Inside: Here is a tech tip for you…if you are having a problem with Wi-Fi dead zones in your house, invest in a mesh Wi-Fi network (also known as a mesh router network). Mesh Wi-Fi is a cool new technology that may eliminate your home Wi-Fi problems.
My Wi-Fi issues
Last week, I went to a Braves game and my cell phone’s internet service was so slow. Image using your home’s internet service and having the same issue. Unfortunately, I don’t have to image…my home has Wi-Fi issues.
Our wired internet provides download speed around 65 Mbps. That is more than enough to surf the internet and stream video on multiple devices. However, we were only able to obtain that speed on our desktop computer that was hardwired to the internet. Our DLink wireless router (dir-615) only provided a maximum download speed of 21 Mbps if we were in the same room as the router. Down the hall in the master bedroom, we couldn’t get a signal. After added a Wi-Fi extender in the hallway, we could get a download speed of 8 Mbps in the master bedroom. However, our downstairs signal was almost nonexistent. Since you only need 5 Mbps to stream HD video, these speeds were fine most of the time. We adapted by watching TV in the room with the router (we use a streaming TV service which I will talk about in a different article). Our other devices would work fine using the Wi-Fi network: 2 cell phones, 1 tablet and 1 laptop. However, we are adopting 2 teenage siblings. Now we often have at least 2 TVs (sometimes 3) on at a time, 2 additional tablets, 1 IPod, and PlayStation gaming going on all under the same roof. We needed a Wi-Fi upgrade. Wi-Fi Research
While looking into our Wi-Fi options, I came across information about Mesh Wi-Fi Networks. I noticed the Orbi in Costco (which was on sale) and I decided to look into how this system is different than the one I had.
My biggest concern was the price. When you buy cool new technology, it is usually very pricey. Wait a few years and the price comes down and flaws in the technology get worked out. However, we had a current need and couldn’t wait for a lower price. I am very thrifty, but spending a little money to make life easier is always money well spent. To make sure it was money well spent, I needed to make sure that a mesh Wi-Fi network would solve our problem. What is a Mesh Wi-fi Network?
A mesh Wi-Fi network blankets your home with a Wi-Fi signal to eliminate dead spots in your home. The system will contain at least one router. The size of your home will determine how many “satellites” (basically, a Wi-Fi extender) you need.
For example, with Google WiFi, if your home is over 1500 sq. ft., then you will want a satellite per extra 1500 sq. ft.
We chose Google Wifi* service (not to be confused with Google’s Internet provider Google Fiber), but there are many options to choose from depending on your needs. Please note, asterisks on this page indicates an affiliate link for your convenience…learn more here.
Why did I pick Google WiFi?
1) It was the cheapest.
2) Reviews ranked it high.
3) It is attractive.
Results of adding Google WiFi
We placed 2 of the Google WiFi pods upstairs and one on the main floor near the kitchen. Now our average download speed is 65 Mbps upstairs, on the main floor and in part of our basement. The lowest download speed of 36 Mbps is in our basement, but this is still higher than we used to receive upstairs and more than enough speed for our needs.
Our home is about 3500 sq. ft. and it turns out we probably only needed 2 pods instead of 3. The number of pods you will need will depend on the materials used to build your home and the layout of your home. Google states “These coverage estimates are for homes with timber frames. Homes made of other materials may see different Wi-Fi coverage.” Parental Controls
Many articles I read said that Google WiFi doesn’t have parental controls. That has changed.
In the Google WiFi app under settings, you will find Family Wi-Fi. Family Wi-Fi is the built in parental control and it allows you to pause the network. You can define a group of devices (such as all of the devices your kids use) and pause it at will. This feature comes in handy at dinner time, study time, etc. Another option is to create a schedule where certain devices do not have access to the Internet, which is great for bedtime. Both options are easy to set up. You also have the option to block adult content, block specific websites and add FamilyShield for added protection. I will cover how to set these features up in a future article. Google WiFi – Pros vs. Cons
Pros
1) Eliminates dead spots 2) High download speeds
3) Family controls
4) Prioritize individual devices
5) Easy set up
6) App
7) Password security 8) Guest network 9) Attractive Cons – Please note, that these are not my cons, but some people are unhappy that the following are not provided: 1) USB port 2) Individual ISP Final Thoughts
We have used Google WiFi for a few months now. We didn’t realize how much we needed a mesh Wi-Fi network until we got one. Now, we would never consider going back to the old system.
1 Comment
11/5/2022 08:54:57 am
Forget project phone recently both. Test crime lot west outside. Job standard where interesting wind.
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AuthorHi, I'm Debra. Helping others make savvy choices for better living is what I do. Archives
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