Mesh networking technology, also known as Mesh Network, is one of the most important solutions that major telecommunications companies have adopted to solve the problem of weak Wi-Fi coverage in large spaces or multi-story buildings. Grandstream is one of the leading companies that has professionally integrated this technology into its wireless access point products. This allows any user, small business, or medium-sized enterprise to build a unified wireless network that covers vast areas without the need to run network cables to every corner of the building.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the concept of Mesh technology, how to benefit from it when using any Grandstream Access Point, and provide a comparison between some of the most popular models to help you choose the most suitable device for your needs.
What is Mesh Technology?
Mesh technology is a method of extending a wireless network by connecting multiple access points to each other wirelessly, so that they all operate as one unified network instead of several separate networks. The basic idea is that there is a main access point connected to the wired network, called the Central Access Point (CAP) in Grandstream terminology. This point is directly connected to the router or switch via an Ethernet cable.
Other access points then come into play. These do not require any network cable at all and are known as Range Extenders (RE). They connect wirelessly to the main access point or to other preceding access points and, in turn, extend the coverage range to greater distances.
Key advantages of this system include:
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No need to extend network cables to all areas requiring coverage, which saves on installation costs and time.
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The ability to gradually expand the network by adding new access points as needed, without redesigning the infrastructure.
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Providing a layer of reliability and continuity — if the wired connection of any point fails, it can continue operating via the wireless Mesh link.
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Ease of installation in locations where running cables is difficult, such as old buildings or outdoor spaces.
How Does Mesh Technology Work Specifically in Grandstream Access Points?
When using Grandstream Access Points from the GWN76XX series, the device typically supports three basic modes for building a Mesh network, each suitable for different work environments:
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Chain Topology: In this mode, access points are connected in a hierarchical sequence, one after another, with each access point connecting to the one before it in the chain. This topology is suitable for long corridors or narrow spaces that extend in one direction.
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Hierarchical Star Topology: This resembles a tree with multiple levels of branches. The closer the device is to the root (the main point), the better its performance. This mode is ideal for large buildings with multiple sections.
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Direct Connection to the Root: In this mode, all RE points connect directly to the main CAP without passing through intermediate points. It is most suitable when the distance between the main point and the other points is relatively short.
In practice, Grandstream Access Points use the 5 GHz frequency band by default for the Mesh link itself, because this band is less congested and provides higher speed compared to the 2.4 GHz band. However, the user can manually change this setting if the nature of the location requires it.
Practical Steps to Benefit from Mesh Technology in Grandstream Access Points
To achieve the best results when building a Mesh network using Grandstream Access Points, experts recommend the following steps and considerations:
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First, ensure that the main CAP access point is fully connected to the wired network and powered on before adding any other points.
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Connect all RE devices to the same local LAN network or the same VLAN as the main point during the initial discovery and pairing process only. After pairing is complete, they can be moved to their final locations to operate wirelessly.
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Use the built-in control panel in the device’s web interface, the cloud management platform, or the local GWN Manager software to manage and monitor all network points from one central location.
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Carefully determine the number of RE points connected to each CAP, because excessively increasing their number can turn the main point into a bottleneck that slows down the entire network performance — especially with data-heavy applications like video streaming or downloading large files.
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Choose the appropriate frequency channel for the Mesh link so that it is relatively free from interference with neighboring wireless networks.
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Keep in mind that performance decreases inversely with the number of wireless hops between the main point and the distant point. Each additional hop reduces the available bandwidth.
It is also important to note that Mesh technology primarily focuses on expanding coverage area rather than increasing capacity for a large number of simultaneous users. Therefore, in high-density environments, technicians recommend combining Mesh with an increased number of wired access points instead of relying entirely on wireless links.
Comparison of Popular Grandstream Access Point Models Supporting Mesh Technology
The following comparison table highlights the main differences between some of the most widely used Grandstream Access Points, with a focus on each device’s performance and Mesh support:
| Model | Mesh Support | Max Users | Antenna Design | Wi-Fi Standard | Suitable For |
| GWN7605 | Yes | About 100 users | Dual-band 2x2:2 with Beamforming | 802.11ac Wave-2 | Small to medium networks |
| GWN7610 | Yes | More than 250 users | Tri-band 3x3:3 | 802.11ac Wave-2 | Medium-sized offices |
| GWN7660 | Yes | Up to 256 users | Dual-band 2x2:2 with OFDMA | Wi-Fi 6 | Medium to high-density work environments |
| GWN7662 | Yes | Medium to high density | 4x4:4 on 5 GHz, 2x2:2 on 2.4 GHz | Wi-Fi 6 | Commercial facilities, hotels, restaurants |
| GWN7670 | Yes | Medium to high density with higher efficiency | Dual-band 2x2:2 with MLO technology | Wi-Fi 7 | Modern facilities needing highest speed and spectral efficiency |
It is clear from the table that all these models support Mesh technology as a core feature. However, the fundamental differences lie in the Wi-Fi standard used and the antennas’ ability to handle a larger number of simultaneous users. For example, the GWN7605 is an economical choice suitable for large homes or small offices, while the GWN7662 or GWN7670 is preferred for facilities that receive a large number of daily visitors, such as hotels, restaurants, and commercial spaces.
Additional Tips for Planning a Mesh Network Using Grandstream
Here are some practical notes that help optimize the Mesh technology experience with Grandstream Access Points:
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Try not to exceed two or three wireless hops at most, as each additional hop reduces the actual bandwidth available to users.
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Place access points in relatively elevated locations and away from major obstacles such as thick walls or electrical devices that may cause interference.
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Use the monitoring tools available in Grandstream management platforms to continuously track the performance of each access point and detect any potential slowdowns early.
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If the budget allows, increase the number of direct wired CAP access points instead of relying entirely on wireless RE points, especially in high user-density areas.
Conclusion
Mesh technology is one of the smart solutions provided by Grandstream devices to solve the problem of weak wireless coverage without the additional costs of cable extension.
By choosing the right Grandstream Access Point according to the size of the space and the expected number of users, and by following best practices in planning and distributing the access points, you can obtain a unified and powerful wireless network that efficiently covers every corner of the building with high performance and remarkable stability.