How to Setup a Mesh Network With Old Routers

What is a Mesh Router ?

A mesh router is a type of wireless router that is part of a mesh network system. Unlike traditional wireless routers, which rely on a single device to provide Wi-Fi coverage, a mesh network system uses multiple devices or nodes to create a single, seamless network.

In a mesh network system, the primary router acts as the main gateway, while the other nodes, also known as satellites, are placed throughout the home or office to extend the coverage of the network. Each node communicates with the other nodes to provide seamless coverage and ensure that the devices are always connected to the strongest signal.

Mesh routers typically have more advanced features compared to traditional routers, such as automatic band steering, which selects the optimal band for each device, and automatic channel switching, which selects the least congested channel for the network. Additionally, mesh routers can support the latest Wi-Fi standards, such as Wi-Fi 6, to provide faster speeds and better coverage.

Mesh routers are an ideal solution for large homes or offices where traditional routers may struggle to provide adequate coverage. They offer seamless coverage, better performance, and advanced features to optimize the network for all connected devices.

How to Setup a Mesh Network With Old Routers

Setting up a mesh network with old routers is possible and can be a cost-effective way to extend your Wi-Fi coverage. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Check router compatibility: Not all routers are compatible with mesh networks. You need to ensure that your routers support wireless mesh networking protocols such as 802.11s or Open Mesh.
2. Choose the primary router: Select one router to serve as the main router. This will be the router that connects directly to your internet service provider (ISP) and acts as the hub for your mesh network.
3. Configure the primary router: Configure the primary router by accessing its settings page using a web browser. Set up the SSID (network name), security settings, and DHCP settings. Be sure to disable the DHCP server on the secondary routers.
4. Configure the secondary routers: Connect the secondary routers to the primary router via Ethernet cables. Access the secondary router settings page and configure them to operate in bridge mode. This will allow them to communicate with the primary router wirelessly and extend the network coverage.
5. Set up the same SSID and password: Set up the same SSID and password for all routers. This ensures that all devices can connect to the same network without having to switch between different networks.
6. Place the routers: Place the routers in strategic locations around your home or office to ensure optimal coverage. Try to place them in open areas, away from walls or obstructions, and make sure that they are not too far apart from each other.
7. Test the network: Test the network by connecting your devices to the Wi-Fi network and checking the signal strength and speed. If there are any issues, adjust the placement of the routers to optimize coverage.

By following these steps, you can set up a mesh network with old routers and extend your Wi-Fi coverage without having to invest in expensive mesh networking equipment.

Can You Add a Mesh Network to an Existing Router?

Yes, you can add a mesh network to an existing router. This is known as a hybrid mesh network, where you use a standalone mesh network device or system to extend the coverage of an existing router.

Here are the steps to add a mesh network to an existing router:

1. Choose the right mesh network device or system: Choose a mesh network device or system that is compatible with your existing router. Look for one that supports the same Wi-Fi standard (e.g., 802.11ac) and has a similar coverage area.
2. Connect the mesh network device or system to your router: Connect the mesh network device or system to your existing router using an Ethernet cable. You can connect the device or system to one of the LAN ports on your router.
3. Configure the mesh network device or system: Follow the instructions provided with the mesh network device or system to configure it. This usually involves downloading a mobile app or accessing a web interface to set up the SSID, password, and other settings.
4. Place the mesh network device or system: Place the mesh network device or system in a central location in your home or office to extend the Wi-Fi coverage. You can place it on a high shelf or mount it on the wall.
5. Test the network: Test the network by connecting your devices to the Wi-Fi network and checking the signal strength and speed. If there are any issues, adjust the placement of the mesh network device or system to optimize coverage.

By adding a mesh network device or system to your existing router, you can extend the coverage of your Wi-Fi network and improve the overall performance of your network.

 

Can I Use a Mesh Wifi Extender With a Regular Router

Yes, you can use a mesh Wi-Fi extender with a regular router to extend the coverage of your Wi-Fi network. A mesh Wi-Fi extender is a device that communicates with a mesh network system to extend the coverage of the network.

Here are the steps to use a mesh Wi-Fi extender with a regular router:

1. Choose a compatible mesh Wi-Fi extender: Choose a mesh Wi-Fi extender that is compatible with your router. Look for one that supports the same Wi-Fi standard (e.g., 802.11ac) and has a similar coverage area.
2. Connect the mesh Wi-Fi extender to your router: Connect the mesh Wi-Fi extender to your router using an Ethernet cable. You can connect the extender to one of the LAN ports on your router.
3. Configure the mesh Wi-Fi extender: Follow the instructions provided with the mesh Wi-Fi extender to configure it. This usually involves downloading a mobile app or accessing a web interface to set up the SSID, password, and other settings.
4. Place the mesh Wi-Fi extender: Place the mesh Wi-Fi extender in a location where it can receive a strong signal from your router and where it can extend the coverage of your network. You can place it in a central location in your home or office.
5. Test the network: Test the network by connecting your devices to the Wi-Fi network and checking the signal strength and speed. If there are any issues, adjust the placement of the mesh Wi-Fi extender to optimize coverage.

By using a mesh Wi-Fi extender with a regular router, you can extend the coverage of your Wi-Fi network and improve the overall performance of your network. However, keep in mind that using a mesh Wi-Fi extender may not provide the same level of performance and reliability as a dedicated mesh network system.

Best Mesh to Add to Existing Router

There are several mesh networking systems available that can be added to an existing router to extend the coverage of your Wi-Fi network. The best mesh network system to add to your existing router depends on your specific needs and budget. Here are a few popular options to consider:

1. Google Nest Wifi: The Google Nest Wifi is a popular mesh network system that is easy to set up and offers excellent coverage. It supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard and has a built-in Google Assistant for voice control.
2. Netgear Orbi: The Netgear Orbi is a high-performance mesh network system that supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard and offers excellent coverage. It has a dedicated backhaul channel for fast and reliable communication between the nodes.
3. TP-Link Deco: The TP-Link Deco is an affordable mesh network system that offers excellent coverage and easy setup. It supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard and has a built-in antivirus software to protect your network from online threats.
4. Amazon eero: The Amazon eero is a popular mesh network system that is easy to set up and offers excellent coverage. It has a built-in Zigbee smart home hub for easy integration with other smart home devices.
5. Linksys Velop: The Linksys Velop is a high-performance mesh network system that supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard and offers excellent coverage. It has a dedicated backhaul channel for fast and reliable communication between the nodes.

Before choosing a mesh network system, it’s important to consider factors such as coverage area, number of devices, and budget. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the mesh network system is compatible with your existing router and that it offers the features and performance you need to meet your Wi-Fi needs.

How to Create a Mesh Network With Two Routers

Creating a mesh network with two routers can be achieved by using the primary router as the main gateway and adding a secondary router as a mesh node to extend the coverage of the network. Here are the steps to create a mesh network with two routers:

1. Connect the primary router to the modem: Connect the primary router to the modem using an Ethernet cable. This will establish the primary router as the main gateway for the network.
2. Configure the primary router: Access the router’s configuration page by typing the router’s IP address into a web browser. Set up the SSID, password, and other settings for the primary router.
3. Enable bridge mode on the secondary router: Access the configuration page of the secondary router and enable bridge mode. This will allow the secondary router to function as a mesh node and extend the coverage of the network.
4. Connect the secondary router to the primary router: Connect the secondary router to the primary router using an Ethernet cable. This will allow the secondary router to communicate with the primary router and function as a mesh node.
5. Place the secondary router: Place the secondary router in a location where it can receive a strong signal from the primary router and where it can extend the coverage of the network. You can place it in a central location in your home or office.
6. Test the network: Test the network by connecting your devices to the Wi-Fi network and checking the signal strength and speed. If there are any issues, adjust the placement of the secondary router to optimize coverage.

By creating a mesh network with two routers, you can extend the coverage of your Wi-Fi network and improve the overall performance of your network. However, keep in mind that using a dedicated mesh network system may provide better performance and reliability compared to using multiple routers.

How to Setup a Wired Mesh Network

Setting up a wired mesh network involves connecting multiple mesh nodes or access points to your network using Ethernet cables to provide a high-speed and reliable wired network. Here are the steps to set up a wired mesh network:

1. Determine the number of mesh nodes needed: Decide on the number of mesh nodes required to cover the entire area with a wired network. It’s recommended to place the mesh nodes in a way that they overlap each other to provide seamless coverage.
2. Choose the location for the mesh nodes: Choose the location for the mesh nodes where the Ethernet cables can be connected easily. It is best to place the mesh nodes in a central location for maximum coverage.
3. Connect the mesh nodes to the network: Connect each mesh node to the network using Ethernet cables. You can connect the mesh nodes to a switch or directly to the main router.
4. Configure the mesh network: Configure the mesh network by accessing the web interface or mobile app of the mesh network system. Set up the SSID, password, and other settings.
5. Test the network: Test the network by connecting your devices to the Wi-Fi network and checking the signal strength and speed. If there are any issues, adjust the placement of the mesh nodes to optimize coverage.

By setting up a wired mesh network, you can provide a high-speed and reliable wired network to your devices while also providing seamless coverage using the mesh nodes. A wired mesh network is recommended for large homes or offices where Wi-Fi coverage is spotty or unreliable.