Poor wifi signal to devices from mesh

[cyberjamin]

I have the following setup:

1st Gen Nest Mesh (2016),1 router and 4 APs (NLS-1304-25), 2 of my APs are connected via ether net, the rest are wifi only. 

Xfinity gateway (Arris TG4482A), with a 1.2gb plan from Xfinity. 

TP-Link TL-SG105, 5 Port Gigabit

2 of my APs are connected via ethernet.

I also have 9 Nest Cams, 3 Nest Protect Smoke Detectors, 2 Google Home speakers, a Nest thermostat, a Yale door lock, a Ring, and several smart devices throughout the house, several pads, a tablet , laptop, 2 cellphones, 2 Roku sticks, and 2 Roku Ultras plugged into ethernet; totaling 43+ devices on my network at any given time. With a total download of 0.0683/upload of 0.998. I have a ton of other wifi devices, but their not online all day. In fact, the tablets, ipads, and laptop aren't part of the 43 that are online. We use them intermittently. 

The xfinity was updated Aug 23 for increased speed and the new gateway. It was setup in bridge mode by the tech. Again, everything was fine.

All was good until recently. My wifi connection in the house has been low. 

I had an Xfinity tech come out this week to check everything.

My internet speed to the gateway tested out fine. Approx 900 for download speed.

The speed to my mesh network is 898.

Unfortunately, that's where it stops. The tech punted to Google Wifi as the issue.

I'm only getting 100mbps on my android phone.

My Roku sticks keep dropping wifi, or get such low signal that ends up freezing the show. (my Roku Ultras are fine with ethernet, so it's definitely the wifi). Last night, my Roku showed a speed of 89mbps and it's located right across the hall from the main setup in my closet.

My nest Cams drop signal multiple times a week. I only have 4 on through the day; and 6 through the night. 

Why am I getting such crappy wifi speed on my devices.. Is it due to the Nest Mesh devices being 1st Gen and they're just giving out?

I don't want the new ones, they have crappy reviews on Amazon. 

[ronajohnson]

I heard of a small gadget called Keep Connect that watches for sudden internet drops and automatically resets your router. It’s not a cure-all, especially if your Nest mesh devices are aging or your Wi-Fi coverage is limited, but it can save you from those annoying manual reboots whenever your connection stalls.

[cyberjamin]

Thanks Rona 

 I looked this up and it's only 2.4ghz. My gateway is both 2.4ghz and 5ghz. Would this still work?

Also, my internet isn't dropping, my wifi is. Devices connected via ethernet don't drop at all.

Does this device monitor wifi too or just internet?

[kcruzgonzalez · Accepted solution]

Hi cyberjamin,

Thank you for posting in the community. I'm sorry that you're having poor WiFi signal on your mesh network. I understand how frustrating this can be. I'm here to help.

Thanks for all the information shared; it sounds like you've done some troubleshooting already. To really pinpoint the cause of the slow speeds, we need to isolate the issue. This means eliminating any distractions from the network that might be slowing things down.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help:

1. Disconnect everything:

   • If you're using a mesh network, power off all the additional points.
   • Turn off or disconnect all other devices from your network, except for the one you're using to test your internet speed.
   • Ideally, use a device that can be connected to your main router or mesh point directly via an Ethernet cable for the most accurate test.

2. Test your speed: Run a speed test. If you're getting the expected speeds, it means something else on your network is causing congestion or interference.

3. Reconnect devices one by one:

   • Bring your devices back online one at a time. Wait a minute or two after each device connects before running another speed test.
   • Don't turn the additional points back on yet.
   • Note any significant drops in speed after each device connects.

4. Reconnect additional points:

   • Once you've reconnected all the devices directly connected to your main router, bring the additional points back online, one at a time.
   • Again, wait a minute or two after each additional point connects and run a speed test.

5. Reconnect remaining devices:

   • Finally, connect any remaining devices that might be connected to the points.

6. Identify the culprit:

   • If you notice a significant drop in speed after connecting a particular device, that device might be the source of the issue.
   • Make sure that device isn't actively downloading, uploading, or streaming anything.

This process might take some time, but it's the most effective way to isolate the source of your network issues. Let me know if you have any questions as you go through these steps.

Regards,

Kevin

[cyberjamin]

Thanks Kevin. Your last comment is key. I have so many devices connected, it will be tough to get them all. Also, after the Comcast guy came and reset everything, the only thing s dropping  on a regular basis now are my Nest Cams. One is outside in the eves, but outside a room where one of my points is connected via ethernet. Granted, it's sending the wifi signal to the cam. 

1. When you say disconnect, do you mean physically unplug them for power or just have them forget the wifi SSID? If power, that could be tough for some. 2 of my Nest Cams are plugged into outlets by the roof. I just had knee replacement surgery and won't be able to get to them. If just forgetting wifi, that would be easier. I can do it from bed.

1b. Is the Nest Mesh router sufficient? It's already plugged into my Comcast gateway directly. The Comcast guy tested the speed of the this and it was almost 900mbps. 

Next question, not tied to your recommendations. Some of my devices only operate in 2.4., like fridge, microwave, smart plugs, etc. Could these be the issue since my gateway is setup for 5?

[cyberjamin]

I'm still having issues. 

My Google Wifi Router is getting 900 download speed, as is my direct connection via ethernet using my laptop connected directly to the router, then just to the gateway. 

My 4 Google Wifi Points are all getting "Great Connection", 2 of which are connected via ethernet.

Yet, my Roku stick that is right across from my smart closet where the router is located keeps dropping network.

My Google Outdoor Camera, which is located outside of the room where I have a point connected to Ethernet keeps dropping.

My Google Outdoor Cam, which is located outside of the room where I also have a point connected to ethernet, keeps dropping. 

My Mesh Network keeps testing Great Connection. 

[cyberjamin]

Also, I'm seeing that I'm using 2 different point models 

AC-1304 and NLS-1304-25

Could this be causing a conflict? My understand is the only difference is the removal of zigbee support, which I don't use.