Mesh WiFi Extenders: How Much Are You *Really* Sacrificing for Coverage?

Thinking about banishing WiFi dead zones with a mesh system? Excellent! But before you hit that 'buy' button, let's talk speed. The big question: how much slower *does* a mesh WiFi extender make your internet?

The truth is, it's complicated. Mesh systems often use a single radio to both receive data from your router AND transmit it to your devices. This 'hopping' can cut your speed, sometimes significantly, especially with cheaper systems or if nodes are placed too far apart.

However, modern mesh systems are smarter. Tri-band systems, for example, dedicate one radio exclusively for communication between nodes, minimizing the speed hit. Placement is also key – a node too far from the router will struggle, throttling speeds further.

So, how much slower? Expect *some* speed reduction, but a well-placed, high-quality mesh system with a dedicated backhaul shouldn't cripple your connection. Do your research, compare specs, and consider a wired backhaul (connecting nodes via ethernet) for the best possible performance. Ultimately, the tradeoff between broader coverage and slight speed decrease might be worth it for you!