Recently, PLDT has advertised the Google Wifi mesh router as an add-on to their service. The deal is available for existing PLDT Home Fibr subscribers for an additional 299/month fee for the 1-pack Google Wifi and Php799/month for the 3-pack set.
WHAT IS GOOGLE WIFI?
Google Wifi is actually just a router. It basically does the same job that your existing router does but in a better way. I won't be going into the technical nitty-gritty of this device. Instead, in the simplest terms, the Google Wifi basically does all the adjustments needed for you to have the most efficient wifi signal in your home. It ensures that you are using the best wifi channel that is less congested and has less traffic.
What does that mean? Imagine living in an apartment where there are several routers from the different residents of the building. Without proper optimization, those signals from the different wifi routers might be sent to the same channel causing a theoretical traffic. Kinda like a narrow road filled with several cars.
The Google Wifi adjusts your system. Think of it as a Wayze app for your router. Instead of directing your signal to the same congested road full of cars (wifi signals on the same channel), Google Wifi finds a channel that has little to no traffic for your signal to traverse. This way, you get the best wifi signal without any interference from other devices.
Another wonderful feature of the Google Wifi is its simplicity. You basically just plug it, download the app and you are all set! It is so simple, your non-techie lolo or lola would probably be able to set it up themselves.
Lastly, the signal coverage is wonderful BUT you need to place it at the center of your home to be able to fully utilize its coverage if you are only going to use one.
IS IT WORTH IT?
It really depends. For me, it was worth it. I was able to get mine from Amazon USA for $123 +tax so it was way cheaper than getting it here in the Philippines through PLDT or through resellers. Prior to the Google Wifi, I was using a Tenda AC1200 router and the signal from that was actually very decent. I live in a 75sqm. condominium and my old router was located near our doorway. My wife had issues with its signal going to our bedroom when she was using her phone and it was especially problematic inside the bathroom.
But why would wifi signal matter inside the bathroom, you ask? Well, I'm sure some of you play music while taking a bath and using Spotify will require a decent wifi signal.
Anyway, after switching to the Google Wifi, our bedroom wifi signal woes are finally gone. And the signal penetrates through our thick walls. Our old router gave us one to two signals max in our bedroom. Now we get a full signal and the full 25mbps of our internet speed. Before that, we used to have only half of that speed.
I really like how Google Wifi improved our signal at home and I am impressed with its coverage. For me, it was a good purchase. I won't go into all the other features of the Google Wifi coz that is easily available online.
What I will tell you though is that don't let Google Wifi's simple looks fool you into thinking that it can't stand up to the best routers out there.
Would I recommend it? Yes, but only if you want simple wifi features and if you can get it for a lower price than what PLDT or local resellers are selling it for.
If you have questions regarding Google Wifi, feel free to ask me in the comments.
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