Google has a new device pending FCC approval, and all signs point to it being an updated Nest Wifi router that not only fixes the notable lack of Wi-Fi 6 in its latest model, but also outpaces Wi-Fi 6E.
In FCC filings released yesterday, Google asked the FCC to keep its circuitry and operating details confidential, including “an internal proprietary antenna solution consisting of 6 antennas.”As Android Police points out, the fillings also show support for 6 GHz Wi-Fi 6E frequencies. There are also standard 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, Bluetooth Low-Energy and 2.4 GHz frequencies, on which the Thread Thread standard relies.
The model number – A4R-G6ZUC – is similar to other Nest products, and 9to5Google claims to have confirmed that this is the number of the next Nest Wifi router.
In late 2019, when Google skipped Wi-Fi 6 for Nest Wifi, citing (questionable) cost concerns, we noted that a Wi-Fi 6 router would do little for a mostly Wi-Fi 5 and 4-filled home. (i.e., 802.11ac and 802.11n). Still, if the Nest router and points were to use Wi-Fi 6, their ability to use this newly freed up spectrum space to communicate with newer devices—and especially for backhauling traffic from node to node—could benefit homes full of noisy devices or those that compete with nearest neighbor equipment.
Same story with Wi-Fi 6E. At the moment, there is a small list of devices using the relatively recent Wi-Fi 6E: the Pixel 6 and 6a, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, some brand new laptops (not including the latest MacBook Air), and any PC you update yourself with a 6E card. Wi-Fi 6E also allows devices to use wider 80 and 160 MHz channels, opening up bandwidth and reducing interference.
It’s worth noting that this FCC filing is only for the Nest Wifi router. It remains to be seen if Google will offer Nest hubs with built-in speakers like the previous Nest Wifi. Another notable improvement that Google may fix on the new Nest hubs will be Ethernet ports, which is sorely lacking in the current generation.
In our Nest Wifi benchmark review, we were impressed with Nest’s coverage of the 3,500-square-foot complex-layout home, but found plenty of room for improvement. Considering other options available at the same price, this option is best for those who are already enamored with Google Assistant speakers.
By the time Nest Wifi arrives (probably at Google’s October hardware event), there will likely be strong Wi-Fi 6E mesh competition. Then we will see if the product has the same value proposition.