What does Google’s OnHub Mean for the Future of Wi-Fi?

Google has just announced their latest device, OnHub. OnHub is Google’s first ever Wi-Fi router and is well on its way to being much more than that. Google says that OnHub is their jumping off point for integrating the Internet of Things (IoT). Even though full integration of IoT is a little ways away, Google has integrated IoT access into OnHub in addition to traditional Wi-Fi access and 802.11ac.

Google has set up OnHub to use thirteen antennas in a 3X3 stream along with MIMO to streamline how the antennas are utilized. This technology allows for speeds to be faster and for more efficient connections. This is especially useful when it comes to 802.11ac and is backwards compatible with earlier wireless technologies.

According to the Google On Hub site, “OnHub works with your existing Internet service and wireless devices so you get smooth streaming and speedy downloads. It can’t change the connection from your Internet provider, but it can improve the Wi-Fi connection to your devices. It’s an AC1900 router, which means fast Wi-Fi on all your devices. Plus, its software finds you the best Wi-Fi connection, and its circular antenna design provides reliable coverage in more directions in your home.”

Google’s inspiration for OnHub is the fact that we use our old routers in ways that they were never meant to handle. Not only is it faster, but it’s easier to set up and better looking, making it easier to place it where you want without having wires and antennas sticking out. This makes it better for home and small businesses.

“OnHub combines high-performance hardware and innovative software, with the easy-to-use Google On mobile app. The app speaks in a language you understand. That means it guides you through simple setup, makes it easy to see which devices are connected to your network, and offers help if there’s ever an issue.”

OnHub will also work with any broadband connection. Unfortunately you still have to stick with your internet service provider, but it will replace any modem/router combination you have in order to give you much more control over your internet connection. It works with cable, DSL, Fiber and all major Internet service providers.  OnHub can also support up to 128 devices simultaneously without slowing down network speeds.

We may not be able to get the  Internet speeds we want out of our services providers, but we can all do ourselves a favor and upgrade our routers to not only give us the speed we pay for and deserve, but to also stand the test of time and still be relevant to future Wi-Fi technology.