






ARRIS SURFboard MAX W130 AX7800 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System
- A couple routers to set up a mesh network
- No modem included
- Set up parental controls and monitor who’s on your network via the app
- The app works works with iOS and Android <14. We are told there is an app update being published within the next 2-3 weeks that will enable support for Android 14+
- Can it make a margarita: No, but it does make your WiFi stronger, and that goes great with a margarita (because everything goes great with a margarita)
Rerouting
Here’s what you need to know:
These things are routers and only routers.
Okay, actually, maybe that undersells them a bit. All we mean to say is that you will need a modem to go along with them. But you probably already have a modem. And that modem might have a router built right in.
So, why buy these at all? Because the router your internet service provider gave you probably sucks. Maybe it’s not super strong. Or maybe it’s just a matter of location. After all, your modem usually needs to be up against a wall and your router usually goes with your modem. And your house probably wasn’t built with a wifi signal in mind. Thus, your modem and router are downstairs in your living room–or, gasp, in the basement–and your home office might be upstairs at the opposite end of the house over top of the garage. So you might have a hard time getting a signal up there.
Or maybe there are just weird, unexplainable dark spots in your wifi.
Doesn’t matter why you want better coverage. The point is: it’s pretty easy to get it with these.
Basically, you get two big ol’ routers that you set up in strategic areas of your house to create a mesh network for better coverage. What’s a mesh network, you ask? Basically, it’s similar to a polyester network but not as sweaty. Wow, what a terrible joke, right? Anyway, a mesh network is what you call a system that involves a bunch of routers working together as a single network.
Great, right?
These also allow you, via an app, to establish parental controls, see what devices are on your network, and set up “rewards-based activities for your children.” Whatever that means.
Look, if you’re someone who’s moderately tech literate and just wants to scroll on your phone when you’re on the toilet that’s in the bathroom at the far end of the house from your modem, we feel confident saying this will work for you. If, on the other hand, you’re a total tech-head who needs a certain amount of coverage and speed to do what you do, be sure to read the specs and sound off in the comments if you think this thing’s up for the job. You definitely know more about this than our copywriter does, that’s for sure.
In conclusion: buy some routers if you want to set up a mesh network.