Nest WiFi Router Ethernet ports

[bananaslug79]

Howdy, quick question on Ethernet port support (specifically using Nest WiFi routers).

My current network is setup as Cable Modem > Primary Nest WiFi Router > TP-Link switch (5 ports)

On the switch is a second Nest WiFi Router acting as an additional mesh point but wired for best connection, and a Chromecast using an Ethernet adapter. This setup works just fine and gives me pretty good coverage across our Lego-built 120 yr old home that has thick walls, odd doorways, etc.

My question is on the second Nest WiFi Router: since it has an additional Ethernet port and is wired to the main router, could I use that "last mile" port as a dedicated connection for another device? (Most likely our main computer) The only thing I'm not sure of is if the network wouldn't care for such a setup as the mesh is technically wired together (even using the unmanaged switch) and it may decide the second router-as-point shouldn't use its additional Ethernet port in such a way. I suppose I wonder too what that port could be used for in such a setup as I have.

Thanks!

[MichaelP · Accepted solution]

Hello @bananaslug79 

On a secondary / point Nest WiFi Router, the two Ethernet ports are connected to a virtual (software) bridge. So, yes, you can use the other port to connect a nearby device. Personally, I don't like doing that, because all of that traffic has to get copied between those two ports in software, using the secondary Nest WiFi Router unit's processor. So, I personally try to build a pure wired Ethernet network with a small switch near my primary Google WiFi unit and then more small switches on the ends of cable runs from there to other parts of the house. Basically, anywhere I need to connect more than one device, I have at least a 5-port Ethernet switch that I can connect things like secondary Google WiFi units, computers, streaming video devices, etc.

But, if you really only have one more device to connect near that secondary, you can connect it to the other port, and it should work.

[bananaslug79]

@MichaelP I see, interesting. Thanks for the insight. The way you're describing it then, the extra port on a Nest/Google WiFi router is kind of a deadend connection. In your opinion, what's the best (if any) use for those ports?

[MichaelP]

I don't think I'd go so far as to say it's a dead end. Using it as you asked originally will work – I just think having a small switch at the end of long runs that feed multiple devices is a little better architecture. Both ports have to be there for when that hardware is used as a primary/router, but when used as a secondary/point, you don't have to use both of them. If one is used to connect to the primary via Ethernet, the other can just remain empty.

[EdwardT]

Hi folks, 

@MichaelP, thanks for the help as always!

@bananaslug79, how's it going with your Google WiFi? Still need our help?

Thanks,

Edward

[bananaslug79]

I'm good for now, thanks!

[EdwardT]

Hi bananaslug79,

Awesome — glad to hear everything is back and working as intended. Please let us know if you have other questions and concerns. We're here to help.

Thanks,

Edward

[Jeff]

Hi, everyone.
Just one quick final check in here since activity has slowed down. We'll be locking the thread in the next 24 hours, but if you still need help, I would be happy to keep it open. If there's more we can do, just let me know.
Thanks.

[Jeff]

Hi, all.
As we got our resolution here, I'm going to mark this one as resolved. Thanks to all who helped and contributed. If anyone has any other needs, please feel free to open up a new thread.
Thanks!