Some people don't enjoy WiFi in their homes—they suffer through it. Changes to the configuration and the location, different devices… nothing seems to work. Both speed and quality of Internet access always depend on the provider, but if you have several systems sharing a single router, maybe the new OnHub of Google is the key to achieving harmony in the WiFi.
Personally, I've never had serious problems with WiFi connectivity. While I haven't managed to escape the occasional "hang-up" of the router, I must admit these situations are very rare. The fact that there aren't multiple WiFi networks in the area also helps, since the channels are "cleaner", so to speak. However, I know this is the exception, not the rule. I have the advantage of knowing several of the elements needed to configure a router, but the average user isn't so lucky. To be honest, that same user sees the wireless router as the mother of all nightmares, spitting out errors left and right. Not even the attempts of several companies to simplify the configuration process have been enough, and in many cases they've increased security risks. With all this in mind, what can be done?
https://www.youtube.com/embed/HNnfHP7VDP8Meet the Google OnHub
Google offers an alternative: turning the router into a smart device. That's how the OnHub appears—a cylindrical router that reminds us a lot of the Amazon Echo. The fact that it looks more like a decoration than a router helps with placement (and subsequent physical access if needed), because the OnHub won't end up hidden behind a piece of furniture; instead, it can sit on a table or shelf, in plain view. How do you control this "tube"? Logically, with the help of a dedicated app called Google On, compatible with Android and iOS. Through the app, the user can get general information about the WiFi signal status, set priorities for a device that needs more bandwidth (imagine cases like Netflix or Skype sessions), and even manage passwords.
Under the Hood
Inside, the Google OnHub is a monster: it has thirteen antennas—twelve for the effective distribution of the WiFi signal, and the 13th dedicated to monitoring congestion levels. The router is also compatible with dynamic channel selection, which automatically seeks the best performance at all times. The rest of its specs speak of WiFi ac support on 2.4 and 5 GHz, Bluetooth, a dual-core Qualcomm SoC at 1.4 GHz, 1 GB of RAM, and 4 GB of internal storage. As far as we've been able to find out, the operating system of the Google OnHub is Brillo, about which we talked last May, and it will have automatic updates. The official manufacturer of the OnHub is TP-Link, but Mountain View confirmed that there will be another similar device from Asus. The official price for the OnHub router is 199 dollars, and its availability will be limited (as usual) to the United States and Canada.
