fyi- I’m not an IT guy, so I’m trying my best to explain details with what I hope are correct terms from what I’ve self learned. Located in the Greater Kansas City area.
I’ve had the same google mesh system for a few years now, only last month or so it’s been haywire.
My System: Google mesh model AC-1304 (I believe) 3-pack kit bought in maybe 2018? (Has WAN and LAN ports on every node) I have 4 nodes total (3 came in kit, bought additional one later on).
System setup: from ISP (250mbps fiber) modem (non-WiFi capable) it’s wired to my main Google node—-then wired to a Netgear 16port switch (unmanaged). 2 nodes are wired like an AP on 2nd story, last node is not wired; it’s in another room downstairs opposite of my “smart closet.”, House is approx 1,600sqft 2 story single family . I have had the same ISP and equipment since early this year.
My issue:
Recently my connectivity/speed has been all over the place, any time of day. ***Note***My ISP signal has been 100% reliable, no issues with speed or connectivity from them.
When I test wifi speeds on different devices (iPhone, Amazon tv, Samsung tv etc) the speeds are all over the place each time I test -86mbps to 214mbps, if I can even get it to test at all. Amazon streaming constantly buffers, Google Nest cameras unable to connect to app, Biggest pain while troubleshooting is my Google Home app on my iPhone won’t connect while on WiFi until switch over to cellular and try again. Other times it works fine while on WiFi. Issues like I’ve described used to be nonexistent, but have become more common than not, especially over this past month or so.
What I’ve tried:
Moved nodes to ensure they’re not above each other on each level of house. Moving them further away from each other. Moving them all together- those hardwired were moved around to act as wireless and vice versa- restarting each node then testing mesh system, tested individual devices, tested speed via Google app and internet speed test website: Mesh tests show “great” connection sometimes then “poor” other times, both as a whole system and also individually. I’ve restarted and reset as many connected devices as I could. Nothing helps.
I haven’t gone as far as factory resetting my entire mesh system bc of time to reconnect every single device to network.
Questions off the bat:
What should my network settings be? Both normal and in advanced menus?
Something interfering with WiFi signal I’m not seeing?
I have tried turning off “NAT” on the main node connected to my ISP modem but can’t. Is that normal?
Side note: -all other nodes show “bridge mode.”
Any help is greatly appreciated. Like really. I loved this system, spent a lot of money and time to get it the way I wanted. But lately it’s making me want to ditch Google and go with another brand of mesh WiFi altogether.
