Build your own mesh network on the cheap with an ESP8266

Do you have spots in your house where the Wi-Fi signal is slow or non-existent? Are you looking for an affordable solution to get the internet speed back up to par? Then this project is for you! With some ESP devices and a bit of work, you can turn your house into a mesh network with improved Wi-Fi coverage. It's not necessarily easy, but it is possible and will save you money!

What Exactly Is an ESP Device?

An ESP device is a small chip that can be programmed with code to do various tasks. In this case, we'll be using it to create a repeater or bridge between two Wi-Fi networks. This will allow the signal to travel further so that the coverage area increases. And because these devices are small, they're very convenient and won't take up much space in your home.

How Do I Put Together This Network?

Configuring these devices does require some technical knowledge, such as being able to use the terminal or command prompt on Windows/MacOS/Linux. However, if you're willing to take some time to learn how to do it properly then it shouldn't be too difficult. There are plenty of tutorials and guides out there that can walk you through the process step by step!

What Are The Benefits of Creating a Mesh Network?

Putting together a mesh network has many advantages over buying an off-the-shelf solution. For starters, it's incredibly cost effective - you will end up spending far less than what you would pay for similar solutions elsewhere. Additionally, it allows for better control over your network as well as increased reliability since multiple devices can be used in tandem with each other to increase coverage area and performance even further.

You can find the needed software and instructions on GitHub.