What makes Google’s OnHub router different from the others, besides good looks?

Remember the good old days when you tied down in front of a computer or laptop that has a LAN cable that connects you to the Internet?

Most teens won’t be able to fathom that idea now that everything is going wireless. Today there’s a plethora of routers to choose from an established and very crowded market, which Google has just entered.

The search giant has taken another step into the consumer networking business, adding a router alongside its Fiber and Project Fi initiative, having recently joined the router market after partnering with TP-Link Technologies Co. Ltd. with the release of Google OnHub. In short, it’s a design-savvy router that looks great in the home office. But what makes the OnHub different from other existing routers besides good looks?

What makes it different

Device specifications

Google OnHub features an IPQ8064 Dual Core 1.4GHz processor, a 4GB e-MMC flash and 1GB DDR3L of memory. The router is also equipped with an 8MB NOR flash, a USB 3.0 port, an ambient light sensor and six tri-color LED arrays, and is compatible with a range of connected devices thanks to 802.11b/g/n 3×3 with a smart antenna and 802.11a/n/ac 3×3 with a smart antenna. OnHub has both WAN and LAN ports, and supports Bluetooth Smart Ready, Weave, and 802.15.4.

The design

OnHub features a removable shell that comes in two colors: Blue and Black, and its design is something reminiscent of a fusion between the Amazon Echo and the smart cup Vessyl. Google promises more color options in the future.

The Google OnHub sports a circular design which makes it aesthetically appealing, but the cylindrical form isn’t just a simple design whim. Its shape supports 13 – six 2.4GHz antennas, six 5GHz antennas, and a congestion-sensing antenna- that are arranged in a unique circular pattern so that signals are better dispersed throughout your home.

Also, Google has addressed the annoying blinking lights associated with routers and replaced it with a dimmable light ring, giving uses one of four color indicators for feedback.

Installation and remote access

Google OnHub can be installed using the Google On app for Android and iOS. During the setup process, the devices searches which channel will you the fastest connection. The app will give you step-by-step instructions allowing for connectivity in just minutes. If you’re using an Android app, setup is far easier as it uses an audio tone to send a setup code directly to your mobile device for easy and secure setup.

Using the app, you can see which devices, as well as the number of devices, are connected to OnHub. The app also gives owners the power to remotely access it which makes it easier to troubleshoot (great for grandparents or non-tech savvy friends and relatives who are constantly bugging you for help). The app can also diagnose if there’s a problem and recommends fixes. The app allows you to easily share your Wi-Fi password securely and dismissing the need to write it on a piece of paper which could easily get lost.

Supports your fast, connected, wireless lifestyle

Most routers have a device limit; some only allow five devices to be connected at once, some 10, others even greater, but that can take a huge toll on the speed of your connection. The Google OnHub promises that it can support up to 128 connected devices simultaneously from TVs, thermostats, smartphones, tablets, laptops, computers, and other connected devices.

As for the speed, it doesn’t actually make your broadband connection fast, but according to its FAQ page, “it can improve the Wi-Fi connection to your devices,” as it is an AC1900 router that supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. It also finds the best Wi-Fi connection, and as stated above, its circular antenna design provides reliable coverage in more directions in your home.

How much and where to buy

You can purchase the Google OnHub for $199.99, a bit pricier than other routers in the market. It is currently out of stock on Google Store, but you can still purchase it on the TP-Link Store, Amazon.com, Best Buy, Frys.com, Micro Center, Newegg and Walmart.

Early reviews

Unshelled Google OnHub – screenshot from CNET

“[I]t’s a router. It’s a very expensive router that isn’t as flexible or powerful as other routers in this price point, but it includes parts of Google’s mysterious smart home initiative. We don’t know what the USB port is for, we don’t know what it will do with its 802.15.4 antenna, and we don’t know why it has Bluetooth. We’re also really suspicious of including a decently loud laptop-class speaker that is used only once.” – Ron Amadeo, Reviews Editor at Ars Technica

“If Google decided to unleash all the OnHub’s powers, it would be much more than a pretty face. And far more likely to score a spot in my living room.” – Heather Kelly, tech reporter at CNN

“OnHub has some kinks to smooth out. The app did not identify all of the individual device names, which made sorting through them confusing. A Google representative said that problem sometimes sorts itself out over time.” – Benny Evangelista, San Francisco Chronicle staff writer

Image source: Screenshot from Google OnHub