Should you replace a traditional Wi-Fi router with mesh? I compared the two, and here's my verdict

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Routers are cheaper, faster, and easier to set up.
• Mesh systems fix dead zones with wider coverage.
• Choose based on budget, home size, and connection needs.

With the adoption of remote and hybrid working, having a reliable internet connection at home is imperative -- not just for one device, but for several. If you have a family, maybe even dozens. So what's better, one single access point, or a mesh network spread about the home?

The answer depends on how your home and office are set up and what kind of connection you need. Wi-Fi routers are so good these days that a single access point is often the most straightforward solution. But if you have a larger home or your office is located far away from your router, a mesh network could ...