Nest Wifi Pro, Nest Wifi routers, and Google Wifi are Wi-Fi systems that are typically connected wirelessly. However, if you prefer wired backhaul, these devices have Ethernet ports that let you physically connect them together. Here are some possible setups you can do:
- Chain multiple routers together
- Connect devices like a computer or TV directly into the LAN port of your router
Note: For a mesh point, either the WAN or LAN port can be used as a LAN port. Use a switch to add more LAN ports to hardwire your Wifi devices. - Use third-party routers in addition to your Nest or Google Wifi network
Things to avoid:
- Don't connect any devices including computers, switches, or another Wifi point to your primary Wifi device that's plugged into your modem, until after setup is completed.
- Nest Wifi points don't have Ethernet ports and can't be hardwired.
- Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E) can't be combined with Nest Wifi or Google Wifi (Wi-Fi 5) in a mesh network.
- Don't include more than 5 routers or points in a mesh network. Adding more might be detrimental to Wi-Fi performance.
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If you use a switch, we recommend using an unmanaged switch or configuring a managed switch to disable Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and forward Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs) when STP is disabled. This will avoid technical issues with some managed switches as it relates to routing and network loops.
Key terms for hardwiring your network
The supported setups below use the following terms:
- Wifi router: Commonly refers to the Nest Wifi Pro, Nest Wifi, or Google Wifi device that's connected to the modem. Router is also used for Wifi devices that have Ethernet ports.
- Point: A point or points refer to any Nest Wifi Pro, Nest Wifi, or Google Wifi device that's added to the main router as part of your mesh network to extend coverage. Nest Wifi points don't have Ethernet ports and can't be hardwired. Learn more about compatibility for Nest Wifi and Google Wifi products.
- Switch: A switch is a networking device that connects devices, like computers, printers, and services, to each other, typically over Ethernet ports. Having a switch can allow you to expand your networking system with additional Ethernet ports, which enables you to hardwire more devices to your network. If you use a switch, we recommend using an unmanaged switch or configuring a managed switch to disable Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and forward Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs) when STP is disabled. This will avoid technical issues with some managed switches as it relates to routing and network loops.
- Third-party router: This refers to a router provided by your ISP (Internet Service Provider) or one you own that isn't a Nest Wifi or Google Wifi product. In some cases, rather than using a switch, you can use an old router to provide additional ports to your network. Before you use your old Wi-Fi router as a switch, turn off any built-in Wi-Fi in the third-party router.
- Ethernet cable: To hardwire your devices, you'll need to connect each device together with Ethernet cables. It's recommended you use a minimum of CAT5e-rated cables for Nest Wifi Pro, Nest Wifi, and Google Wifi.
- WAN port
: This is the outbound port that connects your main router to the internet. It's wired toward your modem.
- LAN port
: This is the inbound port that goes toward your wired devices.
: This is the inbound port that goes toward your wired devices.Compatibility
| Wifi device | Works as a Wifi router | Works as point | Can be combined with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Wifi Pro router | Yes | Yes |
Nest Wifi Pro router only |
| Nest Wifi router | Yes | Yes |
|
| Nest Wifi point | No | Yes, wireless only |
|
| Google Wifi point | Yes | Yes |
|