Google Opens Preorders For Its New Wifi ‘Mesh’ Router

Google has just opened preorders for its new “Wifi” mesh router, pricing them at $129.99 a piece, or $299.99 for a set of three. That sounds expensive – and that’s because it kind of is – but it’s still cheaper than competing solutions that set out to do the same thing: to create the most powerful Wifi network possible throughout the entire home, and give the user great control, as well.

A fast Wi-Fi signal in every room, on every device. #googlewifi is now available for US pre-order → https://t.co/p0DdCuDt4l #madebygoogle pic.twitter.com/QL72xj2R8V

— Google (@google) November 15, 2016

The point of a ‘mesh’ network is to let routers work together to make sure every possible inch of a home can provide a quality signal by feeding off of each other’s signals when necessary. For a home or apartment with 500-1500 square feet, Google says just a single Wifi router is required; two are recommended for 1500-3000 square feet, and three for 3000-4500 square feet. Note that these routers would replace whichever router you’re using right now. If that happens to be part of a combo modem/router from an ISP, you’ll want to disable the router function on that device.

If you live in a home larger than 4500 sq.ft (congrats!), or have thick walls that could ordinarily cripple Wi-Fi signals, then additional units might be required.

To keep performance as good as it can be, Google’s Wifi automatically adjusts certain settings on-the-fly, such as the channel. During setup, you can also use the product’s mobile app to make sure that you’re placing your Wifi units in the most opportune locations.

That mobile app can also be used for other functions, such as shutting off access to the Internet on certain devices whenever you see fit – Google gives the specific example of dinnertime, when kids might have more interest in looking at Facebook than talking to their own family.

Google Wifi can be preordered straight from the source or at Amazon.