As technology advances, more and more people are using mesh routers, they work better, they are more convenient and smarter than traditional routers, and, they are more aesthetically pleasing and complement your home aesthetic. With the increased use of mesh networks, are people aware of the different forms of mesh networks and their pros and cons?
In this article, we'll discuss the pros and cons of wireless backhaul and wired backhaul that can help you understand mesh networks better!
Wireless Backhaul
Wireless backhaul mesh works via point-to-point radio or microwave waves to send signals from access points to the user. It is mainly preferred due to its flexibility and ease of use. Here are its significant pros and cons.
Pros:
1.Economical
Wireless backhaul Wi-Fi doesn’t require many infrastructure assets as compared to the wired backhaul. Therefore, it is pretty economical. There are fewer installation and equipment costs involved, and overall it is an affordable option.
2.Moveable
Portability is one of the top reasons why everyone loves wireless technology. Similarly, wireless backhaul networks are extremely simple to install and move around. If you wish to move places, you can take it with you without worrying about installation or wiring. For example, Meshforce M3 is very compact, so you can put it in many places without thinking about space and network cables
Cons:
1.Slow Transmission Rate
No doubt that wireless backhauls are super convenient, but they come with a set of disadvantages. One of them is the slow transmission rate. Compared to its wired counterpart, wireless backhaul router offers slow transfer speeds due to its lower maximum bandwidth. Also, it shares the network spaces between users, which also slows the transmission down.
2.Easily Disturbed
Wireless backhauls are more prone to interference when compared to wired backhauls. Their wireless connectivity makes them vulnerable to be interrupted easily by different factors that can hinder your workflow. Also, it results in more maintenance.
Wired Backhaul
Wired backhaul mesh has a traditional setup that uses coaxial cables, Ethernet, or fiber to transfer the signals. Let’s take a look at its pros and cons!
Pros:
1.Higher Maximum Network Speeds
Since it offers unlimited bandwidth to the users, it also allows them faster network speed. People using wired backhaul can upload or download much faster as compared to wireless backhaul. The Meshforce M7 is a tri-band mesh router, and if you use wired backhaul you can get the network speed closer to the maximum.
2.Increased Stability
Having a wired backhaul mesh system means having a stable connection with no interruptions or maintenance breaks. It offers a reliable connection due to fewer network interferences. Your work can get done a lot smoother than the wireless option.
Cons:
1.Higher Costs
Wires, equipment, installation, all of this generates a high bill, making the wired backhaul mesh network pretty expensive than its wireless counterpart.
2.Difficult to Move
Again, all the equipment that goes into these connections brings physical limitations. You cannot move it easily or expand it quickly as you could with wireless backhaul.
How to choose?
Having understood the benefits and drawbacks of each option, it is now time to decide which one to choose from. But how do you choose? If you just need a simple Internet connection with no special requirements, then save some money and go for wireless backhaul. It will provide a smooth operation at less extra cost. However, if you don't mind spending some money to get the best experience without any interruptions, then go for a wired backhaul. Meshforce's routers can accommodate both wired and wireless backhaul.
