Google Wi-Fi connected to cable internet

[4rheard4]

• Hello.  Can Google Wi-Fi be used with cable internet?  Thanks.

[MichaelP]

Hello @4rheard4 

Yes – I use Google WiFi with Comcast/Xfinity (cable) internet service. I bought my own modem to avoid paying the rental fee, but many cable internet providers will want you to use their combination modem+router+WiFi box. That can still work with Google WiFi without doing anything special in most cases.

[4rheard4]

But I would still need a router, right?  Thanks!

[4rheard4]

I meant modem.  I would still need a modem, correct?  Thanks!

[MichaelP]

Yes, you will still need a modem that provides an Ethernet port for the Google WiFi primary (which will be your router) can connect to.

[Jeff]

Hey, Tatsquare.

When you're able to give that a test, just let us know how it works out for you and we can pick things back up here when you're ready. Hopefully you're having a great holiday season.

Thanks.

[PaulB]

Hi Jeff - I recently purchased the Google Nest Router and Point, and also have Xfinity cable service with their modem/router equipment. I have read enough about problems using bridge mode with their modem/router that I want to go ahead and purchase my own cable modem and use with the Google Router and Point. Do you know where I can find step by step instructions to do this? I am admittedly nervous about not getting it up and running quickly and then not having wifi for my work and home - so would greatly appreciate your help! Thank you, Paul  

[Jeff]

Hey, PaulB.

Here's the setup guide that also includes a video: https://bit.ly/3mXbCoH.

You'll notice at the end of the article there are also a bunch of links that branch out to cover related setup topics. If you look through that, you should have a solid feel for how to connect everything between your modem and router and then how to add points. Take a look at that and if you have any questions from there, just let me know.

Thanks.

[Jeff]

Hi, Paulb.
I just wanted to check in real fast to see if you saw my reply and to find out if you still needed any help on this. If you're still needing assistance, please just let me know and I'll be happy to continue helping.
Thanks.

[Jeff]

Hi, all.
Just one quick final check in here since activity has slowed down. We'll be locking the thread in the next 24 hours, but if you still need help, I would be happy to keep it open. If there's more we can do, just let me know.
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

[Jeff]

Hi, 4rheard4.
I just wanted to jump in real fast to see if you saw MichaelP's reply and to see if you still needed some help on this or if you were able to get it sorted out. If you are still needing some help, just let us know and we'll be happy to continue helping.
Thanks.

[Tatsquare]

Related Question for Jeff or Michael P.  My Google mesh router is operating correctly connected to Xfinity modem/router the latter also operating in wifi/router mode.  No problem.  To reduce RF clutter I want to operate Xfinity device in "Bridge mode".  When I enable Xfinity Bridge mode, the Google Mesh router is no longer 'happy", is off line.   Reverse back to Xfinity active router and everyone is happy.  How do make the Xfinity bridge mode compatible with Google Mesh router? What's up?

[MichaelP]

Hello @Tatsquare 

It's hard to know what exactly may be happening here. Google WiFi should be happy talking to a bridge mode Xfinity modem/router. I would probably power cycle the Google WiFi unit after the Xfinity modem/router has been switched to bridge mode. I would also make sure the Google WiFi unit is the only thing connected to that bridge mode modem/router. It may need to be connected to a specific Ethernet port on the modem/router as well – perhaps the one labeled "1" or something?

[Tatsquare]

Thanks.  Reasonable suggestions.  I did power cycle the unit - several times - to no effect, and as you suggest the Google router was the only thing connected to the Xfinity box. Re power cycling, I had thought maybe the Google unit had an 'after-taste" left over after working successfully off a "routed port" on the Xfinity modem/router.   If so, not addressed by power cycling.  At this point, the system its stable working off a routed port even though I suspect overall performance is compromised.

I've paused work on the problem until after Christmas.

Thanks again.

[MichaelP]

Having the Xfinity box be a router+firewall shouldn't cause any performance issues. It can occasionally cause problems with certain types of applications, like console gaming or telephony-over-WiFi. But, even those issues are somewhat rare. I'd say if it works for you, stick with it.