You've probably heard that mesh WiFi is the answer to all your coverage problems. But is it? Here's what you actually need to know before spending $300-800 on a mesh system.
What is mesh WiFi?
A mesh system uses multiple units (usually 2-3) that work together as one network. Unlike a traditional setup where you have one router doing all the work, mesh spreads the load across your home.
Key difference from extenders: Mesh units talk to each other intelligently. They hand off your device seamlessly as you move around, share the same network name, and automatically route traffic through the fastest path.
Think of it like this: a single router is one person shouting across your house. A mesh system is three people standing in different rooms, passing messages to each other. Much more reliable.
Mesh vs Extender: What’s the difference?
This is the question I get asked most. Here’s the honest comparison:
WiFi Extenders (Range Extenders)
How they work: Receive your router’s signal and rebroadcast it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheap ($30-80) | Cuts your speed in half |
| Easy to set up | Creates a separate network name |
| No new equipment needed | Devices don’t switch smoothly |
| Often unreliable |
The speed problem: Extenders use the same radio to receive AND transmit. While they’re sending to your device, they can’t receive from the router. Result: your speed drops by 50% or more.
Mesh Systems
How they work: Multiple units form a single, intelligent network.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full speed throughout | More expensive ($200-800) |
| Seamless roaming | Needs multiple units |
| One network name | Overkill for small homes |
| Self-healing (if one unit fails) | |
| Often includes better features |
The speed advantage: Good mesh systems use dedicated channels to talk to each other (called “backhaul”), so your devices get full speed.
I rarely recommend extenders anymore. They're cheap, but they create more problems than they solve. A $50 extender giving you half-speed, unreliable WiFi in your bedroom isn't actually solving your problem. You'll end up buying a mesh system anyway.
Do you actually need mesh?
Not every home needs mesh. Here’s how to tell:
You probably DO need mesh if:
- Your home is over 150 square metres
- You have WiFi dead zones (rooms with no signal)
- You have a multi-storey home and signal doesn’t reach upstairs/downstairs
- Your home has thick walls (brick, concrete, double-brick)
- You need WiFi in a shed, granny flat, or outdoor area
- You have 20+ devices connecting at once
You probably DON’T need mesh if:
- Your home is under 100 sqm
- Your only problem is slow speeds everywhere (that’s likely your internet, not WiFi)
- You just need one room covered better (a single access point might be enough)
- Your router is poorly placed and moving it would solve the problem
- You’re renting short-term and don’t want to invest
The placement test
Before buying mesh, try this: temporarily move your router to a central location. If that fixes your coverage, you might just need to relocate your router permanently - not buy a whole new system.
How to choose a mesh system
Key features to look for
1. WiFi 6 (802.11ax) or newer
- Better performance with multiple devices
- Improved range
- More efficient battery use on phones/laptops
2. Tri-band (if budget allows)
- Two 5GHz bands + one 2.4GHz
- Dedicated band for units to talk to each other
- Noticeably better performance than dual-band
3. Ethernet ports
- At least 2 ports on the main unit
- Allows wired backhaul (faster, more reliable)
- Connect your TV, gaming console, or work computer directly
4. Easy app setup
- All modern mesh systems have apps
- Look for one with good reviews
- Avoid anything that requires technical knowledge to configure
What you don’t need
- WiFi 7 - Too new, too expensive, your devices probably don’t support it yet
- Gaming mode - Marketing gimmick for most people
- Built-in smart home hub - Usually poorly implemented
- Subscription features - Some brands charge monthly for basic security features (avoid these)
Mesh systems I recommend
Based on what I see working well in Australian homes:
Best overall: TP-Link Deco (various models)
| Model | Best for | Street price |
|---|---|---|
| Deco X50 (3-pack) | Most homes, great value | ~$350 |
| Deco XE75 (2-pack) | Larger homes, WiFi 6E | ~$500 |
| Deco X20 (3-pack) | Budget option, still solid | ~$250 |
Why I like them: Reliable, easy app, good coverage, reasonable prices. I’ve installed dozens of these with very few callbacks.
Premium option: Ubiquiti UniFi
| Model | Best for | Street price |
|---|---|---|
| U6+ (access points) | Tech-savvy users, expandable | ~$180 each |
| Dream Router + U6 | Best performance, business-grade | ~$500+ |
Why I like them: Professional-grade reliability, excellent for larger homes or those who want to expand later. Requires more setup knowledge.
Also good: Google Nest WiFi Pro
- Very easy setup
- Clean design
- Good integration with Google Home
- ~$400 for 2-pack
Avoid (in my experience):
- Netgear Orbi - Good performance but overpriced and app is frustrating
- Amazon Eero - Privacy concerns, pushes subscriptions
- Cheap no-name brands - You get what you pay for
Buy from local retailers (JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, Amazon AU) for warranty support. Importing from overseas might save $50 but you'll have no warranty if something fails.
Setting up mesh properly
Even the best mesh system will disappoint if set up wrong. Here’s what matters:
Placement rules
Main unit (router):
- Near your NBN connection box
- Elevated, not on the floor
- Away from metal objects and TVs
Satellite units:
- Within range of each other (not too far apart)
- Central to the areas they’re covering
- Elevated (shelf height, not floor)
- Not hidden in cupboards
The overlap principle
Mesh units need to “see” each other with decent signal. If you put them too far apart, the connection between them will be weak, and your speeds will suffer.
Good: Units can strongly connect to at least one other unit Bad: Units barely reaching each other at the edge of their range
Wired backhaul (if possible)
If you can run an ethernet cable between your mesh units, do it. This gives you:
- Maximum speed between units
- More reliable connection
- Better overall performance
Even a single cable from your main unit to one satellite makes a big difference.
Common mesh mistakes
1. Buying too few units
A 2-pack might not be enough for a large home. Under-covering leads to weak spots. Better to buy a 3-pack upfront than add a unit later.
2. Placing units too far apart
Mesh units need strong connections to each other. If they’re barely in range, your speeds will suffer. Move them closer together.
3. Hiding units in cupboards
“But it’s ugly” - I hear this a lot. Unfortunately, cupboards kill signal. A visible mesh unit giving good coverage beats a hidden one giving poor coverage.
4. Not using ethernet when available
If your TV cabinet has an ethernet port, plug the mesh unit in. Wired connections are always faster and more reliable than wireless.
5. Keeping the old router running
When you set up mesh, your old router should either be turned off or switched to “modem only” mode. Running both creates interference and confusion.
When mesh isn’t the answer
Sometimes people buy mesh expecting miracles. It won’t fix:
- Slow NBN - If your internet connection is slow, mesh won’t speed it up
- ISP congestion - Peak time slowdowns are your provider’s problem
- Too many devices on slow plans - NBN 25 split across 15 devices will be slow regardless
- Neighbour interference - Mesh doesn’t eliminate WiFi congestion from surrounding homes
If your internet is slow when wired directly to the router, mesh won’t help. Fix the source problem first.
The bottom line
Mesh is worth it if:
- You have genuine coverage problems (dead zones, weak signal in rooms)
- Your home is large or has challenging construction
- You’ve tried moving your router and it didn’t help
- You want reliable whole-home coverage without technical headaches
Mesh is overkill if:
- Your home is small and a single router covers it fine
- Your problem is internet speed, not WiFi coverage
- You only need better signal in one specific spot
Need help deciding?
Not sure if mesh is right for your home? I can assess your situation and recommend the right solution - whether that’s mesh, a single access point, or just moving your existing router.
WiFi Assessment - From $149
- Full coverage scan of your home
- Identify dead zones and weak spots
- Test your current equipment
- Recommend the right solution (mesh or otherwise)
- Help with setup if you need it
Book an Assessment or call 0489 998 445
Common questions
How many mesh units do I need? For most Australian homes: 2 units for up to 200 sqm, 3 units for 200-350 sqm. Add more for multi-storey or challenging construction.
Can I add more units later? Yes, most mesh systems let you add units. But it’s usually cheaper to buy a multi-pack upfront than individual units later.
Will mesh work with my NBN? Yes. Mesh systems work with all NBN connection types. Just plug the main unit into your NBN modem (or replace it entirely if the mesh system has a built-in modem).
Should I replace my ISP’s router? Usually yes. ISP-provided routers are typically basic. A good mesh system will outperform them significantly. You can either replace it entirely or put it in “bridge mode.”
What about powerline adapters? Powerline (using your electrical wiring to carry network signal) can work, but it’s inconsistent. Depends heavily on your home’s wiring age and quality. Mesh is more reliable in most cases.
Serving Geelong, Surf Coast, and Bellarine Peninsula.
Why Oh WiFi - 0489 998 445 - hello@whyohwifi.com.au