A Wi-Fi mesh system uses multiple coordinated Wi-Fi nodes or access points to extend wireless coverage across a home or other large area. The nodes operate as part of one managed system and can steer clients or select paths to improve coverage and user experience. This differs from a single Wi-Fi router, which combines routing, switching, and wireless access functions in one device but may not adequately cover a large property. A passive optical network delivers fiber access and does not describe the in-home wireless topology. DSL bonding combines copper pairs, while a virtual network function is a software implementation of a network function running on virtualized infrastructure. Placement, backhaul quality, interference, and radio-resource management all affect mesh performance.