How to set up a WiFi mesh network

Back in the day, if you wanted more WiFi coverage in your home—to combat a larger space or one prone to wireless dead spots—you only had one choice: a WiFi extender. As good as those things were once configured, they were a pain to set up and had frustrating quirks like the creation of multiple similarly named networks and required a bit of placement knowledge to get the most out of them.

Then along came the solution: mesh WiFi systems. The birth of mesh-first networking products like the Amazon Eero, Google Nest WiFi and the D-Link Pro range made setting up and expanding a home network a whole lot more straightforward. Basically, all the pros of a WiFi extender without the disclaimers. It’s also led to the introduction of NBN-compatible routers and modem-routers that support mesh expansion. But how do you set it all up?

Before we get into the ins and outs of mesh setup, have a look at the most popular NBN plans from our comparison engine.

Basically, ‘mesh’ refers to multiple wireless networking devices that combine to create a single home network. The most straightforward way to do that is via a mesh WiFi system, which uses two or more similar-looking networking devices to create a unified home network. Alternatively, certain routers and modem-routers support mesh expansion via extender devices or by using one or more of the same devices that act as a satellite node.

Before installing a mesh WiFi system (or any networking device for that matter), check to see if there’s a companion app first and download it on your existing WiFi network. Otherwise you may have to use mobile data if WiFi is unavailable. Google, Amazon, Asus, TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys and D-Link all offer companion apps that should be compatible with most of their recent model mesh WiFi systems. Companion apps offer step-by-step installation guides, generally telling you the order to power your modem and mesh equipment off and on to streamline setup.

Before you place anything, check the mesh WiFi system manual, quick-start documentation or user guide for any additional setup information. Sometimes these documents also include helpful information for the default WiFi network names and passwords—possibly even two or three if your mesh WiFi system has 2.4GHz, 5GHz and the latest 6GHz wireless bands—which you may need to input during initial setup. If the WiFi credentials aren’t in the documentation, check for a sticker beneath or behind the mesh devices (potentially near the power and Ethernet ports). Take a photo of it to refer to later. Alternatively, connect an Ethernet cable to a compatible computer, laptop or laptop docking station to set up the mesh WiFi system via browser web portal.

Ideally, a mesh WiFi systems companion app guides you through the initial configuration process with animations and/or images. In my experience, these companion apps do a good job of explaining what you need to do, how to connect everything and, if there are any issues, what to do for basic troubleshooting. They also guide you through placing the additional mesh satellite nodes in appropriate places for the best WiFi coverage, which should lead to fast download and upload speeds as well as low latency throughout the home.

If for whatever reason a companion app lets you down, here are the general mesh WiFi network installation steps to follow (for mesh WiFi systems and mesh routers/modem-routers):

1. Disconnect power from your NBN connection box (aka the modem).
2. Plug an Ethernet cable into the NBN modem and connect the other end to the mesh WiFi router.
3. Reconnect the power to your NBN connection box and wait a couple of minutes.
4. Connect the power to your mesh WiFi router and wait a couple of minutes.
5. Use the WiFi credentials from the documentation or device sticker to connect to your new wireless mesh network. Alternatively, connect an Ethernet cable to a computer to test the internet connection.
6. Once that’s working, place and power on additional mesh satellite nodes (or other compatible mesh extender products) around your home, ideally in places with strong WiFi signal.

In terms of placement, the main router device of the mesh WiFi system should be placed in an elevated position, outside of cupboards or other compartments, ideally in a central location in the home. Use your phone or another mobile device to determine places that are far enough away from the main mesh WiFi router for satellite node or extender placement.

While mesh WiFi systems and other mesh devices are designed to be plug-and-play, not everything goes to plan. If you’ve bought a second-hand mesh WiFi system or are using an existing one for a new internet connection, start with a factory reset. Typically, this involves using a paper clip, SIM card ejector or other thin metallic object to hold down a button inside a reset slot for between 10 and 30 seconds while the device is powered on.

Note that Fibre-to-the-Node (FTTN) and Fibre-to-the-Building (FTTB) homes require a user-provided or provider-supplied modem-router to get online, instead of the NBN connection box that NBN Co provides for Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP), Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC), Fibre-to-the-Curb (FTTC), Fixed Wireless and Sky Muster satellite homes. Because mesh WiFi systems are an evolution of routers and not modem-routers, it’s a little more complicated. You’ll need to switch your modem-router to ‘bridged’ mode, using it as just a modem instead of a modem and a router, then connect the mesh WiFi system to your modem-router. If that sounds too complicated, consider a mesh modem-router like the ZTE H1600, the NetComm NF20MESH or the NetComm NF20 for more straightforward network expansion.

The other main catch is for non-FTTN/FTTB homes using a WiFi router that’s marked as mesh. Just because it’s a mesh device, doesn’t mean it supports every other mesh product. A standalone mesh router may be expandable by buying an identical networking device and configuring one as a mesh extender. Alternatively, there may be brand-specific extender products or other compatible mesh devices that allow you to expand your WiFi network. Consult the product documentation for the full breakdown of compatible products.

Speaking of product documentation, the user manual or online support page for your networking equipment is a great resource. If your device has been provided by or bought from your current NBN provider, you should be able to contact them for tech support, including network setup and any other issues that come up during everyday use. If not, contact your networking equipment provider for support.

If all else fails, power cycle. Turn the NBN modem or your modem-router off, then power off your mesh WiFi system and/or other networking equipment, including a network switch (if you use one). After about 30 seconds, turn on the modem, wait a couple of minutes until all the modem lights are back on, then turn on your other networking equipment.