When we are going to install a WiFi network in our home, we have several alternatives such as using the router and then WiFi repeaters, installing Powerline devices with WiFi, or the two options that we like the most: a high-performance WiFi Mesh system or some professional WiFi access points. Depending on your needs and knowledge of networks, it is recommended to put a WiFi Mesh or WiFi APs in our home. Today in this article we are going to explain the main differences between both options that are really interesting.
Differences between putting APs WiFi or WiFi Mesh
In a domestic home we can put professional WiFi access points, or buy a complete WiFi Mesh system. The main differences between the two is at the software level, and also the advanced configuration possibilities of the WiFi network. Here are the main differences explained.
Wi-Fi network management
In a Wi-Fi Mesh system, the entire wired and wireless network is managed centrally from the node that acts as the main router. Any change we make in the Mesh router is automatically replicated in the rest of the Mesh nodes that are connected via cable or WiFi. Managing a WiFi mesh system is quite simple, and any home user with minimal knowledge will be able to manage it correctly.
WiFi access points (AP) can be managed in several ways, depending on the model and how you want to manage it:
- Standalone: individual management of the WiFi access point.
- Local WiFi controller: it is necessary to use specific software or hardware to centrally manage several APs simultaneously.
- Cloud Controller: communicates with the manufacturer’s cloud, and all management is done from the Cloud.
WiFi roaming between nodes
In a WiFi Mesh system we will always have the 802.11k/v standards in the Mesh network, with the aim of providing WiFi roaming between nodes in a totally transparent way. On some occasions we have the 802.11r standard, but it is not usual.
In the APs, if the management is standalone (individual) we will not have roaming, but if we manage them from a local WiFi controller or from the Cloud, we can have roaming between APs, as long as the software supports it, because there are professional AP models They don’t support this feature yet. Before buying, we must make sure that it supports roaming and not “roaming assistance”.
Concurrent Wi-Fi clients
WiFi Mesh systems are usually aimed at a domestic environment, so it is not recommended to connect more than 40 devices globally, because the WiFi network could be affected by having so many clients exchanging traffic.
As for the APs, they are focused on a more professional field, so they can easily manage more than 60 devices for each AP that we have at home.
Advanced configuration options
The configuration options are one of the most important parts and where there are more differences between the two. Depending on the WiFi Mesh system you buy, you will have more options (such as ASUS or NETGEAR) or less options such as D-Link or TP-Link among others.
Regarding WiFi APs, we have very advanced configuration options, such as defining a bandwidth limiter per client or SSID, configuring QoS, creating several WiFi networks with VLANs to segment the network, the possibility of configuring AP isolation to protect to wireless clients, and many more options that are managed directly from the AP firmware or from the WiFi controller (local or cloud).
Equipment power supply
WiFi Mesh systems are powered by the typical current transformer connected to the electric light, therefore, we will always have a plug nearby to be able to power it correctly. Depending on the chosen model, the equipment will be larger or smaller, since right now we have designs that are really large and others that are very small.
As for APs, they have greater versatility, because most of them allow you to connect a current transformer to power it, but we can also do it through PoE. With the same Ethernet network cable we will be able to power the WiFi AP and also provide connectivity to the network, therefore, with the same PoE switch we will be able to power several APs without any problem.
As you can see, each team is aimed at a different audience. WiFi APs are geared toward more advanced users who need a lot more options, while Mesh WiFi APs are for home users.