Windows file sharing works on Wifi, but not on ethernet when connected via gigabit switch

[DML]

I have a Google Nest Wifi Pro, with a gigabit switch connected to the LAN port, and two PCs connected via ethernet. Mobile devices and an Apple TV connect to the Nest wirelessly. All internet functions and speeds work as intended.

I have no problem sharing drives from one PC to the other when the sharing PC is connected via wifi to the Nest, even when the receiving PC is still connected via ethernet. However, when both are connected via ethernet, network file sharing DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. I do not want to share files via wifi, when both PCs are desktop machines, sitting right next to the gigabit switch!

Is this a settings issue on the Nest? If so, what do I need to change? Is this functionality in the Nest disabled? All things considered, why would network file sharing work in wifi but not ethernet?

FYI: All sharing settings are IDENTICAL between wifi (works!) and ethernet (doesn't work!) on the sharing PC. All physical ports function 100%. All cables function 100%. This is not a PC or hardware issue. The only wild card here is the Nest.

[Dan_A]

Hi DML,
 

That certainly isn’t the experience we want you to have, and we apologize for the delay. A few questions: are you using a modem/router combo from your Internet Service Provider (ISP)? Which Google/Nest router are we working with? What device are you using to set up your network (iOS or Android)? Do you have the Internet on your modem? What's the topology of your devices starting with your ISP modem?
 

You can do a sequential reboot of your entire network and see if that helps, or please perform a 2-minute power cycle on your entire network to re-establish the connection on your connected devices. Here's how: 
 

1. Disconnect the power from the modem.
2. Disconnect the Ethernet cable and power cord from the parent point.
3. Disconnect the power cord from the child points.
4. Leave everything unplugged for 2 minutes.
5. Connect the power cord to the modem then to your router and points.

Also, you can give these steps a try:

1. If you're using a modem/router combo, set that to bridge mode to avoid double NAT issues.
2. Make sure that there is minimal to no interference (concrete, bulletproof glass, metal, mirror, etc.) and the points are no more than two rooms apart.
3. Remove any special characters in your network name and password.
4. Turn off IPv6:
   1. Open the Google Home app Google Home app.
   2. Tap the Wi-Fi coin  and then Settings.
   3. Scroll down and tap Advanced networking.
   4. Scroll down to IPv6.
   5. Toggle the switch off Toggle button off.
5. Change your DNS server into 8.8.8.8 on the primary and 8.8.4.4 on the secondary server. Hit the save/ floppy disk icon on the upper right.
6. Unplug the power from your Google Wifi devices for 2 minutes.
7. If the issue persists, try factory resetting your network. Take note that this will delete all network data.

You may skip any step that you’ve done already.

Let us know how it goes.

Best,

Dan

[DML]

The ISP is Google Fiber Webpass, with my own personal Nest Wifi Pro as the router.

The only relevant part of your post (at least to me) is the DNS server change. Can you explain why I would want to change the DNS server address?

[Dan_A]

Hello again,

Good question! Domain Name Systems (DNS) are like the internet’s phone book. They maintain a directory of domain names (like "google.com") and translate them to IP addresses. Google Nest Wifi and Google Wifi both operate as a DNS proxy. This means the device will automatically offer to receive DNS queries from clients on your network, contact a public DNS server, and respond to your clients with the response. With Nest Wifi and Google Wifi you can set a new DNS server address.

When you type a URL into your browser, your browser looks up the part of the URL that contains the domain name in DNS. For example, if you type “www.google.com” into your browser, your browser asks DNS for the IP address of “google.com.” DNS returns the IP address assigned to Google’s domain name such as 74.125.239.35. Your browser then connects to that IP address, taking you to the webpage.

A helpful analogy is your phone. When you want to call your mom, you select “Mom” from your contact list. Your phone associates the name “Mom” with her phone number and dials it for you.

Here’s how to change your DNS settings to be in line with Google if it’s set to your ISP’s DNS settings:

1. Open the Google Home app .
2. Tap Favorites Wifi Network Settings Advanced Networking.
3. Tap DNS.
4. Choose your desired public DNS server. If you choose a custom DNS server, enter a primary and secondary server address.
5. Tap Save .

Keep us posted.

Regards,

Dan

[DML]

Dan,

Thanks for the explanation of what a DNS server is, but you didn't really answer my question. Why would I want to change its address? And how would that enable Windows file sharing over ethernet?

FTR, DNS is set to Automatic in the Home app. What does changing it to 8.8.8.8 & 8.8.4.4 do? This appears to be Google Public DNS, so why would I want that? How does that affect Windows file sharing over ethernet within a private network?

[Dan_A]

Hello there,

I apologize if my previous explanation wasn't clear. Here's a more focused answer to your questions about changing DNS settings and its impact on Windows file sharing over ethernet.

Why change the DNS address?

In general, changing the DNS address can offer several benefits:

• Improved internet speed: Public DNS servers like Google's 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 are often faster and more reliable than your ISP's default DNS servers. This can lead to faster website loading times and a generally smoother browsing experience.
• Enhanced security and privacy: Some public DNS servers offer additional features like parental controls and malware protection. Additionally, public DNS servers are less likely to be targeted by hackers compared to your ISP's servers.
• Bypassing ISP restrictions: In some cases, changing your DNS server can help you bypass certain restrictions imposed by your ISP, such as content filtering or censorship.

However, changing the DNS address within a private network will not directly affect Windows file sharing over ethernet. This is because file sharing within a private network relies on local network protocols and IP addresses, not internet domains.

While changing the DNS address to Google Public DNS won't directly impact Windows file sharing over ethernet within a private network, it can offer benefits like improved internet speed and security for online aspects of file sharing. If you're experiencing slow internet speeds or feel the need for enhanced security, switching to Google Public DNS might be worth considering. However, if your file sharing remains within the local network, keeping the DNS to Automatic might be sufficient.

Hope this helps.

Kind regards,

Dan

[DML]

Okay, so thanks for wasting everybody's time then.