4 Advice to Choose a expanded security mesh

In legacy network stacks a VPN was used to access network-based resources such as on-prem line of business apps and file shares as if you were on the corporate network. In traditional enterprise networks if you were within the network perimeter you had inherent network-level access to most everything on the network. Hybrid networks and a push toward zero-trust concepts have the industry moving away from this way of thinking, making the concept of a network perimeter less of a focal point when it comes to securing enterprises. If you&#;re running a traditional hub-and-spoke VPN architecture, making the switch to mesh VPN might be worth considering.

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Why mesh VPN

Mesh VPN is a relatively new concept that is quickly gaining momentum as more vendors bring their services to market. At its core, mesh VPN solves a few weaknesses in the traditional VPN approach and fundamentally integrates tightly with current security stacks.

Reduced attack surface

Unlike a client-server VPN with a hub-and-spoke model, there is no VPN server on the perimeter as a potential attack surface. Traditional VPN servers are frequently easy to identify as there are a finite number of VPN standards or even proprietary protocols. This makes discovery a cinch and attack a natural progression for bad actors. Conversely, members of a mesh VPN can reside behind a corporate firewall, on a home network, or on a cellular connection, behind NAT and other technical components that frequently cause difficulty with VPNs. The ability for nodes to connect to each other comes from a control plane that is typically managed and maintained by the VPN vendor.

Mesh routers promise dependable Wi-Fi throughout your home, and most of them follow through, so it's not surprising to see them growing popular. Instead of a single router to wash your whole home in Wi-Fi connectivity, a mesh system combines the main router with one or more nodes that appear as a unified Wi-Fi network. Your devices will connect to the nearest option automatically to get the best speeds.

Most of us are stuck with placing our router in a less-than-optimal spot, depending on where the internet connection comes into our home. By placing a second or third node, you can extend Wi-Fi coverage where you need it. Whether you want to fix a dead spot, deliver a stronger signal into the back bedroom, or have great Wi-Fi in the backyard, a mesh system could be the answer.

Before you dive into our lineup, it&#;s a good idea to consider whether a mesh system is right for you. Our guide on how to choose a router will help you answer that question and figure out what features you need. If you don't want to switch to a new system, we also have advice on how to upgrade your existing Wi-Fi and, as always, ways to secure it and protect your home network.

Updated June : We added mesh routers from Asus, TP-Link, and Netgear, added some details to our existing picks, and updated prices throughout.

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Our Picks

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Best Overall

The combination of speedy performance, impressive range, and lots of extra features earns the Asus ZenWiFi XT8 the top spot. (Even if it's a bit of a mouthful.) I tested the 2-pack, and the straightforward setup through the mobile app took minutes, though you have to keep the node close by during setup and then move it. This is a tri-band Wi-Fi 6 system with one 2.4-GHz band and two 5-GHz bands (one is reserved for wireless backhaul). Available in black or white, these units are fairly large. But they're unobtrusive and look quite classy, with side vents to help dissipate heat. Each router offers three gigabit Ethernet ports, which is very generous, as well as a 2.5 gigabit WAN port and a USB 3.1 port.

At short, medium, or long-range, the XT8 was consistently one of the fastest systems I tested, and speeds never dropped. The inclusion of AiProtection Pro, which adds anti-malware and parental controls powered by Trend Micro, is very welcome, especially since it doesn&#;t require a subscription, unlike most competitors. Just remember using AiProtection means sharing your data with Trend Micro, so you might want to read its privacy policy. I like the parental controls, too. You can set up and reuse profiles, schedule bedtimes, filter by age group, and review activity. The Quality of Service (QoS) option lets you prioritize activities like working from home, gaming, or streaming, and you can limit bandwidth for specific devices.

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