Difference in 30 seconds
An extender picks up the existing WiFi and rebroadcasts it — like a parrot. Speed is halved because the same radio receives and transmits.
A mesh system (TP-Link Deco, Asus ZenWiFi, Eero, Netgear Orbi) uses several nodes that talk to each other on a dedicated band (backhaul). No speed loss, and the whole network behaves as one WiFi.
When an extender is enough
In a studio or 1-bedroom flat with one problem spot (a far bedroom, a balcony), an entry-level extender (TP-Link RE315 or RE505X, € 40-70) fixes the problem in 10 minutes.
Limits:
- Bandwidth halved
- Different network name (you switch manually)
- Degraded performance with multiple connected devices
When a mesh is needed
In a 2-bedroom flat or larger, especially if:
- Reinforced concrete walls (common in older Cluses buildings — Sallanches, Bonneville, Scionzier)
- Through-corridor or L-shaped flat
- Floor or duplex
- You do remote work with video calls and need stability
- You have 10+ connected devices (phones, TV, console, smart home)
Detailed comparison
| Criterion | Extender (€ 40-100) | 2-node mesh (€ 250-500) | 3-node mesh (€ 400-800) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ideal surface | Studio to 60 m² | 60 to 120 m² | 120 to 250 m² |
| Speed preserved | 50 % | 100 % | 100 % |
| Auto roaming | No | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi 6 / 6E | Rare | Yes | Yes |
| Guest network | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Setup time | 5 min | 15-30 min | 30-45 min |
My Cluses recommendations
For an older flat with thick walls (Cluses centre historique, Sallanches, Scionzier):
- 60-90 m² → TP-Link Deco X20 2-pack (~€ 250) or Asus ZenWiFi XD4 2-pack
- 100-150 m² → TP-Link Deco X55 3-pack (~€ 400) or Netgear Orbi RBK752
- 150+ m² with floor → Asus ZenWiFi XT9 3-pack or Eero Pro 6E
Avoid:
- Powerline (PLC) extenders with radio output — unpredictable speed
- Unknown marketplace brands — weak firmware security
Wired ethernet backhaul: the best option
If your flat already has wall ethernet sockets (newer post-2015 buildings), a mesh with wired backhaul is unbeatable: zero speed loss even during simultaneous video calls.
In a non-wired flat, Devolo Magic 2 LAN Triple powerline can act as backhaul for a mesh.
Cluses install pricing
- On-site WiFi diagnosis (room-by-room measurement): free with base flat rate
- Mesh install and config: € 50 flat rate + hardware
- Hardening (WPA3, strong password, guest network, IoT isolation): included
- Final tests on phone, PC, TV, printer: included
Call +33 7 83 44 65 99 or WhatsApp for a Cluses WiFi audit.