Hello everyone!
I’m trying to figure out what is wifi mesh exactly and can’t really find answers.
I’m wondering if it’s a real tech or just a nomination, example: if I’m setting up multiple old wifi routers on the same local network with DHCP turned off (except on the main of course) and just put the same SSID and passphrase on all of them: could we call it a mesh wifi or does the technology really add something to it?
I made my parents buy some TP-LINK Deco wifi mesh routers for their property ^(which I regret now because openwrt is not compatible but that’s a other story) and I don’t really see any difference from them and the basic wifi repeater(cable) I’ve put in a last dead zone.
Here’s what android sees
Mesh networks are definitely a thing. They’re common in utilities like water, gas, or electric where you have a whole bunch of nodes (meters) that you want to read and report data back from to a central hub. Those typically don’t use Wi-fi though.
Wifi mesh networks exist as well and allow you to stay connected to the same SSID and network while bouncing from access point to access point. They’re typically not as fast or reliable as access points that are hard wired into the network. You can’t just use two separate AP’s and give them the same SSID. You’ll run into all sorts of connectivity issues.
I have two Ubiquiti AP’s at home that are hard wired in (with POE) and configured to share the same SSID. They communicate with each other over the LAN and devices can switch back and forth seamlessly depending on which one offers a better signal.