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Comparison guide

Mesh Wi-Fi or wired access points?

Both cover large spaces with a single Wi-Fi network. The difference is in how the units connect to each other, and that changes performance.

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Overview

How they differ in practice

In a mesh system, the Wi-Fi units talk to each other wirelessly and only the first one is cabled to the router. With wired access points, each point has its own network cable to the switch and is often powered over the same cable with PoE.

Mesh is quick to set up with no new cabling. Wired access points take more work at the start, but give steadier speed to more users. Many mesh systems also accept a wired link between units, which combines the advantages of both.

The options

What each one does

Mesh Wi-Fi

Units that connect to each other wirelessly and create a single network. Part of the wireless capacity is used for the units to communicate.

Best for: Small offices, shops and homes where new cables cannot be run.

  • Quick installation
  • No new cabling
  • Simple management from an app
  • Speed drops with each wireless hop
  • Fewer options for VLANs and policies
  • Struggles with many simultaneous users

Wired access points

Each access point connects by Cat6 cable to a switch, usually with PoE. Management is central, from a controller or a cloud platform.

Best for: Offices, hotels, restaurants and warehouses with many users or devices.

  • Steady speed at every point
  • Handle many users
  • VLANs and a separate guest network
  • Easy to expand with new points
  • Need cabling
  • Higher upfront cost
  • More demanding design
Comparison

Side by side

The green mark shows the best option for each criterion.

Mesh Wi-FiWired access points
InstallationQuick, no cablesNeeds cabling to each point
Speed at the furthest pointDrops with each wireless hopThe same at every point
Many simultaneous usersLimited capacityVery good
Roaming between pointsGoodVery good when set up correctly
VLANs and guest networkBasic optionsFull control
ExpansionEasy, with performance limitsEasy, with no loss of speed
Upfront costLowerHigher because of cabling
PowerA socket for each unitPoE from the switch
Our advice

What to choose

If you have a small space with few users and cannot run cablesA good mesh system will cover the space quickly and affordably.
If you have an office with many staff, VoIP phones or camerasChoose wired access points with a PoE switch and a VLAN for each group of devices.
If you host customers or visitorsYou need a separate guest network, which works best with wired access points.
If you can run cable to only some pointsCombine them: mesh with wired links where possible and wireless only where there is no other way.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can't find what you're looking for? Call us or send us a message.

How many access points do I need?
It depends on the floor area, the walls, the materials and the number of users. There is no right number without a site survey. We measure the signal on site and recommend positions based on the results.
Is mesh the same as repeaters?
Not quite. A repeater often creates a second network and cuts the speed in half. Mesh works as one network with shared management, and devices move from unit to unit more smoothly.
What is PoE and why does it help?
PoE carries power and data over the same network cable. The access point does not need a socket, so it can go on the ceiling or high on a wall, where coverage is better.
Can I upgrade from mesh to access points later?
Yes. If cables are run later, many mesh systems accept a wired link between units. For a bigger change, we design a new network with access points and a switch.
Do I need a separate network for guests?
If you offer Wi-Fi to customers, yes. A guest network keeps their devices away from your computers, printers and cameras. We set it up with a VLAN and a separate network name.
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