Features
Google WiFi: Google WiFi replaces your old router and works with your
modem and ISP (Internet Service Provider) to create a mesh network and increase
your home's WiFi coverage. Google WiFi works differently than a traditional
router; traditional routers have limited range and when you add WiFi extenders
you end up degrading your speed. Google WiFi works together with multiple access
points, creating a "mesh network" to cover your home with a reliably strong,
fast WiFi signal
Note: Google WiFi is a mesh router; you'll still need service from
your ISP, as well as a modem. Google WiFi cannot be used as an extender for
your current router. Google WiFi will replace your router with one or more
Google WiFi points.
Mesh WiFi Network: Google WiFi creates a Mesh WiFi Network throughout
your home. A mesh network is a group of routers that communicate wirelessly to
each other to create a single WiFi network that provides a blanket of
connectivity. This allows you to have multiple sources of powerful WiFi
throughout your home, instead of just a single router. Since WiFi is broadcasted
from each WiFi point (and not just a single router), Google WiFi is a connected
system that provides better coverage over a wider space. The system is flexible
and scalable, so if you have a larger home, connect as many points as needed to
get better WiFi in every room. The WiFi points connect wirelessly, so you don't
need to run Ethernet cables throughout your house making installation a lot
simpler and faster.
Notes: - These coverage estimates are for homes with timber frames. Homes
made of other materials may see different WiFi coverage.
- Google WiFi points work best when they can see each other with a
clear line of sight. Barriers like heavy furniture and walls made of
thick concrete or brick can influence WiFi performance. With additional
Wifi points, it'll be easier to strategically place them in a way that
avoids obstructions.
- Crowded WiFi areas like apartment buildings can result in crowded
WiFi channels and reduced WiFi performance. In these environments, the
closer you are to a WiFi point, the better your WiFi performance
will be.
Network Assist: Network Assist technology ensures that Google WiFi
always chooses the fastest route from your device to the internet. This means
that you get faster WiFi speeds for things like streaming and gaming. Google
WiFi's Network Assist takes care of things behind the scenes by always
connecting you to fastest WiFi point, placing you on the least congested
channel, and using the fasted band for your devices.
Simultaneous Dual-Band 802.11ac: The Google WiFi offers
support for simultaneous dual-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz) WiFi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) for
reliable and fast wireless networking speeds up to 1200Mbps.
Ethernet Jacks: The Google WiFi has two Ethernet (RJ-45)
jacks - 1 WAN and 1 LAN. The primary Google WiFi router needs to be
connected to your modem and ISP via its WAN Ethernet jack and Ethernet cable. Additional
Google WiFi points
do not require a hardwired Ethernet connection and can be linked via WiFi (although they can be
connected to each other via Ethernet, if you prefer a hardwired connection). A
network device that requires a hardwired connection can also be connected to the
Google WiFi's LAN Ethernet jack.
Google WiFi App: The Google WiFi app (for
Apple iOS 10.0+ and
Android OS 4.0.3+) lets you set up and control Google WiFi right from your
compatible smartphone or tablet. It puts you in control of your network by
allowing you to easily share your WiFi password, see what devices are online,
prioritize devices for better performance, or pause WiFi on kids' devices. The
app also provides insights to help you get the most out of your Google WiFi Mesh
network.
Family-Friendly Controls: Through the Google WiFi app, you can
schedule a regular WiFi pause on your kids' devices, like at bedtime or
dinnertime. Plus, you'll have the ability to block access to millions of
explicit websites.
Cloud-Based Security: Industry-leading hardware and cloud-based
security that automatically updates itself means you're always protected. Google
WiFi has several built-in security measures to protect you online.
- Firewall: Google WiFi's firewall creates a barrier between your
WiFi network and the Internet, protecting your data from unsolicited
connections or connection attempts. It's a stateful firewall, which keeps
track of connections (TCP streams, UDP communication) traveling across it.
Only data associated with a known active connection is allowed through the
firewall.
- WPA 2: Google WiFi supports WPA2, which is the latest and most
popular WiFi encryption protocol. This makes sure that only people with the
correct passphrase can join your wireless network. Google WiFi doesn't
support older protocols like WPA and WEP because they have been deemed
unsecure by the WiFi Alliance and industry experts. There are also known and
documented attacks against WEP and WPA. WPS, a mechanism that lets a device
join a wireless network without entering a password, is also not supported
for security reasons.
- Automatic Updates: Google WiFi receives automatic software
updates to make sure you always have the latest security. These updates
include open source components and go through several rigorous reviews.
- TLS: All communication between Google WiFi and Google is secured
by Transport Layer Security (TLS). This is a protocol that ensures privacy
between a device and a server, making sure no one else sees or tampers with
the message.
Note: Settings like UPnP and port forwarding allow devices to bypass the
firewall and have an open connection, leaving them potentially vulnerable.
Mounting Placement, & Installation: The primary Google WiFi point needs to be connected to
your modem with broadband internet connection via Ethernet and to a nearby
electrical outlet using the included AC power adapter. Additional Google WiFi
points can be connected via WiFi, but still will require a nearby electrical
outlet using the included AC power adapter. As a general rule, WiFi points work
best when they're no more than two rooms away from each other.
Setup and configuration will be done
through the Google WiFi app on your Apple iOS or Android OS device. If possible, place
the Google WiFi in plain view like on a shelf or TV stand; it
also helps to choose a central location at eye level.
System Requirements: Here is what you'll need to use Google WiFi -
- Google WiFi mesh network router(s) with Google Account
- Google WiFi app for Apple iOS 10.0+ or Android 4.0.3+
- Mode and ISP (Internet Service Provider) w/ broadband internet
connection
- Ethernet cable for primary WiFi point
- AC Power
AC Power: Each Google WiFi point comes with an AC power adapter and
will require a nearby electrical outlet.
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