Mesh WiFi is slow even though the main router is fast
The weak backhaul connection between your nodes and the main router is the problem. The backhaul is the invisible link that lets nodes talk to the router — if it's slow, everything through that node is slow. Plug the main router and the problem node into each other with a network cable (this is called wired backhaul) and the speed will jump immediately.
Your mesh nodes need to send all their data back to the main router through the air — that invisible link is called the backhaul. When the backhaul is weak, the nodes are slow even though your actual internet is fast. Connecting the router and nodes with network cables fixes it straight away. If that's not possible, moving nodes closer to the main router or using the 5 GHz band helps.
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Skip — I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Placing nodes far from the main router and then wondering why the backhaul is slow — nodes need to be within range of the main router, not far away to 'stretch' coverage
- Leaving nodes on the 2.4 GHz band when 5 GHz is available — 2.4 GHz is slow for backhaul
- Not running a cable when one is available — wireless backhaul is always slower than wired
Signs you need professional help
- You've run a wired cable between the router and node and speed is still slow
- Multiple nodes are slow even though the main router is fast
- You've moved nodes closer and changed bands but performance hasn't improved
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