Linking multiple Google Nest (or pro) Routers by CAT5

[Alex67]

We've just finished renovating an old farmhouse.  It's largish (5500 sf), but LONG.   Probably too long from end-to-end to have Mesh WIFI points extend WIFI from a single router.   Which is why we installed CAT5 cable in each room, routed down to a hub in the basement.   I THINK I understand what to do next:

1).  Plug my modem (in the basement) into the CAT5 network (and to the source cable)

2).  Distribute several (4 probably?) Google Nest WIFI (or Pro) routers throughout house, and plug them into the wall by ethernet cable, follow the instructions.  Is it that simple?

Questions:  Is that right?   The guidelines for multiple routers say not to use more than 5.   Can I use WIFI "points" off of one or more of the routers to extend coverage?  

ALex

[David_K]

Essentially:

• Connect the primary Wifi point's WAN port (globe symbol) to a LAN port on the modem.
• Connect a cable from the LAN port on the primary Wifi point to your hub/switch (we recommend an unmanaged switch to avoid issues.)
• Connect all the other Wifi points to the hub via the ethernet cabling in each room back to the hub. I'd recommend using the same port (LAN or WAN) on each one to avoid issues.

Google has detailed guidance here:
Hardwire Nest Wifi Pro, Nest Wifi or Google Wifi with Ethernet - Google Nest Help
Where to place your Wifi devices - Google Nest Help

The reason using more than 5 is not recommended is because Nest Wifi uses a "fewest hops" approach to getting traffic to its destination, so if one of your Wifi points can get even a weak connection to the primary Wifi point, it will use that instead of going through another intermediate router. However, if you're hardwiring all your Wifi points that's not going to be a problem for you, as the issue I described only applies when Wifi points are not hardwired and are using the wireless mesh backhaul.

You can use Google Wifi and Nest Wifi points interchagably to extend the network as you need. However, if you get Nest Wifi Pro, be aware that you can only use Nest Wifi Pro with other Nest Wifi Pro units.

[Alex67]

Thank you.  One more question:   My Modem (provided by Xfinity) has multiple Ethernet-out ports.  Do does one Nest Pro need to be the "master?" (and, therefore, I need to go Modem>Router>Switch>Other Routers), or, can I just wire Modem-Router; Modem-Router; Modem-Router; Etc?   In other words, does my multi-port modem act as a switch?

[David_K]

Yes, don't connect all your Wifi points to the modem, just one connects to the modem. You need one primary Wifi point, with all the other Wifi points downstream of it.