Google has announced the Google Nest Wifi Pro, despite having a product event lined up on October 6. Built to fit into a home without looking too obtrusive, the Nest Wifi Pro is also its first Wi-Fi 6E router; until now, the company's routers have been marooned on the older Wi-Fi 5 standard.
According to Google, the tri-band router within the Nest Wifi Pro allows it operate at up to 5.4 Gbps (AXE5400) via 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz networks. Additionally, each router offers up to 2,200 square feet per router, which scales linearly for every router added thanks to IEE 802.11s mesh Wi-Fi. However, Google's fineprint states that you should not combine more than five routers in a mesh network.
Moreover, the Nest Wifi Pro can handle up to 300 devices connected per network and has two Gigabit Ethernet ports per router. Unfortunately, the new router cannot be combined in a mesh network with current Google Wifi or Nest Wifi routers. Google has not given a reason for this incompatbility, but it means you must upgrade your entire network to use a Nest Wifi Pro.
The Nest Wifi Pro starts at US$199.99 for a single router and rises to US$299.99 for two units. Alternatively, Google sells a three pack for US$399.99. Hence, the cheapest way to max out the router's mesh coverage is to purchase a two and a three pack for US$699.98. Available to order in Fog, Lemongrass, Linen and Snow colour ways from today, the Nest Wifi Pro will begin shipping on October 27.