topic Re: Mixed Google Mesh / Nest Mesh APs - Change Primary? in Nest Wifi

Mixed Google Mesh / Nest Mesh APs - Change Primary?

stevedp — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 19:27:10 GMT

I have had a Google Mesh router for some time, and a while back, wanted to add a couple of pucks. By that time, they had moved to the Nest mesh model, which are compatible. I added those, and I constantly notice that regardless of mobile device, laptop, etc., if I'm connected to one of the Nest pucks, my speeds are about a quarter of what they are when I'm on the primary/router puck (the old Google version), even if I place them in direct line of sight.

I read something online that makes me think that I could get better performance if I make the Nest router the primary, and make the old Google Mesh router one of the satellites. But it looks like the only way to do that is a factory reset.

If I do this, and reprogram the new network SSID to be the same as what I have now, will my 30 or so devices automatically reconnect to that same SSID, or does something within the system register as being a new/different network, and I'll have to touch all 30 devices?

Re: Mixed Google Mesh / Nest Mesh APs - Change Primary?

kiltguy2112 — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 20:24:39 GMT

It should be fine as long as you use the same encryption method.

Re: Mixed Google Mesh / Nest Mesh APs - Change Primary?

olavrb — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 20:29:34 GMT

Nest Wifi router has faster wifi, more RAM and a more powerfull CPU. Makes sense to have it as primary.

https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/6280668?hl=en

You're also right about how to replace the primary: All Google/ Nest Wifi pucks must be reset. As long as SSID (wifi name) and password is identical to your existing network, devices will reconnect by themselves.

Related docs:

Related threads:

https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Nest-Wifi/Replacing-Google-WiFi-Router-with-nest-Wi-Fi-router/m-p/4783

Re: Mixed Google Mesh / Nest Mesh APs - Change Primary?

stevedp — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 03:19:08 GMT

Thank you! This worked fine for me. Unfortunately, my speed tests don't seem to have improved, but I did not have issues resetting and having everything reconnect without re-entering passwords on all devices.

Re: Mixed Google Mesh / Nest Mesh APs - Change Primary?

Jeff — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 23:31:16 GMT

Hey, everyone.

It's been a while since we had any activity in here, so I wanted to do a quick check to make sure everyone was all set before I mark this one as resolved. If you still need anything, please let me know and I'll keep the thread open.

Thanks.

Re: Mixed Google Mesh / Nest Mesh APs - Change Primary?

stevedp — Sat, 05 Feb 2022 23:51:10 GMT

I think it can be closed. I am still concerned that although the mesh tests show "Great Connection", there is massive speed loss with each progressive hop of access point from the main access point. Main access point (Nest) in the basement is about 800 mbps (what I'm paying for from AT&T), main floor (Nest) gets to about 300 mbps, and upstairs (original Google Mesh) is about 100 mbps.

Re: Mixed Google Mesh / Nest Mesh APs - Change Primary?

Jeff — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 18:43:45 GMT

Hi, stevedp.

We'll go ahead and close up the thread for now, but definitely feel free to come back and start up a new thread if anything changes or if you have any additional questions or concerns.

Thanks!