Google's $200 'OnHub' router tries to fix complicated WiFi

[froggyboy604]

OnHub is a redesigned router from Google that promises a quick and stable WiFi connection built around an easy-to-use app. OnHub features 4GB of storage space for updates, 13 antennas (six 2.4GHz, six 5GHz and one to monitor congestion), and it provides WiFi speeds of up to 1900 Mbps. It also has "subtle, useful lighting," according to the Google blog. Users can manipulate OnHub via an app for iOS and Android, with an option to prioritize certain devices for faster streaming and connection speeds. The router updates automatically without interrupting its WiFi output and it supports smart devices via Bluetooth Smart Ready, Weave or 802.15.4. The debut OnHub device is made in collaboration with TP-Link, though Google says it will design more OnHub devices with other partners, including a model from ASUS due later this year.

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$200 is expensive for a router, but I guess this router is good for people who are not very tech-savvy.

 

[VirusZero]

If it works as well as they claim, that'd be great. Though I don't really think it will be that much better simply because even at it's base it still is subject to the same factors which affect other routers... Distance of device from router (including through materials), interference on the same channels, base internet speed.
Plus when it gets older the same issues other routers have will affect it (memory burning out, interface slowing down, loss of signal strength, etc...)

Plus since this seems to be for beginners I almost can't see them having a ton of advanced features (usb sharing, port opening/forwarding, DMZ, url filtering/blocking, etc...).

So for those who know nothing, maybe. But power users (who are the ones likely to spend 200 on a router) are likely best served by picking up a more expensive one (which likely has more features/options even if it does take a bit more to set up).

 

[Demon_Skeith]

I really don't see how a router could be more simplified than what it already is. This is most likely a router with a bunch of quick help tips to get it set up.

 

[VirusZero]

To be fair though, us here likely have a much greater understanding of technology and settings for routers than an average person plucked off the street. (I know for myself I very often find that what I can do is leaps and bounds above those around me. This isn't to be disrespectful to them, merely that I've got more experience and understanding in this area.) So for us this is relatively easy, we know what we're looking for and how to configure them. But to someone new to all of this stumbling into a router config page for the first time is a touch overwhelming. Especially when it asks for things like MTU or frequency or channel or etc...

 

[Demon_Skeith]

To be fair though, us here likely have a much greater understanding of technology and settings for routers than an average person plucked off the street. (I know for myself I very often find that what I can do is leaps and bounds above those around me. This isn't to be disrespectful to them, merely that I've got more experience and understanding in this area.) So for us this is relatively easy, we know what we're looking for and how to configure them. But to someone new to all of this stumbling into a router config page for the first time is a touch overwhelming. Especially when it asks for things like MTU or frequency or channel or etc...

Just the general settings though anyone should be able to get. Let me assure you all after taking 2 years of cisco networking, routers can get complicated really quick.

 

[froggyboy604]

I really don't see how a router could be more simplified than what it already is. This is most likely a router with a bunch of quick help tips to get it set up.

The router comes with a smartphone/tablet App for make setting up, and changing settings on the Router easier with an Android, or iOS smartphone or tablet.

The last wireless routers I setup came with a simple to use setup CD which let me change the password, and wireless SSID from the router setup CD in Windows, and it was pretty easy to do, so I think a lot of routers are easier to setup since a lot of them come with a setup CD, or program for changing the default general settings like SSID username, and password in their router Windows program, so they don't need to use a web browser. Some people just use the default username, and password which come with their Wireless router, so most people just plug in their router, and login to their wifi signal in Windows, or their phone.

 

[lb]

I wonder if it's simple enough for a senior citizen to use on his home PC. Anyways, around here, it's usually the ISP people who come to install and set up your router when you sign up the contract, so I doubt this simplified router will become popular.

 

[froggyboy604]

I wonder if it's simple enough for a senior citizen to use on his home PC. Anyways, around here, it's usually the ISP people who come to install and set up your router when you sign up the contract, so I doubt this simplified router will become popular.

I think senior citizens who use a web browser, and know how to setup accounts like a Facebook or E-mail account could setup some routers. The instructions manuals for routers are usually written easily with pictures for many people to understand to tell them to plug in the router to the modem, and PCs, and setup a SSID username, and password for Wifi.

I agree this router will probably won't be massively popular like Google Android or Google Chromecast, most people just use the supplied modem router combo which came with their internet service because they are good enough for using the web, and they got it for free after they signed up for internet service. There are also $20-50 routers which are not that hard to setup the general settings like wifi password, and wifi ssid username if you carefully follow the instruction manual, or use the setup CD for the router which helps you setup your router without using a web browser to login to it.