Question - Test Mesh Speeds

[rpguy]

I have 2 Google Nest Pro routers with a wired (Ethernet5e cable) backhaul connection. I run a 'Test Mesh' using the Google Home App, and typically it comes back as a 'Great Connection'

I then find a device that is Wifi connected to the secondary/remote  Google Nest Pro router. I select the device and perform 'Check Device Speed'. And I can then see the speed of the primary Google Nest router (to the internet), the Mesh Speed (between the 2 Google Nest Routers), and the speed of the device (speed to the closet Google Nest Pro router).

Question 1 : If the speed between the Google Nest Routers is 200Mbps for example, and I then run a Ookla Speedtest.net from a browser,  PC connected to the secondary Google Nest router via Wifi. How can my upload/download speeds to my local Google server via Ookla Speedtest.net be 500Mbps upload/download if my Mesh speed is only 200Mbps ??

Question 2 : How does the Google Home App actually measure the Mesh speed if there are only 2 devices in the Mesh ? It does not make sense to me how I can get 500Mbps upload/download to an internet host, but my link speed between my 2 routers is only 200Mbps ? What am I missing ?

[MichaelP]

Hello @rpguy 

The mesh speed test is a full-duplex (bidirectional) stress test of all secondaries talking to the primary simultaneously. When you have multiple secondaries, that can result in a lower mesh speed number for each of them than you might see in real life. This is true for both wired and wireless connections. In your case, though, it's surprising to see a mesh speed test producing 200Mbps for a single wired secondary. I have an older Google WiFi system with two wired secondaries, and they both get over 500Mbps on a mesh test, for example. Are you using something like Powerline networking or MoCa adapters to connect that secondary rather than a switched Ethernet network? Those could produce lower numbers during a stress test than an end-to-end internet speed test that only stresses one direction at a time. If you are using Ethernet, I think I'd make sure everything is in good shape. On the other hand, the end-to-end performance you're seeing is pretty good – I'm not sure I'd lose much sleep as long as you're getting good performance where it matters.

[rpguy]

Hi MichaelP,

As a test, and to eliminate any 'house' wiring concerns between the 2 Google Nest Pro routers, I physically moved the secondary Google Nest Pro router near the primary Google Nest Pro router that is directly connected to the Google Fiber Jack. I then used an Amazon 40ft cat6e Ethernet cable to connect the two routers, and performed the 'Test Mesh'. Using my phone's Wifi, I confirmed I was connected to the secondary Google Nest Pro router. Then using the Google Home App, I selected my phone/device and checked all speeds. Once again, my Mesh speed was about 211Mbps

*Side note - I used the 'World' icon, Ethernet interface on the secondary Google Nest Pro router to connect to the primary Google Nest Pro router.

I don't understand why my Mesh speed is NOT showing faster ? This may just be an anomaly or perhaps a bug ?

As you mentioned, our PCs are certainly getting much better throughput than what the Mesh speed is telling me through the Google Home App. Thanks for your help

[MichaelP]

Hello @rpguy 

That is interesting. It sounds like a thorough test that accounted for any issues. I find that mesh test result puzzling, to be honest. But, as long as your devices are getting good speed, I don't know that I'd worry too much about it.

On the secondary unit, you can use either of the Ethernet ports to connect to the primary unit's LAN port. On a secondary, they are bridged together. I do like to pick one and be consistent, though.

[LovelyM]

Hello everyone, 

@MichaelP, your help here is greatly appreciated. 

@rpguy, I wanted to see if you are still in need of any help. Please let me know if you are still having trouble from here, as I would be happy to take a closer look and assist you further.

Sincerely, 
Lovely

[rpguy]

Hello LovelyM, Thanks for following up. I really like to understand how the Google Home app. measures the wired backhaul speed in a 2 node setup. What constitutes a 'Great Connection' or a 'Good Connection'? If my wired backhaul speeds are always 'measured' less than 200Mbps, how can my wifi devices or a directly connected Ethernet cabled PC to the secondary Google Nest Pro router be seeing speeds greater than 400Mbps ? Please note I am not experiencing any connectivity issues or any speed related problems at this time. My questions are more for my understanding and the Google Nest Community. Thank you