As a Kiwi, you know the importance of being connected to your Wi-Fi at all times.

A wireless mesh network system will ensure that you have a high-speed internet connection with no dead zones in your home or office.

A wireless mesh network is an ingenious way of connecting devices wirelessly without using any cables or routers. You can get up to 100Mbps speeds on these networks and they are perfect for people who live in apartments, houses or condos with multiple floors where it would be difficult to run wires from one floor to another.

There are many Wi-Fi mesh network systems out there and picking the one that’s best for you can be difficult. That’s why we’ve compiled our pro list of the 5 best mesh network systems in NZ to assist you with making the right decision. If you read to the end of the article, there’s also a buyers guide that will educate you on what you should consider before buying a mesh network system.

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The 5 BEST Wi-Fi Mesh Network Systems in NZ

Google Nest Wi-Fi

Price: $504
Number of nodes: 2
Wi-Fi specification: 802.11ac/dual-band

The 5 BEST Wi-Fi Mesh Network Systems in NZ

The way it works is simple: Nest’s Wi-Fi base station creates an invisible mesh network, meaning it will automatically locate and link wirelessly with other routers in your home so you don’t have to do anything besides plugging in the system and scanning for networks on both gadgets and computers in order to get started.

The router uses three different bands for triple bandwidth and uninterrupted connections throughout your house–no matter how large it is.

If you have any other Nest products, they will connect to the router wirelessly so that your security system can do its job of monitoring for intruders while it also analyzes air quality levels in order to make sure that nothing’s wrong with the temperature or humidity where you’re living. Google Wifi works like a charm.

ASUS ZenWifi Xd4

Price: $553
Number of nodes: 2
Wi-Fi specification: 802.11ax

The 5 BEST Wi-Fi Mesh Network Systems in NZ

The Asus Zenwifi mesh network has a number of positives that a buyer should keep in mind. One of the most important features of this type of system is what it can do for you in terms of improving your connectivity no matter where you are in the house.

It also works well with all the different devices in your home, meaning you never have to worry about not being able to use your phone or any other device because it’s not getting enough coverage from the rest of the network.

TP-Link Deco X20

Price: $448
Number of nodes: 2
Wi-Fi specification: 802.11ax

The 5 BEST Wi-Fi Mesh Network Systems in NZ

The TP-LINK Deco X20 is a good Wi-Fi system for small and medium homes thanks to its incredible range and power. This Wi-Fi mesh network features three-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz, delivering lightning speeds up to 1733mbps, as well as wireless data streaming at up to 650mbps; the top speed of both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz ranges.

The AeroScout app makes installation easy with an app that acts as an activity map on your phone or tablet, pinpointing all the dead zones in your home so you know where additional nodes should go–and it can also be used as security camera surveillance for unnecessary nooks and crannies in your home that don’t have Wi-Fi.

Netgear Orbi RBK852

Price: $1,169
Number of nodes: 2
Wi-Fi specification: 802.11ax

The 5 BEST Wi-Fi Mesh Network Systems in NZ

The Netgear Orbi RBK852 is a reasonably priced Wi-Fi mesh network that is perfect for larger homes. It comes with three nodes which are all connected to one another through the use of an Ethernet cable. This provides robust Wi-Fi connectivity throughout your home, including in hard to reach places.

It’s also easy to install thanks to the Netgear Genie app which detects where there are dead zones before sending you automatically plug-in links which are range extenders. This means no matter how large your home is, it can be fully covered by the Netgear system.

Linksys Velop WHW0303

Price: $598
Number of nodes: 3
Wi-Fi specification: 802.11ac

The 5 BEST Wi-Fi Mesh Network Systems in NZ

The Linksys Velop WHW0303 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System is a clever and cleverly designed mesh Wi-Fi system that offers performance for both speed and range. The Linksys Velop WHW0303 is a three-node mesh network with two units installed as primary nodes, with one secondary node set up as an access point.

Any device connected to one of the primary nodes will automatically be connected to the secondary node, meaning there’s no need to move anything around or do anything else-it happens automatically. All nodes connect to each other through a wired Ethernet connection that runs from unit to unit, giving your home seamless coverage for all your devices no matter where they are in the house.

Mesh network system buyers guide:

If you’re looking for the best Wi-Fi mesh network systems in 2021, then you’ve come to the right place.

This buyers guide will help you find the perfect system for your needs and budget. Let’s start with what potential buyers need to know when they are considering a new Wi-Fi mesh network system.

You’ll want to look at all of these features before making your purchase: range, number of nodes, node placement flexibility, bandwidth management capabilities, operating temperature range (since some products can’t operate at high temperatures), how many devices can connect per node (some nodes only allow one device while others allow two or more) and cost per node (some companies offer discounts if you buy more than one unit).

What type of mesh network system should I choose?

There are many types of mesh network systems, each with their own features and specs so it’s important that potential buyers know what they’re looking for when shopping around. Wi-Fi standards have matured dramatically in recent years making them an excellent choice if one is familiar with the standards used in the network.

For example, 802.11ac meshes are built with multiple access points to achieve larger wireless networks than traditional Wi-Fi while also using newer hardware that can handle more devices and faster data rates for high throughput applications like video streaming or gaming. The standard is backwards compatible so older equipment will work just fine on the network.

Buying an 802.11ac mesh is just one option, however, and there are other standards that should be considered before making a purchase decision.

What is the range of the mesh network?

You should look at the range of your system, which is measured in the “footprint” that the access points cover. This will be different for every node, so you’ll want to think about what type of coverage you need–some systems offer point-to-point communication, while others offer communication through Wi-Fi extender nodes that are connected wirelessly.

If you live in a large or multi-story building, then you’ll want to look for a mesh network system with long-range, because these systems are capable of providing more coverage–which can help you avoid dead zones.

How many nodes does the package come with?

When considering a mesh network system, buyers should examine all of the different nodes available. How many points are included in your package? Some packages will be designed for home use while others are configured for more commercial uses.

If the wiring is already installed and tested in your building, you can set up point-to-point configurations with little assistance from an IT professional and no special antenna costs. However, if any room on your floor isn’t accessible or doesn’t have network access already secured through fibre optic connections or Ethernet cabling then this may not be the best option for you.

How flexible are the nodes in regards to placement?

The placement flexibility is important because you don’t want the nodes to block the signal.

One of the reasons why customers may purchase a new Wi-Fi mesh network system is to improve coverage. This means that consumers need to ensure that the node placement is flexible so that they can adjust it as needed. If there are people or objects that are blocking the signal, then consumers will need to move it.

How many devices can connect to a single node?

One of the factors you should think about when looking to purchase a Wi-Fi mesh network system is the number of devices that can connect per node. Ideally, this would be more than one device, but it varies from package to package, so make sure to take that into account when buying.

For example, some packages will have 2 nodes with 4 integrated antennas for point-to-point coverage. Others have more points and are designed for commercial use rather than residential. Just keep in mind that not all entry-level systems allow more than 1 device per node.

How much do the nodes or extra nodes cost?

When you’re deciding which Wi-Fi mesh network system to buy, it’s important to consider the cost per node. Cost per node is different for every package–some are more affordable options while others may be more expensive. If you want to use this type of system in a large or multi-story building, then look for packages that have long-range and more nodes included.

Mesh network systems FAQs:

What is a mesh network?

Mesh networking is a style of network that relies on multiple nodes to provide wireless communications for wide areas. These networks are great for enterprises – large campuses, industrial facilities, office buildings and airports – where coverage can be hard to come by. Mesh Wi-Fi networks are also ideal in homes with many nooks and crannies or for events like camping or sports games where dead spots are common.

Mesh network systems have become desirable over the last few years in part because their hardware has decreased significantly in price while performance has increased alongside it. As well, mesh access points are often easy to set up without the need for a dedicated IT person.

What are the benefits of a mesh network system?

Mesh network systems are a great solution to help ensure that your network connection is reliable and secure. These systems also make it easy to add devices without having to use an ethernet cable. Some mesh networks can also manage bandwidth by prioritizing certain types of traffic so you don’t have these issues while gaming or streaming.

Mesh networks are so good because they not only offer high speed and fast connection but also easy installation with a long-range. Mesh networks can connect all your devices in place which is a huge advantage that other Wi-Fi systems don’t have. The best part of it is that mesh network systems don’t require an ethernet cable for application expansion.

Reece Bates, is an outdoors journalist with a knack for capturing the heart of every adventure. Whether he's weaving tales from hidden trails or offering insights into the beauty of the natural world.