Dead zones are a common frustration of any Wi-Fi-enabled household. It can make streaming music and controlling Wi-Fi-enabled devices like thermostats, security cameras and electronic door locks a frustrating experience.
Some manufacturers are striving to improve the experience, and Arris International’s new Wi-Fi SURFboard Home Networking products could be a good solution for homeowners.
Made up of a combination of routers and extenders, the RipCurrent-enabled system is built on next-generation Gigabit Home Networking (G.hn) Power Line Communications technology. This enables the products to use the home’s existing wiring to create new hotspots, connect high-bandwidth devices and relieve congestion on the wireless band.
By using wires to build a better Wi-Fi network, the RipCurrent-enabled portfolio improves wireless router performance, helps eliminate dead zones and puts bandwidth hogs in their place.
The line includes 802.11ac routers and extenders that simply plug into an electrical outlet to light up new Wi-Fi hotspots. The system is modular, so you can add extenders as needed.
The products are easy to install and configure. Connect the router to the home’s modem, press two buttons to pair them, then plug extenders into spare outlets. The system’s smart auto-configuration software automatically gives the new hotspots the same name, password and security settings as the router, so all of yother Wi-Fi devices can move seamlessly from one part of the network to another.
A homeowner's smartphone or tablet can join the network, as well, by simply scanning their QR codes. Arris also offers a free SURFboard Manager app for users to manage their Wi-Fi settings and parental controls.
Arris RipCurrent-enabled routers and extenders are available on Amazon for pre-order. Prices range from $119.99 to $299.99 for a SURFboard router, and between $59.99 and $99.99 for an extender.
