Wifi must be same network

[Fuzzanator06]

Make sure you are connected to the same wifi network. Ok seriously it's 2022, why is this still a requirement? I have 4 different wifi networks in my house and Google home and other smart devices get their own. Yet my phone, runs on a different wifi can't connect to these devices unless they are on the same network. That is pointless and shows lack of design education on Google's part. 

[wtfhits]

To clarify, do you mean they are different WiFi connections (such as different SSIDs), but the same network - or entirely different networks? i.e. could a device from one WiFi network ping a device on one of the other WiFi networks? I have found that as long as they can directly connect to each other, that satisfies the "same wifi network" requirement, even if they are actually different ones.

[gutziguy81]

Hey wtfhits I have a few questions along the same lines as this post that you may be able to answer for me if you have the time I would greatly appreciate it!

[Azarco]

Hey folks,

Thanks for visiting the Community.

Once of the requirements to control your smart devices using your Google Home or Google Nest speakers and displays is that, your device should be connected to the same network (same SSID and password). We understand how important this is to control your devices even when connected to a different network. While we can't recommend any alternative set up, we're always looking for ways to improve our user's experience.

Let us know if you have other questions or concerns.

Best,
Alex

[Fuzzanator06]

So what you're saying is no thought process was put in for management purposes and these items were designed solely on "convenience" and not management? 

[wtfhits]

While Azarco's reply might be the official stance - I still don't believe it's accurate.

If both devices are on the same subnet, it has never seemed to matter for me whether they are actually on the same SSID or not.

There may be situations where it "copies" the wifi connection - but that would only matter if the new device was not yet on the network (so they can't be on "different" networks at that point), and I've always been asked for the SSID and password when setting up a new device anyway.

I have definitely setup new devices on a 2.4GHz network from a device on a 5GHz network where the networks were different SSIDs. They used the same router, so they were always the same subnet - but that's all that matters. Under most circumstances, I'm not even sure how it would know whether the devices are on the same SSID or not.

[Fuzzanator06]

Different SSIDs, different vLANs, different subnets. That is my setup.

[wtfhits]

Out of interest, what is the actual issue?

Is it that you can't access the full settings because you have to access it via the internet (which obviously you would if they can't directly communicate)? Otherwise, I can't think of anything you can't do while on different networks.

[Azarco]

Hey everyone,

Your feedback is appreciated. While we can't provide details since it's more on your network set up, it's the basic requirements for Google Home or Google Nest devices. 

Fuzzanator06, in addition to what wtfhits questions, could you tell us more what's happening with your devices so that we can provide some steps. This guide might help.

Regards,
Alex

[Fuzzanator06]

Simple, I have a dedicated SSID, on an individual vLAN, with its own Subnet, for security purposes, that is only for IOT devices.  When trying to connect to individual devices through Google home when my phone is connected to a different network, I can't connect to them. This was more of a "how about Google broaden their thought process" comment/question.

[wtfhits]

To calrify, I assume that the IOT vLAN has internet access? If so, Google Home should have no trouble accessing MOST of the features of those devices from the app - all the same control and settings that you can control when away from the house. There are some settings on some devices which (for security reasons) can only be controlled with a direct connection (and therefore the same subnet), but I almost never need those particular settings so it's never been an issue for me.

[Azarco]

Hey there,

Thanks for sharing your insights and your knowledge on this topic, wtfhits!

Fuzzanator06, checking back in if you still need help with this. Please let me know if you are still having any trouble from here, as I would be happy to take a closer look and assist you further.

Best,

Alex

[Azarco]

Hey all,

I want to ensure you are good to go, still need help with this? Let us know by updating this thread and the Community will be happy to lend a hand.

Thanks,
Alex

[Azarco]

Hello everyone,

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 assistance, feel free to start a new thread in the Community and we’ll be happy to help.

Regards,

Alex

[wtfhits]

Could you add links to them here - I'm not sure how to find queries by a particular user.

[Darkman24]

Just throwing my two cents in here. @wtfhits and @Fuzzanator06.

I too have different VLANs and a specific SSID for IoT devices. To set up the devices initially, yes you have to be on that SSID. However, once set up I can connect and manage the devices fine while on my main SSID for wifi devices like laptops and cell phones.

For example, All my TVs have chromecasts on them. All of those are connected to the IoT device SSID and I have firewall rules in place that lets other devices talk to it and be able to see it, but it not able to talk to the other devices outside the IoT VLAN. I also have 3 Nest Thermostats on that same IoT SSID and my main SSID can connect with home and nest app to control and manage them just fine.

Now to be clear, I don't know what firewall you have on your network, I have a ubiquity system myself, and I was able to google those FW rules and set them with no issue.

If I can help in anyway let me know.