[deleted]
OnHub
311–320 of 641 posts
Re: OnHub
#312From [1] Get started Welcome! To set up your OnHub, you’ll also need: Google account Android or iOS device Broadband connection Google account? That seems like an unnecessary requirement for a router. [1] https://on.google.com/hub/support/#get-started
(Disclaimer: I work for the same former-division-of-Google-and-now-Alphabet-subsidiary that built this, though I don't work on OnHub.) I think you need an account for cloud-based configuration, credential sharing, etc. Maybe it's not for everyone, but I think it makes sense as a product. I highly doubt they added a Google account requirement to improve ad targeting.
Cloud-based configuration? Isn't that virtually always a terrible idea security wise for a router? Is it another form of "lawful intercept"?
Re: OnHub
#313Earlier quoted context omitted.
Thanks, but shouldn't these features be optional? I still don't get why I need a Google Account.
The router is cloud configured from your mobile device, that is how it works. Some cloud services for the device are actually optional. But AFAIK you still need a Google Account. Here is the help page on the topic of data collection and privacy: https://support.google.com/onhub/answer/6246642?hl=en&ref_to... And see also, how to set a whole bunch of privacy settings: https://support.google.com/onhub/answer/6279845?vi…
That's bullshit. It should use something like Thread or Bluetooth 4.0 to let you configure it from your mobile device, which already assumes you'll be in the same room with the router in 99% percent of the cases.
There's no reason for this to be sent over the Internet, when you're both in the same room.
Re: OnHub
#314Earlier quoted context omitted.
(Disclaimer: I work for the same former-division-of-Google-and-now-Alphabet-subsidiary that built this, though I don't work on OnHub.) I think you need an account for cloud-based configuration, credential sharing, etc. Maybe it's not for everyone, but I think it makes sense as a product. I highly doubt they added a Google account requirement to improve ad targeting.
Cloud-based configuration? Isn't that virtually always a terrible idea security wise for a router? Is it another form of "lawful intercept"?
Depends on if you think un-updated, bad PRNG devices are better.
Re: OnHub
#315Here in CH virtually everyone receives a modem/router combo for free from their provider (ie. they borrow it to you). They are also usually preconfigured - so you just need to plug them in. Is it the same in the US? I guess at a 199$ price point this will be a tough sell.
Yes, it's the same in the US. ISPs provide a modem/router combo and charge like $7 a month for it. The disadvantage is that the router portion of the unit is usually very poor. AT&T is still giving out modem/router combos that us 802.11b/g, not even n, much less ac. Purchasing a separate router lets you use better wifi technology as well as enable useful features like QoS settings that aren't available on the ISP-pro…
Why do you get charged $7 for it?
Here in the UK most providers seem to offer the router as a sign up bonus.
The disadvantage is that router is mostly cheap garbage, but it's effectively yours once your contract starts, no rental/need to give back
Re: OnHub
#316Earlier quoted context omitted.
Thanks, but shouldn't these features be optional? I still don't get why I need a Google Account.
The router is cloud configured from your mobile device, that is how it works. Some cloud services for the device are actually optional. But AFAIK you still need a Google Account. Here is the help page on the topic of data collection and privacy: https://support.google.com/onhub/answer/6246642?hl=en&ref_to... And see also, how to set a whole bunch of privacy settings: https://support.google.com/onhub/answer/6279845?vi…
IPv6 support?
Re: OnHub
#317Earlier quoted context omitted.
No it doesn't? https://support.google.com/onhub/answer/6279845
For now
> For now
Sure! What else doesn't it do "for now"? You should make a list. Subliminal messaging out of the speaker, ad hoc mesh for coordinating kill-bots...
More seriously, one nice feature of that page:
If changes are made to this article (which should be rare), a revision history will be available on this page to let you know what has changed and why.
All privacy policies should have this.
Re: OnHub
#318A Google branded TP-Link router
Re: OnHub
#319So what does this device primarily do that I need right now? Just throttling internet for certain devices and prioritizing others? I'm not even entirely sure what 'uses smart software to find the best WiFi connection' means. What's the value prop here given the device costs $200? It's not like it can better your internet somehow.
It has a 3rd radio that monitors the channels you aren't currently using to see if any of them are better. The first two radios in the device can't switch without dropping connections, so they can't go hunting for new channels once the AP is turned on. My Airport Extreme chooses channels automatically at boot time, then never again. This is fine for my house though, because my neighbors are reasonably far away. At wo…
Sounds like an awesome feature. I'm a huge fan of Ubiquiti, and was planning to get some APs for my house. But this Google thing looks way better now.
Re: OnHub
#320Earlier quoted context omitted.
Thanks, but shouldn't these features be optional? I still don't get why I need a Google Account.
These features are the value proposition. If you don't want them, a different router might actually be better for you.
I thought the value proposition was a better designed antenna and intelligent on-board bandwidth prioritization.