According to new details from Droid Life, Google Wi-Fi, a new home product that will be announced on October 4th, will be built and aimed at consumers as a mesh technology to help fill weak spots in local home Wi-Fi networks. The units will reportedly be dual-band and each unit will have two open ports as well as support AC1200 speeds, 802.15.4 radios, and Bluetooth to allow for a quick setup. Users can sort of think of this as a range extender, although that term was not used, but the idea is similar in that range extenders are used to give home Wi-Fi networks more coverage in hopes of spreading the connection of the Wi-Fi signal to every single corner of the home. Google Wi-Fi is said to have the same goal, to allow people the ability to strengthen their Wi-Fi signal. Google already has the wireless router in place with OnHub, and now it looks like they’re set to release a device which can help to make the Wi-Fi stronger so that there are no weak areas, potentially ensuring strong coverage anywhere and in any room.
Although it’s possible that Google could end up creating a brand new application to manage Google Wi-Fi, it’s thought that the existing OnHub app will simply be updated to include Google W-Fi features and management options and serve this purpose, however there is still no confirmation on this and Google could decide to have a separate app.
In addition to Google Wi-Fi being a mesh technology, it’s stated that Google will also employ the use of modular bases (rumored to be starting at $129 for one modular base) that could allow consumers to essentially add pieces on as they need them so as to expand the network further than with just two router devices. This could work brilliantly for people with larger homes, or small businesses who may choose to use this type of technology in a larger building that may need more coverage range. Google Wi-Fi modules and routers would likely be “trusted” devices so as to keep the presence of security on the network as well. It’s also rumored that Google Wi-Fi will have have support for IFTTT for various automated features as well as scheduling and simple setup processes and management.