Informed choices on how to boost your home Wi-Fi

Home internet that just works, no matter what you’re doing, is something you probably expect without having to know the technical ins and outs! 

But a little bit of understanding can go a long way in making sure that you have the very best connectivity throughout the whole of your home and that means knowing the difference between the mesh networks, boosters and extenders that play a vital role in improving Wi-Fi coverage.

Because each plays a different role and choosing the right solution depends on your specific needs, the size and layout of your home, and your budget. And understanding those differences will help you make an informed decision and ensure you have the best possible online experience.

Mesh networks

A mesh network is a system of interconnected devices (often called nodes or points) that work together to blanket the whole of your home with Wi-Fi coverage. Unlike a traditional router that broadcasts a signal from a single point, a mesh network has multiple nodes around your home that communicate with each other to create a seamless Wi-Fi network.

The biggest advantage of a mesh network is its ability to provide consistent, strong Wi-Fi coverage across large or multi-storey homes. Because each node acts as a relay point, the signal strength doesn't degrade as it travels through walls or over distances. If you move from one room to another, your device will automatically connect to the nearest node without dropping the connection. This is especially useful in homes with dead zones or areas where the Wi-Fi signal is weak or inconsistent.

Mesh networks are generally more expensive than other solutions but offer the most robust and user-friendly experience, often managed via a simple app that allows for easy setup and control of the network.

Wi-Fi boosters

Wi-Fi boosters, also known as repeaters, are devices that amplify the existing Wi-Fi signal. They are placed between your router and the area where you want to improve connectivity. The booster receives the signal from your router and then rebroadcasts it, extending the coverage to areas where the signal was previously weak 

Boosters are generally simpler and cheaper than mesh networks. They are ideal for smaller spaces where you need to improve the signal in a specific area, such as a back room or maybe into the garden. But they do have limitations. Because they simply repeat the signal, the boosted Wi-Fi can suffer from reduced speeds. The signal might not be as strong or consistent as that provided by a mesh network, especially if the booster is placed too far from the router.

Wi-Fi extenders

Wi-Fi extenders are similar to boosters in that they extend the reach of your existing Wi-Fi network. But while a booster amplifies the original signal, an extender creates a whole new network.

This new network usually has a different name (SSID) than your main network, and when you move from one area to another, your device will need to switch from one network to the other, which can cause brief interruptions in connectivity.

Wi-Fi extenders tend to be a more cost-effective solution than a mesh network, particularly in homes where boosting the signal in one or two rooms is sufficient. But like boosters, extenders can also suffer from reduced speeds and signal strength.

Mesh from Voneus

Here at Voneus we offer robust, innovative Wi-Fi mesh networks that can bounce your Wi-Fi signal around the whole of your home, whatever its shape or size. There’s even a handy app to set parental controls, add or disconnect devices or prioritise connection to individual devices.

Choose Voneus mesh networks for:

• whole home, seamless Wi-Fi

• easy to install

• parental controls

• user-friendly app

If you’re an existing customer looking for broader coverage throughout your home, just give us a call to find out how we can help.

If you’re looking to upgrade to better broadband, you can order your new package online here.