Nest and Router Wifi SSID and Password Match

[nashelson]

Hello:

I just installed the Nest Wifi (Gen 2) with 3 nodes. When setting up the Nest Wifi, I set the SSID (Network name) and Password the same as my ATT Modem/Router Gateway so that I wouldn't have to reset any connection info for connected devices (TV, phones, gaming consoles, etc). Mesh set-up seems good with "mesh connection test" reporting great connection between mesh nodes. However, how do I confirm that my devices are connecting to the mesh network and not the router, since I used the same SSID/password? The MAC Address in the connection properties for my laptop doesn't match the router OR any of the Nest nodes, nor are any of the devices manufactured by Intel. I just want to be sure my devices are connected to the Mesh system and not the router but don't know how to confirm. Please advise. Thanks!

SSID: Wu Tang Lan
Protocol: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Security type: WPA2-Personal
Network band: 5 GHz
IPv4 address: 192.168.86.27
IPv4 DNS servers: 192.168.86.1
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Description: Intel(R) Wireless-AC 9560 160MHz
Physical address (MAC): 08-D2-3E-4A-2B-08

[olavrb]

Nest Wifi is also a router, so now you've set up a inner network inside your existing network. Nest Wifi has default LAN IP of 192.168.86.0-255.

If you get an IP address of 192.168.86.x, it's Nest Wifi.

But now you are running what's called double NAT. You should consider to set the ISP equipment in bridge mode, which includes disabling its' Wi-Fi, DHCP, NAT, DNS. More on that here:

• https://dongknows.com/double-nat-vs-single-nat/
• https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/6277579?hl=en

[nashelson]

Thank you! Wouldn't this double NAT situation always exist since the Nest connects to the modem/router via the ethernet cable? I suppose if the modem and router are separate devices and the Nest connects directly to the modem, the router is more obviously removed from the equation. Just curious if 1) I'm understanding correctly and 2) why directions don't mention this issue when you have a combined modem/router device. thanks!

[olavrb]

Double NAT = Two routers with NAT functionality in a row. A modem in bridge mode does not act as a router with NAT functionality. Thus, single NAT.

Dong (the URL I sent) explains it well.

I agree that the set up guide should mention this. You can provide feedback to Google in the Google Home app.

[Jeff]

Hi nashelson,

I just wanted to check in to see if olavrb's explanations answered everything for you or to see if you still needed some help on this. If there's more you need, just let me know.

Thanks,
Jeff

[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