Google Nest devices

[Martin3]

Hi everybody,

as an Android user, I would like to know if Google Nest devices as THREAD CERTIFIED PRODUCTS

(listed here: https://www.threadgroup.org/What-is-Thread/Thread-Benefits) 

are currently supporting Thread ( low-power wireless mesh networking protocol designed for easy integration in the connected home). 

The reason I am asking is that some Thread manufacturers notified me that the support is coming soon (https://help-test.nanoleaf.me/en-US/essentials-thread-and-border-routers-15563). What does it mean (when)?

On the other side, Google itself is explaining that the Google Nest Wifi router and Wifi point are equipped with the ability to join an existing Thread network and participate as a Thread Router. 

https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9649361?hl=en

I am pretty confused in this regard.  Can someone explain to me, the current status?

Thanks a lot.

Regards,

Martin,   #########

[Jeff]

Hi, Martin3.

Thanks for posting your question here in the community. So the answer is a bit of a mix. The Google WiFi and Nest WiFi devices are able to expand mesh networking, but only within mesh networks that are using Google or Nest WiFi points and routers. You won't be able to add a Google or Nest point into a network that is using other brands or vice versa and have them communicate properly. So while it's a closed system within Google and Nest routers and points, the system itself is always expandable by adding more WiFi points.

I don't know if that explains everything you were asking, so feel free to ask if there's more you need to know.

Thanks.

[Martin3]

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for your expert advice. If I have it right,  I have to wait till Google will announce that it accedes to the Matter standard? And these corrective actions will not be completed before mid of this year?

Thanks.

Regards,

Martin

[Jeff]

Hey, Martin3.

I can tell you at this time there are no plans to make the Google WiFi nor Nest WiFi systems compatible with other WiFi network integration. While it's a feature request I can pass along to our internal teams, right now there are no plans to support extending other mesh systems or vice versa.

Thanks.

[dijewa]

Hi Jeff,

You have misunderstood Martin3's question, which has nothing to do with expanding his WiFi network or mixing other WiFi mesh products. I have the same question as him.

Google Nest WiFi have additional radios in them to support home automation using the Bluetooth and / or Thread protocols to connect to devices like smart light bulbs. While this works using Bluetooth for devices that support Google's Seamless Setup protocol, the range and reliability of Bluetooth is poor.

What we'd like to know is: when will Google enable us to use the Thread radio in the Google Nest Wifi to communicate with devices like the Nanoleaf Essentials bulbs? This bulb in particular already supports Seamless Setup over Bluetooth, and all the hardware is in place on both devices to communicate using the more reliable Thread network instead. The Nest itself is Thread Certified and already has the ability to participate in existing Thread networks as a border router between the Thread and WiFi networks, as per Martin3's link to Google's own documentation, so there's software on the Nest WiFi that supports Thread as well.

I suspect that all that is required is for Google to support the establishment of a new Thread network, rather than only joining an existing one, to enable us to control the Thread devices using the manufacturer's own apps. I can understand that Google might be targeting full integration into the Home app for Thread devices (probably via the Matter/CHIP home automation protocol) before enabling the full Border Router capabilities on the Nest WiFi, but this is extremely frustrating for us users given the Nest WiFi can already work with Thread if there's a HomeKit on the network for example.

Apologies for the rambly explanation, I hope this explains the feature request a bit better. It does not relate to WiFi, it is partially supported already if non-Google devices have created the network first, and it is something Google has committed to (for example in this recent keynote: https://eventsonair.withgoogle.com/events/smarthomesummit2021?talk=welcome-emea )

[Martin3]

Hi Jeff,

please find enclosed my last response as I don´t wanna bother you with my requests. However, you are my important source as I have not so much information in Slovakia. I am only really disappointed with your response as there are so many articles that Google will work with Matter/Thread and I am an Android user ( I don´t wanna switch to Apple).  Right now I am much more confused about what to do, what to buy as I would like to focus on Matter/Thread ecosystem.  Anyway, thanks a lot - I guess I have to wait for what's gonna happen this year regarding Matter implementation.

[dijewa]

Hi Martin3,

I'm stuck in the same situation as you. I have three Nanoleaf lights and can only use them with Bluetooth. My friend has a HomeKit and an Eero mesh and his Nanoleaf lights work over Thread with those devices.

I'm wondering if I can borrow his HomeKit and join my Nest WiFi mesh to its thread network, will they continue to act as a border router after I remove the HomeKit? In any case, Google's documentation seems to be out of date - the thread commissioning app is so old it doesn't seem to work properly on modern Android.

If I have any luck I will try to remember to post back here 🙂

[Martin3]

Hi  "dijewa"

Please, be so kind as to not forget to post here any response in this regard.

I really appreciate your help 👍

[dijewa]

Hi Martin3,

I folded and bought some Nanoleaf Shapes to use as a Thread Border Router 😅. The 5 pack of hexagons looks like the cheapest option. It took a while to get Thread working but once all the firmware was up to date things started working. I was surprised to find Google Home struggles to control these devices once they move to the Thread network, even though that should still happen using Bluetooth.

I tried joining the Nest Wifi to the Nanoleaf thread network using a tool called commissioning-cli but I got lost, I don't know how to get it to talk to the Border Agent (the Nanoleaf Shapes).

I might try to get the thread commissioning app running on an Android emulator (anbox) then join the Google Nest Wifi to the thread network, but I've already spent 10 hours on this today(!). It can wait!

Another path that looks interesting is the Kirale KTBRN1. It includes commissioning tools so it might play nice with the Nest devices. Shipping to my country is US$60 though so I don't think I'll be trying it 😬

Best of luck!

[Martin3]

Thanks for your advice. Really helpful to me. I wish Google was as helpful as you are. Take care. Regards, Martin

[Jeff]

Hey, everyone.
It looks like we've slowed down here. We'll be closing up the thread unless anyone else has any input or needs anything else. If so, just let me know and we can keep this open a bit longer.
Thanks.

[Jeff]

Hi, everyone.
As we haven't had any activity here recently I'm going to go ahead and close the thread. If you have more to add, feel free to start a new discussion.
Thanks

[Martin3]

Hi Dijewa

thanks for your help,  This is exactly what I was trying to "speak about". 

Martin