Extend Nest Wifi pro with wired connections?

[Timmct]

I have Ethernet ports throughout my home. Instead of relying on bouncing the WiFi connection for a mesh network, it seems hardwire would be faster and more reliable. Can I hardwire additional Nest WiFi Pros as WiFi access points?

Attempted scenario: FROM modem TO Nest WiFi Pro Router WAN port. Then, FROM Nest WiFi Pro Router LAN port TO a switch. Then, FROM the switch branching to multiple Nest WiFi Pros. Assuming this works, would the wired input of downstream Pros be the WAN or the LAN port?

I have wired it into the LAN port of two Pros, and it is functioning, but I can't tell if it is using WiFi mesh or the hardwiring. Thoughts?

Thanks!

[olavrb · Accepted solution]

Wired backhaul is supported.

• https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/7215624?hl=en

Here is I diagram I made earlier:

• https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Nest-Wifi/Ethernet-backhaul/m-p/284073/highlight/true#M31892

For secondary Nest Wifi units, both the LAN or WAN port should work, but I prefer using the WAN port.

One common issue is when getting a managed or smart switch with conflicting features, like loop detection, STP. What switch do you have?

For checking if a secondary unit uses wired or wireless backhaul: Go to the Nest Wifi unit in question in the Google Home app, it will say there what is used.

[Timmct]

This is exactly what I need. The diagram displays it perfectly. I will use the WAN ports on the downstream Nest Wifi Pro units.

Thank you for your help and concise response!

[olavrb]

Perfect, you are welcome. 🙂

[StevenDholt]

Do you have a recommended switch for the nest pro?

I currently have the nest pro unit and having a lot of buffering in only a 1800 sq ft house. I have a 1gig connection and getting 900 from the connected router but the next to points say " Weak connection" even if I place all 3 in a row, it keeps telling me to move the other two closer so I'm assuming going hardwired is my only solution. Thanks

[olavrb]

I've only good experiences with Netgear GS108 and TP-Link TG-SG108.

[Jeff]

Hey Timmct,

It looks like olavrb was able to provide some great info and help here. I just wanted to check in and see if everything worked out as you had hoped and to see if you still needed any help. If there's more you might need, just let me know.

Thanks,
Jeff

[AbigailF]

Hi Timmct,

We’d like to check in again in case you have any further questions or concerns. Feel free to reply to this thread and we’ll help you out.

Best, 
Abi

[AbigailF]

Hello Timmct,

I'm just checking in to make sure that you've seen our response. Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns as I will be locking this in 24 hours.

Regards,
Abi

[Aperelstein]

Hi. Quick question. Setting up a wired backhaul by adding additional access points to my Google nest pro. How should I add new APs? Should I look for the device WITHOUT the ethernet cable, pair with the network and then (after pairing was made through wifi) plug ethernet cable? I was trying to add the device as an AP with the ethernet cable plugged in and isn't working. 

[olavrb]

Both methods should work. What error do you get? Using an iOS or Android device for the setup? What switch do you got?

[Aperelstein]

Thanks for responding. I'm using an android device. 

It is strange. It freezes when it starts "adding the device to the wifi network". 

Just to make sure. I go to device-add device - new device - I select the corresponding house - finds the device - qr scanning.

I'm missing something? 

[olavrb]

Sounds like you are doing it right. What phone, Android version, Google Home app version?

Try with a different Android or iOS device, logged in to the Google Home app with the same Google account?

I'll paste in my general response when people have problems with adding additional devices, there are some more things to try in there.

---

Here is some general advice if you're having problems with adding additional units to the network.

The general set up guidance walk you through how to add additional units:
• https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9548301?hl=en

If you're using an iOS or iPadOS for the setup, see the following:
• https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/12961504?hl=en

For whatever device you use for setup (iOS, iPadOS or Android), make sure any VPN are disabled, and that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled. Also make sure to use the latest version of the Google Home app.

Some other tips that can help:
• Place the unit you're trying to add close to the primary unit during the setup process. When setup is done and unit has updated itself and rebooted, unplug its' power and move it where you want it.
• If the additional unit also has ethernet ports, try to connect its' WAN port to the primary/main/master unit's LAN port with an ethernet cable during setup.
• IPv6 has caused trouble in the past when adding additional units. Try to disable IPv6 in the Google Home app -> WiFi (icon) -> Network settings -> Advanced networking. Keep it disabled until unit is added. Enable IPv6 again if you need it.
• If the unit you're trying to add isn't brand new, make sure it's factory reset ( https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/6246619?hl=en ) and ready for setup.
• Try the setup process from a different iOS, iPadOS or Amdroid unit. Make sure to use the same Google account inside the Google Home app.
• Make sure not to run double NAT, as it can cause strange problems and performance degradation ( https://dongknows.com/double-nat-vs-single-nat/ ). Disable the routing functionality, DHCP, firewall and Wi-Fi in any equipment in front of the first/main/master Nest Wifi unit.
• Don't mix the new Nest Wifi Pro with older Google Wifi and Nest Wifi, as it's not backwards compatible.

Be aware that Nest Wifi units are made for different countries/regions in order to comply with Wi-Fi regulations (frequencies, channels and signal strength). Mixing units made for different regions are not supported. The Google Home app should warn you if that's the case, but it doesn't always do that.

[Aperelstein]

You rock! It worked. Only one remaining issue I can't not work out. One of the access points keeps blinking in yellow. Already restored factory settings and RE configure the AP to the network but keeps blinking. Any idea? 

[olavrb]

Great to hear. 🙂

Heres info on what the light mean:

• https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/6191584?hl=en

If you don't figure it out, create a new thread, rather than continuing in this old one.

[LovelyM]

Hi folks,

Your help here is greatly appreciated, @olavrb. 

@Aperelstein, thanks for posting. It seems like your questions were already addressed. I want to make sure that everything is covered on your end. Feel free to reply to this thread if you have additional questions or concerns.

Cheers,
Lovely

[LovelyM]

Hello Aperelstein,

I wanted to follow up and 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.

Best, 
Lovely

[LovelyM]

Hey Aperelstein,

It's me again. I'll be locking this thread in the next 24 hours. If you have new issues, updates or discussion topics, feel free to start a new thread here in the Community.

Thanks, 
Lovely