Can Wireless Mesh Networks Improve Broadband Speeds with Data Compression Algorithms?

In the quest to enhance broadband speeds within wireless mesh networks, it's essential to understand the limitations and potential of data compression algorithms. While data compression can be effective in reducing the size of files, in the context of mesh networks, it may not offer the significant improvements one might hope for.

Understanding Wireless Mesh Networks

Wireless mesh networks consist of small, low-cost devices called nodes. These nodes act as both routers and repeaters, providing internet access and extending the network's range. For proper operation, these networks require a low Maximum Segment Size (MSS) value, which enables frequent evaluation of the mesh configuration for optimization. Small payload frames, whether compressed or not, are crucial for maintaining efficiency in changes to the network configuration.

Effectiveness of Data Compression in Mesh Networks

When considering the compression of data payloads in mesh networks, it's important to recognize the nature of the content being transmitted. Most image data, such as JPEG files, and video content are already compressed using lossy compression techniques. Applying lossless compression to these files would likely increase their size, leading to negative performance improvements. Attempting to compress these files may even result in reduced overall speed due to the additional computational overhead required for compression and decompression.

To illustrate, compressing a JPEG image file using a standard compression algorithm (such as ZIP) typically results in an increase in file size. This is because lossless compression attempts to maintain the quality and information content of the original, which is not necessary when already optimal compression like JPEG has been applied.

Limitations of WiFi Throughput in Mesh Networks

WiFi 5 routers, which operate at an aggregate throughput of approximately 600 Mbps, typically split this bandwidth between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. When nodes in a mesh network are connected via WiFi, the most common configuration, known as one-hop mode, halves the throughput rate, with each node receiving only 100 Mbps. Two-hop mode reduces the rate even further to 25 Mbps. These limitations can be mitigated to some extent by using tri-band systems, which include a second 5 GHz radio, but do not completely eliminate the throughput reduction.

Alternative Solutions for Increased Speeds

To achieve significantly faster speeds within a wireless mesh network, the most effective solution is the use of Ethernet cables. Each node can then benefit from a consistent 600 Mbps throughput, far outperforming any compression-based improvements. For those seeking truly high speeds, migrating to a WiFi 6E system can bring closer to a gigabit of throughput. For ultimate performance, Ethernet cables offer gigabit throughput in both directions, with no packet collisions, latency issues, or "ping spikes."

Conclusion and Considerations

Given the high speeds now available, most households do not require more than 100 Mbps. Thus, the primary bottleneck to speed in wireless mesh networks lies not in data compression but in the underlying wireless technology and infrastructure. For the vast majority of users, improving the network setup by deploying Ethernet cables or upgrading to WiFi 6E is a more practical approach to achieving faster speeds.

TL/DR: For faster broadband speeds, use Ethernet cables. Most people already have more bandwidth than they need.