Google has launched an advanced Wi-Fi mesh product here in Ireland that promises to provide blanket wireless coverage to all devices across a home.
Multiple units can be linked together to expand and boost high-speed Wi-Fi signal in every corner of a dwelling, provided of course high speed-broadband is available in the first place.
The system gets around the problem of patchy coverage in different areas of a house caused by walls, appliances and weak signal.
Intelligent software in the Google gadget automatically connects the device being used to the strongest signal, changing Wi-Fi channels where necessary and choosing a different band for the device.
It also adapts depending on what kind of device is being used, what it is being used for and where it is.
The system is controlled by an Android or iOS app, which also lets the user limit Wi-Fi access to specific devices, like for example those being used by children.
The app also enables the user to prioritise device for fastest speeds when it matters most and easily share password.
According to Sanjay Noronha, Google Wi-Fi Product Manager, the system is also secure as it has "all the might of Google behind it."
The software running on the extenders has to be signed by Google to work and users of the app must sign into it using a Google account.
Because all the communications with the router go via the cloud, Google says the system is "virtually unhackable".
Google also pushes out automatic software updates to the system every 6-7 weeks.
Mr Noronha said the product takes just 5-7 minutes to set up, with one ice hockey puck-sized device plugging into the same router provided to the user by their internet service provider.
If the home is under 900sq ft, Google says this single unit alone might provide sufficient coverage.
However, if the building is bigger, then further devices can be placed in other rooms and connected into the system to create a mesh and boost Wi-Fi everywhere.
Three of the devices connected together can provide up to 2700 sq ft of coverage.
Google says the devices are designed to look aesthetically attractive so that they can sit out in the open.
Google Wi-Fi has gone on sale today in a range of electronics outlets here, with one device costing €139 and a three pack €359.
The system is already available in 15 countries globally and despite the price, Google claims that in sales terms it is the number one in the Wi-Fi mesh market.
