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Wi-Fi systems reach further than ever at CES 2017

CES 2017 saw a boom in home mesh systems designed to solve the biggest problem in home Wi-Fi: range.

Dong Ngo
CNET editor Dong Ngo has been involved with technology since 2000, starting with testing gadgets and writing code for CNET Labs' benchmarks. He now manages CNET San Francisco Labs, reviews 3D printers, networking/storage devices, and also writes about other topics from online security to new gadgets and how technology impacts the life of people around the world.
Dong Ngo
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Linksys Velop

The Linksys Velop comes with three identical hardware units that wirelessly link together using a dedicated 5GHz band. This band allows the Velop to deliver great coverage and consistent speed. The system is available now at $500 (about £405 or AU$685) for a set of three.

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Asus HiveSpot

Asus HiveSpot has similar hardware specs to the Linksys Velop and also includes real-time online protection against malware and cyber threats. It's also cheaper at just $400 (about £325 or AU$550) for a set of three. It won't be available until the second quarter of the year.

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TP-Link Deco M5

TP-Link's first Wi-Fi system is very similar to the Eero plus the option to use Powerline to connect different units together. The device won't be available until later this year.

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Symantec Norton Core

The Norton Core is a powerful router that has built-in online real-time protection for the entire network. It's available in Spring and costs $280. After a year, you'll have to pay $99 a year if you want to keep the protection. Symantec says the Norton Core is "mesh ready" and it will announce the additional units at a later time.

UK and Australian availability was not announced, but the preorder price converts to about £165 or AU$275.

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Comcast Advanced Gateway

The Advanced Gateway is a full Wi-Fi solution and will work with extenders to seamlessly increase Wi-Fi coverage. Comcast says it will announce the details of the extenders in a few months when the gateway is available.

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Portal

The Portal is a powerful router by itself. And when two Portals are used together, they become a Wi-Fi system with large coverage.

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D-Link Covr Wi-Fi system

The D-Link Covr Wi-Fi system looks like a standalone router and an extender, but don't be fooled by appearances. It offers seamless hand-off and other features that only a Wi-Fi system would have. It will be available in the second quarter of the year and costs $300, which converts to about £190 or AU$300.

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D-Link Covr Powerline Wi-Fi System

This system your home's electrical wiring to connect the two units. It's designed to work with an existing network. It will be available in the second quarter for $200, which converts to about £165 or AU$275.

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Luma

The Luma is an excellent alternative to the Eero. At CES, it was reintroduced with new features, including a smart parental control function. It's available now and costs $400 (about £325 or AU$550) for a set of three.

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Eero

This is the first Wi-Fi system on the market. It was re-introduced at CES 2017 with more features. It's available now and cost $500 (about £405 or AU$685) for a set of three.

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