Imagine that you have a fiber internet connection at home. However, you’re not the only one who uses it and there are also plenty of devices that need to connect all at once that your stock router cannot keep up. Not to mention, there are areas at home where the WiFi signal is weak and the connection is slow. For a typical household, this is the usual scenario. The good news is, you can fix that with a WiFi mesh system. But which one to get? Let us help you with that.
What are WiFi dead spots?
WiFi dead spots are areas in your home or office where the WiFi signal is at its weakest and the internet speed is slow. It mostly happens because of interference caused by thick walls or other barriers. It’s a common issue especially if you have many walls, large furniture, multiple floors, and especially if you have a big place with lots of ground to cover.
So let’s say your ISP’s default router is placed in your living room. If you’re in that area, the signal is strong. But as you move around the house and into rooms, the signal depletes. A weakened signal translates to a slower or no connection at all.
Mesh systems to the rescue!
Mesh routers can address WiFi dead spots by acting like multiple WiFi routers around the house. Usually, mesh systems are usually offered in pairs. So let’s say you have a router in the living room and you have a weaker signal in the kitchen or upstairs bedroom, you can place the second mesh router in one of those areas to have that area covered.
It’s recommended then to add an additional node if you have a bigger place or there’s still another area with a weak signal. The good thing about mesh systems is that you don’t have to log in to multiple WiFi SSIDs as the whole mesh system works like a single network. You only have to sign in to a single SSID and the mesh system will automatically switch you to the strongest signal as you move around the house – without interrupting your connection.
Which WiFi mesh system to get?
There are plenty of WiFi mesh systems in the market but you will mostly see use the WiFi 5 (ac) or WiFi 6 (ax) standards. Most have two networks available to them – 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
WiFi 6 routers offer faster throughput speeds and better bandwidth. This is recommended if you have plenty of devices that need to connect, including those that support WiFi 6 like smartphones, tablets, laptops, Smart TVs, and IoT products. While effective, WiFi 6 mesh routers are more expensive and might not fit everyone’s budget.
As an alternative, there’s the WiFi 5 mesh system. It may not be as powerful as WiFi 6 but it is still a good option if you have an entry-level subscription, have fewer devices, and have a smaller space to cover. We tested PLDT’s WiFi 5 mesh routers and we’re actually getting the speed we subscribed to, which is good.
WiFi 5 mesh systems are also more affordable compared to its WiFi 6 counterparts, so it’s a nice option if you’re on a budget. In other words, if you are not too techie with lighter demands for a WiFi network and with only the need to eliminate dead spots, WiFi 5 mesh systems are still good to have. It’s also better than not having a mesh at all.
Why avail PLDT’s WiFi 5 mesh offerings
PLDT is one of the ISPs that offer mesh systems as add-ons to their existing fiber plans. The best part is that they have options to help you decide based on your budget. They’re also available in installment plans of 24 months or 36 months, truly making them a good deal.
In addition, PLDT is also offering a promo where you can win a Samsung 65″ Crystal UHD 4K TV when you avail at least two (2) WiFi mesh units. Check out the mechanics below.
PLDT HOME WIFI MESH – TV RAFFLE
1. PROMO PERIOD is from June 5 to September 30, 2022 nationwide.
2. All PLDT Home Fiber subscribers who purchase at least 2 pcs. of PLDT Home’s WiFi mesh add-ons are allowed to join.
3. HOW TO EARN A RAFFLE ENTRY:
• Log on to pldthome.com/wifimeshsystem. Buy at least 2 pcs. of any of the following models of WiFi mesh add-ons from PLDT Home in a single transaction:
-Tenda Nova MW6
-TP Link Deco M4
-TP Link Deco M5
• Only received applications during the promo period and were subsequently approved are automatically included in the raffle draw.
4. There will only be 4 winners of a Samsung 65″ Crystal UHD 4K TV:
• 1 winner from applications received from June 5 – June 30, 2022
• 1 winner from applications received from July 1 – July 31, 2022
• 1 winner from applications received from August 1 – August 31, 2022
• 1 winner from applications received from September 1 – September 30, 2022
5. Winners shall be determined by a monthly raffle draw and will be posted on this page.
6. Qualified participants within the promo period will receive a notification from a PLDT representative informing them if they won the promo.
7. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-144683, Series of 2022.
Terms and Conditions
• Prize is not convertible to cash.
• All employees of PLDT Inc. including their relatives up to second degree of consanguinity or affinity are disqualified from joining the promotion.
• PLDT reserves the right to refuse the awarding of prizes to participants that are proven to be invalid or fraudulent.
• Winners must allow PLDT Inc. to publish their name in their marketing communication materials.
Now that we know more about WiFi mesh and its uses, we can now pick the right device based on your needs and budget. For regular families, who want an affordable mesh system, check out PLDT’s WiFi 5 mesh offerings here 12. You might even win a large 4K TV.
