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by John W. Simek, Vice President of Sensei Enterprises, Inc.

Hardware Requirements for a Mesh Wi-Fi Network

May 24, 2022

Simply put, mesh networks are basically a Wi-Fi network on steroids. In a standard wireless network, you have one device that gives you a wireless “cloud” to connect to. A mesh network has multiple devices and extends the range and speed of your wireless network. Of course, mesh is more expensive, but how many devices do you really need? Review Geek has a post to help you determine how many routers and/or satellite nodes you’ll need. There is a handy table with recommendations depending on the amount of square footage you need to cover.

  • 1,500 Square Feet or Less: One router and one satellite
  • 1,500 to 3,000 Square Feet: One router and two satellites
  • 3,000 to 5,500 Square Feet: One router and three satellites
  • 6,000+ Square Feet: One router and four satellites, or more

Besides the number of devices, placement also impacts the coverage area. Building construction can significantly impact the wireless signal. Commercial office construction typically uses metal studs in the wall, which has a more significant impact on the wireless signal versus the wood studs used in residential construction. If you are new to mesh networks, I would suggest starting small and see if the speed and coverage is acceptable. You can always add additional nodes at a future time to improve the network if needed.

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