With Nest WiFi, internet routers will double as Google Assistant smart speakers

With the promise of speedy internet for every room, Google's new mesh Wi-Fi system wants to give Google Assistant a bigger footprint in our homes.

Available in your choice of three colors, Nest Wifi Points extend the range of Nest Wifi setups -- and they double as Google Assistant smart speakers, too.

Juan Garzon/CNET

Google on Tuesday announced the launch of the Nest Wifi, a refreshed version of the company's popular mesh router system, Google Wifi. Available for pre-order today and set to arrive November 4, the system is comprised of a Nest Wifi Router that plugs into your modem and separate Nest Wifi Points that wirelessly extend the reach of its signal -- and which themselves double as Google Assistant smart speakers.

A two-piece setup with the Nest Wifi Router and one Nest Wifi Point will cost $269. A three-piece setup with the Nest Wifi Router and two Nest Wifi Points will cost $349, and promises to cover homes of up to 3,800 square feet. That's enough coverage for 85% of homes in the US, Google says.

Mesh, meet Google Assistant

Beyond spreading a speedy internet signal throughout your home, the Nest Wifi promises to spread the voice-activated intelligence of Google Assistant around your house, too. That's because each of those Nest Points now doubles as a fully functional Google Assistant smart speaker, complete with always-listening microphones and touch controls on the top of the device.

The goal, Google says, is to get users to keep these things out in the open as opposed to hiding them out of sight, where they won't relay their signals as well. To that end, the new Nest Wifi Points also come in your choice of three colors (snow, sand or mist), and you can buy one on its own for $149. The Nest Router only comes in white, and costs $169 on its own.

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You'll see an ambient glow from the light ring around the base of the Nest Point whenever it's sending audio to Google's cloud to come up with a response. When the mics are muted, the ring will glow orange.

James Martin/CNET

"We realized that performance for the Wifi Point would double if it was off the floor, not hidden in a closet," said Ben Brown, Google product lead for the Nest Wifi. "Having a great design, having something you actually want to interact with, and having the Assistant on the device makes it actually so it's a much better Wi-Fi system."

You can use a Nest Wifi Point just like you'd use one of Google's other smart speakers, like the Nest Mini, which also made its debut today. You get its attention by saying "OK Google," and then you give it a question or a command, including new Wi-Fi-specific commands like asking for a speed test or to pause Wi-Fi to specific devices or groups of devices. A ring of white light around the base of the device will glow whenever it hears you, and to let you know that it's connecting with Google's cloud to come up with a response. If you want to turn the mics off, just flip the mute switch in the back.

We haven't had a whole lot of time to give it a close listen for ourselves, but Google says that the sound quality in each Nest Point is stronger than you might expect. That's because the need for extra space inside the device for the antennas and for heat dispersion means that there's also plenty of room to push sound around via the downward firing speaker, Brown says.

As for the touch controls on the top face of each marshmallowy device, you can tap the center to pause or resume playback, or tap the sides to turn the volume up and down. Like with the new Nest Mini, a set of indicator lights will glow when your hand draws near to show you where to aim for those volume controls.

Now playing: Nest Wifi puts Google Assistant into your router

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Faster than before -- but where's Wi-Fi 6?

That new Nest Router is an AC2200 model, which means that it supports current-gen Wi-Fi 5 connections with a maximum combined speed of about 2,200 Mbps across all bands -- up from about 1,200 Mbps last time around. Your actual speed will be a lot lower, since you can only connect to one band at a time, but like Google Wifi before, Nest Wifi will automatically "steer" you from band to band as you move about your house in order to keep your connection as swift and steady as possible.

Another upgrade: Nest Wifi now boasts four antennas for up to four simultaneous wireless connections (4x4). If you're using a client device like a MacBook Pro that can take advantage of those multiple antennas, then you'll be able to combine the speed of those simultaneous streams for a faster Wi-Fi experience.

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You can spread Nest Wifi Points around your home to triangulate a better internet connection in every room. The previous version of the system is our top-rated mesh setup.

James Martin/CNET

All of the new hardware is also backwards compatible with first-gen Google Wifi setups, so you'll be able to add the new Nest Point extenders with their built-in speakers to your system if you've already bought in. And, if you decide to upgrade to the new Nest Router, your old Google WiFi access points will be able to connect to it and extend its signal, too.

As for the lack of support for next-gen Wi-Fi 6 features, Google suggests that it's still too early for the emerging standard in people's homes.

"It's really only 2022 by which point you're going to have a critical mass of [Wi-Fi 6] devices in the home, at which point Wi-Fi 6 will make sense in the home," said Sanjay Noronha, product lead for Nest Wifi. "And so, our philosophy is how do we make these products useful today?"

Google likely wants to keep its routers affordable, too. For reference, the Wi-Fi 6-ready version of Netgear Orbi, due out later this month, is slated to cost $700 for a two-pack with the router and a single satellite extender. Prices like that are out of reach for too many potential users, Noronha said.

Meanwhile, the newest Wi-Fi 5 version of Netgear Orbi costs $149 for a two-pack, and it supports built-in smart speaker functionality if you add in the $300 Orbi Voice extender with Alexa. Another competitor worth keeping an eye on: Amazon-owned Eero, which just released a new version of its Wi-Fi 5 mesh system as a $249 three-pack. That price is half the cost of the original, and an excellent indication that competition is heating up in the mesh category.

"We recognize that there's going to continue to be an evolution of technology, and we will continue to work on those evolutions," Brown said, "but we also want to make sure that we're delivering the best possible experience for everyone. And I think that we are very confident that this is what [Nest Wifi] represents today. And for the next, you know, five years, honestly."

New Gigacheck Wireless Analyzer Offers Smartphone App Connectivity to Test WiFi and Ethernet Connection Speeds

Press Release Summary:

Greenlee Textron Inc. announces GigaCheck in AirScout® line of wireless analyzers for testing Wi-Fi coverage and wired Ethernet connection. It measures signal to noise ratio, PHY rate and transmit/receive success rates on wireless networks using the industry standard Ookla® Speedtest®. The analyzer provides technicians with tools to validate connection speed on wireless and Ethernet networks and verify whether the customers receive the connection speeds they pay for and expect.

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Original Press Release:

Greenlee Communications Launches AirScout GigaCheck

Easily Verify Network Connection Speeds with Greenlee® Communications AirScout® WiFi® Test System

AirScout® GigaCheck Tests WiFi and Ethernet Connection Speeds up to a full Gigabit

Vista, Calif., (June 19, 2018) — Greenlee Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announces the addition of GigaCheck to its award-winning AirScout® line of wireless analyzers. Controlled via Smartphone app, GigaCheck tests Wi-Fi coverage as seen from the residential gateway and tests wired Ethernet connection upload and download speeds up to 1Gb in real-time.

“Today’s customer demands dependable, high-speed services and expects their service provider will deliver the speed they pay for. AirScout GigaCheck gives technicians the tools needed to quickly and easily validate connection speeds on both wireless and ethernet networks,” explains Oleg Fishel, Director of PLM for Greenlee Communications.

AirScout GigaCheck measures Signal to Noise Ratio, PHY Rate and transmit/receive success rates on wireless networks using the industry standard Ookla® Speedtest®. Upload/download and Ping tests are performed on both Ethernet and WiFi for real-time speed testing.

The AirScout unit connects to the wireless router in one-click and is controlled via a smartphone app. The simple connection and intuitive user interface of the app make it easy for technicians to verify customers are receiving the connection speeds they pay for and expect. Technicians define pass/fail thresholds based upon their SLA and can generate reports and save them in the Cloud for easy transference and transparency of test results.

BTR, Broadband Technology Report, awarded AirScout Enterprise the 2017 Diamond Technology Winner in Wi-Fi Solutions. For more information on the complete AirScout line, visit www.getairscout.com.

Greenlee, under its Greenlee Communications brand, develops Ethernet, Transport, C37.94, Fiber, DSL, Wi-Fi and Copper test solutions, tracing and locating equipment, and fiber/cable jet installation equipment. A broad product portfolio, coupled with solutions-branded Greenlee Utility®, HD Electric Company® and Sherman + Reilly®, creates a single source partner providing unmatched value to the communications and utility markets.

Greenlee Communications

The Greenlee Communications brand offers a complete line of innovative and industryleading test and measurement solutions for the communication service provider industry. Our expertise and innovative solutions address all stages of network deployment enabling the development, installation and maintenance of xDSL, fiber, cable and wireless networks. It is a leading brand of test and measurement solutions in the global communications industry with a long track record of delivering high quality innovative solutions enabling technicians to achieve their goals in a timely manner and with confidence.

Greenlee Textron Inc.

Greenlee Textron Inc. is known as a global leader in the professional tool category. The Rockford, Illinois-based company develops high quality innovative products distinguished by customer-driven design and differentiated by supply chain excellence. It also leverages its powerful brands such as Greenlee Communications and Greenlee Utility in the electrical, construction and maintenance markets worldwide. More information is available at www.greenlee.com.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Textron Off Road, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.

Certain statements in this press release may describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

WBA: Wi-Fi is part of 5G, and more Hotspot 2.0 is on the way

To hear the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) tell it, there’s no doubt about it: Wi-Fi will be a key part of 5G in the years to come.

“The way I see it is things are converging and they’re converging very rapidly,” said JR Wilson, WBA chairman and vice president of Partnerships & Alliances at AT&T.

802.11ax is going to be part of the 5G standards, and although a couple years ago Wilson might have had to convince his colleagues about Wi-Fi being part of 5G, “I don’t think I’ve got to convince anyone anymore,” he said.

In fact, it’s not going to matter whether it’s Wi-Fi, cellular, LTE-M or any other access technology. “It’s really going to be just about how do you deliver an overall experience and that experience being very seamless and how all those different air interfaces operate together and how you go about integrating them,” he told FierceWirelessTech.

Of course, that means the WBA is working closely with 3GPP, IEEE, the Wi-Fi Alliance, GSMA and all those bodies, including the Small Cell Forum. In the next couple of years, given the accelerated rate of convergence, “I think we’re going to have to work even closer with them,” he said.

The WBA has a lot on its plate: In the next few years, it’s going to continue working on improving interoperability, provisioning and authentication, all the while being mindful of security and privacy issues. Once Wi-Fi is integrated into the 5G network and it all looks like one system to the customer, then it will be about managing the traffic across the converged ecosystem.

The vast majority of AT&T’s Wi-Fi network is Hotspot 2.0, and the good news is that a lot of other companies are realizing the benefit of having Hotspot 2.0 in their network. Hotspot 2.0 is designed to make Wi-Fi roaming as seamless and simple as cellular roaming, and the more companies that deploy it, the better for the whole Wi-Fi ecosystem.

Given the price compression in the wireless industry and the unlicensed nature of Wi-Fi, the business case for Hotspot 2.0 is only going to get stronger, Wilson predicts. That’s because unlicensed technologies can be deployed at a lower cost while maintaining the quality of service, and the companies with the best cost structures are going to prevail.

“You’re going to see a lot more companies start to utilize Hotspot 2.0 as part of their overall network strategy,” he said.

RELATED: AT&T likely offloading some cellular traffic to Boingo Wi-Fi hotspots: Sources

Naturally, AT&T is interested in boosting its Wi-Fi footprint in more venues. Last year, Boingo announced that an unnamed “tier 1 carrier” had joined Sprint as a Boingo Wi-Fi offloading customer. Sources told FierceWireless at the time that the second carrier was most likely AT&T.

Wilson said that AT&T and Boingo have been working together for years, and the two companies have a good relationship. However, he declined to comment on any specifics.

As the exclusive carrier in the early days of the iPhone, AT&T’s traffic unexpectedly skyrocketed, taxing the cellular network and frustrating customers. That’s when it embraced Wi-Fi in a big way. Putting more traffic onto Wi-Fi led to more usage on both the Wi-Fi and cellular networks.

AT&T has seen accelerated video demand across its entire business. Of course, everyone naturally thinks about consumer-based video services, and that segment is certainly growing at a rapid pace.

“Similarly, we are seeing more and more video-driven applications in the enterprise sector,” he said. AT&T saw that play out in the fleet space. A couple years ago, it was largely about tracking vehicles and trucks around the globe. There has been a progression of IoT based services; now, the fleet business is using video in new ways, putting cameras in the cab or monitoring high-value cargo. That’s driving tremendous usage for both cellular and Wi-Fi, Wilson said, with video being used in ways nobody thought much about even a couple years ago.

via FierceWireless

How to speed up Wi-Fi

Here's how you can speed up slow Wi-Fi, and it doesn't necessarily involve buying any new kit. Our expert tips should boost your Wi-Fi.

Routers have their work cut out these days: every new gadget wants to get its internet connection via Wi-Fi. With smart home kit becoming more popular, including light bulbs, thermostats and security cameras, it’s not uncommon for your internet connection to slow down and put a stop to your Netflix binge session.

You might not have to spend any money to fix this: there are ways to speed up Wi-Fi for free. However, if slow broadband or an old router is the culprit, you might need to consider upgrading your package and hardware. Check out our recommendations for the best routers to buy.

But first, try these tips.

1. Move your router

We’ve seen it countless times: routers chucked underneath sofas or hidden in the corner. Sure, it’s understandable that you don’t want an ugly box ruining your immaculate lounge, but if you want good Wi-Fi you need to give your router some breathing space.

The best place for it is in the middle of your home. For most people that’s impossible because your phone line or cable box sits on a wall at the front of your property. However, if you can, get an telephone extension cable and relocate the router so it’s roughly in the centre and as high off the floor as you can.

This will give it the best chance of delivering strong, fast Wi-Fi to all areas.

2. Banish interference

Wi-Fi can be flaky at the best of times, but you’re making it worse if you put cordless phones, microwaves, baby monitors and Bluetooth devices near it. Even some fairly lights will interfere with the signal and reduce speeds to a sluggish pace not seen since dial-up modems from 1999.

So keep the area around the router clear of other electronic devices, or face the consequences.

3. Use the fastest settings

Routers aren’t the most user-friendly things. You shouldn’t be expected to understand the difference between Wi-Fi standards and frequencies, but only the best routers will automatically give you the fastest-possible speeds without some manual intervention.

Essentially, the vast majority of Wi-Fi devices right now use the 802.11n standard but, confusingly, there are two frequencies it can use. If your router is ‘dual-band’ it can deliver Wi-Fi on 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

Since 2.4GHz is more common, yours and all your neighbours’ gadgets are probably fighting it out to share the available channels.

If your phone, tablet, laptop or other device is capable of connecting on 5GHz, switch to that instead. As long as you’re relatively close to your router, you’ll get a faster more reliable connection.

Some routers broadcast two separate Wi-Fi networks so it’s easy to see which is which, but others (notably BT Home Hubs) combine them – you have to log in to the router to set it to show the two bands.

4. Upgrade the antennae

Some routers have aerials which can be unscrewed. If yours is like this you might be able to buy larger versions which have a higher gain. That means a faster, stronger Wi-Fi signal.

A cheaper method – which also helps if you can’t physically reposition your router – is to make a reflector that sits behind the router and bounces the signal back the other way.

Students at Dartmouth College successfully proved that a simple tin-foil reflector can effectively boost Wi-Fi coverage in the direction of the reflector. It also has a side benefit of limiting coverage behind it, so you don’t end up broadcasting into the road outside, or into your neighbours’ houses.

5. Reboot your router once in a while

It’s the computer expert’s standard reply, but have you tried turning it off and on again? This old trick cures a multitude of problems and you might just find that fast Wi-Fi is restored after a reboot.

One thing a reboot does is to kick every device off the network and force it to reconnect. It’s also worth setting a password that isn’t the default just in case anyone is leeching off your connection. With most modern routers secure out of the box, that’s pretty unlikely, but it’s always worth checking.

6. Upgrade your router

If you have an old model, it could well be time to buy something better. Wi-Fi technology has come a long way in the last few years and there are several options.

One is to replace the router with a newer model which uses 802.11ac (preferably get one that supports MU-MIMO for the best futureproofing).

They don't all look like the mad Asus model above but will improve coverage as well as speed. Unfortunately, not a whole lot of devices apart from high-end phones, laptops and tablets support 802.11ac yet so will end up using the slower 802.11n standard, which all current routers support.

A better option could be to invest in a set of powerline adapters with built-in Wi-Fi, although this is appropriate only if you have a certain corner of your home – even a single room – which is currently a Wi-Fi black spot.

More expensive, but also more effective, is to invest in a mesh Wi-Fi system. These kits contain multiple routers which talk to each other and spread consistently fast Wi-Fi across even the biggest homes.

via techadvisor.co.uk

Apps for Finding Wi-Fi Hotspots – Top List

Whether you are at home or in public, you might be looking for apps for finding Wi-Fi Hotspots. There are a ton of apps out there that can help you find Wi-Fi Hotspots. Since there are so many choices, we know that it can be difficult to find the best ones out of the thousands available. We thought we would tell you the best apps for finding Wi-Fi Hotspots.

These apps will all help you find where you can connect to the Internet from your mobile device without issues and for free. Read on to learn about the best apps for finding Wi-Fi Hotspots that you can begin using today for free Internet on mobile.

Top 5 Apps for Finding Wi-Fi Hotspots

WiFi Finder- WiFi Finder by SpeedSpot is on our list of the best apps for finding Wi-Fi Hotspots. This is a free app on IOS and Android and it allows you to find Wi-Fi anywhere. There is an Offline Map as well that allows you to see Wi-Fi even disconnected. There is a crowdsource to this app which is where all of the hotspots come from. That also means you are looking at the most reliable and up-to-date information possible.

You will be able to download the Wi-Fi hotspot map so that you can look at it while in offline mode as well. You can filter by location and by quickest connection. The database is huge so there is always going to be a list of several Wi-Fi hotspots no matter where you live or are at. There is a way to rate each hotspot by the speed and you can search based on numerous filters.

Wiffinity- Wiffinity is also on our list of the best apps for finding Wi-Fi Hotspots. This is a free Android and iOS app where you can find Wi-Fi anywhere. There are over 300,000 hotspots available in this app, which is more than most other Wi-Fi hotspot apps. You do not need to register for this app or sign up, which is really nice. There is also offline mode available so you can find the hotspots even while off the Internet.

Wiffinity is very simple to use and it will show you the database containing all of the hotpots and passwords. There are many countries that this app works for including Rome, Spain, Amsterdam, and Barcelona. The best part about Wiffinity is that the database is so expansive. There is literally not one location you cannot find a hotspot for using this app.

WiFi Magic by Mandic Passwords– If you are looking for one of the best apps for finding Wi-Fi Hotspots then look no further than WiFi Magic. This app is free on iOS and Android and is developed by Mandic Passwords. This app will contain all of the passwords for the Wi-Fi hotspots. It is great to use while out and about. Whether you are at Starbucks or a local hotel, you can use this app to find the password to get into the hotspot. No longer will you need to ask the staff anymore to get the password.

This app is community-based, which means people contribute and share Wi-Fi passwords. This is only for the public Wi-Fi networks though. You will not be able to access private networks with the app. There are purchases you can make in the app to remove the advertisements as well. This app will also help you find the local Wi-Fi hotspots in your area. It is very simple to use and Wi-Fi Magic really will leave you feeling as if you witnessed magic with how quick it is.

Avast Wi-Fi Finder- Avast Wi-Fi Finder also makes our list of the best apps for finding Wi-Fi Hotspots. This is a free app on iOS and Android and it allows you to find the secure Wi-Fi locations. You will find the public free hotspots using this app and all of the spots were verified before hand by real people. This allows you to connect securely and safely to various Wi-Fi hotspots.

All of the Wi-Fi hotspots are reliable and you can check the speed and security of each network before you connect. If you are worried about security, this is one of the best apps for finding Wi-Fi Hotspots. There are security ratings, privacy warnings, and scans that are done on the networks to ensure they are safe. Definitely one of the best apps you can use on either Android or iOS to connect safely to public free Wi-Fi hotspots.

Hotspot Finder– Lastly, on our list of the best apps for finding Wi-Fi Hotspots we have Hotspot Finder. This app is free on iOS and it will tell you where all of the hotspots are near you. This app also has reviews and business information from Yelp for each location. You will be able to look at the map to see the various Wi-Fi hotspots and also search for a hotspot. You can choose to look at the hotspots in a list view as well, which is pretty cool.

This app is great because it will show you both the free Wi-Fi hotspots and the ones you will need to pay for. You will be able to look up a lot of different information with Hotspot Finder. With this app, you can also save the various hotspots that you want as a favorite. This allows you to quickly and easily access that hotspot again when you are in that area.

The Best Wi-Fi Mesh Router Systems

posted by Ted Kritsonis on October 01, 2017 in Internet & Networking, Computers and Software, Guides & Reviews, Top Picks :: 0 comments

Sometimes a single router simply won’t do. While manufacturers have made them more powerful, and Wi-Fi technology has advanced to better cover wider spaces with better range, throughput can still be an issue. Enter Wi-Fi mesh routers, networking systems that use multiple routers that “talk” to each other to cast a net that serves to improve signal strength throughout the home.

They serve a useful purpose if you have weak areas or dead zones in your living space. Wi-Fi range extenders can be decent accessories, except they don’t work seamlessly the way mesh Wi-Fi systems do. It’s hard to pinpoint one mesh system that is the “best” above all others, but there are advantages between them worth taking into account. For example, you may want more stringent parental controls, or prefer a design that can blend in with your décor.

Before you take the next step in home networking, here are some pointers to think about:

Does your home Internet Wi-Fi connection have weak or dead signals anywhere in your home? If so, you may want the range multiple routers can provide. They may also use what are called “back channels” to communicate with each other on a separate frequency for uninterrupted operation.

Do you want a Wi-Fi network that is easy to setup, manage and administer? Well, who doesn’t, really? The simple step-by-step setups inherent in mesh Wi-Fi systems extend to the app-based management tools that could include parental controls, security, media prioritization and more. You don’t need to be mechanically-inclined to run one of these like a pro. Plus, you can even access your router’s features away from home.

Do you like the idea of a Wi-Fi network that is scalable and expansive? Mesh Wi-Fi networks usually come in packs of two or three, but you can always add more single units to expand the mesh further.

Are you concerned about compatibility? No need to be. Mesh Wi-Fi routers work just like any other router does, and would be fully compatible with whatever hardware your Internet Service Provider (ISP) delivers through the modem. Your devices would also connect to them like any other Wi-Fi router.

Wondering about speed and range? The whole premise here is that you get better throughput around your home, which will improve the connection speed in areas that struggled before. Mesh Wi-Fi won’t get you faster Internet on its own — overall speed depends on what you’re paying for from your ISP. 

Speaking of speed, you will see manufacturers marketing numbers like AC1900, AC2200 and AC2600. These indicate the theoretical total bandwidth the router can produce on both the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands. They are more an indicator of throughput than they are of speed, though the two can go hand-in-hand. A larger number is better able to handle a greater number of devices connected to it. MU-MIMO (multi-user, multi-input, multi-output) is a newer protocol that allows compatible devices to receive bandwidth without having to queue for it. Normally, routers distribute bandwidth in sequence based on which device needs it first, whereas MU-MIMO just does it to compatible devices simultaneously. 

Here’s a look at some of the top mesh Wi-Fi systems to help you out.

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Best All-Around Wi-Fi Mesh Router: Linksys Velop

A play on the word, “envelop”, the Velop is a powerful starter pack trio of routers that can deliver the best combination of range, throughput and administrative features. It also blends in well no matter where you want to place the three units within your home. All three units are identical, so it doesn’t matter which one is used to plug into the modem, thereby simplifying the setup process.

The simplicity extends to the connections underneath each unit, too. There are two Gigabit LAN (local area network) Ethernet ports, plus the plug for the power adapter. None of the units have USB ports, unfortunately. LEDs at the top provide a visual indicator of connection status. Each unit has a maximum range of 2,000 square feet, so you can get 6,000 sq. ft. of coverage with a three-pack. That’s higher than competing mesh systems

Since each unit is effectively an AC2200 router with tri-band networking, each is capable of 400Mbps of bandwidth throughput on the 2.4GHz network, and 867Mbps plus 867Mbps on the 5.0GHz network. These are theoretical limits, as real-world performance won’t hit that high, but the Velop funnels bandwidth very well.

Using the iOS and Android app to setup and manage the Velop is easy, and its assortment of controls is fairly broad. Parental controls, guest network, device prioritization, MU-MIMO for supported devices, Amazon Alexa integration, and other more advanced options make this system a standout.

Size: 3.1 x 3.1 x 7.3 in. per node

Speed: AC2200 with MU-MIMO

Ethernet jacks: 2 per node

Parental controls: Yes

Price: 1-Pack is $198 on Amazon, 2-Pack is $329 on Amazon, 3-Pack is $450 on Amazon

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Best for setting up a smart home: Samsung Connect Home

Samsung has taken the mesh Wi-Fi system setup others have gone with and added its own twist by throwing in a SmartThings Hub into the mix. It mirrors much of what others do in the sense that you can use the Connect Home app on Android and iOS to set up and manage the mesh system, but is also clearly aimed at users who want both a Wi-Fi mesh and smart home setup.

Doubling as a SmartThings hub, it’s possible to program and control compatible smart home devices www.smartthings.com/products from other manufacturers. It supports the Zigbee and Z-Wave protocols that are common in smart home products, and thus, can “talk” to popular devices like Philips Hue lights, Nest Thermostat, Netgear Arlo Pro and iRobot Roomba vacuums, among others. That negates having to buy a separate hub to automate and control these types of products.

As a router, the Connect Home comes in a three-pack, though a two-pack or single unit could be purchased as well, if you live in a smaller space. Each unit covers up to 1,500 sq. ft., and five is the max number for one system. Throughput is more moderate at AC1300 equivalents, so while it says 400Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 866Mbps on the 5.0GHz band, this trio won’t be quite as potent as others, like the Linksys Velop, for instance. Alternatively, the Samsung Connect Home Pro bumps up speed and throughput to AC2600.

Still, for the ease-of-use and smart home compatibility, the Connect Home is worthy of consideration.

Size: 4.72 x 4.72 x 1.16 in. per node

Speed: AC1300 (or AC2600 for Connect Home Pro)

Ethernet jacks: 2 per unit

Parental controls: Yes

Price: Connect Home 3-Pack is $325 on Amazon, Connect Home 1-Pack is $150 on Amazon, Connect Home Pro 1-Pack is $200 on Amazon

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Best for included security: TP-Link Deco M5

The only way to set up and manage TP-Link’s Deco M5 mesh system is via the iOS and Android app, since there is no web-based interface for computers. It presents a clear and concise menu to get around, aiming to keep it simple wherever it can. The built-in security software, courtesy of Trend Micro, is pre-installed and does not incur any additional fees. The antivirus screens for malicious content, infected devices and outside intrusions. It does this automatically, so you don’t have to give it much thought unless something significant happens.

Bearing in mind it’s not a super extensive security suite, the fact it’s there and working constantly is good to have. It does extend out to every device connected to the network for added peace of mind. Infected devices logging onto the network will be blocked from infecting other healthy devices too. A history section in the app lists what was caught and quarantined, including the date and time it happened. Parental controls are fairly robust as well.

As a mesh system, the Deco M5 is quite capable, offering solid range and throughput with a good feature set. The small size of each unit makes it easier to nestle into different parts of the home, and the small LED always indicates the network’s overall health and performance.

Size: 4.72 x 4.72 x 1.50 in. per node

Speed: AC1300

Ethernet jacks: 2 per unit

Parental controls: Yes

Price: 3-Pack is $240 on Amazon, 1-Pack is $100 on Amazon

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Best for parental controls: Asus Lyra

Like TP-Link’s Deco M5, Asus has equipped the Lyra to offer anti-virus and anti-malware security software it calls AiProtection to help protect the Wi-Fi mesh system from outside intruders. Beyond that, however, is an impressive set of parental controls that digs deep enough to moderate and protect children’s usage.

Parental controls are available in just about every Wi-Fi mesh system, except the Lyra makes it very easy to automate how restrictions apply, so that you don’t need to always go back and change things manually. It would be possible to set a time each day that blocks Internet access entirely, or only for specific apps and websites. That would make it possible to block social media sites when it’s time to get homework done, for example. The Family Overview dashboard is the hub for all things parental control, and it’s always accessible, either at home or away.

Unfortunately, there is limited effect on mobile devices. While it’s easy to block Wi-Fi access to a smartphone or tablet, for instance, it wouldn’t be possible to allow access, yet block specific apps running on iOS or Android, for example. The true depth of the parental controls features is only found on laptop and desktop computers. To achieve something similar with mobile devices, a VPN (virtual private network) product like the Disney Circle would help.

As a mesh network, the Lyra performs very well, and is most similar to TP-Link’s system, based on performance, setup and management.

Size: 5.90 x 5.90 x 1.95 in. per node

Speed: AC2200

Ethernet jacks: 2 per unit

Parental controls: Yes

Price: 3-Pack is $400 on Amazon

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Best for easiest setup: Google Wifi

When Google entered the Wi-Fi mesh category, it wanted to create something that was extremely easy to setup, and it managed to do so. The Google Wifi Android and iOS app can expedite setup by scanning the QR code at the bottom of any of the units, which then goes through a clear-cut step-by-step process.

Much of that process will feel automated because most of the work is being done in the background. To have everything up and running in as little as five minutes wouldn’t be a stretch. The hand-holding carries over to the features within the app, where navigating most of the settings and options is spelled out.

A big oversight in Google’s system is the lack of parental controls, so there is no way to filter out inappropriate content or block websites. While it is possible to block Wi-Fi access to a device for even one hour with a quick tap, it’s not as intricate as others.

Range and throughput is superb, especially when three units are working together in unison.

Size: 3.79 x 3.79 x 5.42

Speed: AC1200

Ethernet jacks: 1 on base, 2 per node

Parental controls: No

Price: 3-Pack is $270 on Amazon, 1-Pack is $119 on Amazon

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Best for discreet installation: eero

The beauty of mesh Wi-Fi is that each node extends the reach of your network. But what if there isn’t a good place to seat a node? eero, which launched the mesh Wi-Fi product category, has you covered with new tiny nodes, called eero Beacon, which plug directly into outlets, making installation possible and discreet in places like hallways. The Beacons also have nightlights built-in with automatic dimming during the daytime.

While the flexibility of installation is a big selling point for the eero, it also excels in other areas. The 2nd generation eero is one of the fastest systems on the market, rated at AC2200 with MU-MIMO. And, if you’re willing to pay for the Eero Plus service ($9.99 per month or $99 for the year), you’ll get anti-malware protection for all devices and parental controls, including content blocking.

Size: 4.76 x 4.76 x 1.24 inches for the hub, 4.76 x 2.91 by 1.18 inches for the eero Beacon

Speed: AC2200 with MU-MIMO

Ethernet jacks: 1 on eero hub, 0 on eero Beacon

Parental controls: Yes, with subscription to Eero Plus ($9.99 per month or $99 per year)

Price: One eero and 1 eero Beacon: $299 on Amazon, One eero and 2 eero Beacons: $399 on Amazon

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Best for range expansion: Ubiquiti AmpliFi HD

The AmpliFi system is unique in that it uses nodes that look like antennas, rather than identical units that look the same. The base unit that plugs into the modem is distinct by its design, including a small LCD to visualize network speed, among other things.

The other mesh points plug directly into power outlets with flexible antennas to angle them any which way. They are a little unseemly if in plain sight, and they need to be unencumbered by outlets above. The advantage is that they pack a real punch in achieving a wider range. Six high-density antennas in the base system (the main unit, plus two mesh point antennas) are capable of covering a theoretical max of 20,000 sq. ft. Expanding it with another mesh point would only drive that number up higher.

Blue LEDs on the mesh points illustrate the signal strength, and the AmpliFi app for iOS and Android is fairly straightforward in managing the network.

Being unique mesh points that plug in and stick out from outlets, there are no Ethernet ports onboard to use as wired ports for devices to connect via Ethernet. The AmpliFi HD might also be overkill for smaller homes, whereas the less expensive AmpliFi LR (Long Range) can cover the same ground, albeit with four high-density antennas inside the main unit.

Size: 3.91 x 3.85 x 3.92 for the base, 1.81 x 7.05 x 1.06 for the mesh points

Speed: AC1750

Ethernet jacks: 4 outputs, 1 input on the base

Parental controls: No

Price: High Density system is $312 on Amazon, Long Range system is $306 on Amazon, Mesh Point HD is $109 on Amazon

[Image credit: Linksys, Samsung, TP-Link, Asus, Google, eero, Ubiquiti]

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