I’m debating whether to buy a mesh system or a single, truly powerful router?
My apartment is just over 100 square meters. The reviews are all arguing: some favor a mesh system, others a single, top-end router, so I’m completely confused.
For such a space, what’s usually better? Should I go with a mesh system right away to avoid guesswork, or will a single, powerful router handle it?
This is a complex issue, and many factors influence the right choice. That’s why there’s so much debate about which option to choose. In some cases, a router will suffice, but if the walls are thick, even the most powerful router might not be able to cope. Coverage depends heavily on the layout and obstacles, not just the router’s specifications.
Yeah, people really love to start a debate out of this. Some shout, “Get a mesh!”, others, “Only ASUS!”, others champion UniFi or simply defend what they bought last year. And on paper, most routers and mesh systems have almost identical specifications. What really matters isn’t which box has the best marketing, but what your apartment actually needs.
@nightblade_13N_1 So how do you make the choice?
If you really want to make an informed choice, I’d spend money on an app that can model this stuff instead of buying hardware blind. I use NetSpot in my work. It lets you take the actual layout into account, including the specifics of building materials, and it has a large library of different access point models. So you can try different placements and different hardware options before buying anything, instead of just hoping one strong router or a mesh kit will magically fit your space.
@nightblade_13N_1 That actually sounds a lot more sensible than what I was about to do.