Devolo recently launched the new Mesh Wi-Fi 2, a kit that points to expand the wireless signal (and not only). It's a godsend for large, or multi-story homes, where a single modem / router setup may not be enough. Also, compared to most mesh kits, it allows you to bounce the strong signal over long distances thanks to the Powerline technology. But no spoilers, let's find out all about this Devolo Mesh Wi-Fi 2 in our review.
Devolo Mesh Wi-Fi 2 review: what it's for
One of the most common problems inside homes is theweakening of the Wi-Fi signal. You don't need to live in a villa to experience this problem: a router may struggle to reach all rooms even in a normal house due to the large walls, the interferences and the materials that divide one floor from the other. Even adopting repeaters that rely solely on Wi-Fi may not be a very good idea, as you would still experience a weakening of the signal.
The new comes to our aid Devolo Mesh Wi-Fi 2, an incredibly stable solution to bring the connection to all rooms thanks to the Powerline technology, or using the electricity grid building to transfer data. It is available in two versions: the Starter Kit, consisting of two receivers and ideal for houses on two floors or with a medium extension; and the Multiroom kit, consisting of three receivers and ideal for larger homes or small businesses. In our review we will see the Devolo Mesh Wi-Fi 2 in the Moltiroom Kit version.
All three receivers support speeds up to 1200Mbps and, thanks to Powerline technology, they can be positioned up to 500 meters away from each other. This is perfect if you want to extend the home network into the garden, into an outbuilding or simply have a really big house. However, keep in mind that for the Powerline technology to work, the electrical system must be the same. Devolo Mesh Wi-Fi 2 supports dual band Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac - at 2.4 and 5GHz - and each module is equipped with due porte Gigabit Ethernet to be able to connect network devices that do not have Wi-Fi.
How to install
The installation really is very simple and quick. There are two methods: using the manual association, as described in the instruction booklet, or through theDevolo Home Network smartphone application. We tried the second option and, once the app was downloaded and opened, it took us less than 10 minutes to complete the entire setup process. Once you have powered all three adapters and follow the instructions in the app or in the manual, a new network is automatically created which will then become your main Wi-Fi network.
Devolo recommends carrying out the configuration keeping all the adapters quite close together, perhaps using a multi-socket power strip. Once the Powerline LEDs are white, the pairing is complete and you can move the adapters where you want - always within 500 meters - connecting them, if possible, to a single socket to avoid interference with other devices. To make it easier, all three receivers are equipped with a pass-through socket to be able to connect other devices. Furthermore, after finishing the configuration, you need to turn off the Wi-Fi of the main router: having created a new extended and stable Wi-Fi network, that of the router will no longer be needed.
Download
QR-Code
Home Network
Developer:
devolo AG
Price:
Free
Download
QR-Code
Home Network
Developer:
devolo AG
Price:
Free
How it behaves
When everything is set up and working properly, you will be there an extremely stable network and above all within reach of your device, throughout the house. Devolo creates a common Mesh Wi-Fi network for all three adapters - and not three different networks - so you will be able to always receive the maximum signal in any corner of the house without having to change networks. He will take care of everything Devolo.
After trying this kit for several days we can come to the conclusion that this solution is really excellent. We encountered no signal drops, or general weakening, and we managed to get the Wi-Fi connection to where it previously seemed impossible. Unlike other kits that rely only on repeating the wireless signal, this kit that uses the electrical network it does not fear variations of floors, long distances or thick walls. It also allows you to connect up to 100 devices and the gang is split equally, without bottleneck problems. The single network allows you to continue browsing by moving around the house without the risk of the video call, live streaming or any internet operation being interrupted.
Each adapter, then, is equipped with two Ethernet ports which are convenient when you want to connect a PC without Wi-Fi or want to take advantage of a more stable wired connection than a wireless one.
The small flaws of Devolo Mesh Wi-Fi 2
If we were to find a fault it would be the smartphone app, that is a bit complex to use. To change the settings you must first select one of the adapters, then open a menu and make the changes which will then also be reflected in the rest of the mesh units. Once you get a little familiar with the application it is possible enable a guest network, schedule when to turn off or on Wi-Fi, enable the parental control and take advantage of many other features. To know all the features and all the technical details of this Devolo Mesh Wi-Fi 2 not mentioned in this review, we recommend that you read our article created ad hoc.
Another thing to keep in mind, unfortunately, is the presence of took schuko. Both the one that connects to the wall and the pass-through socket are schuko and often the only solution is the use of adapters, even if Devolo advises against using them.
Devolo Mesh Wi-Fi 2 review: is it worth buying?
We assume that Devolo Mesh Wi-Fi 2 is available at recommended prices of € 249,90 for the Starter Kit version and € 369,90 for the Multiroom Kit version. It is certainly not a figure that is spent lightly, but it must be considered an investment to improve one's connection and make it reachable in every corner of the house (even the garden!). If you ask us if it's worth this money, the answer is absolutely yes. It is a stable product, simple to install and that really works, unlike other mesh systems that have difficulty when there are too many walls between one repeater and another. The only flaw is the dedicated application, which could be improved, but we can't ask for too much.
PRO
- Easy to install and use
- Each unit has 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Really stable connection
- Passers-by sockets
AGAINST
- Unclear application
- Press schuko
- A little expensive (but worth it)
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