Google Wifi

This Mesh network router-cum-Wifi-extender is perfect for bandwidth-hungry homes

If you have a home with Wi-Fi black spots, or want to optimise a home where the Wi-Fi could be better, you want Google Wifi. But what exactly is Google Wifi? Well, it’s two things, actually: one, a router which replaces your current one. This creates an AC1200, dual-band, 2x2 Wi-Fi ‘mesh’ network, with WPA2-PSK encryption. It’s built to be fast enough for 4K streaming, and for serving multiple devices owned by multiple power-users. It’s Wi-Fi for your average T3 reader’s abode, in short. Two, it’s also an extender. You can add a second unit in your lounge, and then another upstairs, and so on, creating one seamless network.

Google recommends adding Wifi units “two rooms apart” and its network management can tell you if you could get faster speeds by moving one of your Google Wifi points. The system is slightly different to a standard Wi-Fi extender in that as you add further Google Wifi units to the network, it becomes more robust. That’s because, rather than just receivingfrom your the router, Wi-Fi they’re signal also receiving signals from each other, passing the bandwidth on like a relay runner’s baton

Placement of the extender part of your Google Wifi double pack is easy because the beautiful mobile app will tell you when it’s an optimum distance from the router. It’ll also tell you how good the reception is on whatever mobile devices you have the app on.

Each unit also contains two Gigabit Ethernet ports for attaching consoles, TV streamers and so on. The usual router management tools are included, with the option to set up a guest network, or reduce your kids’ access to the Wi-Fi.