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Forum Discussion

alcat's avatar
alcat
Luminary
Mar 09, 2018
Solved

Extenders vs Mesh

Hello 

 

I am looking for clarifiction on Extenders vs Mesh, specifically when the extenders are sharing the same SSID (I am using a Nighthawk X6S EX8000 and planning on extending this configuration)

 

Is a configuration of extenders utilizing "One WIFI name" the same as a MESH network? Are there pro/cons of using a MESH vs extenders with shared SSID name?

 

To me these look the same in terms of functionality but are there difference that are more subtle I need to understand?

 

Any help understanding this at a deeper llevel is appreciated.

 

thanks

 

Al

 

 

 

Features
Nighthawk Mesh
  • alcat's avatar
    alcat
    Mar 09, 2018

    Thanks for the speedy reply. To summarise, mesh is more than a shared SSID. Mesh has additopnal technologies to make the hand off between satellites more effcient than traditional router/extenders.

     

    Are there any good white papers you can recommend? In or outside of Netgear?

     

    thanks! 

4 Replies

  • jvasanth1984's avatar
    jvasanth1984
    Virtuoso
    Mar 09, 2018

    Hi alcat,

                    This extender have Mesh option which can be utilized by enabling one wifi name where devices can seamlessly roam between router and extender network not just by having same SSID, but it does support 802.11k which will help in seamless roaming for any device that support this protocol. Adding to that, it does have a smart connect which can be enabled only if it is enabled on your router too that way devices that support both 2.4 and 5GHz bands can switch between these bands based on signal effeciency which is called as band steering. Let me know if you need anymore information so that I can provide it.

    • alcat's avatar
      alcat
      Luminary
      Mar 09, 2018

      Thanks for the speedy reply. To summarise, mesh is more than a shared SSID. Mesh has additopnal technologies to make the hand off between satellites more effcient than traditional router/extenders.

       

      Are there any good white papers you can recommend? In or outside of Netgear?

       

      thanks!