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They are all part of a single wireless network and share the same SSID and password, unlike traditional WiFi routers.[1] Picture this: You’ve just set up your home network with the latest WiFi hardware and a 100 Mbps Internet connection. But for some reason, you still encounter buffering when you try to stream video in the bedroom. You called your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and everything checks out, so what’s the deal? Chances are, your WiFi isn’t set up efficiently for a mesh WiFi system." }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "73496d583ce9e9850a09f25031", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "30a92e8f495bab14be63ab8c4c", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/whole-home-mesh-wifi/slow-wifi-obstructions.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 631, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "Image of person using laptop in home." } }, { "id" : "7e958d314f65ceb4aaa93862b6", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "a5e886e102afe31c08c42f3380", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>What’s Slowing Down Your Network?</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "The weakened signal or WiFi dead spots could be the result of physical obstructions. Simple things like the floor, doors, and walls of your home can come between you and your router, especially if they’re made of metal, brick, or concrete. Or perhaps the distance is simply too great in a large home, and your traditional router is only capable of reaching as far as the kitchen, but not to the backyard, the garage, or a distant bedroom. Interference from other devices could also be the culprit, whether it’s your microwave, cordless phone, or baby monitor. If you live in close quarters with other WiFi networks and devices—such as in an apartment complex—this problem increases tenfold. Think of it like a room full of people who are all speaking at once—nobody’s going to be heard very well." }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "d3cafa09ef987e0d920baf76b1", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "bcb64a1e6056e3c493feeaced7", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/whole-home-mesh-wifi/blanket-wifi-house-signal.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 631, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "An image showing people on Wi-Fi in home. " } }, { "id" : "44f19a2b504363a1df2cb5d4b9", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "6bc0a5b538a92ee504c4f09370", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Blanketing Your Home with WiFi</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "A better solution is WiFi that works with your home design, instead of against it. Think of a standard router like a speaker. You could be playing music loudly in the front of your home, but the office in the back will only hear a faint echo. A standard router works the same way—you can only move so far from it before the signal starts to wane, and eventually it’s going to cut out altogether. Instead, why not install a “speaker” in each room of the house? That’s how whole home WiFi or mesh networks work, with multiple nodes installed around your home so you’ve got solid WiFi coverage from one end to the other." }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "2d4e8c62b094d086871487694b", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "509a7b34a087b97878ef917181", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/whole-home-mesh-wifi/modular-expansion-wifi (1).jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 631, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "An image showing wife spots located in home." } }, { "id" : "f13706bb4f35fe940112a277d1", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Modular Expansion</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "A modular mesh whole home WiFi system is flexible and scalable, giving you a customizable method of expanding your WiFi without the need to add range extenders, which have performance and ease-of-use issues. It’s just like installing lighting fixtures to illuminate your home; you can place your nodes anywhere in your home. You choose which rooms need the coverage, and when it’s time to add more to extend the signal even further." }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "655e55429dcbb45b220743d9cd", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "4354f55bb94aa4eb7c7f32b1e5", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Easy Guided Set Up and Management</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "Most mesh systems use a mobile app for a guided setup.—The app walks you through the set-up process for optimal placement of nodes throughout your home.[2] It will help you find dead zones, so you can place nodes in those areas that otherwise wouldn’t receive WiFi coverage. The mobile app also incorporates some cool features to help you manage your WiFi, such as parental controls, device prioritization, guest access, and more." }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "1e87d404678bd4bbceb8f00671", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "9a3bfb12e53f0741eb026ec611", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/whole-home-mesh-wifi/linksys-app-mobile-app (1).jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 565, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "An image of a mesh system on a mobile phone." } }, { "id" : "ee0d6b0f44368f935731256d90", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "85a98857ff8cd9d068c6c9d2f3", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Whole Home WiFi Devices Blend into Your Home Environment</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "Let’s face it—today’s WiFi routers are often oversized and unsightly, requiring extra space to extend the antennas and creating a mess of cables jutting every which way. More often than not, homeowners attempt to disguise them, hiding routers in the closet or behind the TV, which only serves to reduce their wireless network performance. Most home WiFi devices have a much smaller footprint in your home, and actively reduce clutter. You can leave them out in plain sight without worrying about them becoming eyesores, because their home-friendly design is unobtrusive enough to blend in with the rest of your décor." }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "d93548cf39ffada9f4ce635326", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "6c90550212fcde08a88b75aa68", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Standout Features of the Whole Home WiFi System</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "Here are a few key features to look for in a whole home WiFi system: Wired and Wireless Expansion In a modular system, there’s one node connected to your modem that acts as a router. Each additional node finds the best channel and path to wirelessly connect to the previous one, creating a seamless and reliable WiFi connection throughout your entire home." }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "c584c889af69120edc0d03a45f", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "bd421028b1ea4df4dd6b11b71b", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/whole-home-mesh-wifi/wired-wireless-expansion.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 237, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "An image showing the Wi-Fi system." } }, { "id" : "3795f8c0339e83cb847326f83d", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "4ff66591e317a490fca3f530fa", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Default", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "However, if your home is already wired with Ethernet cables in every room, some mesh systems can still connect the nodes together using an Ethernet cable to create a whole home WiFi system. Even using the wired option, you’ll still be able to expand your signal to hard-to-reach areas such as the garage or basement." }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "244ec99c4c0852bbb840b51f04", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "a1068ccfea3c9be5e7acedd837", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/whole-home-mesh-wifi/one-network-seamless-roaming.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.49, "y" : 0.55 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 493, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "An image showing connected nodes." } }, { "id" : "1c161808d711040fa9c2867871", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "3bbae06ade18fd4dcf255e6064", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Default", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "One Network and Seamless Roaming The name “mesh network” itself implies that every component of your WiFi system is working together, and seamless roaming is a perfect example of that. When you use a router and range extender combination, you have to switch between the networks manually as you move from one coverage zone to the other. But with seamless roaming, you only have one network with one name and password—that means that as you move about your home, you’ll never have to manually switch from one network to the other. So go ahead, stream video in the living, kitchen, or bedroom without worrying about buffering or a dropped connection." }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "f2f35083e722bfc4184612af06", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "0663f74e0240a055d4a4a9f170", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/whole-home-mesh-wifi/guest-network-access.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 420, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "An image of of people using devices in a family room." } }, { "id" : "7a8d89ab08172bac8fbecb0dd2", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Default", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "Guest Network Using a guest network keeps your primary WiFi network safe from intrusion, blocking outside users from accessing your personal data. But never fear, you can still provide Internet access to your dinner guests or babysitter without compromising the security of your main network. Simply adjust the guest settings using your mobile management app." }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "760c23eaa4a5bb81d838ecd39f", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "73bbde0538c0a07009c007feef", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/whole-home-mesh-wifi/range-extender-limitations.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 563, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "An image showing multiple people using wi-fi." } }, { "id" : "4f4f6a964e3a9a2eb18232785a", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "cb5b22d6c9aabd526d968883a0", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Why Not Use a Range Extender?</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "Comparing range extenders to whole home WiFi is like comparing apples to oranges. Range extenders are certainly effective when it comes to increasing the range of your router, but they do so at the expense of WiFi performance, which gets cut in half. In a large space where WiFi struggles to reach every corner, a range extender can actually diminish the overall performance of your network, creating a bottlenecking effect. You might also experience connection issues when jumping from the router to the extender, because you’ll need to switch networks manually. For example, even when standing next to the range extender, you can still experience dead zones or slowdowns if you haven’t manually changed your device over from the router’s signal. These two separate networks also have different names and interfaces, which can be a serious hassle." }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "16c44c94b70f554c7c02007d1e", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "441e906c5e4d6c3067b8330eb1", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/whole-home-mesh-wifi/not-all-mesh-created-equal.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.32, "y" : 0.65 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 574, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "An image of a graph showing the difference of quality mesh systems. " } }, { "id" : "19fe688324f1a025570bb09cd0", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "ddf5010180448d19abf9d8b6e4", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Not All Mesh WiFi Systems Are Created Equal</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "All mesh systems are slightly different, so it’s important to examine the technology that each brand uses. For example, some tri-band systems are better than others, and some dual-band systems have bandwidth limitations. Take a close look at the tech being offered to ensure that your whole home WiFi projects an effective, efficient signal that blankets every corner of your home with WiFi connectivity." }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "03cd07fde042271db70395164d", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "0eb20b8723bd7a4097ab9f39a1", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>References</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<ol><li>John R. Delaney, <a href=\"https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-wi-fi-mesh-network-systems\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"“The Best Wi-Fi Mesh Network Systems of 2018”\">“The Best Wi-Fi Mesh Network Systems of 2018”</a>, PCMag - Ziff Davis, July 24, 2018</li><li>Sarah Brown, <a href=\"https://www.tomsguide.com/us/what-is-mesh-wifi-router,news-24580.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"“What Is a Mesh Wi-Fi Router, and Do You Need One?”\">“What Is a Mesh Wi-Fi Router, and Do You Need One?”</a>, Tom’s Guide, March 5, 2017</li><li>Bradley Mitchell, <a href=\"https://www.lifewire.com/guest-network-for-home-tutorial-818204\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"“Setting Up and Using a Guest WiFi Network”\">“Setting Up and Using a Guest WiFi Network”</a>, Lifewire, March 26, 2018</li></ol>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "aabe9aa63127b829491aa44597", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } } ] }, { "id" : "column2", "components" : [ { "id" : "bae4d59a570d5a1f13f69efe01", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.shopStory", "data" : { "navHeadline" : "RELATED PRODUCTS", "bgColor" : "Transparent", "swipeMobile" : false, "theme" : "Dark Text", "useCustomBgColor" : false }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "column1", "components" : [ { "id" : "efe40f323a0216238993d02c0f", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.productTile", "data" : { "product" : "MX4200", "displayRatings" : false, "displaySwatches" : false } }, { "id" : "2ff0e869d66c7aa492c551420f", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.productTile", "data" : { "product" : "MX6203", "displayRatings" : true, "displaySwatches" : false } }, { "id" : "2b64ffb2f41aa873930427220b", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.productTile", "data" : { "product" : "WHW0303", "displayRatings" : false, "displaySwatches" : false } } ] } ] } ] } ] } ] } ] }

{ "id" : "multiple-wifi-bands-difference", "name" : "Single-Band, Dual-Band, and Tri-Band WiFi Routers. What's the Difference?", "type_id" : "resourceArticle", "data" : { "articleImage" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/multiple-wifi-bands-difference/Home_CLP_Resource2_Router-Difference_Image_1000x750.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 750, "width" : 1000 } }, "articleTitleOverride" : "Single-Band, Dual-Band, and Tri-Band WiFi Routers. What's the Difference?", "alt" : "Boy using tablet", "articleDescOverride" : "Though \"more is better\" is easy enough for some comparisons, the world of WiFi is a bit more nuanced when it comes to meeting your specific needs." }, "custom" : { "articleImage" : "https://www.linksys.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-Linksys-Shared-Library/default/dwae93200e/images/Articles/multiple-wifi-bands-difference/Home_CLP_Resource2_Router-Difference_Image_1000x750.jpg", "articleImageAlt" : "Boy using tablet", "articleTitle" : "Single-Band, Dual-Band, and Tri-Band WiFi Routers. What's the Difference?", "articleDesc" : "Though \"more is better\" is easy enough for some comparisons, the world of WiFi is a bit more nuanced when it comes to meeting your specific needs.", "articleURL" : "https://www.linksys.com/pr/multiple-wifi-bands-difference.html" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "main", "components" : [ { "id" : "44378cde15635b0822ed165dfd", "name" : "Breadcrumbs", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.breadcrumbs", "data" : { "border" : true, "lvl1Link" : "https://www.linksys.com/pr/resource-center.html", "lvl2Text" : "Single-Band, Dual-Band, and Tri-Band WiFi Routers. What's the Difference?", "lvl1Text" : "Resource Center" } }, { "id" : "590a77a381519c8bbe7025c704", "name" : "Article Main", "type_id" : "commerce_layouts.article2Col", "data" : { "layoutOptions" : "75% | 25%", "fullWidth" : false, "orderMobile" : "Col 1 First, Col 2 Second", "borderBetween" : "Include Border" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "column1", "components" : [ { "id" : "d4ea8d7770c5f8f197a05d3cb2", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Default - 16px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h1>Single-Band, Dual-Band, and Tri-Band WiFi Routers. What's the Difference?</h1>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 2", "theme" : "Dark Text" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "82bf14d5270ef909a4f9b1539b", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/multiple-wifi-bands-difference/wifi-band-difference.png", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 953, "width" : 1430 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "Multiple Wi-Fi Bands Difference " } }, { "id" : "a1e16dcf7924caefe44f297f7d", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "1c4c79518d68b2d0ee5f3a47e4", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Default", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "Comparing single-, dual-, and tri-band routers isn't as easy as comparing a single-patty hamburger with a triple-decker. Though \"more is better\" is easy enough for some comparisons, the world of WiFi is a bit more nuanced when it comes to meeting your specific needs. So let's talk about bands. Once you plug your network cable into a WiFi router, the radio waves that wirelessly transmit an Internet signal to your iPhone or Xbox travel on one of two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. It's these different frequencies that separate a single-band router from a dual-band, and makes tri-band routers distinct from both. But the WiFi rabbit hole goes even deeper still." }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "1c6b4eb4f0c08200422517f52a", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "84bfebfe2abc4b28b9af6245cb", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Single-Band Routers: Affordable, but Limited</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "Way back in 1999, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) introduced the idea of wireless standards—that's what those \"802.11\" numbers that you see on your WiFi-enabled gear represent. These standards are basically rule books that make sure routers and online devices are on the same page, ensuring that your Roku plays just as nicely with your router as your tablet does. A single-band router is limited to, as you might've guessed, just one frequency band—the 2.4 GHz frequency band, to be exact. Older, single-band routers operate on the 802.11g standard (introduced in 2003), which caps data speeds at 54 Mbps. The iPhone 3G and 3Gs use this standard, for instance. More likely, though, a single-band router operates on the (somewhat) newer 802.11n standard, also known as \"Wireless-N.\" Wireless-N routers on a 2.4 GHz band offer theoretical speeds of up to 800 Mbps—\"theoretical\" meaning that you'll probably never see these speeds during day-to-day use, given real-world factors such as your Internet service limitations. Though single-band, 2.4 GHz routers are accessible and low-priced, they come with a fair share of drawbacks, given the natural progression of WiFi tech. It breaks down something like this: Single-Band Pros<ul><li>Low purchase price</li><li>Compatibility with almost all devices, as multi-band devices typically support 2.4 GHz connections (but not vice versa)</li><li>Lower frequency is better at penetrating obstacles such as walls, doors, furniture, etc.</li></ul>Single-Band Cons<ul><li>Lower maximum speeds than multi-band alternatives</li><li>Given the age and ubiquity of 2.4 GHz devices, you'll likely experience lots of signal interference, which can reduce WiFi speed and stability</li><li>Single-band routers won't include modern features, like app-based monitoring or device prioritization </li></ul>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "fa5b9316d3fb782ef44cb9ee9e", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "d0c3c7c275deb73e49983aa9cc", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h1>Dual-Band Routers: A Smart Middle Ground</h1>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "In addition to supporting the 2.4 GHz Wireless-N standard, dual-band routers support the 5 GHz frequency band, operating on the newer 802.11ac standard. At their theoretical best, that means they support aggregate speeds up to 2,167 Mbps or more. For most households, 5 GHz connectivity is what makes these routers really shine. Imagine that the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands are freeways, and each of the WiFi networks in your router's vicinity are semi-trucks. Having been around for more than a decade, there are a whole lot of 2.4 GHz semi-trucks out there, and that makes for speed-clogging traffic jams. On the other hand, the 5 GHz freeway is fairly open because it’s newer, making for a faster, more stable connection. This is especially crucial if you live in a well-populated city or a big apartment building. Some dual-band routers also pack perks that you won't find on older models. For instance, many support MU-MIMO technology, which improves the way your WiFi interacts with multiple devices. Routers without MU-MIMO can pay attention to only a single device at once—you can still use multiple devices, but imagine your router is on a lazy Susan, sending data to your smart TV, your gaming console, and your laptop in turn as the platter spins. The more devices you have, the less data they're going to catch, so to speak. In contrast, MU-MIMO maintains a constant connection to multiple devices simultaneously, so even when you're streaming Spotify while your kids are playing Splatoon in the next room, the Internet connection runs smoothly. Dual-Band Pros<ul><li>Being the current market standard, dual-band routers might surpass their single-band cousins in cost, but they still sport entry-level prices</li><li>With more modern hardware, dual-band routers offer more range and stability than singe-band routers</li><li>Compatibility with recent 5 GHz-friendly devices, such as the Google Pixel, iPhone 7, and PlayStation 4 Pro</li><li>Twice the bandwidth of single-band routers (or more)</li></ul>Dual-Band Cons<ul><li>Though you're much more likely to experience interference on the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band will continue to become more populated over time</li><li>Speeds are impacted by the amount of connected devices using WiFi at once</li><li>5 GHz has a shorter range than 2.4 GHz in environments with lots of obstacles such as walls, doors, furniture, etc.</li></ul>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "613fa1ace77eed765ab32df018", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "ca7e0681c4bdca8488c1b112fb", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h1>Tri-Band Routers: Future Proofing for Power Users</h1>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "Right off the bat, tri-band routers—which just hit the scene a few years ago—are capable of multiple Gigabit speeds, up to 2166 Mbps on each 5 GHz band. And here's where the \"tri\" in \"tri-band\" comes into play: They feature one 2.4 GHz band and two 5 GHz bands. With two radio freeways for your 5 GHz data to travel on, tri-band routers reduce signal interference even more than dual-band devices. Using automated features like Linksys Smart Connect, tri-band routers \"steer\" devices to the optimal 5 GHz band (or the applicable 2.4 GHz band, for older devices). It's kind of like adding an extra lane to the interstate, or a bike lane to downtown roads—this makes tri-brand routers a handy tool for environments with a lot of continuously connected 5 GHz devices, and a worthy investment if you're currently on the market for a new router and want to future-proof your WiFi for at least a few years. Tri-Band Pros<ul><li>More connected devices are less likely to negatively affect WiFi speeds</li><li>Three separate WiFi bands means three times the bandwidth</li><li>You can dedicate each band to devices in the home or office</li><li>More bands equals less interference</li><li>High CPU speeds make faster file transfers and smoother handling of multiple WiFi-connected devices </li></ul>Tri-Band Cons<ul><li>Significantly higher cost than dual-band models</li><li>If you don't have a lot of 5 GHz-compatible WiFi devices, the upgrade might not be too noticeable</li></ul>Take note of that last bit—if you're in a studio apartment rocking a laptop, a smartphone, and a gaming console, sticking with your dual-band router is probably a safe bet. But if you plan on Netflix-ing 4K movies downstairs while your spouse streams recipe videos from a tablet in the kitchen, your kid's Pandora station never stops, and your guest harbors a World of Warcraft addiction, it might just be time to add that third traffic lane to your home's WiFi freeway." }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "f650ca3277832d935528f09fad", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } } ] }, { "id" : "column2", "components" : [ { "id" : "7808d7640435bb3e64c845b0f8", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.shopStory", "data" : { "navHeadline" : "RELATED PRODUCTS", "bgColor" : "Transparent", "swipeMobile" : false, "theme" : "Dark Text", "useCustomBgColor" : false }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "column1", "components" : [ { "id" : "628a5709ca266b6210d11b58dc", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.productTile", "data" : { "product" : "MR7500", "displayRatings" : false, "displaySwatches" : false } } ] } ] } ] } ] } ] } ] }