Guys, I am having issues with wifi strength in the farthest parts of the house, so was looking to buy the google next wifi to boost signal strength.
MY wifi router is in the garage and I have a couple of LAN points inside the house. The wifi signal for the mobiles is really bad.
With the google mesh router can I just plug it in to one the internal LAN points (living room) or does it have to be connected to the router directly ?
I got a 3 pack plus an additional point. You're right that you have to create a second network but not sure why this is a terrible user experience? Limiting factor is that I need to connect all my smart devices to the original network since the google network isn't 2.4ghz. So smart devices that are far away from original router still lose connection sometimes.
But the reason why it's handy is cos it's a microphone and smart speaker as well as wifi point. Ticking 3 boxes for me was a no brainer.
Google can't do 2.4ghz and 5ghz together?
I'm not sure, when I try to connect a device to the Google network it tells me I need to join a 2.4ghz network.
@spiff: It is 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz on the same SSID, My Tuya and ESP based (2.4ghz) smart home stuff works great on my Nest Wifi.
you can connect it to one of the internal LAN points, if that port connects back to your router.
you can set your google wifi to same ssid and password as your other wifi and it will be fine.
mine is set to bridge mode, so its not the primary router
oh kool this is what I am expecting. Yes the LAN port in the living room connects back to the router.
I am a bit confused with their models, so I just need to buy a mesh router not a google mesh point right ?
correct still need the mesh router
probably don't need to get a Nest if you're just going to put it into bridge mode - just get a cheap Wifi Extender?
Why the downvote?
You can connect pretty much any router to those lan points to create a new wifi network in the house. See if you have a spare old one lying around first, or check on gumtree/council cleanups because these things get accumulated and become junk. Everyone gets a new one when they change internet providers and don't know what to do with the old ones.
I've been doing this to extend wifi at home with some old junk router that my office was throwing out. Doubt it even connects to the internet on it's own, but relaying ethernet+wifi works fine.
Otherwise, wifi extenders are are super cheap. Mesh would be expensive overkill just for this purpose.
Totally agree. In this case, OP wont need google wifi mesh. I am using a old router as access point connected to main router in garage and works wonders in improving wifi range. Your devices will work on the same one network.
I have set this up with dual Optus routers (802.11n that I replaced with a better one) at a relative's house but I find the devices take a while to figure out that the other router is closer. It isn't seamless but it's better than nothing.
Had a similar problem so purchased a Tenda MP3 2 pack for $73 delivered.Cheap mesh solution. Simple install and uses wired backhaul. Suits our needs as we dont need Gigabit ports. Set it to bridge as I use other device for internet interface.
Just bought the Tenda Nova MW3 3 pack and I'm totally out of my depth trying to set it up. I didn't realise that you need to set up another network. I'm sure that contradicts the sales blurb I read. So do I then need to connect all of my WiFi devices manually to the Nova network? I thought everything connected automatically. It says something on the box about automatic handover. I think I'll be doing a handover to the retailer :(
It can replace your internet modem OR it connects to your existing internet modem. Feel free to PM me if you wish.
You need to set them up using the app. Only power one up, access it using the app and configure it. When it's working, power up the second. That's the basics.
Thanks phila63, that helped me heaps. Sorted! :)
@dddddog: With help from phila63 and actually reading the instructions, it was easy. I'm just impatient :)
The Novas have definitely improved WiFi coverage in my 2 storey home.
@[Deactivated]: awesome. i got a two pack and probably arrive this week.
you don't have to plug one of them into the modem, right?
I"m hoping to put the 2 in different spots within the house.
1 question - do you have to change between networks?
@dddddog: Yes one has to be connected to the modem. It is known as the primary node. Perhaps you should have bought the 3 pack. I paid $110.
All of your devices operate on the Nova network.
Just one caveat, the phone app asks you to register an account but I haven't been able to do it yet. I'm waiting for support in China to sort it out.
@[Deactivated]: damn… I wish I had of known that. after watching a few videos, I couldn't see any information aboutthat.
oh well, just opened the box for the 2 pack. Hopefully, it's enough…
@dddddog: edit: actually, 6 hours in and very happy with the set up of just 2.
I live in a very long, skinny old house which has thick walls and 2 seems to work.
That said, now i'm happy with these, i'll set up an ozbargain alert for more tenda nova's and get another 2 set if the price is right to bolster speeds :)
Thanks folks for the replies. Really good advice on the second router thing.
I was looking to buy this for travel and was wondering if it serves my purpose ?
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B073TSK26W/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_8w…
(The last time I tried) you can't connect Google Wifi to an existing network to extend a mesh. The Google Wifi has to be your primary networking appliance. (Or create a 2nd network in your house "Wifi1" and "Wifi2" which is a terrible user experience.
Additionally, you have to tie the device to a Google account and use the App to configure anything, not that it really has any features at all. Very poor devices, the ones I have are sitting in a drawer. Don't recommend, especially for the price.