Introduction
We’ve put together an excellent article on How To Setup A Mesh Network With Old Router in 7 Simple Steps. Let’s get this party started.
How Do You Connect Mesh WiFi To Your Existing Router? WiFi systems, on the other hand, are designed to provide a consistent internet connection throughout your home. However, there will be times when you discover that your house has an unusual layout, revealing that you have a few zones in your home with insufficient WiFi access. These are known as WiFi Dead Zones, and they can be extremely inconvenient if you rely on internet access on a regular basis.
WiFi Mesh technology will allow you to eliminate WiFi dead zones in your home. WiFi mesh is the most recent technology for enhancing or upgrading a WiFi connection. Of course, the strategy has long been used in a few specialized domains, such as military installations. Recently, there has been a lot of progress in residential WiFi mesh networks.
What Is A Mesh Network?
A Mesh Network is simply a group of devices that are linked together. In a mesh network, nodes are the devices that are linked together. These are linked so that some or all nodes have multiple routes to other nodes. In a complete mesh architecture, every network node is directly connected to every other node. A partial mesh network’s nodes can only communicate with one another.
How Does A Mesh Network Work:
Mesh networks are frequently used to share internet connections, but many of the fascinating uses of mesh networks are unrelated to the internet at all. Mesh networks can run their own servers, allowing users to interact and share information without being connected to the larger internet.
The devices that connect to the mesh network communicate with all of the network’s neighboring devices. These devices, known as nodes, communicate with other nodes in their vicinity, and the data travels across the network from node to node until it reaches its final destination.
Nodes, which are typically made of wireless routers, can take many forms as long as they can send and receive data. However, for a mesh network to function, each node must behave differently than if it were connected to a traditional network. These nodes must not only send and receive data, but they must also determine the most efficient way to send data across the mesh.
Can You Add A Mesh Network to an Existing Router?
It is possible to add mesh networks to an existing router, but it may not be the best option. In most cases, you should remove or disable your current router; however, if you must keep it, mesh networks can be used.
Traditional routers have a range of effectiveness; imagine them as a radio station, where the signal weakens as you get further away. This signal can be extended with Wi-Fi extenders, but it still has a limited range.
Mesh networks operate by scattering “nodes” throughout a space, with one node connected to your modem and acting as a router. As you move around your neighborhood, the nodes maintain contact with your device and each other, resulting in a stronger signal. You’ll have a connection as long as you strategically place the nodes.
When the two are combined, you run the risk of “double NAT,” which stands for double Network Address Translation. Essentially, your mesh network and traditional router compete for control of your internet traffic. To prevent this from happening, one of the two must be disabled.
Why Use a Mesh Network With Your Old Router?
When you buy a new router, whether it’s a stand-alone traditional model or a swarm of mesh nodes, you usually replace the old one. However, there may be times when you want or need to keep your old router operational.
Your ISP Requires It
A combination router-modem is a piece of hardware that combines the modem that connects you to your ISP, a router, and a Wi-Fi access point into one. In that case, you’ll need to keep the device around to serve as a modem at the very least.
In many cases, you must keep the hardware provided by your ISP active, either because the modem is built into it or because the MAC address is assigned to your account and required authorization.
When this occurs, you can disable the routing and Wi-Fi functions of the combo unit provided by your ISP in order to use a multi-node mesh kit for both improved Wi-Fi coverage in your home and improved Quality of Service rules or parental controls.
You Want to Retain Features From Your Old Router
If you like certain features on your current router but the Wi-Fi coverage is poor, you could keep the routing function enabled but use a Wi-Fi mesh network to provide better coverage for your home.
Perhaps your current router has the parental control features you require, as well as support for the VPN protocol you use or some other specific use case. While we recommend upgrading to newer hardware with the features you desire, we understand the allure of sticking with a tried-and-true system.
Let’s look at the various ways you can combine your existing hardware with a mesh network. Check the documentation and settings for your specific hardware—both your existing hardware and the hardware you’re thinking about getting—to make sure it supports the features and settings needed for the setup configuration you’re interested in.
Some Preparation Before Setting UP A Mesh Network:
You must follow these steps before you can set up a mesh network.
Router Location
Choose the best location for the router. The best placement provides maximum coverage in all areas where Wi-Fi is required. Position the router in the center of the house and the nodes in the corners. Maintain a safe distance between the router and any open flames or fireplaces in your home.
Internet Coverage
Consider how far your Wi-Fi connectivity needs to go, including outside, in rooms, and in other areas of your home. Purchase several nodes and place them in any room or location that requires a better Wi-Fi connection.
Node Location
Determine the best location for the nodes to be installed. Make sure the nodes are far enough away from any potential interferences, such as cordless phones.
Mounting Nodes
Different nodes have different requirements for where they must be mounted. If the nodes must be placed higher, do so, and vice versa.
Specifications
Each mesh network has its own set of specifications. Examine its specifications briefly, paying special attention to the maximum range of each satellite node, and place the nodes at least two-thirds of the distance apart.
How To Step Up A Mesh Network With Old Routers:
Now that we’ve reviewed everything we need to know about mesh networks, let’s get started learning how to set up a mesh network with an old router.
- Select a mesh network system and install the app on your smartphone.
- Unplug the router and connect an ethernet cable to its main node. Reconnect the router and power on both the router and the main node.
- Log in to your mesh network account or sign up for a new account if you don’t already have one.
- Connect your account to the main node by scanning the QR code on the router’s button or manually entering a serial number.
- For the main node, enter the prompted number or location. Indicate the number of satellite nodes, and don’t worry if you underestimated or overestimated the number.
- Plug in the nodes one at a time, and as each node is added, you will be prompted to specify which room of the house it is in so that it can be configured.
- Finally, after you’ve added every node in your house, walk around every corner and check the range of connectivity you’re getting. Check to see if the connectivity range is what you expected. That’s how to create a mesh network using an old router or any router.
Conclusion
To summarise, mesh networks are most common in businesses and government agencies that require network connectivity to span a large geographic area. People may also choose between a full mesh network and a partial mesh network if their household has a large number of people who require a faster network. Set up as many mesh networks as desired at home or in the office by carefully following the procedures and recommendations outlined above.
