Wired router and wireless points

[nickc66]

Hello. I have a Nest Router connected via Ethernet to the third party modem and then a number of Points connected wirelessly around the house, which all works well.

The problem is with an annexe in the garden. I have tried another Point in there but it is too far from the house to work. There is however an Ethernet cable running underground which is connected to the Router in the house.

Can I connect a second router to that Ethernet such that it acts both as a WiFi point for my phone etc. AND so that I can connect a laptop via Ethernet to the second router? 

thanks! 

[MichaelP · Accepted solution]

Hello @nickc66 

Yes, you can connect a Nest WiFi Router set up as a secondary/point via Ethernet to the primary Nest WiFi Router's LAN Ethernet port. This works well for outbuilding extension of the network. Here's a web page that includes more useful information:

https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/7215624?hl=en 

Personally, I like using a small, inexpensive, unmanaged Ethernet switch connected to the primary unit's LAN Ethernet port, and another small, inexpensive, unmanaged Ethernet switch in the outbuilding, with the long Ethernet cable between the two switches. That provides some electrical isolation, and provides more Ethernet ports both in the main house and in the outbuilding to connect other devices.

[nickc66]

Hi Michael - thanks so much for replying. I’ve tried what you suggested but the Router in the garden annexe is still showing a weak connection despite being wired via Ethernet, which I presume means I’ve done something wrong as it should be perfect if wired, no? 
For clarity, I have from the wall to the house google router, into a switch then via Ethernet to a switch in the annexe and then into the router out there. 

[MichaelP]

Hello @nickc66 

First, can you provide the exact make and model for the Ethernet switches you've used? I just want to double check to make sure they aren't smart/managed switches, or one of the handful of unmanaged switches that have loop detection.

Second, I would open up the details screen for that annexe unit in the Google Home app. Under the "Wi-Fi Information" section, the "Connection type" should say "Wired". If it doesn't, then you'll need to focus on the Ethernet connection between the buildings. You may be able to (temporarily) move the annexe unit into the main house and connect it directly the the house Google router unit's LAN Ethernet port (in place of the switch you recently connected there) using a short, known-good, Cat 5e Ethernet cable. Once it's up and running, check the details again to see if it shows "Wired" as the connection type. Assuming it does, then reinsert the home Ethernet switch in between and re-check. Then, move the annexe switch inside and insert it in between as well.

Basically, break the system down into the simplest setup possible and verify it works. Then, build it back up one piece at a time, checking again at each step. The idea is to isolate the problem so you know what to fix. It may be tedious, but it should help pinpoint the issue.

Good luck!