Asus Is Latest to Launch Wi-Fi Mesh Network System for Multi-Device Households

Asus entered the busy home Wi-Fi mesh networking space with the Lyra system, comprising a primary hub, satellite hubs, security software and an app for setup and control. Lyra is targeted to multiuser families with connected devices competing for Wi-Fi bandwidth and is said to improve coverage challenged by walls, floors and windows that create Wi-Fi dead spots. Lyra uses three bands: a 5 GHz one for communication between bands and a second 5 GHz and a 2.4 GHz -- for fast connections to devices, Asus said. Lyra’s Asus AiProtection, a commercial-grade network security system powered by Trend Micro Smart Home Network, uses an intrusion prevention system with a deep packet inspection engine that’s said to analyze the contents of all data packets entering or leaving the home network and block malicious and suspicious ones before they reach it. If the software detects an infected device on the network, it instantly blocks it to prevent personal information from being sent to malicious servers, it said. The Lyra app’s software manages each device, internet usage allowances and app permissions and presents them on a graph. Suggested retail price is $399.