topic Re: Hardwired Google WiFi with new Nest wifi pro in Nest Wifi

Hardwired Google WiFi with new Nest wifi pro

ArmyCore — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 14:05:20 GMT

I currently have 4 Google WiFi points in the house. The router is centralized and two of the points are within mesh range. The final point is way out in the yard next to the RV and is hardwired back to the house.

This setup works fine, but I want to upgrade to the Nest WiFi pro. Does anyone know if I'll be able to keep the same Google WiFi point hardwired back to the new Nest wifi pro router? Everything I can find says their mesh connectivity is not compatible, but nothing mentions hardwiring, as I believe that would be a different communication protocol.

Thanks for your help!

Re: Hardwired Google WiFi with new Nest wifi pro

MichaelP — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 14:51:00 GMT

Hello @ArmyCore

I don't believe this will work. In order to be part of the same network, the access point needs to join a compatible system. Nest WiFi Pro and Google WiFi are not compatible.

Re: Hardwired Google WiFi with new Nest wifi pro

mdupser99 — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 16:35:51 GMT

In ArmyCore's scenario... if he replaces all the Google WiFi points with Google eNest WiFi Pros can he still have a hardwired point (next to his RV)? Meaning does the Pro series support hardwired Points?

Asking because I have a similar hardwired scenario that I am trying to develop Nest WiFi Pros now.

The primary building where ISP comes in has the Nest WiFi Pro Router
Second building - Cat6 hardwired where I want to put the first Nest WiFi Pro point
Third building - Cat6 hardwired where I want to put the second Nest WiFi Pro point
Forth building - Cat6 hardwired where I want to put the third Nest WiFi Pro point

Another thread indicated i must first set up the points to be in the wireless mesh before moving them to the hardwired connection.

Struggling with getting this to work.

Re: Hardwired Google WiFi with new Nest wifi pro

ArmyCore — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 16:44:58 GMT

I remember now, when setting up the Google WiFi, that I plugged them all in next to each other and got them connected, then dispersed them. When I added the RV one later on I set it up in the house, wirelessly, then brought it out and hardwired it.

Re: Hardwired Google WiFi with new Nest wifi pro

MichaelP — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 16:45:16 GMT

Hello @mdupser99

Yes, the Nest WiFi Pro supports wired secondaries. All of the previous rules and advice apply:

all wired secondaries should be set up near the primary first, then tested via Ethernet before moving to the remote location
wired secondaries must connect to to a wired network rooted in the primary's LAN Ethernet port – they cannot be connected to the same "outer" network as the primary's WAN Ethernet port
stick to using inexpensive unmanaged Ethernet switches to avoid known issues with spanning tree protocol / loop detection

If you are having trouble, break the system down to the simplest possible configuration first (secondary that's already been added to the mesh connected directly to the primary's LAN Ethernet port via a known-good, short cable). Verify it works and shows as "wired" in the connection type. Then introduce the first switch and test again (using short cables). Then move to longer cables between buildings. I also like putting a small switch in each remote location at the end of the long cable run to improve electrical isolation and improve the chances of saving the more expensive access point in the event of a nearby lightning strike. By testing in between each of these steps, you can isolate the source of any issue and focus on solving it.

Re: Hardwired Google WiFi with new Nest wifi pro

ArmyCore — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 16:46:38 GMT

I'm remembering now how I originally set them up. Thank you!

Re: Hardwired Google WiFi with new Nest wifi pro

ArmyCore — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 16:48:10 GMT

Do you recommend disabling spanning tree protocols on managed switches? Are there any other features I should disable to improve communication?

Re: Hardwired Google WiFi with new Nest wifi pro

MichaelP — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 16:51:17 GMT

Hello @ArmyCore

If you already have smart/managed switches, you will need to disable spanning tree protocol / loop detection in order to wire any secondaries. Unfortunately, on some switches this may not be sufficient. Some switches will also need to have STP BPDU flooding enabled in addition to disabling participation in STP. If you have Cisco switches... good luck. I've seen one person make those work, but it was... difficult.

Re: Hardwired Google WiFi with new Nest wifi pro

ArmyCore — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 16:56:35 GMT

I have an older 2960 that I've been using for several months. This might explain some of the connection issues I've been having. It works about 97% of the time. Streaming is fine, but video calls and some online gaming will get random lag or interruptions unless I tell the WiFi to prioritize a device.

I'll give this a try!

Re: Hardwired Google WiFi with new Nest wifi pro

mdupser99 — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 18:25:39 GMT

Thank you MichaelP. I will follow your recommendations and check my switch.

Re: Hardwired Google WiFi with new Nest wifi pro

sjbauer001 — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 19:59:21 GMT

i am trying to improve mesh connections using wires. which point connection do i plug into? on the source end to i connect to the google wifi or the modem or the switch system?

thanks

steve

Re: Hardwired Google WiFi with new Nest wifi pro

MichaelP — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 20:03:14 GMT

Hello @sjbauer001

You might spend some time reading through this more detailed help article to get started on this: https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/7215624?hl=en

But, the short version is, your "primary" is the only one connected directly to your internet service (modem) through its WAN (globe icon) Ethernet port. The other "LAN" Ethernet port should be connected to an unmanaged Ethernet switch. From there you can run cables to locations where your secondary access points are. Those can be connected to the switched network via either their WAN or LAN ports, but I would pick one and stick with it (so I use the WAN port on secondaries).

Re: Hardwired Google WiFi with new Nest wifi pro

sjbauer001 — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 20:58:19 GMT

thank you Michael P

immense help and improved my understanding of how it should be done

Re: Hardwired Google WiFi with new Nest wifi pro

mdupser99 — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 23:51:34 GMT

ArmyCore... silly question but what port do i plug the network cable into on the Secondary (point) when connecting it to the primary's LAN port? Do i use the secondary's LAN port or the Secondary's WAN port?

Re: Hardwired Google WiFi with new Nest wifi pro

ArmyCore — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 00:18:40 GMT

I disabled STP, but my 2960S didn't have an option for BPDU flooding. Is there anything else I should check? It still appears to be running. I'll know if network quality improves within a couple of days.

Re: Hardwired Google WiFi with new Nest wifi pro

ArmyCore — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 14:08:31 GMT

I think I used the WAN.

Re: Hardwired Google WiFi with new Nest wifi pro

MichaelP — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 16:18:51 GMT

Hello @ArmyCore

I am not familiar with 2960 details, but if you have disabled STP on it (something I believe some Cisco switches can't do), and you don't see any other options regarding STP BPDU flooding, I would see how it goes. Make sure your wired secondaries are showing as "wired" for their connection type and run a mesh test – they should all show "great" as the test result.

Re: Hardwired Google WiFi with new Nest wifi pro

ArmyCore — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 18:35:04 GMT

They showed great before disabling STP as well. Only one is currently wired and still showed great.

Thank you so much for your help!

Re: Hardwired Google WiFi with new Nest wifi pro

AbigailF — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 06:38:24 GMT

Hey folks,

Thanks for lending a hand, @MichaelP.
To everyone having this issue, I wanted to follow up and see if you are still in need of any help. Please let me know if you are still having any concerns or questions from here, as I would be happy to take a closer look and assist you further.

Thanks,
Abi

Re: Hardwired Google WiFi with new Nest wifi pro

ArmyCore — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 13:43:31 GMT

I'm still having issues with a managed switch in my network at home. I turned off STP as recommended and it seemed to get worse. So I switched back to a small unmanaged switch until I can get a larger rack mount device.

I also believe that the Google WiFi is underpowered for routing the number of points and devices that are in use. I have considered upgrading the main point to a nest wifi point, but am unsure if that will gain the benefits I desire.

I think I need to get the Nest Wifi pro to get the results I want, but am weary in making the investment without more technical documentation on the device.

Can you provide technical details on the Nest Wifi and the Nest wifi pro?

Thank you!