Can’t set bridge mode on nest router

[Sammy1976]

So I just got used mesh nest devices. Poc imho. I want to use the nest as an ap. Spoiler alert you cannot. So I decided to use only one device and not the points. Well I can’t even set it to bridged mode. I select bridge mode and save it, but it won’t stay. Garbage for my set up. In the trash it does. 

[catheryn]

Hi @Sammy1976, 

Thanks for bringing your concern to our attention and posting it in the community. I'm really sorry to hear about the inconvenience you are experiencing with the bridge mode on your Nest mesh devices. 

I understand that even when you try to set this mode this feature doesn't stay. No worries, let's work on it. 

Before giving you any advice please share the following information: 

• What is your Internet Service Provider? 
• Can you verify the WiFi device receives a private IP address?

In the meantime, please try the next: 

The best solution for double NAT is to enable bridge mode on the modem and router combo. Do the following:

• Open an internet browser, then enter the router’s IP address in the address bar.
• Log into the router or modem and router combo.
• Find its settings to enable bridge mode.

Let me know how this goes and we will find a resolution together. 

Regards, 

Catheryn. 

[Sammy1976]

Thank you Catheryn, my network at home is not like the regular home network. 

1) I have two ISPs both handing off private IP addresses to a Fortigate firewall high available cluster for redundancy. The Cluster is made up of two FG60F firewalls. All my wifis are plugged into a Cisco stack switch. My stack switch hands off IP addresses to my wifi clients except for my IOTS including all my streaming devices, in that case the Fortigate hands out IP addresses so the IOTs are isolated at layer 3 from the rest of my home network. only trusted devices get IP addresses from the Cisco stack switch and are able to communicate to devices like printers. The IOTs cannot communicate internally although all Wifi devices uses a password and WPA2

I have three different wifi networks (both the ISPS are broadcasting but I only use them to test) including a different vendors' mesh system. Except for Google, I have no issues running them as APs. Nest is the only one that wont let me do it even if the router is the only one set up as a bridge or as an AP. Nest is terrible and I dont recommend it, but I have it so I am "stuck" with it.  I "compromised" and use it as my guest wifi where I dont really care if it is a router as I use it for guests and for my streaming devices like Roku on each level of my house so it works out and double nat is not an issue, actually in that case its triple NAT.  Device>nest (nat 1)>Nest>firewall (nat 2)>firewall>isp (nat3). No issues with streaming so ......

[catheryn]

Hello @Sammy1976!

Thanks for your reply and the additional information. 

Let's break down potential issues with your Nest Wi-Fi:

• Double NAT: As you've mentioned, your Nest Wi-Fi is subjected to triple NAT, which can indeed cause various network issues, including slow speeds, connectivity problems, and difficulty accessing certain services.
• Vendor Restrictions: Some network vendors, including Google, may impose limitations on how their devices can be configured. This could be due to security concerns, licensing restrictions, or other reasons.
• Firewall Interference: Your Fortigate firewall, while providing robust security, might be interfering with the Nest Wi-Fi's communication. Certain ports or protocols might be blocked or restricted, preventing the Nest Wi-Fi from functioning as expected.
• Simplify the Nest Wi-Fi Configuration: If possible, try to simplify the Nest Wi-Fi setup. Use it as a standalone Wi-Fi system, avoiding the bridge or AP mode. This might help mitigate some of the NAT-related issues.

Let me know how this goes and we will find a resolution together. 

Thanks, 

Catheryn

[Sammy1976]

Re Triple NAT, exactly thats why I wanted bridge mode since that eliminates one NAT. as for simlyfying my network well other vendors wifi works just fine in my network (I sometimes get over 600 meg up/down if I am using wify and am close to my AP, for comparison, when I am hardwired I get 900 up/down). 

The nest wont let me do bridge mode and mesh. I have a TPlink doing mesh and I can do bridge mode (make it an AP) and it works just fine. I am using two different mesh so separate my IOTs  from my "normal"  users. For now the Nest is using triple NAT (going through the firewall and I can still get 600 meg in my speed tests) and I see no issues with the applications I am using on that Wifi via the Nest so I adapted I guess. I will never buy another Nest though, I am totally underwhelmed by the features and I am a simple user. 

[catheryn]

Hi @Sammy1976,

Thanks for your reply and the additional information. 

I understand your frustration and I apologize for the inconvenience it may be causing. To assist you better, we'll need some additional information. 

I'm sending you a secure link where you can provide all the necessary details. Fill out this form with all the information required and make sure to leave your Community Thread and Community Username.

Once you've completed the form, please let me know. This will allow us to investigate the issue further and find a solution.

Regards, 

Catheryn