Google Nest Wifi Pro - hardwiring

[eLtrix]

Hi guys,

Looking for some help regarding this matter if its possible.

The following is what I am trying to attempt.

ISP Modem -> Google Nest (1) WAN -> Google Nest (1) Ethernet Port -> Wall socket -> Wall Socket -> Google Nest (2) Wan Port

Would this work? I want to give my 2nd point a direct line to boost its speed and connectivity since it's still somewhat far apart (Point 1 is in the Garage and Point 2 is in the family room) or do I HAVE to get a switch for this to work?

I had tried ISP Modem -> Wall socket -> Wall Socket -> Google Nest (2) Wan Port 

And this did not work, the Router would not pulse blue to set up. Stayed yellow.

Thank you for your help.

[MichaelP]

Hello @eLtrix 

Do you know how those two wall sockets are connected to each other – or even if they are? Typically, the cables feeding wall socket Ethernet jacks end in a common location somewhere in the house, but need to be connected to each other through an Ethernet switch. It would not be impossible for two wall sockets to be connected directly to each other, but it would be pretty unusual. If you can find where those cables end, you may be able to drop an inexpensive (not a "smart" or "managed") switch in that location to get those wall sockets working. After that, either of your connection options outlined above should work.

[eLtrix]

Hi @MichaelP.

Thanks for your response.

So the wall sockets are definitely connected to each other by which appears to be just a super long ethernet cable run through the house.

Just to also add which I should've mentioned is that the first wall socket is in the garage and the second is in my living room.

I thought it'd work if I could just connect it directly from point 1 to wall, then on the other end to point 2.

But from what you're saying I must have a switch in-between point 1 and the wall socket first, is that correct?

[MichaelP]

Ok, if those two sockets are definitely connected to each other, you shouldn't need a switch in between. But, if it's not working, then there may be something wrong with that connection – either the cable itself, or how its terminated in one wall socket or the other. I would focus on testing that connection separately. I picked up an inexpensive cable tester that I use for things like this, but a couple of computers with Ethernet ports would at least show something.

[eLtrix]

So - I had an electrician come by to check - and they are indeed connected to each other however it's still not working. I'm wondering if I MUST have a switch now? The electrician had a tester and it was showing as working on it....

I even tried plugging it into my TV's ethernet port with no luck.

Either the wall socket is indeed stuffed or I have to get a switch for it to work... hmm

[MichaelP]

It's hard to know what's going on there, but using the TV Ethernet to test is a good idea. I think I'd try moving (secondary/point) Nest WiFi Router #2 into the same room as the (primary) Nest WiFi Router #1 and then connect a short, known-good Ethernet cable between the LAN port on #1 and either the WAN or LAN port on #2. Then check in the Google Home app to ensure it's showing as "wired" rather than "mesh" as the connection type. If it doesn't show "wired" with that very simple setup, try a different cable. If that still doesn't work, try the other port on unit #2. If that still doesn't work, I'd start to suspect the LAN port on #1 may be bad. If that is the case, you can actually try doing a complete factory reset of both units, then set up #2 as the new primary/router, and set up #1 as the new secondary/point. Then just use the WAN port on it and repeat the test.

However, if using a short, direct connection in the same room does show it connected as "wired", then there is either something wrong with the other cable you were using between the wall jack and the far device, or there is something wrong with the cable in the walls or the wall jacks themselves. That's less likely given the electrician has tested it, but it's not impossible, depending on the sophistication of the tester they used.