ARRIS (NASDAQ:ARRS) has introduced the SURFboard mAX Pro Mesh WiFi System. The system is designed for gigabit and multi-gigabit connectivity throughout the home via tri-band, WiFi 6 (802.11ax), 4x4, and mesh.
The system adds a third, 5 GHz band to the dual bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) of 802.11ac. By freeing up the first two bands to communicate exclusively with devices in the home, the tri-band system is intended to be up to 180% faster than a comparable dual-band one.
The SURFboard mAX Pro System features WiFi 6 technology, designed to provide 400% faster speeds and four times the range of WiFi 5 (802.11ac). It's intended to provide a usable range of up to 6,000 square feet - or up to 3,000 square feet with a single SURFboard mAX Pro Router - to cover most multi-level homes.
The system features four WiFi 6 antennas (4x4) on each of its three bands to actively and automatically direct every device to the fastest possible connection. ARRIS's antenna technology doesn't require external antennas.
"The SURFboard mAX Pro System is a showcase for the future of connectivity," said Evan Groat, SVP and GM of Consumer Products Group, ARRIS. "It is the answer to consumer demand for the fastest speeds throughout the entire home. Gigabit is becoming table stakes, and we've combined the best networking technology available to ensure that consumers can use all the speed they pay for, on every device, in every room, for years to come."
Product features include:
- Quad-core 64-bit ARM processor @ 1.8 GHz
- Three 4x4 WiFi 6 radios, each with a 1.5 GHz ARM processor, AX11000
- Four-port gigabit Ethernet hub
- 2 Gbps WAN link aggregation
- Backward-compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- SURFboard mAX Manager app
- AP and band steering
- Compatible with Alexa
- 9.5" x 5" (height x diameter)
SURFboard mAX Pro Mesh WiFi System and SURFboard mAX Pro Mesh WiFi Router are expected to be available at retail in the first half of 2019. ARRIS plans to demonstrate the system at International CES in Las Vegas.