Quote:
Originally Posted by Golfer222
I understand that mesh replaces router- it is a combined modem/router, so how would that work?
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The mesh network consists of multiple nodes (or access points) that communicate with each other. The first one plugs into your modem/router. The other nodes then communicate with each other bidirectionally using multiple channels. It does not eliminate the original modem/router that connects you to your service provider. Think of the mesh network as a new sub network, and probably best if you assign the mesh net a new network name and password. You want your devices to connect to the faster mesh network rather than try to connect to the modem/router in the basement with the weak signal.
Mesh networks have been around awhile and there’s a lot written about them on the internet, including diagrams to help you understand how they communicate. Reviews will help you select the one to purchase. The only negative is the purchase cost. Setup is easy. Mine was a Linksys with 3 nodes and it eliminated dead spots in a 2 family home. I did not have success with the ac network extender, which would have been cheaper to purchase.