Seeing frustrated users connecting to the internet through a home network, Google announces that is stepping into the home Wi-Fi router business with OnHub to make streaming, sharing, and surfing the web an enjoyable experience.
On partnering with TP-LINK the search giant is launching OnHub (TGR1900), a router crafted for the modern Wi-Fi world. According to Google the device is fast, secure, and easy to use.
Perhaps one of the most interesting features of the OnHub is its unique antenna design. The router has not two or four, but thirteen Wi-Fi antennas arranged in a circular pattern. Every antenna is paired with a perpendicular oriented neighbor antenna, which allows the router to select the “polarization delivering the strongest signal for each device in your home”. There is even a front-facing antenna reflector that “acts like a satellite dish enhancing Wi-Fi range in that direction”. Basically, the 13 antenna design provides a more reliable wireless coverage for all your devices.
Google claims that the router TGR1900 is easy to setup and manage using the Google On app for Android and iOS.
During the initial configuration, OnHub will scan its surrounding environment and automatically select the best wireless channel to provide the fastest connection possible. The operating system will continue to work in the background, automatically calibrating (every five minutes) OnHub to prevent interference, while keeping your home network with the best performance. There is even an option to prioritize which device gets the best quality of service.
The Google On app can tell you how much bandwidth each device is consuming, you can run network tests, and if you’re having connectivity issues the app can help you troubleshoot with a some suggestions. Additionally, the solution provides an easy way to securely reveal your password that you can text or email to other people to get access to the network. However, the company doesn’t say anything about a web access interface to configure the router, so we can only assume, you can type: 192.168.2.1 in the web browser to get access to the router.
TGR1900 updates automatically with the latest features and security patches to improve and protect the network as soon as they are available, and Google claims it also boots fast.
OnHub is a dual-band router offering 5 GHz (802.11 ac) and 2.4 GHz (802.11 b/g/n) wireless connectivity up to 1300Mbps and 600Mbps respectively. “OnHub lets you connect them all by simultaneously supporting up to 128 devices” — Google says.
The new AC1900 router also features the latest wireless technologies, such as 802.15.4 (ZigBee) networking protocol, Bluetooth 4.0 with Bluetooth Smart Ready, and Weave, which is a programming language developed by Google’s Nest Labs for IoT devices. However, it only offers one Gigabit Ethernet and one USB 3.0 port.
In addition, OnHub includes a Trusted Platform Module, an element often times found on enterprise rated computers that offers improved security.
The router is stylish with a design you don’t want to hide. There a no messy cables or annoying blinking lights, there is only one LED light right on the top of the device, and it has a speaker with a 3 amp on-board amplifier.
| Tech specs | |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | 1 10/100/1000Mbps LAN Port 1 10/100/1000Mbps WAN Port 1 USB 3.0 Port |
| Button | Reset Button |
| Antenna | 13 high-performance Wi-Fi antennas 1 bluetooth antenna 1 zigbee antenna |
| External Power Supply | 12V/3A |
| 12V/3A | 7.5in x 4.1in x 4.6in (190.5 x104 x117mm) |
| Others | Built-in speaker Congestion sensing Wi-Fi radio |
| Built-in speaker Congestion sensing Wi-Fi radio | IEEE 802.11ac/n/a 5GHz Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Bluetooth® Smart Ready 802.15.4 ready Google Weave ready |
| Frequency | 2.4GHz and 5GHz Band1/2/3/4 Wi-Fi 2.4GHz Bluetooth 2.4GHz Zigbee |
| Signal Rate | Wi-Fi 5GHz: Up to 1300Mbps 2.4GHz: Up to 600Mbps Bluetooth 4.0&HS |
| Reception Sensitivity | 5GHz: 11a 6Mbps: -92dBm 11a 54Mbps: -75dBm 11ac HT20: -74dBm 11ac HT40: -71dBm 11ac HT80: -81dBm 2.4GHz 11g 54M: -77dBm 11n HT20: -74dBm 11n HT40: -71dBm |
| Transmit Power | FCC: <30dBm |
| Transmission Power | FCC: <30dBm |
| System Requirements | For initial setup, the Google On mobile app on a device with: - Android 4.0 or higher - iOS 7 or higher |
| Environment | Operating Temperature: 0℃~40 ℃ (32 ℉~104℉) Storage Temperature: -40℃~70 ℃ (-40 ℉~158℉) Operating Humidity: 10%~90% non-condensing Storage Humidity: 5%~90% non-condensing |
OnHub is available for pre-order now for $199.99 in blue or black colors from online retailers in the U.S. including the Google Store, Amazon, and Walmart.com. The router will also be available on retail stores across the U.S. and Canada “in the coming weeks”.
I’m curious if the company pre-sets the DNS lookup settings to Google’s public DNS settings. You know: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
What do you think about Google’s OnHub router? Are you considering buying one? I know, I want it. I’m tired of having to reboot my 802.11ac router, connection drops, and waiting a long time for the sucker to reboot. Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.