Add 5 port POE switch to Google Nest WiFi Pro?

[GlennK]

I’d like to add a 5 port POE switch to my Ethernet backhauled Nest WiFi Pro home network. Can I get 1 of my WiFi Pro access points to allow my switch to access the Internet and act as controller for my POE devices?

[David_K · Accepted solution]

As long as you install the switch downstream of your primary Wifi point, absolutely, just make sure its an unmanaged switch (i.e., not one that requires configuration). This is in fact exactly what I have in my own setup.

You'd connect an ethernet cable from your Wifi point to any port on the switch. Then connect your other devices via ethernet cable to the switch, which will give those devices internet access via your Wifi point. 

Hardwire Wifi devices with Ethernet - Google Nest Help

[David_K · Accepted solution]

As long as you install the switch downstream of your primary Wifi point, absolutely, just make sure its an unmanaged switch (i.e., not one that requires configuration). This is in fact exactly what I have in my own setup.

You'd connect an ethernet cable from your Wifi point to any port on the switch. Then connect your other devices via ethernet cable to the switch, which will give those devices internet access via your Wifi point. 

Hardwire Wifi devices with Ethernet - Google Nest Help

[GlennK]

That's terrific! Thank you very much.

1 follow on question (forgive me if this question is too far beyond WiFi Pro):
Is there a way to add a firewall to the unmanaged switch, such that someone cannot connect to the ethernet line downstream from the switch to gain access to my Nest WiFi Pro LAN (laptops, printer, etc.) inside the house?

Again, thank you David.

[David_K · Accepted solution]

Highly unlikely you'll get that in an unmanaged switch. The whole point of an unmanaged switch is it has no fancy settings or config. I'm not saying you can't use a managed switch but my experience is you're likely to have to play with its settings to get it to play nicely with Nest Wifi.

[LovelyM]

Hello everyone,

Thank you, @David_K, for the answer that you provided. 

@GlennK, I want to see if you are still in need of any help. Please let me know if you are still having trouble from here, as I would be happy to take a closer look and assist you further.

Regards,
Lovely

[Alex_S]

Hi there,

I'm jumping in to ensure everything is good here. Feel free to let us know if you have more questions about this.

Best,
Alex

[Alex_S]

Hey GlennK,
 

We haven't heard from you in a while, so we'll be locking this thread if there is no update within 24 hours. If you need assistance or want to discuss topics, feel free to start a new thread.

Kind regards,
Alex