It all starts with the details: when only a few devices are connected, a Wi-Fi network tends to behave well, but once several computers, tablets, and smartphones share the same connection, performance quickly degrades. For many companies, the fix involves more advanced routers, and that is exactly where the Chime comes in — a new router from the developers of the AVG Antivirus.
The everyday Wi-Fi battle
Last week, my internet provider took a brief, unannounced vacation (a day and a half, to be precise), which forced me to take refuge in the nearest Starbucks. On top of paying for the most expensive coffee in the world, this happened on a Friday at nine in the morning, so I was surrounded by people with smartphones, tablets, and laptops of every kind, literally strangling the free Wi-Fi. This is not just a public-space problem, though. Wi-Fi has turned into a real battle for families whose members spend all day gaming online and streaming services. Boosting connection speed always helps, but at some point what really matters is good management — and that calls for a special router.
Chime: an enterprise-grade approach
The creators of AVG Antivirus believe they have a definitive answer with the Chime. Basically, they want to give users a piece of hardware with the same Wi-Fi administration capabilities you'd find in enterprise routers, cutting down on low-coverage zones and buffer drops in services like YouTube. Chime also includes advanced security features, most notably built-in AVG antivirus, plus support for VPN connections and access to the Tor network. And because you can link multiple Chime units via Mesh technology, a combo of routers works far better than classic repeaters, without sacrificing bandwidth.
Pricing and availability
The oddest part about the Chime is that it won't hit stores anytime soon. Instead, AVG has launched an Indiegogo campaign to keep in touch with potential customers. Right now each Chime costs $125, a 38 percent discount off its final price, and it includes VPN access for six months. The router will be shipped to the United States, Canada, and the entire European Union, though backers will have to wait until September of next year to receive it.
