WiFi Extender vs Mesh: Which is Better?

Mesh systems are one of the new technologies that provide router and extended network in your home. But on the other hand rang extenders are small, less costly and can connect to any home WiFi device. Here, you will get to know about the difference between the extender and mesh (WiFi extender vs mesh) in details.

WiFi Range Extender

The range extender is a small networking device which you can use to extend the home network WiFi signals. The setup is so simple and can connect with any router brand, modem router and mesh router. Have a look at the setup and configuration Instructions:

Connection

• The extender can connect through the WPS method as well as Ethernet cable.
• Just plug it in the wall socket directly and turn it on.
• To connect it, press the router WPS button and then press the same button on the extender.
• If the router has no WPS option, then you can link it with Ethernet cable.

Configuration

• Connect a computer to laptop to the extender network and open the web browser.
• Enter the extender IP address it can be 192.168.1.1 or any other, and then search by pressing the Enter button.
• You will reach to the extender interface login page; here you must type in the admin credentials.
• By entering these details and clicking on the Login button, you will get to the interface and adjust the device settings.

Some of the extender brands provide mobile apps to manage the settings like Virgin Media, Netgear, Linksys, TP-Link and many more.

Have a look at below section, which included information about Mesh systems;

WiFi Mesh System

This mentioned technology is the newest one, which provides two in one networking devices features. The device consists of more than two devices, in which one will act as the router node and others will extend its signals throughout your home. Have a look how to set it up;

Connection

• You have to connect the router node to the modem via Ethernet cable.
• Then you must connect other nodes (child nodes) to the router wirelessly.
• To do that, connect the nodes to power and find the WPS button on them.
• Press the router button first and then press the button on the others.
• The devices will connect automatically.

Note: In some mesh systems like Deco, users have to use the Deco app to make the connection.

Configuration

• To adjust the mesh settings, you have to download the mesh recommended app in phone.
• The other method to configure the device is log in to the interface like for TP-Link Deco is ‘Deco login’.
• To login, you have to search the device IP address and reach to the login page.
• Enter the username and password, and by clicking on the LOGIN button, you will get to the interface.
• Now, you can adjust all settings of the mesh device.

In below section, you will get to know about the real difference between WiFi mesh and extender (WiFi extender vs mesh).

WiFi Mesh vs Extender

Mesh System	Range Extender
It has more than two networking device in the content package.	It is a small device which you can connect without using any cable.
The system can be configured from mobile app as well as computer.	Some extenders can be setup through phone app and but almost all are configured from computer or laptop.
The mesh systems are costly than extenders and a single router.	The range extenders are less costly than a router and mesh system.
The setup and configuration is easy because you can do it through your phone.	The setup is easy but it needs and computer or laptop to configure.
The mesh router connects with the home cable modem via Ethernet cable.	The extender can connect with the modem router, router, as well as the mesh systems.

The Conclusion

Here, you have seen and learned about difference between the extender and mesh system (WiFi extender vs mesh).