ASUS unveiled ASUS HiveSpot and HiveDot Wi-Fi mesh system during their CES 2017 show. The launch implies a potential showdown against Linksys Velop which had its prior launch in the same event. Meanwhile, comparing the specs and prices of these Wi-Fi mesh system, ASUS seems to have the shorter end of the stick.

ASUS HiveSpot is an AC2134 Wi-Fi system with three hardware units. Meaning, each unit is a tri-band router with two 5GHz bands and one 2.4GHz band. The first two has a maximum speed of up to 867 Mbps while the latter runs up to 400 Mbps, according to CNET. One interesting thing about HiveSpot is one of the two 5GHz bands is actually acting as a back-haul, meaning this router is connected to the main router to disseminate its Wi-Fi signal to the other slave units. In return, this satellite unit allots one 5GHz frequency just for receiving the Wi-Fi signal. Then they use the other 5GHz band and the 2.4GHz band to rebroadcast signal to Wi-Fi clients.

Meanwhile, the budget variant ASUS HiveDot is a dual-band AC1300 router which also has three nodes but with relatively lower speeds, Gadget 360 added. However, it is still a mesh wireless router that can essentially ensure that there is no signal-loss in any spot of your home or workplace.

Why it's better than Linksys Velop?

Though both ASUS HiveSpot and Linksys Velop performs very well and equipped with powerful specs, ASUS's Wi-Fi mesh is quite remarkable with its Ai Security Protection. On top of that, this feature will be available for free. Also, ASUS HiveSpot's Ai Security Protection can detect and block blocks online security threats. Moreover, the entire ASUS HiveSpot Wi-Fi mesh system is protected against online malware and cyber threats.

ASUS HiveSpot and HiveDot prices were left unannounced, reports say that the premium costs about $400 all for the three units. A $100 cheaper than Linksys Velop.

ASUS HiveSpot and HiveDot arrives in the second quarter of 2017.

Read more
Tags Ces 2017