You don’t use multiple Wi-Fi access points (Mesh Networks)? It is the smartest way to improve speed and coverage, especially in large offices or homes.
You don’t need to struggle with weak signals or slow connections. This setup ensures stable internet everywhere.
In this article, you’ll learn how multiple access points work, why they boost performance, and the best ways to set them up for faster connectivity across your space.
How Does a Mesh Network Work?
Multi-access point networks are also known as mesh networks because of the web of signals they produce around a building which closely resemble a net or mesh.
Mesh networks use several nodes or units, which can be placed anywhere in the office. Each one is usually about the size of a soda can or a small coffee thermos.
Each node functions as a “mini-router,” which lets your users connect to them. This way, employees can connect to the nearest node instead of everyone connecting to a single router that could be far away from their desk.
These nodes don’t just talk to your devices; they talk to each other. One of the nodes connects to your modem and sends the internet connection to all the other access points.
Benefits of Using Wi-Fi with Multiple Access Points
Now that we’ve talked about all the technical aspects of how this network configuration works, let’s jump to the benefits, which, by the way, apply to your company regardless of its size.
No Slowdowns Due to Overload
One issue that many offices find is that if too much bandwidth is used by too many users simultaneously, everyone’s connection lags.
With a mesh network, this will no longer be a problem, as internet connections are much faster. Here’s how it works: Several nodes share the load and provide equal speed to all users. So, if one node starts to become overloaded, another takes over so that users can always enjoy a stable connection and maintain good speed.
Wi-Fi Improve Speed & Coverage
Most wireless access point systems offer you literally infinite scaling potential by adding new nodes to extend the wireless signal range of your office. Each node typically has a range of 300 to 600 feet, increasing both the speed and coverage of your Wi-Fi.
This type of system is much more flexible than a single Wi-Fi router, not to mention that expanding the network as your needs grow is much more economical.
Get Wi-Fi Outside
Want to allow your team to link out to the net from an outside patio? How about sending a signal through a courtyard between two of your buildings?
A mesh network provides far more control over the reach of your wireless network. You can take advantage of nodes meant to be used outside to send your signal wherever you want.
Eliminate Barriers, Dead Zones & Weak Spots
All communications from a single router can have many points of failure. For example, thick walls or heavy furniture can block or weaken the signal, or if you have an office that is far away from the main router, it may be completely out of range.
When using multi-access points, all of these problems can be solved because instead of a single signal, there are several, from every node to each other. This creates a mesh of Wi-Fi that permeates obstacles, providing a robust connection throughout — even in the most remote corners of your office. We know, it sounds too good to be true, but it is.
Mitigate Downtime
When using a single router for your internet connection, you have only a single point of failure. If that router falls over, your entire office will be down, and your business will grind to a halt.
On the other hand, when you use multiple access points, if one of them stops working, the other one takes over (as explained above). This helps prevent downtime and allows your equipment to continue working while the problem is being resolved.
How Multiple Access Points Improve Wi-Fi Performance
Of course your Wi-Fi will improve, and by a LOT! This is because traffic is distributed more efficiently, which helps reduce congestion and allows devices to move between access points without disconnecting.
This configuration creates stable connections and much faster speeds in densely populated environments, such as offices and large homes. Or you know, when you have a bunch of visitors and everyone asks you for the Wi-Fi password.
Load Balancing for Faster Speeds
As explained above, load balancing allows devices to connect to multiple access points to prevent any one from becoming overloaded. This is how the internet is kept running at high speeds.
This improves network efficiency by balancing the load, reducing lag and buffering in high-bandwidth use cases like video conferencing and gaming.
Reducing Network Congestion
Just like nasal congestion that prevents you from breathing and a cold remedy helps. In this case, users compete for limited resources and bandwidth, causing network speed to drop dramatically and/or connections to drop.
This network congestion can negatively impact the user experience, especially if they frequently use video calls, streaming services, or online video games. Thanks to channel autocorrelation, this problem is mitigated by increasing the reliability of the network access points.
Seamless Roaming for Devices
Seamless roaming allows devices to move from one access point to another without disconnecting or experiencing delays. Without multiple access points, moving far enough away while using a single router often results in dead zones and dropped connections.
The end result is about smooth transitions between APs, as long as APs are configured correctly and utilize 802.11k, 802.11v and 802.11r with the other technologies. So if you are on a video call, streaming or playing online, you can move freely without interruptions. That feature is important for people that wander around a big area often.
Best Practices for Setting Up Multiple Access Points
A well-planned WiFi network with correct placement, efficient signal management, and centralized control is more reliable and less prone to connectivity issues, resulting in higher net performance. Let’s take a look at the best practices to ensure that your APs deliver optimal performance with minimal interference and maximum coverage levels.
Proper Placement for Optimal Coverage
Strategic placement of access points ensures coverage without dead zones and overlapping interference. APs must be placed so that signals barely overlap — but not to the extent that they do (which provides too much overlap) — in order to provide uninterrupted coverage.
Do not put them close to thick walls, metal surfaces, or electronic devices that can block signals. In open environments, the APs are arranged like a grid that allows for equal opportunities for coverage, whereas the right height for signal propagation can be more easily achieved with an appropriate mount.
Avoiding Signal Interference
Signal interference from local Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices and household electronics can all undermine Wi-Fi performance. Avoid this by assigning different channels and bands to different APs, especially in dense environments.
This helps manage frequencies better, reducing conflicts and improving connectivity.
Using a Centralized Controller for Management
A centralized controller helps to manage the devices as a single entity with a single interface for monitoring as well as the configuration of multiple APs.
This controller can automate tasks that would otherwise have to be configured individually on each AP. For example, load balancing, data encryption, prioritization of traffic types, among other configurations.
In addition, with these cloud controllers, flexibility reaches new and better levels, also allowing real-time remote monitoring and adjustments. If you have a business and need to maximize the efficiency, scalability, and security of your network, then you need them.