Asus joins mesh Wi-Fi movement

When Eero was announced early 2016, mesh Wi-Fi systems seemed like a unique way to boost wireless signals throughout a house. Since then, several mesh Wi-Fi router systems have been released, and some by big brands like Google. The latest company to join in is Asus with its $400 Lyra system.

The Lyra routers use tri-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac, but besides being faster than Google’s offering, the specs don’t help Asus’ mesh system rise above others. It seems that mesh Wi-Fi products are trying to stand out on looks alone. The strategy at least makes some sense since companies expect people to place at least three of these routers around their homes.

Lyra’s pucklike routers are at least pleasing to look at. Like many mesh Wi-Fi devices, Asus opted for mostly white devices. The Google Wi-Fi devices are short cylinders and Linksys has opted for a rectangular prism, but they’re all white. On paper, at least, these devices don’t look very different, so the aesthetics matter in that respect. The more important thing, though, is that all Wi-Fi seems to be turning into mesh Wi-Fi. In the future, no room will be complete without a puck, cylinder or tower pushing out radio waves.