Google releases Nest WIFI Pro router with Wi-Fi 6E support

Google releases Nest WIFI Pro router with Wi-Fi 6E support

Google releases Nest WIFI Pro router with Wi-Fi 6E support.

Google is beefing up its mesh networking offerings.

On October 04, it announced the Nest WIFI Pro, a tri-band Wi-Fi 6E-enabled router for potentially faster speeds that can connect 100 devices to up to 300 devices per router.

In terms of speed, it’s a big upgrade over the regular Google Nest WIFI, which was released in 2019 with dual-band 802.11ac capability (now known as Wi-Fi 5).

In a briefing, Google Nest solutions lead Ben Brown described the new device as a stand-alone system with no hybrid backwards compatibility with Nest WIFI and Google WIFI generations.

This is disappointing. The WIFI Pro can also act as a Thread border router to connect smart home devices , and work as a Matter hub shortly after the protocol rolls out (hopefully) in fall 2022.

Like Google’s other mesh Wi-Fi systems, you can set up and manage the WIFI Pro using the company’s Home app, which lets you do things like set up a home management system that can block your kids’ devices from accessing certain content, Even shutting down their access to Wi-Fi completely.

The system also has some smart features.

Google says the Nest WIFI Pro will automatically prioritize high-bandwidth traffic, such as streaming and video calls, and optimize the frequency bands it uses based on how congested the airwaves are around it.

According to the company, the system is even able to adjust network performance to minimize disruption.

Notably, it has a 2×2 antenna array instead of a 4×4, and according to Brown, it’s spec’d up to the AX5400.

Google says each router can cover an area of ​​2,200 square feet, or 6,600 square feet with a three-pack. At $199 a single router, it’s also competitively priced; Eero’s Pro 6E is $299, though you can currently get a single device for $179.

The Nest WIFI Pro two-pack is priced at $299.99, which matches the retail price of TP-Link’s Wi-Fi 6E-equipped Deco XE75 system, which comes in two- or three-packs.

But again, the router is also currently on sale for about $30. Buying the Nest WIFI Pro three-pack will set you back about $399.99.

The routers will be available on October 27, but you can pre-order them starting October 4.