Google WiFi used to make devices appear on same network

[mmidgley]

Google WiFi used to make devices appear on same network that are connected via different bands. Has this changed? If so, they broke their firmware!

All the "smart" 2.4Ghz devices can't handle their controlling devices not being on the same network, but they don't have to know a router is making it so even when a phone is at 5Ghz! why is this so hard for network engineers???

[olavrb]

It works as expected for me with 2x Nest Wifi routers in wireless backhaul/mesh mode, and a lot of IoT devices on 2.4ghz.

What IoT devices are we talking here?

Do you happen to use the modem/ISP equipment for Wi-Fi too? Maybe what you encounter is double NAT?

• https://dongknows.com/double-nat-vs-single-nat/

[mmidgley]

Thanks for a response.

The ISP is Google Fiber, with the only WiFi providing hardware being Google-provided Google WiFi (3x).  There are many IoT devices on the network, but specifically Kasa cameras and a garage door opener experiencing the failure.

In examining the network and trying to figure out what may have changed (besides router firmware updates which I allow but obviously have no control over, whether they work right or not), I came to the discovery that the Google One VPN (running on a Google Pixel phone that is trying to control/manage IoT devices) does not just impact internet-bound traffic, it messes with local wifi traffic as well.

[AbigailF]

Hey folks,

Thanks for the help, @olavrb.
@mmidgley, thanks for posting. I'd like to check in if there were any improvements after turning off your Google One VPN. We'll wait for your update.

Best,
Abi

[mmidgley]

Yes, Google ONE VPN was causing the failure. I will have to submit feedback in hopes Google might address this.

[AbigailF]

Hi mmidgley,

Thanks for the update. I also suggest that you send feedback by following this link. Let me know if you have other questions or concerns, otherwise I’ll be locking this thread after 24 hours. 

Cheers,
Abi