topic Re: Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi? in Tech Help - Software/Hardware etc

Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi?

Linn — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 09:30:25 GMT

Hi all,

I'm keen to get a google Nest WiFi router (otherwise need a wifi extender so thought I'd also attempt to improve speed and reliability). Pretty new to this, but not impossible with technology. Have gathered that I have FTTC.

Plusnets customer support's tech people said it'd work to just plug the Nest into the BT connection point in the wall, however I understand from other posts that this isn't correct - it seems I would need to plug in a modem between the Nest and the BT connection point in the wall..

Have both seen recommendations for more costly modems such as Netgear DM200 or cheaper ones like Openreach hg612. Any recommendations of what modem to go for?

Thanks!

Re: Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi?

Strat — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 09:38:06 GMT

Moderators Note
This topic has been moved from Fibre Broadband to Tech Help.

Re: Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi?

nozzer — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 18:43:02 GMT

@Linn

Yes, you will need to plug the Nest into a port on a modem. The latter is the link to the internet and the nest distributes it round the house.

Am I correct in assuming that you already have a router? If so, it should also act as a modem only. When you set up the Nest the instructions will take you through the procedure using an existing router and it will pair the Nest to that. If your existing router works ok now, the new system should also be ok, and any necessary setting changes on the router should be made automatically.

I don't have a Nest, but I use a similar system that has been set up in a similar way.

Also have a look on YouTube for a video that covers this. There are several and it might answer a few more questions for you. For example.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quL2HRqRqGM

and also https://support.google.com/wifi/answer/7183148?hl=en

Re: Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi?

Linn — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 18:42:27 GMT

Thank you so much for this! I haven't bought the Google Nest WiFi router yet, wanted to make sure I don't break the budget too much depending on how much I can get a modem for..

Yes, I currently just use the standard router (with modem built in) provided by Plusnet, have no real issues, just want better speed (I'm used to Gb, not two-digit Mb..) and range of coverage.

Do you have any tips on cheap but still ok modems?

Re: Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi?

nozzer — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 18:47:40 GMT

@Linn

Typical fastest FTTC down speeds are around 60Mbps. What are you getting? If you are expecting Gigabits out of it you might be disappointed!

Re: Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi?

Linn — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 18:50:49 GMT

Haha yes that's roughly what I'm getting most of the time. Not expecting that much more with this. Main reason for the google nest is the coverage; I'd have to buy an extender otherwise and this seems like a much better system, even if I would have to get a point (don't think I do).

Any modem tips..? That's really where I'm stuck

Re: Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi?

nozzer — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 19:06:26 GMT

I've never bought a pure modem but this seems to get good reviews. There aren't that many around.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/DrayTek-Vigor-ADSL-Ethernet-Modem/dp/B00F9E5LQA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=6U0HTAT79N6S&dchild=1&keywords=fibre+modem+only&qid=1594925922&sprefix=Fibre+modem%2Caps%2C366&sr=8-2

Or there's this.. https://www.amazon.co.uk/BT-OPENREACH-Infinity-TalkTalk-Providers/dp/B00UWBXXTC/ref=sr_1_4?crid=6U0HTAT79N6S&dchild=1&keywords=fibre+modem+only&qid=1594926279&sprefix=Fibre+modem%2Caps%2C366&sr=8-4

which I have used in the past as a trial. Speeds weren't great!

Re: Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi?

Linn — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 19:29:05 GMT

Ok thanks! It's tricky..not sure what google planned for people to do

Re: Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi?

nozzer — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 19:35:01 GMT

@Linn

They are mainly used as a range extender with the added advantage of being a network that routes the WiFi data through the best possible track. Most people use their existing router/modem to access the fibre network.

Re: Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi?

Linn — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 19:40:48 GMT

I didn't think that was possible with plusnet's router/modem? Thought it didn't allow you to turn off the router function

Re: Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi?

nozzer — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 20:36:41 GMT

@Linn

I'll have to take advice on that. I've got one but I don't use it. I can't see why it would be a problem but I will be advised to the contrary. 🤔

Re: Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi?

Linn — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 09:59:49 GMT

Please let me know if you find anything out!

Re: Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi?

nozzer — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 10:31:40 GMT

@Linn

You are correct. The Hub One does not allow bridge mode. This thread will illustrate what's needed to get a third party modem into bridge mode with a router. I honestly don't know how the Google Nest would cope with the necessary steps though.

https://community.plus.net/t5/My-Router/None-of-my-modems-will-connect-in-bridge-mode/td-p/1607844

Re: Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi?

Linn — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 11:02:50 GMT

Thanks, looks like I need to see if the Google Nest community have dealt with this.. Am finding modems that can be used in bridge mode for £30-70, which feels reasonable. The hg612 most seem to mention seems a bit too outdated by now.

This is all definitely becoming a lot more complex than I initially anticipated haha. Might just end up getting a cheap wifi extender and consider myself defeated!

Re: Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi?

nozzer — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 12:18:56 GMT

@Linn

I've tried these and they work fine. As with all things WiFi positioning is the thing. But one advantage is that they can be "cascaded", ie one can be set to receive a signal from the previous one, rather than the router WiFi, to extend beyond router reach. One tip if you do get one/some, set them up with an ethernet cable rather than using WiFi or WPS. It's times easier.

https://www.toptenreviews.com/wi-fi-boosters-motorola-mx1200-review

https://uk.motorolanetwork.com/mx1200.html

Re: Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi?

Linn — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 15:34:01 GMT

Thanks, think I'll end up going for a TP link RE650, seems reasonable price and pretty good performance. Reckon anything pricier then I might as well go for a nest plus modem.. Does using a cable rather than WiFi make it more reliable/better performing? Bit of work drawing the cable across rooms but would definitely do it if it's worth it.

Re: Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi?

idonno — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 15:59:18 GMT

@Linn wrote: Does using a cable rather than WiFi make it more reliable/better performing?

It should do as you are not governed by variable signal strengths or neighbours possibly using the same channel, resulting in a slow down. But saying that, even though I am in the same room and about 6 metres from the router, I just can't be bothered to wire in the ethernet cable, simply because there is no 'real' advantage to me. If I do speedtests I get well over 70Mb/s down, and 18Mbs up and have no problems streaming 4K. And it never drops the Wifi connection but then I don't use the PN router. Fritzboz and TPlink routers here. I have in the past used the Draytek Vigor 130 modem and that was pretty reliable too.

All you can do is see how you get on. If you find your signal strength failing and stopping you doing what you like to do on your network, ethernet cabling is probably the way to go.

Re: Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi?

Linn — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 16:06:33 GMT

Cool, thanks heaps, all good points! Will see how it goes, though already a bit annoyed with the plusnet router dropping signal so likely I'll end up wire it in just to fix everything I can.. 😅

Re: Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi?

nozzer — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 09:17:21 GMT

@Linn

One thing you could do of course if the hardwired plan proves difficult, would be to just install the Nests as access points only (ie just remote wifi from the PN router). You could then leave the PN router as a router/modem and use the Nests to extend the wifi. Have a look at the Nest instructions to see if they will allow access point mode.

Re: Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi?

DaveyH — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 09:30:08 GMT

It's not a configuration Google/Nest Wifi supports. They don't have a proper AP mode, but do have what the call bridge mode that essentially does the same but only allows a single unit to be used.

The best advice I can give is to use Google/Nest Wifi as intended, ie as a mesh setup with the primary unit connected to a modem. If you intend to deviate from this then look elsewhere would be my advice.