What Is a Mesh Network Wi-Fi

Say goodbye to Wi-Fi dead zones, buffering, and weak signals—mesh Wi-Fi is here to change the game. If you're looking for ultra-fast, seamless coverage throughout your home or business, mesh technology is the way to go!

What is mesh technology?

Mesh technology is the smart way to get reliable, fast Wi-Fi throughout your home or business. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi setups that rely on a single router, mesh systems use a mesh router and satellite nodes to work together, ensuring your signal is strong and consistent no matter where you are. Instead of having just one router covering the entire space, mesh creates multiple points of connectivity, so you’re always close to a reliable signal. It’s the solution to eliminate dead zones, providing coverage from room to room, floor to floor.

Here’s how it works:

• Main mesh router: This is the hub of your network. It connects to your Optical Network Terminal (ONT) (where the fibre comes into your home if you’ve got full fibre) and sends out that super-fast Wi-Fi signal.

• Mesh nodes: These are the extra routers placed around your space to extend your Wi-Fi coverage and eliminate dead zones. They work alongside the main router, creating a single, unified network.

What do I need to set up a mesh network?

Getting your mesh network up and running is super-simple. All you need is a main mesh router and one or more mesh nodes, depending on the size of your house or business. Both the main router and the nodes are the same type of device, equipped with mesh capabilities—they just play different roles. The main router connects to your ONT (if you're using full fibre), while the nodes are spread around your space to extend the signal, keeping you connected everywhere.

You can easily grab these online, or if you’re a GoFibre customer, we’ve got you covered! You'll get a main mesh router for free when you sign up, and you can boost your coverage by adding our Enhanced Wi-Fi add-on for extra nodes.

Do you still need a router with a mesh system?

Yes, a mesh system needs a router to work its magic, but not just any router can create a mesh network. You’ll need a mesh-compatible router paired with mesh nodes designed to work together.

Regular routers are good for covering one spot, but they can’t extend the signal across your space the way a mesh system can. Mesh routers and their satellite nodes are built to work in harmony, giving you a single, uninterrupted signal as you move from room to room.

So, if you want a smooth, reliable mesh network, you’ll need a router with mesh tech.

Do I need mesh Wi-Fi?

If you’re dealing with Wi-Fi dead zones, buffering, or weak signal areas in your home, then mesh Wi-Fi might be just what you need.

Mesh Wi-Fi is the go-to solution for larger homes, multi-story spaces, or tricky spots where a single router just can’t keep up. If you want Wi-Fi that follows you everywhere with no lag, no dead zones, and ultra-reliable speeds, mesh Wi-Fi could be the upgrade that transforms your home!

Where to place mesh routers?

Your mesh router should connect directly to your ONT, and it needs to be in the sweet spot. Ideally, this is a central location in your home to let the Wi-Fi spread far and wide.

Now, we get it—sometimes full fibre can only enter your home in certain spots, so you might not have total flexibility with where you put your router. But don’t worry! Just make sure it’s in an open, central spot to give the signal the best chance of spreading through your space.

• Avoid corners or basements.
• Go high—the higher the router, the better! Stick it on a shelf or elevated surface so the signal can reach further.
• Clear the way—keep the router away from thick walls or metal objects that might block the signal.

For your mesh nodes, place them in the areas that need a little extra help—especially rooms where the Wi-Fi isn’t quite as strong. They should be about halfway between the main router and the weaker spots, with clear line-of-sight for the best connection.

Does mesh Wi-Fi reduce speed?

Mesh Wi-Fi is built to boost coverage, not slow things down. However, there can be a slight impact on speed in certain situations, especially if the mesh nodes are placed too far apart or if there are too many nodes in the system. This can cause a bit of signal loss when the nodes communicate wirelessly.

But, when you set it up right and position your mesh nodes strategically, you can still enjoy ultra-fast, reliable speeds throughout your home—no matter how far you roam. So, mesh Wi-Fi doesn’t have to slow you down; in fact, it should give you more consistent Wi-Fi.

Does mesh Wi-Fi work through walls?

Yes, mesh Wi-Fi can work through walls, but the signal strength might be affected depending on the type of walls and how far apart your mesh nodes are.

Since mesh systems use multiple nodes that communicate with each other, they’re designed to help get a strong, seamless signal throughout your space—even through walls. However, if your walls are thick, made of dense materials like brick or concrete, or if the nodes are too far apart, you might notice a slight reduction in speed or strength.

To get the best performance, try placing your mesh nodes in spots where they have clear line-of-sight or are only separated by thinner walls.