Combining 2 Mesh Routers

[PReppucci62]

I have an existing Google Nest Mesh Wi-Fi in my Home with a Router and 2 Wi-Fi points.  It all works great.

I also have a separate Google Mesh Router Model GJ2CQ that I had at a different location but now don't need it there anymore, so I want to add it to my existing Home Wifi to extend/expand the coverage.   Is this possible?

Can I use this Router as a Wifi extended or should I just setup a separate Wifi with it?  I've tried adding it as a Wifi point but it will not connect?

[MichaelP]

Hello @PReppucci62 

Yes, you should be able to use that older Google WiFi unit as part of a Nest WiFi system. To do that, you'll need to factory reset it first, though. Here's a support page with all of the details: https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/6246619?hl=en 

If that Google WiFi system isn't currently up and running and managed via Google Home, you will have to use the physical reset button method described on that page. Unfortunately, the details may be different depending on the version of firmware on the device, but if it was only recently shut down, it should have the latest firmware and you should be able to follow the first set of steps in that section. Note that factory reset can take a really long time, so wait until it completes before trying to start setup again in the new system.

[PReppucci62]

Thanks for the response Michael.  I did exactly that and it worked.  It took a couple of tries but it eventually found the device and connected it. 

On another note, the connection is a little weak as it's located in my garage and the app suggested to move it closer to the router, but that's not possible.  It is closer to another wifi point, so I thought that would aid the connection, but it didn't seem to.  Any thoughts?

[MichaelP]

Hello @PReppucci62 

I'm glad to hear you got it to work. As for the connection quality, that's a consequence of the 802.11s mesh protocol selecting "fewest hops" for traffic rather than going through a nearby intermediate. Keep in mind, the mesh traffic is all on one 5GHz channel (and that channel is also used for 5GHz client traffic). So, going through an intermediate would require retransmitting the data back out on the same channel again, making it less efficient than just going direct under most conditions.

What I would suggest is thinking about running an Ethernet cable from the primary Nest WiFi Router's LAN Ethernet port (or an Ethernet switch that's connected to it) to the garage and then connecting the Google WiFi unit out there to it. That way you're bypassing the wireless mesh entirely and sending the traffic back via Ethernet instead. This works really well for situations that have distant areas or outbuildings you want to get covered.

[Alex_S]

Hi there,

We appreciate your help here, @MichaelP.

@PReppucci62, I wanted to follow up and see if you are still in need of any help. Have you had the chance to try MichaelP’s suggestion above? If yes, how is it?

Regards,
Alex

[LovelyM]

Hello all,

We want to ensure you are good to go. Please reply to this thread with the information asked above if you still need assistance so we can give you a helping hand.

Cheers,
Lovely

[PReppucci62]

Michael's suggestion worked great.  I think I mentioned that in the response to him but stating it here again.  I have the other mesh router now working as part of my original mesh network.  Thanks.

[Alex_S]

Hi PReppucci62,
 

As we've got our resolution here, I'm going to mark this thread as resolved. I'll be locking this thread soon. Should you have other questions or concerns, you know where to find us. Feel free to create a new thread, we’d be more than happy to assist you.

Warmly,
Alex