Tired of sifting through articles about the "best mesh WiFi for gamers" or "fastest mesh WiFi for large homes"? At ANVCS.org, we understand that older adults have different priorities when it comes to WiFi. Instead of focusing on raw speed, other features should be prioritized: high reliability, ease-of-setup, consistent performance, and low maintenance. Fortunately, the latest mesh systems provide these features and might be the best WiFi for seniors.
What Is a Mesh System?
A mesh system is a network of multiple WiFi devices that work together to provide seamless coverage throughout your home. Unlike traditional WiFi routers with a single access point, mesh systems use multiple nodes (or points) to create a "blanket" of WiFi coverage, thereby, eliminating dead zones and ensuring a strong signal in every corner of your house. This is especially important for seniors who may find themselves with bedrooms and bathrooms where walls and obstacles can disrupt the signal.
2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, WiFi 6, WiFi 6e: What Do They Mean?
2.4GHz: a lower frequency band with slower speed but features longer range and better wall penetration. This band is suitable for basic web browsing and email.
5GHz: A higher frequency band offering faster speeds but with a shorter range compared to 2.4GHz. This band is ideal for activities like streaming HD and 4k videos or online gaming.
6GHz: A higher frequency band with even faster speeds. Its short range helps prevent “WiFi noise pollution” among neighbors. It also helps mesh nodes communicate quickly and efficiently without sacrificing speed to computers and other devices.
WiFi 6: the most prevalent WiFi standard for new WiFi routers – offers faster speeds, improved capacity for multiple devices, and better performance in crowded environments. Rather than a whole new frequency, WiFi 6 utilizes both 2.4 and 5ghz frequencies to delivery faster speeds across a greater distance.
WiFi 6e: extends WiFi 6 by adding the 6GHz band to provide even faster speeds and less interference. Geared towards homes with many devices competing for bandwidth.
What We Look for in a Mesh WiFi System for Seniors
Ease-of-Use: systems that are easy to set-up and manage, even for those who aren't tech-savvy. Many systems now offer user-friendly mobile apps for setup and control.
Reliability: systems with a history of stable connections and minimal downtime.
Coverage: systems capable of blanketing the entire home. Most mesh systems can be extended by adding additional nodes.
Remote Management: systems with apps and cloud features that allow trusted friends or loved ones to help troubleshoot the network while protecting the privacy related to Internet traffic.
Some of Our Favorites
What we like:
Value: starting at $170 for three units
Ease-of-setup
Consistent reliability
Small footprint (size)
What we don’t like:
Not for the very large homes
Only supports up to WiFi 6
What we like:
· Ease-of-setup, self-recognizes additional nodes
· Consistent speeds
· Supports WiFi 6e
· Great coverage
What we don’t like:
· Pricier: starting at $299 for three units
· Taller footprint
Honorable mentions include Eero 6+ starting at $299 at Amazon and the Linksys Velop Pro 6e also starting at $299 on Amazon.
ANVCS.org is always available to help but you can also watch our class on Mesh WiFi by clicking here.
コメント