Mesh won’t use wired Ethernet connection

[Erics11]

I am installing a new Nest Wi-Fi Pro 6E.  I’ve connected the system like this diagram but the Ethernet mesh does not seem to be working. The wireless mesh is working and I’m getting good Wi-Fi on my network but I bought this system specifically to use Ethernet backhaul.

I confirmed that the ethernet cables are connected to the proper ports (the “globe” ports on the 2 wi-fi points).  I have confirmed that both ethernet connections are hot by plugging in other devices.  However, in the Google Home app, both wi-fi points show “Connection Type: Wireless”.  How do I make the Nest system recognize the Ethernet connections?

Everything I’m reading, says it should just work.  I don’t see any settings offered that I can use to select a wired connection.  

Is it possible that the Ethernet backhaul is actually working even though the UI says “Connection Type: Wireless”?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Eric

[olavrb · Accepted solution]

It should detect that wired backhaul is available and switch over to that.

But, Linksys LGS308 is a smart/managed switch:

• https://www.linksys.com/support-product?sku=LGS308

It has SPT, spanning tree protocol, which is a loop detection and prevention feature. Any such feature must be disabled on the switch for it to work properly with Nest Wifi. More info on using managed switches with Nest Wifi:

• https://www.reddit.com/r/GoogleWiFi/comments/qpurq8
• https://www.reddit.com/r/GoogleWiFi/comments/ghkqnz/comment/fq9uwnx/

[olavrb]

What exact switch are you using?

[Erics11]

8 port Netgear unmanaged switch.  I hooked a laptop up to the same ports I am trying to use for the Nest was able to connect to the internet with it.

[olavrb]

What exact switch model?

The reason I ask is that there are switches that are unmanaged, but still have conflicting features. So please give us the model of the switch so we can rule that out.

[Erics11]

Linksys LGS308.  

One other possible clue....when I initially set up the mesh, I realized that I had forgotten to connect the uplink (the blue cable) from the primary node to this switch.  The mesh had established itself wirelessly.  I realized this and connected the uplink from the first node to the Linksys switch.

Then after the wifi points didn't connect via ethernet automatically, I rebooted the mesh.  Initially using "restart network" in the app and, when that didn't work, with a power cycle of all 3 Nest units.  No joy.  

I'm wondering if because the initial mesh was established wirelessly that Nest is ignoring the ethernet connection.  Doesn't seem like that should happen, though.  I  have not reset Nest to factory settings and started over yet which would suck.  

Thanks for the help.

Eric

[olavrb · Accepted solution]

It should detect that wired backhaul is available and switch over to that.

But, Linksys LGS308 is a smart/managed switch:

• https://www.linksys.com/support-product?sku=LGS308

It has SPT, spanning tree protocol, which is a loop detection and prevention feature. Any such feature must be disabled on the switch for it to work properly with Nest Wifi. More info on using managed switches with Nest Wifi:

• https://www.reddit.com/r/GoogleWiFi/comments/qpurq8
• https://www.reddit.com/r/GoogleWiFi/comments/ghkqnz/comment/fq9uwnx/

[Erics11 · Accepted solution]

Thank you.  I also have a brand new Netgear GS116 switch I can install for this network.  Is that a better option?

[olavrb]

Yep, that one should "just work". 🙂

[Erics11]

Swapped the switches and the ethernet mesh lit right up.   "Connection type: wired" on my wifi points and getting over 900mbps down and 46 mbps up.

Thanks for all your help, olavrb.

eric

[olavrb]

Sweet! 🙂 You're welcome.

[Jeff]

Hey Erics11,

It looks like olavrb was able to help you sort this out. I just wanted to check in and see if you needed anything else or had any other questions. If you're all set or need anything more, just let us know. 

Thanks,
Jeff

[Erics11]

All set.  The nuance was that the smart switch as configured would not allow for the ethernet mesh to establish itself.  I had planned to update that switch anyway so, when I installed the new unmanaged switch, everything worked as expected.  Olavrb for the win.

E

[AbigailF]

Hey Erics11, 

Awesome — glad to hear that your issue is fixed. It looks like we can consider this one complete, so I will lock the thread shortly unless I can help out with anything else. 

Best, 
Abi