OneMesh: Create a Whole-Home Wi-Fi Network with Your TP-Link Devices

 

In our home, we usually install a Wi-Fi extender to get complete coverage throughout the house. But we soon run—well, walk—into some problems. For instance, moving from the living room to our bedroom, we’re hounded by “buffering” as we switch between the router’s and the extender’s network. The new trend of whole-home mesh Wi-Fi can eliminate them. However, setting up a whole new Wi-Fi system can not only be costly but may also make your existing network equipment obsolete. Is there any good way to spend less and greatly enhance your wireless experience?  Luckily, TP-Link’s OneMesh™ is designed to optimize your whole-home network with your existing TP-Link devices through one simple firmware update. So, if you’re looking to set up a new Wi-Fi ecosystem, don’t go spending money you don’t have to.

 

Traditional Extenders vs. OneMesh™

Traditional extenders increase Wi-Fi coverage by connecting to your existing Wi-Fi router and creating a separate Wi-Fi network. You'll have to switch your devices between the router and the extender’s networks as you move around the house. If you don't, you'll receive poor Wi-Fi performance since your devices will stay on the same, weak network until it switches to another network with a stronger signal. Do you really want to exit your video chat, movie, or game, open your settings, find the stronger signal, tap into it, and switch back to what you were doing every time you go to another room?

 

Don't forget, setting up and maintaining a traditional wireless network can be daunting. It's time-consuming visiting multiple configuration pages to set up and manage different routers and extenders. It's even worse when your extender comes from a different brand, you’ll need to install multiple sets of software.

 

Even if you configure all your network devices to use the same wireless network name that does not give a seamless network. You just happen to have multiple network devices with the same name, but that will not change the client device needing to leave whatever network device it is connected to and join another. This process is what will cause your network device to lose network connection as it moves over. Worst yet, your client device may stay connected to the original network device no matter where you go, giving the impression your extender is giving a weak wireless signal even though you are next to it.

 

 

The OneMesh™ solution, however, works as a system to extend Wi-Fi to all areas of your home, providing you with better performance, broad coverage, and a seamless network connection. Not to mention, it's easier to use and manage without the frustrations you typically face with traditional extended networks.

Unlike traditional extenders that simply communicate with one central router, OneMesh™ devices communicate with each other. When a OneMesh™ device turns off or gets blocked by interference, your devices will automatically switch to the active device with the strongest signal to keep you connected. It’s like driving on the road and taking a quick detour to avoid waiting in line for heavy traffic or accidents up ahead.

 

With TP-Link’ s AP Steering, OneMesh™ routers and extenders share the same Wi-Fi name and security credentials to deliver a seamless and consistent network connection as you move around the house. Once connected to the OneMesh™ network, your mobile devices will connect to the OneMesh™ device with the strongest signal. Now you can stay connected to the same network and enjoy uninterrupted streaming, downloading, and more throughout your house.

 

 

In a network of multi-band OneMesh™ devices, TP-Link’s Band Steering steers your devices to the best available Wi-Fi band to ensure all devices connect where they will obtain the best performance. With TP-Link’s Adaptive Path Selection, OneMesh™ keeps the network running at the top-speed by intelligently choosing the fastest connection path between Wi-Fi 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for your data. This improves overall wireless performance and ensures the stability and efficiency of the whole Wi-Fi network for everyone that’s connected.

 

Best of all, unlike traditional routers and extenders that require complicated configuration, setting OneMesh™ up is a breeze. TP-Link’s user-friendly Tether app and Web UI allow you to easily set up and manage your whole-home network by providing you with easy-to-follow instructions and helping you customize wireless settings. These include the network name, password, and advanced features like Parental Control and QoS. If your OneMesh™ devices have WPS buttons, one- touch connection is available. Just press the WPS button on the router and extender, respectively, to quickly set up a OneMesh™ network.

 

 

Upgrade to a OneMesh™ Network
If you currently use TP-Link's wireless devices and want an easy and affordable way to improve your home network performance, a OneMesh™ network is the best option. OneMesh™ is coming to all TP-Link SOHO product categories, including wireless routers, 3G/4G routers, XDSL modem routers, range extenders, and powerline adapters. A simple firmware update is all you need to upgrade your existing TP-Link router with OneMesh™ capability. Then, just connect one or more OneMesh™ extenders for a seamless, reliable mesh Wi-Fi connection throughout your home.  

 

 

* To know more information about TP-Link's OneMesh™, visit https://www.tp-link.com/onemesh
* Check the full list of OneMesh™ routers and extenders at https://www.tp-link.com/onemesh/compatibility

 

Know More about OneMesh™ 
Q1: Can I set up a OneMesh™ network with routers or extenders from other brands?

No. OneMesh™ is only supported by TP-Link's wireless devices. Check the full list of OneMesh™ compatible devices at: https://www.tp-link.com/onemesh/compatibility. OneMesh™ will be offered alongside all TP-Link small office and home office product lines, including wireless routers, range extenders, XDSL, 3G/4G routers, and powerline adapters.
 

Q2: Can I set up a OneMesh™ network with two OneMesh™-supported routers (for example, two Archer A7's)?

No, only one OneMesh™ router can be used as a root access point in a OneMesh™ network. 

 

Q3: What is the difference between OneMesh™ vs having the same SSID, I get one network name either way?

 

OneMesh™ provides true seamless roaming by utilizing wireless protocols so you do not drop any connections as you move from one node to another. Having a non-mesh network means your device will need to drop the connection as it connects from your router to the range extender and vice versa. You may also experience issues such as a device continuing to stay connected to a network device even though it is physically closer to another one. With OneMesh™, your network will recommend your client device to connect to the best network device in order to have the best performance.

 

Q4: Do my extenders connect to the router only or to each other?

 

When you set up the OneMesh™ range extenders, it will pair preferably with the router, but may also choose another extender if that is a better connection.