Google Takes A Big First Step Into IoT Dominance With New Router

As the Internet of Things (IoT) gains momentum, it should come as no surprise that Google Inc GOOG plans to lead the pack when it comes to connected devices.

This week, the company revealed its latest foray into the connected home with a new wireless router that promises to make dealing with your Internet connection simpler and more efficient. Google says the router, called OnHub, was designed with the consumer in mind and will eliminate many of the frustrating issues that traditional routers present.

New Design

In partnership with TP-Link, Google created a cylindrical shaped device that lacks the many wires and antennae that traditional routers have. The design was an important part of the device's functionality according to Trond Wuellner, a Google Product Manager. The sleek, uncomplicated appearance is designed to give people less reason to hide the router in hard-to-reach places as that makes dealing with the device more difficult and could have a negative impact on signal strength.

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Prioritization

The router also offers a unique benefit to home users — it allows them to prioritize device connections. That means they can make the Internet signal stronger and more powerful for devices they use for high-bandwidth actives like downloading or streaming videos, and assign a lower priority for devices that use the signal for things like updates. This feature will be especially important as the IoT develops and more and more home appliances vie for bandwidth.

Room To Grow

OnHub is designed to change and evolve with the rapid pace of technological advancement, so the device automatically receives updates and security features as they become available. Most expect that the device will eventually grow to do more than just connect people to the Internet, something that will be valuable as the IoT continues to grow.