WAN settings

WAN settings let you control how Google Wifi connects to the Internet. The type of WAN connection you have is generally determined by your Internet Service Provider.

In WAN settings, you can choose from one of the WAN types below and configure their respective settings:

Wide Area Network (WAN) is the outside world’s network of connected computers. Think of WAN as the Internet. Contrast this with LAN (local area network), which is the collection of devices in your home. LAN is your personal network. Your LAN devices -- a tablet streaming a video or a computer surfing the Internet -- receive all data from the WAN through your router.

How do I edit WAN settings?

Note: To edit your WAN settings, Google Wifi must be offline and your mobile must be connected to Google Wifi locally (you can’t do this far away from your Wifi points). Disconnect the Ethernet cable from your Primary Wifi point and wait until the light pulses amber. Make sure your mobile device is still connected to your Google Wifi network.
  1. Open the Google Wifi app.
  2. Tap the tab, then Network & general.
  3. In the ‘Network’ section, tap Advanced settings > WAN.
DHCP

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is the protocol that allows a device (in this case your router) to automatically get an IP Address and other related information. Learn more about DHCP.

If you had another WAN type and want to go back to DHCP:

  1. Open the Google Wifi app.
  2. Tap the tab, then Network & general.
  3. In the 'Network' section, tap Advanced networking > WAN > DHCP.
  4. Tap Save.
  5. Reconnect the ethernet cable to your Primary Wifi point.
Learn more about DHCP

Every device connected to the Internet has an IP address. It tells the Internet where to send data, like a mailing address on a package.

When using DHCP, Google Wifi will automatically ask the device connected to the WAN port of your Primary Wifi point (typically a modem, or router/modem combination) for an IP address. Your modem (the "upstream" device) gives your Primary Wifi point an IP address for a set amount of time (this is called a “lease time”). When the lease expires, the upstream device will renew the lease and Primary Wifi point will typically use the same address. DHCP will assign a new IP address to your Primary Wifi point after a reboot.

For your Google Wifi network (as with most networks), DHCP is the default because the process is automatic and requires no manual configuration.

Static IP

A static IP address is an IP address that has been specifically reserved for your connection and doesn’t change automatically. You’ll know if you have a Static IP, because you will have reserved an address with your ISP. Learn more about Static IP.

  1. Open the Google Wifi app.
  2. Tap the tab, then Network & general.
  3. In the ‘Network’ section, tap Advanced settings > WAN > Static IP.
  4. Enter the IP address, subnet mask, and internet gateway provided by your ISP. When you're done, tap Save.
  5. After the changes are saved, reconnect the ethernet cable to your Primary Wifi point and modem.
Learn more about Static IP

Most users don’t need static IP addresses for their router. You’ll only need one when you want an external device or Internet service to remember your device (e.g. if you’re running a server or want to remotely access your home network via its public IP). Note: Most ISPs require a special account, often intended for businesses, to assign you a static IP address.

This is different from your personal device having a Static IP address. Your router can have a static IP address that the rest of the Internet sees. But individual devices connected to your router (e.g. a laptop, smartphone, tablet, etc.) can also be given static IP addresses that are used for your local network; the outside world won’t see these specific static IP addresses. Learn about Static IPs for your network devices.
PPPoE

PPPoE is short for Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet. This means you need a specific username and password from your Internet service provider (ISP) before accessing the Internet. This is typical for many DSL connections.

If you’re not sure what your username and password are, contact your ISP and ask for your PPPoE account name and password. You’ll need to enter these when manually configuring your WAN settings.

Once you have your account name and password, here’s how to enter your PPPoE information.

  1. Open the Google Wifi app.
  2. Tap the tab, then Network & general.
  3. In the ‘Network’ section, tap Advanced settings > WAN > PPPoE.
  4. Enter your account name and password. Verify the password, then tap Save.
  5. Reconnect the ethernet cable to your Wifi point.
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