How does Mesh WiFi Work?

WRITTEN BY

NETGEAR Team

Mesh WiFi is an advanced technology that's revolutionising how we connect to the internet in our homes and offices. Here we will explore this cutting-edge tech and also shine a spotlight on NETGEAR Orbi, the leading system in today’s Mesh WiFi space.

What is Mesh WiFi?

Mesh WiFi isn’t your average stand-alone WiFi setup. It’s a fully integrated wireless network system that includes a main router and modem for connecting to the internet, plus multiple router satellite nodes that relay and transmit the strong, seamless WiFi signal throughout your whole home or business. Mesh WiFi systems allow connected devices and smart home applications to automatically connect to the strongest available signal. This makes mesh WiFi the right choice for large homes and businesses where a single router isn’t up to speed.

Advanced WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 Mesh WiFi systems give you the flexibility to place the satellite nodes in different areas for optimal home network and guest network WiFi coverage – upstairs, downstairs, and even outside in the backyard. Whole-home mesh WiFi eliminates WiFi dead zones so everyone under one roof can enjoy the fastest available speeds and best WiFi connections 24/7.

What is a Mesh Network?

A mesh network is a local area network composed of satellite routers and antennas that work in sync to broadcast a WiFi signal over a large area. In contrast to WiFi extenders, these satellite nodes combine to form a single network, often with only a single login required. This allows you to move from room to room with your device without needing to enter a new internet connection login password. The satellite router nodes create an overlapping wireless coverage area, allowing strong, continuous WiFi coverage throughout. The best mesh WiFi systems, such as NETGEAR Orbi 970, give you up to 220 sq. m. of blazing-fast WiFi coverage per satellite.

Tri-band WiFi and quad-band WiFi Mesh networks include home networks, guest networks, and smart home device networks for operating security systems, Amazon Alexa smart speakers, Google Home speakers, Google Assistant, smart TVs, digital art frames, and dozens more applications. The best WiFi network mesh systems also include dedicated gigabit Ethernet ports built into the satellite nodes for establishing connections capable of delivering superfast speeds, low latency, and prioritised backhaul for dedicated streaming, conferencing, gaming, and the virtual reality Metaverse.

WiFi Mesh System Innovations

The world of WiFi internet moves fast. In recent years we have experienced a quantum leap in connectivity from WiFi 5 to WiFi 6 mesh systems, then WiFi 6E systems, and now the latest WiFi 7 standard. Mesh WiFi routers are the way of the future, with NETGEAR Orbi and Nighthawk leading the way. WiFi 7 is next-generation WiFi, perfect for data-hungry activities and smart home networks. WiFi 7 is used for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), cloud gaming, animation, music video creation, and seamless conferencing without lag.

WiFi 7 is being progressively rolled out in Australia to meet the demands of leading tech products, such as Apple iPhones and Android smartphones. WiFi systems are more interrelated than ever before. Here are some WiFi 7 features designed to dramatically improve your online experience.

Wider Channels and More Bandwidth
By splitting the frequency bands into 20 MHz channels, the WiFi signal can reach multiple device internet connections simultaneously. For example, the 2.4 GHz band has 11 channels, the 5 GHz band has 45 channels, and the 6 GHz band has 60 channels. The bandwidth can also be combined to support super-strong 40MHz and 80MHz channels. WiFi 7 offers 320MHz bandwidth compared to the 160MHz bandwidth of WiFi 6E.

Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM)
QAM can combine two amplitude modulation signals, effectively doubling the channel bandwidth. WiFi 7 supports 4096 QAM (4K QAM). This is an impressive 4x increase on the 1024 QAM delivered by WiFi 6E.

Multi-Link Operation (MLO)
Whereas older dual-band routers only offer single-band device connections, WiFi 7, can use MLO to combine several frequencies, such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, into a single connection. This is a powerful new way to combat congestion and interference issues in our busy WiFi-connected world.

Preamble Puncturing
This is an all-new WiFi 7 technology that allows the router access point to transmit a punctured or split portion of the spectrum channel when it is not being used by other devices. Previously, if part of a channel was being used, the entire channel would be unavailable for additional connections. WiFi 7 Preamble Puncturing is another way to achieve low latency and high connection speeds.

Target Wake Time
With Target Wake Time, you can reserve bandwidth for specific devices and smart home applications. Whole-home WiFi mesh can guarantee bandwidth to every corner of the home, even multi-story dwellings with complex layouts, and Target Wake Time can synchronise your entire network.

Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)
OFDMA technology allows WiFi mesh systems to create independently modulating subcarriers within frequencies. This provides the opportunity to deliver simultaneous transmissions to and from multiple clients. OFDMA is another innovative way to efficiently allocate bandwidth and solve congestion problems.

Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO)
MU-MIMO is another transformative way for router access points and satellite nodes to simultaneously transmit the wireless signal to multiple client devices. MU-MIMO increases data rate efficiency and ensures devices receive the speeds required for optimal performance. With MU-MIMO, lower-speed client devices won’t impede the throughput speeds needed for optimised data-hungry devices on the network.

Enter NETGEAR Orbi

WiFi 6 routers introduced during the last few years offered impressive speed increases over WiFi 5, but the latest WiFi 7 technology opens up possibilities for a new era of lightning-fast WiFi applications. The WiFi 7 standard (IEEE 802.11be), also known as Extremely High Throughput (EHT), has the potential to deliver astonishing data rates of more than 40Gbps. The latest NETGEAR Orbi 970 WiFi 7 whole home mesh system is powerful enough to function as your sole internet connection with speeds on par with the best wired Ethernet internet connections.

Orbi 970 mesh WiFi is also a great option if you relocate often. You can take your entire Orbi 970 mesh WiFi system with you to your new address. NETGEAR WiFi 7 includes the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, and the all-new 6 GHz bandwidth. The result is lower latency than WiFi 6/6E, precise load balancing, heightened levels of WPA3 security, parental controls, and the ability to add additional satellite nodes for improving connectivity throughout your home or business. The entire system only takes 15 minutes to set up using the Orbi app on your smartphone.

Orbi 970 for Entertainment, Gamers, and Smart Homes

NETGEAR Orbi 970 systems are user-friendly. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to take advantage of faster WiFi 7 speeds offered by progressive Australian internet service providers. Here are a few areas where Orbi 970 WiFi 7 will dramatically improve your connected wide area network (WAN) experience.

Orbi WiFi 7 for entertainment
WiFi 7 opens up all-new avenues of home entertainment. You can now easily stream 4K and 8K content and browse the web without frustrating slowdowns. Virtual reality, augmented reality, animation, music creation, and immersive activities are all possible.

Orbi WiFi 7 for gamers
WiFi 7 has changed the way gamers operate. For starters, there are noticeable latency improvements that remove annoying lag issues and give you the upper hand over the competition. With Orbi WiFi 7, games can be downloaded and rendered in a fraction of the time compared to earlier WiFi standards. Users can stream ultra-high-definition content seamlessly and play with real-time responsiveness.

Orbi WiFi 7 for smart homes
WiFi 7 offers a huge range of improvements for today’s smart homes. With Orbi 970 on your side, you can say goodbye forever to glitchy streaming, slow downloads, and long buffering times. WiFi 7 offers more bandwidth and faster speeds for handling many devices at once. Available in classic black or cool white, Orbi 970 systems are attractive decor units for future-proofed connectivity.

Why Business Owners Choose Orbi WiFi 7

Orbi WiFi 7 for business unlocks many new capabilities. Shared office spaces can now function with stable, seamless, and integrated WiFi for optimal productivity and profitability. Orbi 970 mesh WiFi systems also include the option to connect via Ethernet ports for business-critical applications. Businesses run smoother with NETGEAR Orbi WiFi systems.
WiFi 7 unlocks intriguing business capabilities for incorporating augmented reality, next-gen goggles, heads-up displays, and smart office technologies. NETGEAR has come a long way since the early days of dual-band WiFi and remains a wireless networking leader worldwide. NETGEAR Orbi 970 Series delivers uncompromising 10 Gig speeds for whole-home WiFi.

WiFi 7 can cover every corner of a business premises and even reach WiFi dead spots without the need for range extenders. Orbi 970 offers the best in WiFi 7 evolution, including the introduction of all-new high-performance antennas that provide 360° WiFi coverage. Orbi 970 WiFi unlocks the fastest available speeds of today for future-proofed business operations.
Orbi WiFi 7 greatly reduces network congestion and gives you the option to set up three separate networks. Orbi 970 systems also include NETGEAR Armor software that provides blanket-cover real-time security protection for all your connected devices such as your Windows PC, Apple iPhone, Android smartphone, and IoT applications.

NETGEAR Orbi Technology Leadership
NETGEAR has been a WiFi technology leader since the 1990s. Today, NETGEAR remains at the cutting edge of WiFi evolution. NETGEAR Orbi 970 WiFi 7 systems continue the tradition, driving the industry forward with groundbreaking technology development and leadership. Orbi 970 is the latest success story taking existing WiFi technologies such as multi-unit multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) and orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) to the next level of excellence for home and business use. Come along for the ride with NETGEAR Australia and take a quantum leap into the future.

Outstanding Orbi 970 WiFi Mesh System Features

NETGEAR Orbi 970 mesh WiFi is a game changer for homes and businesses Australia-wide. Here are some of the key features and capabilities that make the Orbi 970 difference.

  • Blazing-fast WiFi 7 speeds of up to 27Gbps (potentially 40Gbps) for unparalleled performance and WiFi coverage.
  • <2.4x faster speeds than WiFi 6 and fully backward compatible with older WiFi legacy devices and smart home applications.
  • 4K/8K streaming, video conferencing, high-definition gaming, virtual reality, the Metaverse, and more, for everyone under one roof.
  • Exclusive patented quad-band technology and enhanced dedicated backhaul for delivering superfast and reliable WiFi across all your network devices.
  • Seamless Roaming: Move around your space without the fear of losing connection. Orbi ensures your device is always hooked to the strongest signal.
  • The ability to sync NETGEAR Orbi 970 WiFi 7 with any internet service provider (ISP), plus easy setup and management of your Orbi 970 WiFi network using the Orbi app.
  • NETGEAR Armor security software with WPA3 encryption for protection against malicious intruders across all your connected devices and applications.

Additional Orbi 970 System Highlights

The main Orbi 970 mesh system router access point contains a 10 Gbps Ethernet port, four 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports, and a 10 Gig Internet port. The Orbi satellites contain a 10 Gbps Ethernet port and two 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports. NETGEAR delivers an entirely new level of WiFi networking. You also have the option of NETGEAR Pro Support with 24/7 priority access to NETGEAR experts, along with accidental damage coverage and replacement. The entire Orbi 970 system can be controlled remotely and Orbi offers compatibility with any internet service provider (ISP).

Choosing NETGEAR Orbi is the hassle-free way to achieve the robust internet experience you deserve. Whether you’re streaming the footy in HD, gaming in the shed, or working from your home office, Orbi ensures a stable, speedy connection. Plus, with advanced security features, your network stays safe from cyber threats. NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi is a game-changer in the world of wireless connectivity. Say goodbye to buffering, dead zones, and complicated setups, and hello to a whole new world of seamless, secure, and speedy internet.

Orbi 970 Mesh for Indoors and Outdoors

NETGEAR Orbi WiFi systems are conveniently expandable. The main router and modem are connected to a power source and the internet, while the satellite nodes can be strategically placed around the home or office to create indoor and outdoor access points. The satellites relay the internet WiFi signal between each other and the main router for blanket wireless network coverage. NETGEAR Orbi 970 beamforming antennas are another way Orbi can direct powerful wireless signals at specific devices. Advantages include:

  • – Eliminating WiFi dead zones
  • – Providing seamless WiFi coverage for large multi-story homes with complex layouts
  • – Offering superfast multi-gigabit WiFi speeds indoors and outdoors
  • – The option to create private networks, and smart home networks

Future-Proofing with NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 7

Orbi 970 WiFi 7 mesh network systems are changing the way we use WiFi internet. They can improve workplace performance and productivity, give gamers a winning advantage over the competition, and offer smart home Internet of Things (IoT) convenience. NETGEAR Orbi 970 is a whole-home WiFi infrastructure upgrade that offers stronger signals, faster connections, wider channels, and more frequency bands.
New device releases during the next few years are sure to include WiFi 7 standard compatibility, making Orbi 970 the smart way to future-proof your home and business. For unsurpassed speed, greater WiFi capacity, and the versatility needed in today’s competitive networking environment, Orbi WiFi 7 mesh systems are the smart choice. If your present router is more than a couple of years old, or you are someone who likes to take advantage of the latest tech, it’s probably time to check out NETGEAR Orbi mesh systems.

Did you know?

NETGEAR’s Orbi Mesh WiFi Systems feature a dedicated WiFi band for the network backhaul. this unique technology ensures ultra-fast performance from Orbi Mesh Systems, plus the capability to connect 200+ devices for concurrent use for work or play.

FAQs

Can I extend my existing WiFi with Orbi?
Absolutely! Orbi can work with your existing modem or gateway and extend your WiFi coverage. For even greater WiFi reach, simply add more satellite nodes to the system. It really is that easy.

Is Mesh WiFi better than traditional WiFi extenders?

Yes, Mesh WiFi provides a more seamless experience, eliminating the need for separate networks and manual switching. WiFi extenders are great for smaller dwellings such as one-bedroom units, whereas mesh WiFi offers seamless connectivity for everyone in large households and expansive homes.

How many devices can connect to an Orbi network?
A NETGEAR Orbi Mesh WiFi System can handle more than 200 devices simultaneously, without a noticeable loss of connection speed. This is a major reason why Orbi is the number one WiFi choice for tech-heavy households or offices all around Australia.