to know before setting up the mesh network, so make sure to stick until the end!
How to Set Up a Mesh Network
As mesh networks have become increasingly popular and an excellent replacement for the old WiFi extenders, more and more people turn to this latest innovation in technology. But, regardless of how good this sounds, most people are still unsure how to set up a mesh network properly by themselves.
Therefore, the first factors we will look at are the key things you need to consider before setting up a mesh network. Then we will look at the step-by-step instructions on how to set up a mesh network most quickly and easily.
Things to consider before setting up a mesh network
Coverage area
The first and most important thing you will need to consider is the coverage area or the square footage of the place you want to set up the mesh network. By doing so, you will know precisely how many nodes you will need for an excellent dead-zones-free network. Also, by having in mind the square coverage of the place, you will be able to distribute the nodes most efficiently without walls, floors, or doors influencing the transmission of the signal.
Node location
Before placing the nodes, you will need to consider and plan how you will distribute them carefully. Ensure not to put the nods near heavy walls, metal objects, microwaves, cordless phones, etc. These satellite nodes should be placed strategically, meaning that nothing should affect or interfere with the strength of their signal.
If a heavy object or piece of furniture obstructs the nodes’ signals, the mesh network will not work correctly, your connection will be slow, and the devices connected to it will need to reconnect constantly.
Set-up process
With the variety of mesh network devices on the market today, you have various ways of setting up the mesh network. Therefore, before starting the process, you need to be aware that you might need to install an application on your smart device, use a browser to operate on a particular page, etc. So, choose the method you feel most comfortable with to increase the speed and efficiency of the setup process of your mesh network.
Network specifications
As each mesh network comes with different and unique specifications, you will need to carefully consider what specifics you are looking for according to your network needs and goals. For instance, if you have a larger square area you need to cover, you will need to look for nodes with more extensive coverage and vice versa.
Moreover, as the nodes’ specifications and maximum range also vary, it is always a good idea to plan node placement so that each node is at two-thirds of that distance. This way, you will get the ultimate speed and mesh network quality.
Read more: How to Set Up Asus Router as Repeater
Speed
Because better internet speed almost always allows more bandwidth-intensive options like a better and quicker fix of possible network congestion and 4K media streaming, you need to look for the mesh network with the highest-speed Internet possible. More specifically, if you are looking for an Internet that reaches 1 Gbps or even higher speed, you will certainly need to consider buying a dual-band mesh WiFi router with at least three to four antennas.
How to set up a mesh network – instructions
After we have seen the essential things you need to consider before installing your mesh network, let’s see the simplified and detailed instructions on how to set up a mesh network successfully and in no time.
Download the app and log in
The first thing you will need to do is install the application that your particular mesh network requires.
Next, you will need to unplug your router and, with the help of the Ethernet cable, connect the main node to it. Then, plug the router in power again and let the main node start working.
After doing so, you must create a new mesh network account or log in to your pre-existing one. You can do this by using the application you previously downloaded or opening your mesh network’s admin website.
Finalize the process and add the nodes
Take your main node, and near the bottom, you should see a QR code. Scan this code, or input the main node’s serial number. This action will help you link your account with the main node.
When you have successfully connected and completed establishing your profile, you will be required to enter a location and name for the main node and an estimated number of satellite nodes.
If you are still unsure of the number of nodes, worry not, as you can change this number later as you will add new nodes to your mesh network.
Finally, you must plug in the rest of the nodes carefully, one at a time. As you add the notes, you will be asked for each node separately to add information on which room in the house is the particular node located.
After you are finished setting up all the nodes, the last thing you need to do is go to the outdoor areas and to each room of your house to check whether the connection is satisfactory and of the highest speed.
Also read: How to Set Up Rockspace WiFi Extender
Conclusion
We have assembled this article intending to serve as the ultimate guide on how to set up a mesh network for everyone interested in doing this without professional assistance. By carefully following our instructions, we do not doubt that in no time, you will successfully set up your mesh network and have your Internet working at full speed again!