Not all Mesh WiFi systems are created equally. So, setting up your system might differ a bit from system to system. But in general, there are similarities.
Where do you put your mesh system?
According to Google, the general rule is to place nodes no more than two rooms away from each other. This is how they will work best. An example of this is that if the far end of your house has weak WiFi, don’t put a node in that exact spot. Instead, the node is better placed part of the way in that direction and to your mesh router. As with a traditional WiFi network, always try to put the devices in an elevated position up off of the floor.
Just like how all mesh systems are different, so are homes. Consider how much coverage you are going to need. A good rule of thumb is to start small. Mesh systems are expandable, so you can always add more nodes if you find you need more coverage. Now, onto how to actually set things up.
Setting up the mesh system
Setting up your mesh system requires digital setup and physical setup.
Start with the digital setup. A lot of mesh systems require downloading an app. This way, you can set up and manage the network from your smartphone. You will be able to do this from the start because your modem is already providing an Internet connection.
Once you download the app, you need to create an account with a strong administrator password. Once the account is created, sign in and follow the instructions to connect your modem, mesh router and nodes.
Next, the physical setup. This is where the nodes placement comes in. To get optimal WiFi coverage and remove dead zones in your home, place each node close to a power outlet, out in the open and off the floor on a shelf, bookcase or tabletop. The first node should be in the open and close proximity to your cable modem and mesh router. The second should be halfway between the router and the hard-to-reach place. And so on. This is a similar concept to how to set up a wireless range extender or MoCA adapter, both WiFi boosting alternatives to a mesh network.
When setting up and positioning the nodes, consider how you’ll connect devices like gaming consoles, TVs, and other entertainment devices. These devices are usually better on a wired connection because it offers faster speeds and a more reliable connection. However, you can still connect them to a WiFi mesh network.
Want to learn more about Mesh WiFi? Check out Hitron’s Learn page for more resources.