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Business mesh networks

A business wireless mesh network is a powerful solution for improving WiFi coverage and performance across large or thick-walled premises.

By using multiple antennas to create a seamless network, it eliminates dead zones and enhances user experience, ensuring consistent and reliable connectivity throughout the workspace.

This article explores mesh networks, how they work, and whether they are the right fit for your business.

Contents

• What is a business wireless mesh network?
• How does a wireless mesh network work?
• When to consider a business mesh network
• Choosing the right business wireless mesh network
• Setting up a business wireless mesh network

What is a business wireless mesh network?

Put simply, a business wireless mesh network is a system that expands your WiFi coverage. Businesses use it to ensure consistent connectivity across their premises.

This system comprises a series of nodes or relayers that work together to increase the coverage of your WiFi signal and optimise any traffic being relayed across the network.

Devices seamlessly auto-switch between nodes depending on proximity, network traffic, or node failures, ensuring connectivity without the need to reconnect or log in manually.

In contrast, traditional WiFi networks made of single business broadband router rely on a single node for coverage, which may leave WiFi dead zones or insufficient coverage.

💡Businesses often resort to insufficient workarounds to extend their networks, such as range extenders or secondary routers, significantly reducing performance and the quality of user experience.

How does a wireless mesh network work?

If you’ve wondered how large offices, hotels, and co-working spaces have extensive WiFi coverage, mesh networks are often behind them. Here is how they work:

Mesh structure

Multiple nodes communicate with each other to distribute your broadband connection. Unlike a traditional router setup, nodes are all interconnected, forming a “mesh” where every node is a potential access point.

Mesh networks also route internet data dynamically between nodes based on signal strength, traffic, and proximity, improving the distribution of traffic within your local network.

Mesh networks are also scalable, allowing the addition and removal of nodes as business needs change over time.

Dynamic routing

One of the core principles of mesh networks is their ability to dynamically route data across different nodes based on real-time conditions, such as interference, node failures and traffic, ensuring minimal disruption.

When all nodes can communicate with each other, a mesh network can also be self-healing. If one node goes down, the other nodes re-route traffic around the failure, preventing the entire local network from going offline.

Additionally, all nodes share the same SSID (network name and login credentials), allowing devices to seamlessly switch between nodes and find the optimal route depending on position, traffic, etc.

Performance and range

In addition to the quality of the dynamic routing algorithm, your mesh network’s performance and range are tied to the WiFi standards and channels it supports for its backhaul communication (i.e., the data transfer between your device and your router via the mesh nodes).

The higher the frequency of the channels, the faster the speed it can support, but the lower the range of the signal:

Most mesh networks support WiFi 4, 5, and 6, operating on the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands (dual-band). Only the latest, high-end routers support WiFi 6E, which adds the faster 6 GHz band (tri-band).

All bands operate simultaneously, providing ample bandwidth, though each device can only connect to one band simultaneously.

Critical devices can be assigned priority, ensuring they use the faster bands (if within range!). The 6 GHz band supports high-performance, single-device applications that rely on the fastest leased line broadband connections.

💡 Note: Mesh networks don’t affect network configurations set by your provider, such as static IPs, bandwidth throttling, and speed asymmetry.

When to consider a business mesh network

Wireless mesh networks are critical when areas within your premises have insufficient WiFi coverage.

Here are three classic examples of cases where a mesh network would be beneficial:

• Employees in the back office lose WiFi connectivity when walking down long hallways, making video calls unreliable.
• The guest WiFi in a clothing store does not reach the changing rooms, frustrating customers trying to browse online.
• Customers at the farthest outdoor tables in a café complain about weak or no WiFi while working or browsing.

Choosing the right business wireless mesh network

The proper mesh network system depends on the arrangement and size of your premises and your broadband performance requirements.

Your business premises

To ensure proper coverage, you need to understand the range of each band supported by your mesh network.

If you only need basic coverage of the 2.4GHz band, which supports speeds of up to 900 Mbps, each node will have a range of around 45 meters without counting any obstacles.

If you require WiFi coverage at Gbps speeds (65 and 6 GHz bands), expect each node to range between 9 and 30 meters. This means you will need a higher density of nodes to cover the same area.

Typically, a node in each room is recommended to ensure optimal connectivity, especially when it comes to the higher bands that are poor at penetrating past walls and floors.

Your broadband connection

For businesses connected with standard technologies such as SoGEA, cable or 5G broadband a standard, dual-band mesh network will suffice to support Mbps speeds and a reasonable number of work and personal devices.

On the other hand, businesses with full fibre or leased line broadband that must support many online devices or high-bandwidth applications require a high-spec mesh network offering tri-band support.

Business wireless mesh network examples

Here are a few examples of mesh network implementation to help you understand your requirements:

Other WLAN alternatives

Mesh networks are one of the most popular WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) solutions for many general businesses.

However, it may fall short for larger enterprises or specialised SMEs with customer requirements like advanced broadband cybersecurity (e.g. cybersecurity SaaS or stringent cybersecurity compliance).

Conversely, small businesses with small premises like corner shops or pop-up shops will get adequate coverage with a single router.

Here are other alternatives that you should know about:

• Single Router: The standard solution where a single router provides the necessary coverage. Works well in small premises.
• Multiple Access Point (AP): Customised network infrastructure using multiple wired access points to ensure secure, robust and scalable connectivity, ideal for large businesses. Often cloud-managed, with solutions like Cisco Meraki allowing for their centralised control.
• Wi-Fi Extenders/Repeaters: Devices that extend the range of an existing WiFi network by retransmitting the signal without the seamless operability of a mesh network. Cheapest solution for non-critical dead zones.
• 5G Private Networks: High-speed, low-latency private wireless networks using 5G broadband technology. Best for specialised businesses requiring dedicated connectivity.
• Powerline Adapters: Uses a building’s electrical wiring to extend network signals, providing an alternative to Wi-Fi extenders, especially in difficult-to-wire areas. A niche application.
• Point-to-Point Wireless: A direct wireless link between two fixed locations, often for connecting different buildings or large outdoor spaces at a minimal price.
• Hotspot Networks: Wireless networks based on mobile broadband dongles or tethering, useful for temporary setups or businesses in remote locations.
• SD-WAN: Combines various connections across multiple sites and optimises traffic routing from a central platform. Can actually work with specialised mesh networks.

Setting up a business wireless mesh network

Here is a simple step-by-step on how your business can set up its mesh network:

Purchasing a mesh network

All wireless mesh networks are available through major retailers like Amazon or directly from manufacturers.

Here is a list of reputable manufacturers and their flagship products for you to consider:

• Google – Google Nest WiFi, Google WiFi, Nest WiFi Pro
• TP-Link – Deco X60, Deco M5, Deco X90, Deco P9
• Netgear – Orbi Pro, Orbi AX6000, Orbi RBK50, Orbi RBK852
• Ubiquiti – UniFi Mesh, AmpliFi HD, AmpliFi Alien, AmpliFi Instant
• Linksys – Velop MX5300, Velop AC6600, Velop MX4200, Velop AX4200
• Amazon Eero – Eero Pro 6, Eero 6, Eero Pro, Eero Beacon
• Asus – ZenWiFi AX (XT8), ZenWiFi AC, Lyra, ZenWiFi XD6
• Cisco – Meraki MR Series, Meraki Go
• Huawei – WiFi Mesh, Huawei Q2 Pro, Huawei WiFi AX3, WiFi Mesh 3
• AmpliFi (by Ubiquiti) – AmpliFi HD, AmpliFi Instant, AmpliFi Alien

Installing a mesh network

Mesh networks are installed over an existing internet connection provided by business broadband providers such as BT, Virgin Media, or TalkTalk.

This means the mesh network nodes (antennas) are installed using your main WiFi router as the central node. The challenging part is choosing the correct mesh network for your performance, coverage and scalability requirements.

Here is what you typically need to do:

1. Choose a mesh network that meets your requirements.
2. Plug in the primary node to the existing router.
3. Position additional nodes throughout the premises to ensure full coverage.
4. Use the manufacturer’s app for easy configuration.
5. Test several devices across the network to ensure adequate coverage, appropriate auto-switching, and guest network configurations.

Most modern mesh systems have an intuitive app to guide the setup, making third-party installation services unnecessary for most businesses.

Note that your Service Level Agreement does not cover the performance of your mesh network, and you may need to measure business broadband speeds at your default router if they are below what was agreed.

And there you are. Your workforce may enjoy comprehensive coverage and seamless WiFi across your premises, improving productivity and employee satisfaction.

Business wireless mesh networks – FAQs

Our business broadband experts answer commonly asked questions on business wireless mesh networks in the UK.

How many nodes do I need for my mesh network?

The size and layout of your premises determine your mesh network needs. Mesh networks are recommended for open-plan areas larger than ~2,000 square feet (186 m²) or with complex layouts. Smaller offices and cafés usually require 2-3 nodes, while larger spaces like co-working environments may need 4-5 nodes for full coverage.

Refer to these specific business examples for a clearer understanding of your needs.

Can I add more nodes to my mesh network later?

It depends on the product. Some mesh networks support a limited number of nodes, while others allow for flexible expansion by adding or removing nodes as needed. Check your system’s specifications.

How hard is it to set up a mesh network?

Setting up a mesh network is typically straightforward. Most systems have user-friendly apps that guide you through placing nodes and configuring the network. See our simple setup guide here.

Are mesh networks more expensive than traditional Wi-Fi routers?

Wi-Fi routers are necessary and included by default in your business broadband deal. Mesh networks are an add-on that will cost your business.

If you compare a new, more powerful business WiFi router with a mesh network, mesh networks are still more expensive due to their advanced features and ability to cover larger areas with multiple nodes.

What is the difference between Wi-Fi extenders and mesh networks?

Wi-Fi extenders boost the signal from an existing router, creating a separate network, often causing a drop in speed and requiring manual reconnection when moving between areas. In contrast, mesh networks replicate the same signal from different nodes, creating a unified network with seamless coverage.

How do mesh networks handle interference or congestion?

Mesh networks manage interference and congestion using multiple channels and smart traffic routing, automatically selecting the least congested path. Tri-band systems often dedicate one band for node communication, reducing interference and maintaining speeds.

Will a mesh network work with my current internet speed?

Yes, mesh networks can improve coverage while maintaining even the fastest Gbps internet speeds. However, the system won’t increase your internet speed beyond what your provider offers; the supported speed depends on the specs.

For example, only Tri-band mesh networks featuring WiFi 6E will support Gbps speeds provided by dedicated leased lines.

What is the range of a typical mesh network?

The range of a typical mesh network varies by product, but most individual nodes can cover between 1,500 and 2,500 square feet (140 to 232 m²).

A full mesh system with multiple nodes can extend coverage up to 5,000 square feet (465 m²) or more, depending on the number of nodes and the environment, such as walls or obstacles that may affect signal strength.

Will a mesh network increase my internet speed?

No. A mesh network will only increase the coverage of your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and cannot increase broadband speeds.

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