The website 9to5Google reported back in June that Google is preparing a new mesh router in the Google/Nest Wifi series that will feature WiFi 6E capability. 

“According to a source, the company’s next router will see a return to the unified design of the original Google Wifi,” the report said. “Like before, you’ll be able to buy the next Nest Wifi in packs of one, two, or three, depending on the needs of your home. So far, we are unable to confirm whether the new router will feature a Google Assistant smart speaker like its predecessor.”

Now, the same site has reported that the new product has shown up for approval at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and includes WiFI 6E. 

“The previous Nest Wifi system only supported the older Wi-Fi 5 standard, despite releasing around the same time that Wi-Fi 6 devices began to arrive. Google is clearly remedying that missing spec—which in theory could get your network up to 9.6Gbps connection speed—while also going a step further by supporting Wi-Fi 6E,” the 9to5Google report said. 

The report added that Google requested that details of the product be kept confidential for six months. It’s not clear when such a product might ultimately appear in stores. 

Wi-Fi 6 arrived on the scene in 2019, with the first products arriving the following year. And Wi-Fi 6E wasn’t far behind. The new tech was made possible from an April 2020 vote by the FCC to approve the use of 1,200 Megahertz of spectrum for unlicensed use, which was to be filled with WI-Fi 6E. Since then, most major router manufacturers have rolled out products featuring the technologies. It’s also been featured in such smartphones as the Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, and Plus. 

“Worldwide interoperability for Wi-Fi 6E devices promotes rapid adoption and innovation in 6 GHz,” Edgar Figueroa, president and CEO of the Wi-Fi Alliance, said back in 2021. “Users will soon experience unprecedented Wi-Fi that significantly improves applications and delivers new use cases that will change their connected experiences.”

This May, Figueroa continued to tout the success of the Wi-Fi 6 technology. 

“Wi-Fi 6E is widely available and here today and Wi-Fi Alliance® members are seeing strong demand that will continue for years to come,” the CEO said this spring. “Wi-Fi Alliance has certified more than 400 Wi-Fi 6E devices, equating to hundreds of thousands of interoperable Wi-Fi devices that are already delivering a high-quality user experience.”

Stephen Silver, a technology writer for The National Interest, is a journalist, essayist and film critic, who is also a contributor to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philly Voice, Philadelphia Weekly, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Living Life Fearless, Backstage magazine, Broad Street Review and Splice Today. The co-founder of the Philadelphia Film Critics Circle, Stephen lives in suburban Philadelphia with his wife and two sons. Follow him on Twitter at @StephenSilver.

Image: Reuters.