Google Wifi, local networ, subnet, airprint

[dw-afast-uk]

While setting up Google Wifi, I was asked if I wanted to access the local network. I confirmed. 

Despite that, all Wifi devices are getting IP 192.168.86.x I can connect to devices behind Google Wifi like 192.168.0.40. 

If 192.168.0.40 is a printer, I can print on it on Windows devices when printing by TCP/IP, however the problem is starting when trying to access it from mobiles.

Airprint search will look for printers only in specified subnet, which by default will be 255.255.255.0.

The main router got subnet 255.255.0.0 however there is no way to change it to match on Google Wifi, as, according to specification, if subnet is in conflict, it will revert to default.

I tried to trick it, and set router to 10.0.0.1 and when Google Wifi connected with default subnet, I changed it to 255.255.0.0. Then I reverted router to 192.168.0.1/255.255.0.0 and Google Wifi remained in 192.168.86.1/255.255.0.0 however is not working at all. Local network, behind Google Wifi is not visible. No possible to ping any decived like 192.168.0.40.

To gain ability to see the deviced, I need to re-set 255.255.255.0 subnet.

The options for Google Wifi are very limited if is about accessing local network behind Google Wifi. 

I believe that this is something that cannot be bypased.

I am thinking about getting rid of it and replace with Deco solution, which apparently allow Main point to act as a Assess point with DHCP from router behind it and still able to create mesh with more Deco devices.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

ps. connecting deviced that are wired to Google Wifi network with .86 IP is not an option.

[dw-afast-uk]

The lack of response saying everything.

I decided to abandon the project with these devices and replace them with Deco products that have Access points with Mesh support, Fast Roaming and Beamforming. I could easily incorporate them into the current network without loosing Mesh funcionality and the main router is providing IP addresses. The Google Wifi is going back on eBay.

[Dan_A]

Hi dw-afast-uk,

That certainly isn’t the experience we want you to have, and we apologize for the delay.

You might have something going on here. The subnet mismatch between your Google Wifi network (192.168.86.x) and your existing network (192.168.0.x) is causing issues with local device discovery, particularly for mobile devices using AirPrint. Here's a breakdown of the situation and potential solutions:

Your Google Wifi is creating a separate network with a different subnet (192.168.86.x) compared to your main router's network (192.168.0.x). This segregation prevents devices on different subnets from easily communicating with each other, especially for functionalities like AirPrint that rely on subnet discovery. Google Wifi currently offers limited control over subnet configuration since it also depends on the functions of the ISP's modem/router. While you enabled local network access during setup, it might not translate to full subnet integration.

Potential Solutions:

1. Change Main Router Subnet (if feasible):

• The ideal solution would be to change the subnet of your main router (likely provided by your ISP) to match the 192.168.86.x range used by Google Wifi. However, this might require contacting your ISP for assistance as some ISP routers might have limited configuration options.

1. Bridge Mode with Google Wifi (if applicable):

• If your main router supports "bridge mode," you can potentially configure it to act as a bridge and let Google Wifi handle all routing and DHCP duties. This would eliminate the subnet conflict altogether. However, consult your router's manual and ISP for compatibility and configuration steps.

1. Alternative Mesh System:

• As you mentioned, some mesh systems like Deco offer the flexibility to use the main point as an access point while keeping your existing router for DHCP and network management. This way, you can leverage the mesh network functionality while maintaining your desired subnet. Researching compatible Deco models and their configuration options would be necessary.

Additional Considerations:

• Changing router or mesh system configurations might require some technical expertise. Consider your comfort level and potentially consult your ISP's support resources for assistance.
• While not ideal for all devices, consider connecting stationary devices that need local network access directly to a Google Wifi point using an Ethernet cable. This bypasses the subnet issue for those specific devices.

Here are some troubleshooting steps to try:

1. If you're using a modem/router combo, set that to bridge mode to avoid double NAT issues.
2. Make sure that there is minimal to no interference (concrete, bulletproof glass, metal, mirror, etc.) and the points are no more than two rooms apart.
3. Remove any special characters in your network name and password.
4. Turn off IPv6:
   1. Open the Google Home app.
   2. Tap the Wi-Fi coin  and then Settings.
   3. Scroll down and tap Advanced networking.
   4. Scroll down to IPv6.
   5. Toggle the switch off Toggle button off.
5. Change your DNS server into 8.8.8.8 on the primary and 8.8.4.4 on the secondary server. Hit the save/ floppy disk icon on the upper right.
6. Unplug the power from your Google Wifi devices for 2 minutes.
7. If the issue persists, try factory resetting your network. Take note that this will delete all network data.

You may skip any step that you’ve done already.

Let us know how it goes.

Best,

Dan