With the continuous development of the connected home, more and more smart devices need to be connected to the Web. Homes with multiple floors, certain building materials, or a difficult layout may make for dead zones or other problems connecting. A typical home router may be enough to cover certain homes but they lack the device management, timely security updates, and a variety of other options like guest networks. Technology companies created a new set of devices called "mesh networks" that usually consist of a main unit which connects to a user's Internet modem and satellite units that rebroadcast the signal throughout the home. Previously there Wi-Fi routers and range extenders that did a similar task but these frequently did a poor job and required a certain level of technology expertise to set-up and maintain. Mesh networks created systems that use multiple radio frequencies and an easy-to-use app to make easy to use systems. Two of the big advantages for users are the automatic security updates, device management (think restricting what your child's devices can access and when), and guest networks (which allow visitors to connect without a password).
After reading through multiple articles about these mesh networks I've come to the conclusion that the speed difference is small and depending on how the test is done different mesh networks come out on top. Each mesh network has it's strengths (+) and weaknesses (-) . {The name of each device takes you to the product's website} The reviews and background information I read to come to these conclusions are below, if you want to read more in-depth.
AmpliFi HD: [$130 base, $350 kit]
+ Set-Up
+ App
+ Advanced Settings
+ Range
+ / - Ethernet ports (four on main and none on satellites)
- No Quality of Service (explanation)
- Hardware design
+ Set-Up
+ App
+ Quality of Service (explanation)
+ Hardware design
+ Auto Updates
- Ethernet ports
- Price
- Device Management
+ Set-up
+ App
+ Auto Update
+ Price
+ Internet of Things Integration
+ Device Management
+ Hardware design
- No Quality of Service
- Ethernet ports
- Satellite performance
+ App
+ Automatic Updates
+ Parental Controls / device management
+ Hardware design
- Set-Up
- No Quality of Service
- Range
- Price
+ Ethernet ports
+ Best coverage range
+ Radios and Streams (explanation)
+ Virtual Private Network support
+ Possible future USB support
- Hardware design
- No Quality of Service
- Set-up issues
- Poor app, relies on web interface
- Lacks auto updates
- Lacks auto updates
+ Radio streams
+ Load balancing (adaptive technology)
+ Set-Up
+ Coverage
+ Lowest cost per unit
+ Auto Updates
- Apple device only app
- Parental Control
- No Quality of Service
What if coverage isn't the issue (less than 2000 sq ft, single story, well positioned router*^), you're looking for better security and quality basic features, multiple websites cite the TP-Link Archer C7 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router (AC1750) as a best buy [approximately $87].
If users want an app, parental controls, quality of service, security, and much more NETGEAR AC1750 Smart WiFi Router Dual Core 800MHz is the router for you [approximately $117].
Sources:
I tried Google Wifi, Eero, and Orbi — Here's Which One You Should Buy http://www.businessinsider.com/google-wifi-vs-eero-vs-orbi-mesh-wifi-showdown-2016-12
Google WiFi Goes Head-to-Head With Eero and Luma in Speed Test http://www.droid-life.com/2016/11/21/google-wifi-vs-eero-vs-luma-fastest/
WiFi Face-Off: Orbi vs. eero vs. Luma http://www.consumerreports.org/wireless-routers/wifi-face-off-orbi-vs-eero-vs-luma/
Google WiFi Goes Head-to-Head With Eero and Luma in Speed Test http://www.droid-life.com/2016/11/21/google-wifi-vs-eero-vs-luma-fastest/
The Best Wi-Fi Routers: No More Dead Zones http://www.wsj.com/articles/these-routers-fix-wi-fi-dead-zones-but-theyll-cost-you-1469038426
Wi-Fi Mesh Systems Compared: eero, Orbi, AmpliFi https://www.macobserver.com/tips/deep-dive/wi-fi-mesh-compared-eero-orbi-amplifi/
How Wi-Fi Mesh Networks Work http://www.androidcentral.com/how-wifi-mesh-networks-work
The Best Wi-Fi Mesh Network Kits for Most People http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-wi-fi-mesh-networking-kits/
This Little Router Blankets Your Home in Speedy Wi-Fi — and gives Google a serious Challenge http://www.businessinsider.com/ubiquiti-amplifi-hd-wifi-router-review-mesh-eero-luma-2016-11/#i-cant-say-the-amplifi-hd-is-the-absolute-best-of-this-new-crop-of-wi-fi-systems-but-its-certainly-near-the-top-it-walks-the-line-between-accessibility-and-robustness-better-than-most-10
Hands-on: Ubiquiti’s Amplifi covers the whole house in a Wi-Fi Mesh http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/07/spending-some-time-with-ubiquiti-labs-amplifi-home-wi-fi-mesh-system/
These 3 Mesh Routers Will Boost your Home Wi-Fi Signal and Kill those Pesky Dead Zones https://ideaing.com/ideas/luma-eero-orbi-wifi-mesh-router-comparison
*Google Wifi vs. Eero vs. Luma: Which Mesh-Network Router Is Right for You? http://nymag.com/selectall/2016/12/google-wifi-eero-luma-comparison-test.html
^The Best Wi-Fi Router (for most people) http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-wi-fi-router/
Plume Wi-Fi Pods Could Boost Your Home Network http://www.pcmag.com/news/345359/plume-wi-fi-pods-could-boost-your-home-network
Put one of these Plume pods in each room to blanket your home in Wi-Fi https://www.cnet.com/products/plume-adaptive-wifi-system/preview/
Review: Comparing Google Wifi to other mesh networking heavyweights http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/12/review-comparing-google-wifi-to-other-mesh-networking-heavyweights/
