The Samsung SmartThings Wifi mesh system

Mesh routers aim to improve on traditional routers by having multiple access points that blanket the home with coverage. Brands have been fired up about this networking technology, and in 2018 consumers have a wide array to choose from. Now Samsung is joining the party.

Samsung is introducing SmartThings WiFi, a new mesh network system that also doubles as a SmartThings Hub. This time, however, Samsung isn’t going it alone, as the company did with its Connect Home router; instead, the Korean technology giant is focusing on the hardware and working with Plume for the AI-based WiFi management.

SmartThings WiFi is launching nationwide today as a three-pack for $279.99 or a single access point for $119.99. A three-node system supports up to 4,500 square feet, while a single node should be fine for smaller spaces up to 1,500 square feet.

From a networking perspective, Samsung has its ducks in a row. Each of the three access points can act as the primary base station, which is different from alternatives like Google WiFi or Ubiquiti’s AmpliFi, both of which have a designated primary base station that is generally larger in size than the “satellite” nodes.

Each node in the SmartThings system can broadcast dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) WiFi with MU-MIMO (multi-user, multi-input, and multi-output) tech. That’s some pretty modern wireless tech, but if you look closely at the spec sheet, this isn’t quite “gigabit” WiFi. The system meets the 802.11ac AC1300 WiFi standard, but that means maximum downlink and uplink is capped at 866Mbps on 5GHz and 400Mbps on 2.4GHz.

Samsung is mostly providing the hardware inside, while Plume provides its “adaptive WiFi” management system. Adaptive WiFi manages the network and optimizes the connection for each device. A user can set up the system via the SmartThings app or the Plume app. Plume pods require a subscription for adaptive WiFi, but a SmartThings WiFi buyer gets a free adaptive WiFi for the lifetime of the product. 

There is also Bluetooth 4.1, ZigBee, and Z-Wave connectivity onboard, giving the system some serious smart home chops. That’s expected, since Samsung is positioning SmartThings as its primary smart home play, and consumers can control compatible devices — including lighting, door locks, and more — from the same app.

We’ll have a full review of SmartThings WiFi soon.