There has been a rush of wireless mesh systems in the market since the wireless technology has been started to be used for home wireless systems and internal connectivity.
Google’s wireless router undertaking has paid off. Not only is Google Wi-Fi the best wireless mesh router money can buy, but it’s also one of the best routers today. This is mostly thanks to the fact that it packs in more mesh units at a lower price than competing mesh routers. Yet it’s super simple with an elegant design, easy controls and a very basic setup process. Nothing more you could ask for! After using the Google Wifi, you won’t want to use any other wireless router.
So what makes it so effective? There are so many other brand offering for WiFi mesh systems such as Samsung and Netgear. Let’s check out all of its features that makes it stand out from its competition.
First of all let’s check out the specs sheet:
Wireless Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, AC1200 2×2 Wave 2 Wi-Fi (expandable mesh; dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz, TX beam forming); Bluetooth Smart ready
Processor: Quad-core ARM CPU (each core up to 710MHz)
Memory: 512MB RAM
Storage: 4GB eMMC flash
Beamforming: Implicit and Explicit for 2.4 & 5GHz bands
Ports: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports per Wifi point (1 WAN and 1 LAN port each)
Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.7 inches (106.1 x 68.7mm; D x H) each
Weight: 12oz (340g) each.
Talking about the design, google has one of the simplest designs in the market of WiFi mesh systems. Each system is a small cylinder with LED band in its center. It not only has that advantage of pricing but also it has an advantage of simple setup and simple design.
As each WiFi unit is the same no matter how many you buy, any one of them can function as a core unit which is used to connect the other units.
Setup is also totally smooth, just like its hardware design – using a free iOS or Android app to facilitate the entire process. We’re not going to dive into the entire procedure, but the Google Wifi App will configure your network by first scanning the QR codes on the Wifi point connected to your modem or gateway.
The app will then ask you to give your new network a name and set a password, then pair any additional Wifi points you have, by scanning their QR codes – you’ll then be able to label individual nodes in the app. Again, this only takes a moment for the initial Google Wifi node to recognize additional nodes and for them to start working.
The Google WiFi unit is very spectacular in the department of elegance and intelligence combined. It can let you prioritize your bandwidth, change contrast settings, has a built in speed test by ookla and also allows you to block particular devices in the range if you don’t want them to connect. All of this using just one application. It reduces the hustle and bustle by a heavy percentage. You have also the option to activate “rich communication services”, known as RCS in short.
Talking about the performance, the Google Wifi is powerful enough to cover all parts of your simple home. Google claims it can cover upto 4,500 sq. feet if you buy a pack of three which is great. It also allows user to get the most out of their connection as it’s very versatile.
The traffic prioritization feature can ensure that your gaming session is getting more of that crucial bandwidth than the other devices in your house that are used mostly for Facebooking and streaming HD videos. Plus, the network can automatically repair itself should one or more of the Wi-Fi Points be accidentally unplugged or otherwise lose power.
Where the Google Wi-Fi truly excels over comparable routers is simple: the fantastic price to coverage ratio. You can get equal coverage from competing systems with fewer units, sure, but the versatility of having more units gives you – just in terms of eliminating dead spots – is huge.
Final verdict
The Google Wi-Fi is the most straightforward router you’ll ever use period. And, that’s even taking the two extra devices required to complete it into consideration. For a relatively low price point, there are more units on offer than most of Google’s competitors, not to mention, the best setup and management app by far.
For all the finer hardware controls it lacks, and the lack of AC3000 or AC2200 throughput, Google considered every toggle and test it could present in an easily understandable way through its app. There’s even bandwidth priority control. Couple that with a minimalist hardware design that’s easier to hide in plain sight than any other available yet, and you’re looking at one of the best Wi-Fi systems that money can buy today.