google-WiFi-review
Wi-Fi is no easier than that! Google Wifi is simple, expandable to any home wireless network
image: techradar.com
When it comes to covering a home in a fast and reliable Wi-Fi connection, the router industry has apparently split into two camps. It's the domain of Superpoderosas and tons of antennas that use a unique device and a lot of brute force (like this Linksys EA9500), and that's the area that needs to be shared and conquered. This favors the mesh network distribute the work between two or less expensive units placed around a house like Luma. For consumers who are looking for connectivity but are bothered by the idea of complicated configurations, the Mesh approach has won hearts and minds so that the Google Wifi router arrives.
No wonder then that Google, which so far offers only its own Wi-Fi solution, OnHub, now simply assigns a Wi-Fi router to the network of networks with its Google WiFi sold for $ 129 US (CAN $ 179) for a single unit or US $ 299 (CAN $ 439) for a combined set of three units. At this price you can claim the same value as most other mesh products, so we were looking forward to checking it out: what about the real test, a fast and reliable wireless network?
Oh, that easy
Do not sting the words; Google Wifi is by far the easiest wireless router to configure. After we downloaded the free Google Wifi app for iOS and Android (formerly OnHub) and signed into our Google Account, it took less than a minute for the first access point to be found. Single wifi). Units) and configured.
Begin by connecting Google Wifi to your cable / DSL / fiber modem via the supplied Ethernet cable and then to a power source using the included USB-C power adapter and following the instructions on the screen of the application. Find the point automatically. There are no buttons to press because he has none. You will then be prompted to confirm the use of the camera on your phone to scan the QR code at the bottom of the item.
Then the application requests a label for the item, such as "desktop" or "living room," asking for a network name and password. In a few moments, to complete this step, you are ready. Of course, there are some optional parameters that you can set at this point, but they are not necessary.
Other routers, including Linksys Velop, use a similar process, but Google sees it as a science. Every consumer electronics product must be so easy to use.
Yes, you need an account
When you connect your Wi-Fi router to Google through an account, your skin is scanned. So it's not the Wi-Fi product for you. A Google Account is not only required, it is at the heart of many features of the application, such as Notifications and remote access.
Many other router companies give you the ability to create an account for additional features, such as remote access. At Google Wifi this is obligatory.
Nice, but easy
The Google Wifi hardware is outstanding. With a small form factor (a bit larger than two stacked Amazon Echo Dots), a sleek, completely white body, and an LED strip with unique lighting, a Google Wifi point will delight even the biggest decor fan. Gadgets Although not the perfect combination for your home automation and Nest product line, Google Wifi is elegant and unobtrusive: just what you expect from a product that needs to be open, and therefore very visible
There is only one application for it
The simplicity of Google Wifi extends to your control options. There is no web interface. If you navigate to your IP address in your browser, you'll receive a polite but secure warning that you'll need to use the Google Wifi Mobile app to make changes.
In most cases, it is not a bad thing. The Google Wifi app (Android | iOS) is a pleasure to use. With a splash screen that presents familiar messages based on Google Assistant cards for the various features of the router, there is a strong argument that Google Wifi is the most user-friendly router on the planet. The deeper configuration options are just as user-friendly as the entire app delivers Android.
According to Google, there is even a security advantage of having only access to the router. He said that since Google Wifi only responds to requests from the Google application on the same WiFi network, a Google account manager will reduce the number of attack vectors that hackers could use to compromise the router.
The disadvantage of this arrangement is that some advanced options are missing in other routers. You can reserve an IP address for a device, but you can not set the actual range of local IP addresses: the Google WiFi 192.168.86.X was, and this can not be changed. Similarly, you can let the router decide which DNS server to use (use Google's default DNS) or set up your own so you can not use a VPN service.
You can set up a guest network with your own password and impressively, you can select all connected network devices to be accessible to guest users, which is ideal for parties if you want guests to be able to stream to a Chromecast or edit a Sonos playlist, but not the Search contents of your PC. On the other hand, there is no way to separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi radios in different networks. Both get the same SSID (network name), which promotes network reliability instead of customization.
We understand the point
Adding more points to a Google Wifi network is as easy as setting up the first device. The application performs a nearly identical process of identifying and scanning the QR code. However, a step has added that checks if the new point is close enough to an existing point. It turns out that Google Wifi Points want to be together: The app says they should not be more than 30 feet away. This meant that our first attempt to use a location that worked well with all the other mesh products we tested (see position "D" below) was not close enough. Seamed six feet long and the new point was added without further complications.
image: engadget.com
This short-distance requirement could pose challenges for some users. Even with a triple pack, the theoretical maximum distance between the first point and the third is 60 feet. This may not be enough for large houses. It's interesting to note that the Google Wifi app allows you to delete points as easily as they are added, which we've never seen with a mesh configuration.
How is this speed?
The raw data suggests that even a single Google Wi-Fi point is enough to cover a small house. There were no blind spots in our three-story test house with 2400 square feet of space. Although the fastest 5 GHz network did not go down, the 2.4 GHz network did so, and transitions between the two bands occurred quickly and without problems.
But it's about more, and trying out different usage scenarios has quickly shown us why the app wants to place the points relatively close to each other.
We did not see any problems when we used a smartphone to surf the Internet from different places. The loading times on the site have sometimes taken a bit at the edges of the wireless range, but actually, nothing is right. However, other devices, such as an Apple TV and a fourth generation PlayStation 4, have had difficulty maintaining a reliable connection to our main two-floor node. We were a little surprised that even the 2.4 GHz radio of the router, which normally offers a good range, could not reliably reach these devices. The competent routers Almond 3, Velop and Portal could do it.
We expected better performance as Google Wifi uses the latest version of the 802.11ac standard. And yet Google says a point is enough for about 1500 square feet, so maybe we're asking too much.
Details When adding an extra point connection were corrected with Apple TV and PS4, but we always find, if the Apple TV would lose its connection and you need to restart to activate it.
Source: FRITZ!App WLAN on Alcatel Idol 4
The above information supports what we have seen in the real tests. While in most cases the Google Wifi router worked well, he had difficulty getting to location D. He was also behind Velop at locations B and F. This suggests that although he is capable of very high speeds, it has scope issues that are not
Google Wifi comes with a one-year warranty from the manufacturer. That's standard for routers.
Editor's Recommendation:
. The 2018 Best Phones
. Internet Explorer Creator Builds Gesture Control Wearable
When it comes to covering a home in a fast and reliable Wi-Fi connection, the router industry has apparently split into two camps. It's the domain of Superpoderosas and tons of antennas that use a unique device and a lot of brute force (like this Linksys EA9500), and that's the area that needs to be shared and conquered. This favors the mesh network distribute the work between two or less expensive units placed around a house like Luma. For consumers who are looking for connectivity but are bothered by the idea of complicated configurations, the Mesh approach has won hearts and minds so that the Google Wifi router arrives.
No wonder then that Google, which so far offers only its own Wi-Fi solution, OnHub, now simply assigns a Wi-Fi router to the network of networks with its Google WiFi sold for $ 129 US (CAN $ 179) for a single unit or US $ 299 (CAN $ 439) for a combined set of three units. At this price you can claim the same value as most other mesh products, so we were looking forward to checking it out: what about the real test, a fast and reliable wireless network?
Oh, that easy
Do not sting the words; Google Wifi is by far the easiest wireless router to configure. After we downloaded the free Google Wifi app for iOS and Android (formerly OnHub) and signed into our Google Account, it took less than a minute for the first access point to be found. Single wifi). Units) and configured.
Begin by connecting Google Wifi to your cable / DSL / fiber modem via the supplied Ethernet cable and then to a power source using the included USB-C power adapter and following the instructions on the screen of the application. Find the point automatically. There are no buttons to press because he has none. You will then be prompted to confirm the use of the camera on your phone to scan the QR code at the bottom of the item.
Then the application requests a label for the item, such as "desktop" or "living room," asking for a network name and password. In a few moments, to complete this step, you are ready. Of course, there are some optional parameters that you can set at this point, but they are not necessary.
Other routers, including Linksys Velop, use a similar process, but Google sees it as a science. Every consumer electronics product must be so easy to use.
Yes, you need an account
When you connect your Wi-Fi router to Google through an account, your skin is scanned. So it's not the Wi-Fi product for you. A Google Account is not only required, it is at the heart of many features of the application, such as Notifications and remote access.
Many other router companies give you the ability to create an account for additional features, such as remote access. At Google Wifi this is obligatory.
Nice, but easy
The Google Wifi hardware is outstanding. With a small form factor (a bit larger than two stacked Amazon Echo Dots), a sleek, completely white body, and an LED strip with unique lighting, a Google Wifi point will delight even the biggest decor fan. Gadgets Although not the perfect combination for your home automation and Nest product line, Google Wifi is elegant and unobtrusive: just what you expect from a product that needs to be open, and therefore very visible
There is only one application for it
The simplicity of Google Wifi extends to your control options. There is no web interface. If you navigate to your IP address in your browser, you'll receive a polite but secure warning that you'll need to use the Google Wifi Mobile app to make changes.
In most cases, it is not a bad thing. The Google Wifi app (Android | iOS) is a pleasure to use. With a splash screen that presents familiar messages based on Google Assistant cards for the various features of the router, there is a strong argument that Google Wifi is the most user-friendly router on the planet. The deeper configuration options are just as user-friendly as the entire app delivers Android.
According to Google, there is even a security advantage of having only access to the router. He said that since Google Wifi only responds to requests from the Google application on the same WiFi network, a Google account manager will reduce the number of attack vectors that hackers could use to compromise the router.
The disadvantage of this arrangement is that some advanced options are missing in other routers. You can reserve an IP address for a device, but you can not set the actual range of local IP addresses: the Google WiFi 192.168.86.X was, and this can not be changed. Similarly, you can let the router decide which DNS server to use (use Google's default DNS) or set up your own so you can not use a VPN service.
You can set up a guest network with your own password and impressively, you can select all connected network devices to be accessible to guest users, which is ideal for parties if you want guests to be able to stream to a Chromecast or edit a Sonos playlist, but not the Search contents of your PC. On the other hand, there is no way to separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi radios in different networks. Both get the same SSID (network name), which promotes network reliability instead of customization.
We understand the point
Adding more points to a Google Wifi network is as easy as setting up the first device. The application performs a nearly identical process of identifying and scanning the QR code. However, a step has added that checks if the new point is close enough to an existing point. It turns out that Google Wifi Points want to be together: The app says they should not be more than 30 feet away. This meant that our first attempt to use a location that worked well with all the other mesh products we tested (see position "D" below) was not close enough. Seamed six feet long and the new point was added without further complications.
This short-distance requirement could pose challenges for some users. Even with a triple pack, the theoretical maximum distance between the first point and the third is 60 feet. This may not be enough for large houses. It's interesting to note that the Google Wifi app allows you to delete points as easily as they are added, which we've never seen with a mesh configuration.
How is this speed?
The raw data suggests that even a single Google Wi-Fi point is enough to cover a small house. There were no blind spots in our three-story test house with 2400 square feet of space. Although the fastest 5 GHz network did not go down, the 2.4 GHz network did so, and transitions between the two bands occurred quickly and without problems.
But it's about more, and trying out different usage scenarios has quickly shown us why the app wants to place the points relatively close to each other.
We did not see any problems when we used a smartphone to surf the Internet from different places. The loading times on the site have sometimes taken a bit at the edges of the wireless range, but actually, nothing is right. However, other devices, such as an Apple TV and a fourth generation PlayStation 4, have had difficulty maintaining a reliable connection to our main two-floor node. We were a little surprised that even the 2.4 GHz radio of the router, which normally offers a good range, could not reliably reach these devices. The competent routers Almond 3, Velop and Portal could do it.
We expected better performance as Google Wifi uses the latest version of the 802.11ac standard. And yet Google says a point is enough for about 1500 square feet, so maybe we're asking too much.
Details When adding an extra point connection were corrected with Apple TV and PS4, but we always find, if the Apple TV would lose its connection and you need to restart to activate it.
Alcatel Idol 4: Mixed Band Throughput Test in Mbit/s
| Location | Google Wifi (Location C) | Almond 3 (Location C) | Linksys Velop (Location C) |
| A | 72 (2.4GHz) | 57 (2.4Ghz) | 65 (2.4Ghz) |
| B | 72 (2.4GHz) | 72 (2.4Ghz) | 72 (2.4Ghz) |
| C | 433 (5GHz) | 72 (2.4Ghz) | 433 (5GHz) |
| D | 72 (2.4GHz) | 72 (2.4Ghz) | 65 (2.4Ghz) |
| E | 72 (2.4GHz) | 72 (2.4Ghz) | 72 (2.4Ghz) |
| F | 72 (2.4Ghz) | 57 (2.4Ghz) | 72 (2.4Ghz) |
The above information supports what we have seen in the real tests. While in most cases the Google Wifi router worked well, he had difficulty getting to location D. He was also behind Velop at locations B and F. This suggests that although he is capable of very high speeds, it has scope issues that are not
Google Wifi comes with a one-year warranty from the manufacturer. That's standard for routers.
Editor's Recommendation:
. The 2018 Best Phones
. Internet Explorer Creator Builds Gesture Control Wearable
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