Is the Guest network limited to 2.4 GHz only?

[Mtbr360]

I’ve seen a few older posts that indicated the Google Wifi guest network only uses the 2.4 GHz band. I have a NordicTrack S22i exercise bike that can only connect to 2.4 GHz networks and it keeps dropping the current connection due to the fluctuations between 2.4 and 5GHz. 

I spoke to NordicTrack and they confirmed it’s not compatible with a 5GHz network and the mesh connection is causing the connection issues. If the guest network is limited to 2.4 GHz, that may solve the connection issues. 

[olavrb]

It's a myth that the guest Wi-Fi only does 2.4ghz, unfortunately. It behaves just like the primary network.

A workaround for difficult Wi-Fi devices is to use something that can create a 2.4ghz only Wi-Fi network/SSID, like a cheap access point or an old router. Add it to the LAN port of the primary Nest Wifi unit.

Else, get a different home Wi-Fi system.

[Mtbr360]

Due to the money invested in the Google Mesh network, I'd rather not get a new home WiFi system. 

I'm not super network savvy so bear with me. If I get a cheap point or old router, do I plug that into the main Google WiFi router via ethernet? If yes, would that create a separate WiFi network in my home, and then I connect the NordicTrack bike to this new WiFi network, rather than the old network?

Any suggestions on older points or routers that would be 2.4 Ghz only? Thank you!

[olavrb]

Yup, you got it right. If the unit is set up in access point mode it will only create a separate wireless network, but devices connected to it will be on the same LAN/network/subnet as the primary Nest Wifi network.

I'd look for something used, but still supported, like an Asus RT-AC68U. Here is what Asus says about access point mode on their products:

• https://www.asus.com/us/support/FAQ/1015009/

[Mtbr360]

Thanks again. One more question.

If I get a dedicated 2.4Ghz router, should I plug that I to the primary Google Nest router, or the could I plug it into one of the mesh points (via Ethernet cable) away from the modem and primary router?

[olavrb]

Happy to help. 🙂

Either should work, but preferably in the main/primary.

[Alex_S]

Hi everyone,
 

We appreciate your help, @olavrb and @MpIsCustomer.
 

@Mtbr360, It seems like your questions were already addressed. I want to make sure that everything is covered on your end. Feel free to reply to this thread if you have additional questions or concerns. We’d be more than happy to assist you.

Kind Regards,
Alex

[Alex_S]

Hello Mtbr360,
 

I'm checking in to see if you still need help. Please tell me if you have other questions or concerns. I want to make sure you're all good now.

Best,
Alex

[MplsCustomer]

@Mtbr360 

Is it possible that your NordicTrack bike is in a location that just receives a weak Wi-Fi signal, whether 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz? Our Wi-Fi network (NOT Google Wi-Fi) has one SSID for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, and none of our Google Nest cameras, doorbell, or Nest Hubs--or any other devices--ever have connection problems.

[Mtbr360]

We ran a signal test with NordicTrack using the 'RouteThis Helps' app. The service determined the WiFi signal strength is "excellent". The bike is about 12 feet from a Google WiFi router. I tried moving the router even closer but no change in the signal strength.