Short answer
A mesh system goes in without cables and works reasonably well in most homes, as long as the points can see each other well. Wired access points each have their own full connection and perform better, especially with thick walls or lots of devices. If you can run a cable, go wired.
Who this article is for Anyone who wants to improve their wifi and does not know which way to go.
The difference in one sentence
With mesh the points talk to each other over wifi. With wired access points each point has its own cable to the switch.
That difference decides everything: mesh shares the airwaves, wired does not.
When mesh is good enough
- a home where the points can see each other well
- plasterboard walls and wooden floors instead of concrete
- normal use: phones, laptops, streaming
- when running cables really is not possible
Then choose a set from the same brand and do not put the points too far apart. Two points that see each other well work better than three that half hear each other.
When wired is better
- thick walls, concrete, foil insulation
- a shed or summer house
- lots of devices at once, or working from home with video calls
- if you want to do it right first time
An access point in the ceiling with a cable to it is the most invisible and most reliable option there is.
What is often forgotten
Power. You do not want to power an access point in the ceiling with a plug-in adapter. With power over ethernet the power comes over the same network cable, from a switch in the meter cupboard. That is why I always work back to the cupboard.
More points is not always better.
Channels and names. Several points with the same network name are handy, provided the system handles the handover well. A mix of points from different brands often does not.
The number. More points is not always better. They interfere with each other if they are too close together. Two well placed points beat four badly placed ones.
What I usually do
In a three-storey home: one point per floor, wired, with power over ethernet, and the router in the meter cupboard with a small switch. It is silent, invisible and works for years without any attention.
The cabling this needs is covered in running network cable.
From my own work
A customer in Sittard had a mesh set of three points. The second point was right behind the concrete staircase, so the third point barely had a connection. With a network cable to that third point it was solved straight away. The same system, just no longer dependent on wifi between the points.
When to call an electrician
- You are unsure between mesh and wired points
- You have mesh and it keeps dropping out in one spot
- Points need to go in the ceiling or on the wall
I look at where the points should go and whether a cable can reach them. Request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is mesh good enough?
In a home with light walls, usually yes. With concrete, foil insulation or lots of devices, wired points are noticeably better.
What is power over ethernet?
Power that comes along the same network cable, so an access point in the ceiling does not need a socket.
Can I combine points from different brands?
Technically yes, but handing devices over between points then usually goes badly. Stick to one brand.
Further reading
Fibre at home: what happens and what you need to arrange yourself
The provider brings the fibre into the meter cupboard. From there it is your network, and that is where there is most to gain.
A camera by the door or on the front of the house: what is allowed and what works
A camera on your wall may film your own property. The neighbours and the pavement are another matter.
Wifi does not reach everywhere: why that is
It is not that your router is too weak, your walls are too thick. That is why a stronger router rarely solves anything and a cable always does.
Questions and comments
Ask your question below. Ask before 17:00 on a working day and you get an answer from Kevin himself the same day. No account needed, and your email address does not appear on the site.