Mesh Wi-Fi systems

How to choose a mesh Wi-Fi system

If the router sits in the hallway and video freezes in the bedroom, a more powerful router will not help — several units forming one network will. A mesh system does that without running cables, and your phone moves between units without noticing.

• Area and number of units. One unit covers 100–150 m², a flat; 2 units 200–350 m², a two-storey house; 3 units up to 550 m² including garage and terrace. Thick concrete or stone cuts range by a third — place units so no more than one wall separates them.
• Wi-Fi standard. Wi-Fi 5 (AC1200) is enough for internet up to 300 Mbit/s and streaming. Wi-Fi 6 (AX1800–AX5400) carries dozens of devices at once and suits a gigabit line. Wi-Fi 6E adds the free 6 GHz band; Wi-Fi 7 (BE5000–BE9300) brings a 2.5G port and the lowest latency for gaming.
• Bands and backhaul. A dual-band system shares the same air between clients and units, so the far unit runs at half speed. A tri-band one (Deco X60, XE75, BE65) reserves one band for the link between units. Best of all is Ethernet backhaul: with a cable between units, every unit runs at full speed.
• Ports. Every Deco unit has 2–3 Ethernet ports for a TV, console or NAS. Wi-Fi 7 models have a 2.5G port, and the Deco X50-PoE takes power and data from one cable — ideal for ceiling mounting.
• Internet type. A standard mesh connects to your existing modem or router. The Deco X50-5G is a 5G/4G modem itself and suits a country house with no cable.
• Extending an existing router. If the router is good but coverage is short, add a mesh extender (TP-Link RE700X OneMesh, Asus RP-BE58 AiMesh) — it works in the same network under one name.

Mesh systems in our range

The core of the range is TP-Link Deco: Wi-Fi 5 Deco E4 and M4 (AC1200, 2- and 3-packs) for a cheap start, Wi-Fi 6 Deco X10 (1500 Mbps), X20 (AX1800), X50 (AX3000, 1- and 3-packs) and X60 (AX5400, 2- and 3-packs), Wi-Fi 6E Deco XE75 and XE75 Pro (5400 Mbps, 2- and 3-packs) and Wi-Fi 7 Deco BE65 3-pack. Special versions are the Deco X50-PoE with PoE power and the Deco X50-5G with a built-in 5G modem. There is also the MSI Roamii BE Lite Wi-Fi 7 mesh router at 5000 Mbps and mesh extenders TP-Link RE700X AX3000 and Asus RP-BE58 Wi-Fi 7.

Brands

TP-Link Deco is the backbone of our range: five-minute setup from the app, parental controls and the HomeShield security package, and models in every price class from Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 7. MSI Roamii makes a Wi-Fi 7 mesh router affordable and suits a gamer's home. Asus RP-BE58 is the logical addition to an Asus router's AiMesh network.

Related products

If you can run cables, access points are faster and steadier; for a single room a good router is enough. Ethernet backhaul and PoE power call for a switch. The full selection is in the networking section.

Frequently asked questions

Mesh or a Wi-Fi extender? An extender creates a separate network and halves the speed. Mesh is one network with one name, the phone switches units by itself, and on a tri-band model the speed does not suffer.

How many units do I need? One for a flat, two for a two-storey house, three for a large house with a garden and garage. You can add units later — Deco units of the same series work together.

Does mesh replace the router? Yes, Deco works as a router and connects straight to the ISP modem. If you prefer, switch it to access point mode and keep the old router.

Is Wi-Fi 7 worth it? Yes, if your internet is 1 Gbit/s or more and your devices (new phones, laptops) support Wi-Fi 7. Otherwise Wi-Fi 6 is just as good and cheaper.

How quickly does it arrive? A mesh kit ships as a small parcel: to an Omniva, DPD or Venipak parcel locker in 1–2 working days.