Worth upgrading my google wifi to a different mesh?
Discussion
I have a virgin media fibre connection at home giving ~200 mbit down / ~20 mbit up, which I use with 3 google wifi pucks to get wifi coverage around my home.
I've had this setup for a few years, it works fine, although when I checked the actual wifi speed around the house I am usually only getting 60-80 mbit range unless I take the laptop right next to the puck.
Today, when renewing my virgin contract, I decided to try increasing the speed to 350 down / 35 up.
Then I started to think about getting another google wifi puck, and noticed that lots of people are selling them 2nd hand on ebay , presumably because they are upgrading. Then I noticed google have the google nest wifi, which is supporting the faster speed (Ac2200) on the router (but the same AC1200 on the secondary devices).
I retested the wifi speed after the virgin speed was increased, and whilst the main PC which is directly connected to the router gets the full, faster speed, the wifi download speed is the same as before (although the upload wifi speed has increased from 20mbit to 35mbit).
I don't know much about wifi specifications, so I'm wondering, do you think I would get much better wifi download speed if I upgraded from google wifi to the google nest wifi?
I'm on the Virgin 200 service and have 2 nest wifi routers (1 set up as a router and one as a point) and 1 point.
Wifi when connected to the main Nest router gets the full 200. If I go downstairs and connect via the point (or the router acting as a point) I get half this speed.
This is apparently driven by the fact that there is no dedicated backhaul link so the same mesh link is having to transmit in both directions dropping the speed. Whatever the cause its an issue that comes up time and time again on Google's forums.
So to answer your question. Upgrading to the Nest router will probably increase your wifi speeds but only if you are connecting to the main router. Connect to one of the points and your speed will still drop.
If you do make the jump then I'd advise to buy all routers and set all but the main one up as points. They are a little dearer but have a better range and come with ethernet ports. That is unless you want the voice assistant built into the points.
PS. I'm assuming your Virgin hub is in modem mode?
Wifi when connected to the main Nest router gets the full 200. If I go downstairs and connect via the point (or the router acting as a point) I get half this speed.
This is apparently driven by the fact that there is no dedicated backhaul link so the same mesh link is having to transmit in both directions dropping the speed. Whatever the cause its an issue that comes up time and time again on Google's forums.
So to answer your question. Upgrading to the Nest router will probably increase your wifi speeds but only if you are connecting to the main router. Connect to one of the points and your speed will still drop.
If you do make the jump then I'd advise to buy all routers and set all but the main one up as points. They are a little dearer but have a better range and come with ethernet ports. That is unless you want the voice assistant built into the points.
PS. I'm assuming your Virgin hub is in modem mode?
Edited by Gren on Thursday 6th January 17:00
How big is your house and how is it constructed?
How many gadgets are you connecting to it?
How many people are using it?
Generally, if you live in an average house with plasterboard walls, you’d be much better off getting a single decent wifi 6 AX router.
You have to remember your networking equipment on your gadgets have to be upto snuff as well, so not worth going for top flight routers if fewer people, 2x2 wifi cards on your gadgets etc.
How many gadgets are you connecting to it?
How many people are using it?
Generally, if you live in an average house with plasterboard walls, you’d be much better off getting a single decent wifi 6 AX router.
You have to remember your networking equipment on your gadgets have to be upto snuff as well, so not worth going for top flight routers if fewer people, 2x2 wifi cards on your gadgets etc.
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 6th January 17:12
Gren said:
I'm on the Virgin 200 service and have 2 nest wifi routers (1 set up as a router and one as a point) and 1 point.
Wifi when connected to the main Nest router gets the full 200. If I go downstairs and connect via the point (or the router acting as a point) I get half this speed.
This is apparently driven by the fact that there is no dedicated backhaul link so the same mesh link is having to transmit in both directions dropping the speed. Whatever the cause its an issue that comes up time and time again on Google's forums.
So to answer your question. Upgrading to the Nest router will probably increase your wifi speeds but only if you are connecting to the main router. Connect to one of the points and your speed will still drop.
If you do make the jump then I'd advise to buy all routers and set all but the main one up as points. They are a little dearer but have a better range and come with ethernet ports. That is unless you want the voice assistant built into the points.
PS. I'm assuming your Virgin hub is in modem mode?
Thanks!Wifi when connected to the main Nest router gets the full 200. If I go downstairs and connect via the point (or the router acting as a point) I get half this speed.
This is apparently driven by the fact that there is no dedicated backhaul link so the same mesh link is having to transmit in both directions dropping the speed. Whatever the cause its an issue that comes up time and time again on Google's forums.
So to answer your question. Upgrading to the Nest router will probably increase your wifi speeds but only if you are connecting to the main router. Connect to one of the points and your speed will still drop.
If you do make the jump then I'd advise to buy all routers and set all but the main one up as points. They are a little dearer but have a better range and come with ethernet ports. That is unless you want the voice assistant built into the points.
PS. I'm assuming your Virgin hub is in modem mode?
Virgin hub is now in modem mode - I had previously turned off the hub wifi to prevent any signal conflict, and I was connecting the google wifi into the hub so I wasn't getting any dhcp conflicts, but I have now switched the hub into modem mode, just be certain.
The lack of a backhaul makes sense as to the likely cause. I don't need the assistant features as I bought a load of google home devices for that purpose a couple of years ago.
One other side issue, which I don't know if it is unique to me, but I notice that occasionally the upload speed via the wifi drops to only 3-4 mbps. In fact it happened a few moments ago, so I checked the google wifi software, and there was no other devices sucking up the bandwidth. I checked the overall speed at the router and that was normal, so I know it is an internal issue on my side. I restarted the mesh and then it is back up to the normal speed.
I am wondering if I need a different solution which can be a bit more speedy on a consistent basis.
wyson said:
How big is your house and how is it constructed?
How many gadgets are you connecting to it?
How many people are using it?
Generally, if you live in an average house with plasterboard walls, you’d be much better off getting a single decent wifi 6 AX router.
You have to remember your networking equipment on your gadgets have to be upto snuff as well, so not worth going for top flight routers if fewer people, 2x2 wifi cards on your gadgets etc.
House isn't a mansion, but is a comfortable size, around 3000 sqft. Internal walls are nearly all brick, not plasterboard. I have about 40+ devices connected with sonos, smart plugs, google home devices, laptops, PCs, kids phones etc etc. 4 people live in the house.How many gadgets are you connecting to it?
How many people are using it?
Generally, if you live in an average house with plasterboard walls, you’d be much better off getting a single decent wifi 6 AX router.
You have to remember your networking equipment on your gadgets have to be upto snuff as well, so not worth going for top flight routers if fewer people, 2x2 wifi cards on your gadgets etc.
I was just thinking getting maybe more than 3 google pucks might solve the issue, but I don't mind upgrading to something different if it would be much better.
I don’t know much about mesh routers, but general routers, Wifi 6 AX offers a lot of advantages, especially for connecting a lot of devices, even with older devices that don’t support that standard. Newer devices will be AX compatible so getting an AC router now will mean less future proofing. AX has noticeably higher bandwidth and reduced latency.
https://www.wired.com/story/best-mesh-wifi-routers...
I’d be very tempted by the Asus mesh pack in the above.
https://www.wired.com/story/best-mesh-wifi-routers...
I’d be very tempted by the Asus mesh pack in the above.
wyson said:
I don’t know much about mesh routers, but general routers, Wifi 6 AX offers a lot of advantages, especially for connecting a lot of devices, even with older devices that don’t support that standard. Newer devices will be AX compatible so getting an AC router now will mean less future proofing. AX has noticeably higher bandwidth and reduced latency.
https://www.wired.com/story/best-mesh-wifi-routers...
I’d be very tempted by the Asus mesh pack in the above.
That's an interesting suggestion. So Asus ZenWiFi XT8 looks like the front runner at the moment!https://www.wired.com/story/best-mesh-wifi-routers...
I’d be very tempted by the Asus mesh pack in the above.
Asus have a wifi 6e version, the ET8, but that has terrible reviews on Amazon. 6e supports a new 6ghz band in addition to 5ghz and 2.4ghz.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/ASUS-Whole-Home-Tri-Band-...
Also I don’t know how thick your brick walls are, but that only allows 2 nodes so could be a problem.
Would be worth looking into different Wifi 6e mesh routers, especially those that allow more than 2 nodes.
Failing that, because 6e is a really new standard so isn’t wide spread and has patchy availability, plain Wifi 6 mesh routers that allow additional nodes. Netgear’s Orbi range allow upto 4 for instance.
I’d always go for the newest Wifi standard possible. They really do make some decent improvements between versions.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/ASUS-Whole-Home-Tri-Band-...
Also I don’t know how thick your brick walls are, but that only allows 2 nodes so could be a problem.
Would be worth looking into different Wifi 6e mesh routers, especially those that allow more than 2 nodes.
Failing that, because 6e is a really new standard so isn’t wide spread and has patchy availability, plain Wifi 6 mesh routers that allow additional nodes. Netgear’s Orbi range allow upto 4 for instance.
I’d always go for the newest Wifi standard possible. They really do make some decent improvements between versions.
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 6th January 19:48
I would be going to a proper mesh infrastructure and cabling the access points where possible then relying on wireless mesh where you can't get to them. I use Unifi equipment and it's been flawless.
Also make sure your mesh system has a 10/100/1000 port, so many of the older or cheaper ones come with a 10/100 and then people wonder why they don't get 300 Mb through them.
Also make sure your mesh system has a 10/100/1000 port, so many of the older or cheaper ones come with a 10/100 and then people wonder why they don't get 300 Mb through them.
wyson said:
Asus have a wifi 6e version, the ET8, but that has terrible reviews on Amazon. 6e supports a new 6ghz band in addition to 5ghz and 2.4ghz.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/ASUS-Whole-Home-Tri-Band-...
Also I don’t know how thick your brick walls are, but that only allows 2 nodes so could be a problem.
Would be worth looking into different Wifi 6e mesh routers, especially those that allow more than 2 nodes.
Failing that, because 6e is a really new standard so isn’t wide spread and has patchy availability, plain Wifi 6 mesh routers that allow additional nodes. Netgear’s Orbi range allow upto 4 for instance.
I’d always go for the newest Wifi standard possible. They really do make some decent improvements between versions.
Interesting, thanks again!https://www.amazon.co.uk/ASUS-Whole-Home-Tri-Band-...
Also I don’t know how thick your brick walls are, but that only allows 2 nodes so could be a problem.
Would be worth looking into different Wifi 6e mesh routers, especially those that allow more than 2 nodes.
Failing that, because 6e is a really new standard so isn’t wide spread and has patchy availability, plain Wifi 6 mesh routers that allow additional nodes. Netgear’s Orbi range allow upto 4 for instance.
I’d always go for the newest Wifi standard possible. They really do make some decent improvements between versions.
So it sounds like the XT8 is still the best option, even though in theory the ET8 might be better in some use cases..
I have a two unit XT8 as mentioned above connected to a dual 1GB down 500MB up connection and get between 300MB and 700MB wireless across about a 200SQM apartment perhaps dropping to around 150 on the furthest outdoor deck with doors closed.
I do have the 2nd unit wired for uplink which helps performance. In general while faster it has been not been as stable as google wifi but more recent firmware made a big improvement along with adding a scheduled reboot once a day.
Davie
I do have the 2nd unit wired for uplink which helps performance. In general while faster it has been not been as stable as google wifi but more recent firmware made a big improvement along with adding a scheduled reboot once a day.
Davie
Will be keeping an eye on this thread. I have 2 of the original Google mesh pucks and virgin 200mb service, I've also noticed that they can't cope with the speed increase.
I've also had the issue where the upstairs puck will constantly switch between 2.4ghz and 5ghz and chop and change WiFi channels all the time, which cause an issue with my firestick (this can't be changed in the Google settings)
I was looking at a deco system, but will have a butchers at the link above (not seen them mentioned in the other large WiFi thread)
I've also had the issue where the upstairs puck will constantly switch between 2.4ghz and 5ghz and chop and change WiFi channels all the time, which cause an issue with my firestick (this can't be changed in the Google settings)
I was looking at a deco system, but will have a butchers at the link above (not seen them mentioned in the other large WiFi thread)
Firstly are there any specific issues you are trying to address, are they dead spots you are trying to eliminate or devices like smart TV’s or fire sticks that don’t connect?
Or is it just a case of trying to maximise your speeds generally?
As a general guide I’d always suggest people hard wire where they can, if you have a media/av setup that has a smart tv, games console or pc, av amp or Sonos etc try and get them cabled use a local switch and a single cable back to your router.
If possible do this wherever you have a high volume of kit so home office and bedrooms are a good targets.
When you running cables it’s just as easy to run two than one and you got some resilience in case one fails. Choose somewhere in the home to run all the cables back to where you have power and can install some switches the modem and any other tech out of the way.
If your thinking of spending £1k on the Orbi RBK853, you might be as well considering the Unifi or TP-Link Omada offerings possibly cheaper, definitely more flexible and when you need to upgrade you won’t throw out the whole system and need to start again.
Depending on the size of the house, the number of floors and construction methods I’ve had good results installing ceiling mount access points in the loft as they generally have a easier time through floors than through walls, then if there are any dead / low speed areas on the ground floor add some in wall or table top ap’s hung off of the switches you installed earlier
Or is it just a case of trying to maximise your speeds generally?
As a general guide I’d always suggest people hard wire where they can, if you have a media/av setup that has a smart tv, games console or pc, av amp or Sonos etc try and get them cabled use a local switch and a single cable back to your router.
If possible do this wherever you have a high volume of kit so home office and bedrooms are a good targets.
When you running cables it’s just as easy to run two than one and you got some resilience in case one fails. Choose somewhere in the home to run all the cables back to where you have power and can install some switches the modem and any other tech out of the way.
If your thinking of spending £1k on the Orbi RBK853, you might be as well considering the Unifi or TP-Link Omada offerings possibly cheaper, definitely more flexible and when you need to upgrade you won’t throw out the whole system and need to start again.
Depending on the size of the house, the number of floors and construction methods I’ve had good results installing ceiling mount access points in the loft as they generally have a easier time through floors than through walls, then if there are any dead / low speed areas on the ground floor add some in wall or table top ap’s hung off of the switches you installed earlier
Freakuk said:
What cable do you have from your Virgin router to your Google wifi point? Hopefully it's Cat5e or 6. I had a standard Cat5 originally and all WiFi speed via the google points were capped at 100Mbs.
I don't know the cable type unfortunetely, but the PC which is connected directly into the google puck gets the full 350mbit/s speed so I presume the cable type must be the ones you refer to.Thanks for everyone's suggestions and ideas.
I've just purchased a Netgear Orbi Wifi 6 RBK853 which is a pack of 3 devices. The best deal I could find was Costco at £849.
Quite expensive, but I am hoping it will improve performance over the current current google wifi and should hopefully offer some future proofing. In reality I think the rbk753 would probably have been sufficient for my needs, but I decided to go with the slightly better spec version.
Once it arrives and I get it setup, I will try and post an update to give some kind of speed comparison, in case that helps anyone else in the same position.
I've just purchased a Netgear Orbi Wifi 6 RBK853 which is a pack of 3 devices. The best deal I could find was Costco at £849.
Quite expensive, but I am hoping it will improve performance over the current current google wifi and should hopefully offer some future proofing. In reality I think the rbk753 would probably have been sufficient for my needs, but I decided to go with the slightly better spec version.
Once it arrives and I get it setup, I will try and post an update to give some kind of speed comparison, in case that helps anyone else in the same position.
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