Learn about and set up your GFiber Wi-Fi 6E Router

The GFiber Wi-Fi 6E router (model number GR6EXX0C) offers an additional 6GHz band for less interference, the ability for more devices to connect at higher speeds, and so much more. 

The GFiber Wi-Fi 6E Router is available to customers on the following plans:

• Residential customers on the 2 Gig, 5 Gig, or 8 Gig Plan
• Business customers on the Business 1 Gig or Business 2 Gig plan

Learn more below about its next-gen features and how to make the most of your GFiber Wi-Fi 6E Router and Mesh Extenders.

More room for more speed

With an additional 6GHz band and future-ready speeds, Wi-Fi 6E can keep even more devices online and deliver wireless speeds of up to 1.6 gigabits per second on compatible Wi-Fi devices. (Please note that your devices have their own Wi-Fi standards — and they make a big impact on the wireless speeds you can receive on your device. Check their compatibility here.)

And if you want to go with an even faster wired connection, fully symmetrical multi-gig speeds are available through the 10G LAN port on the back of the router (depending on your internet plan).

Tri-band for less interference 

Wi-Fi 6E uses a 6 GHz frequency band that offers an additional lane to keep your devices connected with less traffic. This means you're less likely to experience interference from other devices, which can lead to faster speeds and a more reliable connection on compatible devices. 

Your new tri-band Wi-Fi 6E Router will automatically connect your device to the best Wi-Fi frequency available. Check out the table below to compare 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz vs. 6 GHz.

Frequency	Use	Additional Details
2.4 GHz	Most common on all Wi-Fi devices and routers	2.4 GHz spectrum usually reaches more areas and offers wider coverage. However, it has considerably less bandwidth than other frequencies, meaning you may experience buffering and inconsistent speeds.
5 GHz	Most modern smartphones, laptops and Wi-Fi routers support this	The 5.0 GHz spectrum has a shorter range but can power many devices at once, so smartphone and laptop users won’t have to worry about interruptions on this frequency.
6 GHZ	Launched for public use in 2021, also known as Wi-Fi 6E	It provides even faster speeds, increased bandwidth and less congestion than 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. For the first time, Wi-Fi 6E offers faster speeds than some ethernet cables out there. Due to operating in a higher frequency band, 6 GHz has a slightly smaller coverage area than 5 Ghz.

Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Extender

When paired with the GFiber Wi-Fi 6E Router, the Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Extender provides up to 5,000 square feet of fast, reliable Wi-Fi. Please note that the Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Extender pairs exclusively with the Wi-Fi 6E Router (so you can’t use it with a non-GFiber router).

Some things to note:

• The 2 Gig, 5 Gig, 8 Gig, and Business 2 Gig plans may include up to two Mesh Extenders. 
• The Business 1 Gig plan does not include a Mesh Extender.

Manage your network with the Google Fiber app

Want to manage your network and account all from one place?  Download the Google Fiber Mobile App from the Google Play Store or App Store and take full control of your GFiber Wi-Fi 6E Router and Mesh Extenders. 

Technical Specs

Feature	Specifications
Wi-Fi	Tri-band Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) 2.4GHz (4x4) 5GHz (4x4) 6GHz (4x4)
Management	Proactive band and client steering Google Fiber app management Automatic security updates
Compatibility	802.11 ax (Wi-Fi 6, 6E) 802.11 ac (Wi-Fi 5) 802.11 a/b/g/n
Memory	4GB eMMC flash 1GB DDR4 RAM
LAN Ports	1 x 10G Ethernet port 3 x 2.5G Ethernet ports 1 x USB-A port
Security	WPA 3 encryption
Guest Wi-Fi	Create and manage a separate guest network with the Google Fiber mobile app
Power over Ethernet (PoE)	N/A
Dimensions	H 9.9” x W 3.2” x D 7.8”

Installation 

Ready to set up a new router?

Open your self-install kit and make sure you have these items:

• Your new Wi-Fi 6E Router
  
• Two power adapters (one for the router and one for the Fiber Jack)
  
• One Ethernet cable
  
• Mesh Extender(s) (optional). Some customers may also receive a Mesh Extender. You can find more information about this equipment in the section below about how to set up a Mesh Extender.

Please note that the router should be placed in a central location to optimize Wi-Fi signal strength to devices. The Wi-Fi signal is emitted from the top and sides of the router, so it’s important not to place anything on top of it, and make sure it’s out in the open, like on a shelf or table.

Step 1: Find your Fiber Jack

The Fiber Jack is what allows GFiber's fiber optic signal to come into your home. It’s a small white box that’s usually installed on the wall in your living room. If it isn't there, you might find it in some out-of-the-way spot like a closet, behind a couch in your living room, or in the garage. If you need more information on locating your Fiber Jack, watch this quick video or check out About your Fiber Jack.

Step 2: Connect your Fiber Jack to power

Remove the bottom cover on the Fiber Jack by placing your fingers in the dents on the sides and gently pulling.

Next, check to see if the Fiber Jack is plugged into power. If it isn’t, use the power adapter from your self-install kit to connect the Fiber Jack to the nearest wall outlet. The Power light on the Fiber Jack should start blinking. (If it doesn’t, try pressing the Power button on the inside left side of the Fiber Jack.) Wait until the light turns a solid color before continuing.

Step 3: Connect your Fiber Jack to your router

1. If you have an older router (such as a Network Box), unplug it and disconnect it from the Fiber Jack. Here’s how to return or recycle your old device.
2. Plug one end of the ethernet cable into your Fiber Jack’s ethernet port and the other end into the top ethernet port on your router (the one with the globe icon).
3. Connect the power adapter from the router to a nearby wall outlet.
   
4. The lights on the front of the router will blink for up to 5 minutes as it turns on and connects to the network. The light will turn solid green once setup is complete and the router is fully online.

Step 4: Set up your network name and password

If you’re using the Google Fiber app for setup, you’ll be prompted to create a network name and password for your main Wi-Fi network. Or, you can log into your GFiber account on the web with your email and password to set up your Wi-Fi network.

If you want to run a speed test, stand next to your router and run a speed test using the Ookla Speed Test App or visit fiber.google.com/speedtest.

Step 5: Set up your Mesh Extender (optional)

A Mesh Extender allows you to expand your Wi-Fi signal further in your home. You can set yours up now by following the steps in About your GFiber Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Extender and how to set it up, or do it later from the Home tab in the Google Fiber app.

By the way, your router may need to finish a firmware update before you can install the Mesh Extender.

You'll want to start by setting up your Mesh Extender close to the router, and then move it to the spot where you plan to use it. Typically, this would be about halfway between your router and the furthest spot where you plan to use Wi-Fi in your home.

Troubleshooting Tips

Wi-Fi 6E Router light status	Cause	Action
Solid Green Power WAN/Internet	The router is connected to the network and has an IP address.	No action required
Solid Red WAN/Internet	The router is not connected to the network, or doesn't have an IP address.	Check your physical connections and press the Power button  to reboot the router.
Solid Yellow > Solid Green   Wi-Fi	The WiFi   LED light transitions from solid yellow to solid green to indicate Wi-Fi is on and the SSID/password were successfully configured.	No action required
Solid Red   Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi is off or the SSID/password were not successfully configured.	Sign in to your GFiber account → Network Tab Configure SSID Turn on Wi-Fi and configure Wi-Fi password

 

Restart (power cycle)

To restart your Wi-Fi 6E Router:

1. Unplug the power adapter
2. Wait at least 10 seconds
3. Plug the power adapter back into the device
4. Wait for the Power and Internet lights to turn solid green. This may take up to 5 minutes.

Factory reset

A factory reset will return your Wi-Fi 6E to its original settings. Please note that your network settings won’t be reset, however. First, make sure the router is on. Then: 

1. Use a pen or an unfolded paperclip to push the Reset button on the base of the router for at least 10 seconds. The power light on the front of the router will blink red. Release the Reset button.
2. The router will restart and apply the factory default settings. Wait for the Power and Internet lights to turn solid green. (Please DO NOT unplug the router while the lights are blinking.)