Is Nest Thermostat compatible with WiFi 6?

[DarkRayne7]

I had my Nest Thermostat connected to WiFi, but had to have my router replaced. I was given a WiFi 6 router. My Google Home and Nest Minis connected fine, but the Nest Thermostat won't connect. I select the network and enter the password, but it always tells me the connection has failed. I reset the Thermostat and even did a factory reset. It still won't connect. Any help would be appreciated! 

[CoolingWizard]

The nest is only compatible with 802.11 b/g/n 2.4gHz and 5gHz.  WiFi 6 routers are 802.11 ax and typically to make the router support 802.11 ac or g, you loose the high speed you get with WiFi 6. Most router makers will allow you to define an 802.11 g at 5gHz but you loose the 802.11 ax very high megabit speeds. 

The AC Cooling Wizard

[jeffrb]

So this is inaccurate. 802.11 ax radios are 100% backwards compatible with older standards. Worst case, check in your router settings page for a "wifi 6 mode" or "wifi 5 mode" toggle. It depends on the manufacturer what name is used. It is sometimes turned off by default because it can use more processing power on the router, however it won't slow down the other devices. significantly(if at all).  @CoolingWizard is probably thinking of 802.11ac, which did have these sort of issues. AC used only 5ghz, while AX uses both 2.4 and 5ghz. As long as the router is certified for Wifi 6/802.11ax, it will be not have issues. 

[CoolingWizard]

I have a bachelors of science degree in electrical engineering. I used to work for 12 years with Cisco systems in the design area. Any router including an AC router and a WiFi 6 router, can support, the b n and g modes.  However, from an engineering standpoint, the the buffering architecture cannot support the radios running at a much lower speed and supporting the 802.11 ax high speeds at the same time. It’s a proven fact. Yes they are backwards compatible however, there are penalties for operating an wifi 6 router at a 802.11 b/g/n. Just check with the router manufacturer.

AC Cooling Wizard

[jeffrb]

With all due respect, I do not care what your credentials are, so don't be a jerk. It doesn't help anyone.

Just for curiosity, I did check with the both Asus and Netgear. The "penalties" are minimal. With a modern router that supports 802.11 AX(essentially all Asus, Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys routers made within the past 3 years or so) , the processing power does increase, however it will make a minimal difference as the processors onboard have the ability to handle it. My point is, the speed difference will be so minimal you likely will not notice.

As for the original question, the first step would be to check whether or not there is a setting that can enable the required bands. You could also go with a second router which you dedicate only to the nest thermostat, and then bridge it to your main router, but at that point it seems overly complicated.

[Jake]

Hey DarkRayne7,

Thanks for the helpful replies CoolingWizard.

I wanted to follow up. Please let me know if you are still having any trouble from here, as I would be happy to take a closer look and assist you further. 

Best regards,
Jake

[Jake]

Hi DarkRayne7,

I wanted to check in and see if you are still in need of any help. Please let me know, as I would be happy to assist, and answer any questions you may have.

Best regards,
Jake

[DarkRayne7]

No, thank you! I think the short answer is no, its not compatible. I didn't want to get in the middle of the argument lol. I appreciate everyone's insight! 

[Jeran]

Hiya DarkRayne7,

No problem at all; thank you for your help on this everyone! I'll go ahead and lock this thread in 24 hours. If you have any more questions in the future, feel free to create a new thread.

Have a good one!

Best regards,
Jeran