About Google Nest Ethernet Ports, Google Nest WiFi promises a compelling networking capability, allowing you to have more than two Ethernet ports.
It has modified Mesh AP (Access Points) supplementing the Nest WiFi. You can now use extra CAT cables and network switches to accommodate more devices on your LAN.
This blog post discusses all you need about Google Nest Ethernet Ports.
Table of Contents
- 1. Ethernet Ports on Google WiFi
- 2. How to Add More Ethernet Ports to Google WiFi?
- 3. How Much Speed Can I Get With Google WiFi Using Ethernet?
- 4. Why Choose Ethernet Over WiFi?
- Conclusion
1. Ethernet Ports on Google WiFi
The Google WiFi Nest has two Gb Ethernet ports on the router that can transmit and receive data with speeds above the 1Gb range. It is unusual, as several modern routers have more than two Ethernet ports.
Types of Google WiFi Ethernet Ports
The ports on Google WiFi are the WAN and the LAN port. Both ports are distinguishable by their very distinctive markings. The WAN port has a globe icon and connects to your internet services, such as your modem.
On the contrary, the LAN has a double arrow (<—>) icon. It is part of the inner network designed by the Nest WiFi Router, connecting to the same network as your devices.
You can use this port to run longer cables and use an inexpensive unmanaged Ethernet “switch” off of those runs to link several wired devices.
Though the new Nest Mesh points do not feature Ethernet ports, the previous version—the Google Mesh point came with Ethernet ports.
New models support Mesh networking, majorly via RF wireless communication. On the other hand, the older models allowed users to daisy-chain APs to establish a more reliable and faster connection.
Connecting Ethernet to Google WiFi
Start by connecting one end of the Ethernet (WAN Port) to the Google WiFi. Then, connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the uplink/LAN port of your modem.
It is important to note that you should not try connecting devices to the Google WiFi and the modem when forming two independent LAN networks.
It might lead to many unrelated LAN networks that may lead to NAT issues with the network.
For instance, if you have multiple Ethernet ports on your modem, you should use only one of the ports to connect a Nest WiFi router.
Then, link any wired device downstream from there through the LAN port.
This way, everything stays on a single network rather than spreading across the modem+router’s outer network and the Nest WiFi Router’s inner networks.
2. How to Add More Ethernet Ports to Google WiFi?
Cables inserted into Ethernet ports.
One of the ways to increase Ethernet ports on Google WiFi Ethernet ports is to use a network switch.
A switch is a simple networking device that connects devices and gadgets such as printers and computers.
It works as a controller to let your devices communicate with each other over the same internet connection.
Just like a router, it allows the transfer of data packets between devices and the internet.
Though, it does not possess the provision to enable ISP communication or host a network.
Switches come in port increments ranging from two extra ports to eight or more ports.
The switches can be differentiated by their functionality and targeted mode of implementation.
Some unmanaged switches do not require any setup, monitoring, or configuration (plug-and-play).
You can also use the LAN port to connect a single wired client device.
Either way, you can buy an unmanaged Ethernet “switch” and some Cat 5e cables to make more ports for other devices.
The Cat 5e and Cat 6e cables provide a more stable connection than normal Cat 3 cables.
If you want more connections, run longer cables from the switch to other remote places and hang more unmanaged Ethernet switches.
You can then connect many wired devices. The device will form part of the inner network and communicate with each other just like any other WiFi.
To connect the switch, start by connecting the cable to the WAN port of the switch.
Then connect the other ends to the LAN port of your Google WiFi, and that’s it!
You should note that connecting your switch to other Google WiFi routers is possible, but it might be subject to NAT interferences.
3. How Much Speed Can I Get With Google WiFi Using Ethernet?
Checking internet speed
Ideally, Google WiFi supports up to 1000 Mbps when using an Ethernet port.
However, the internet speeds may be lower depending on the slowest component on your network.
We recommend using CAT 6 cables as their copper conductor array is nearly always superior to all other CAT cables.
They guarantee less interference and give better signal strength.
When connected to a router using a Cat 6 cable, the speeds are:
- Upload: 750 – 850Mbps
- Download: 850 – 902Mbps
When Google WiFi is subjected to a different internet connection of under a 400Mbps network that has a 200Mbps upload ceiling, the speeds are:
- Upload: 180 – 200Mbps
- Download: 370 – 385Mbps
Therefore, Google WiFi on an Ethernet connection delivers a great internet connection. You can also perform our test to check the speed of the internet of your Google Home app by following these steps:
- Open the Google Home app and click on “WiFi.”
- Scroll downward to the Network Tab, then select “Run Speed Test.”
- Let the test complete, and your upload and download speeds display
Remember that an Ethernet connection is also susceptible to interferences and cable connections.
4. Why Choose Ethernet Over WiFi?
Ethernet network cable
WiFi is usually very convenient for small and portable devices. However, when it comes to performance, Ethernet is a better connection.
Though WiFi improved with time, the factors undermining its connection surpass those making it desirable.
All in all, Ethernet is just better in specific scenarios:
Reliable
Ethernet connection offers a more reliable internet connection than WiFi.
WiFi connectivity is prone to interference, especially over long distances.
Its signal strength decreases as the distance between devices and routers increases.
Barriers such as walls also reduce the WiFi signal strength.
But in Ethernet connections, the interferences are negligible due to the wired connection.
Consistent Speed
Network traffic has minimal effect on Ethernet connection as compared to WiFi.
For the WiFi connections, users may start experiencing a drop in the network speeds once the traffic exceeds the limit.
Ethernet connections, however, do not encounter such issues.
They are more user-focused and limited to particular numbers of users at specific times.
Low Latency
The Ethernet connections are much faster, with a fraction of latency compared to WiFi networks.
WiFi adds a translation step to your connection, which increases latency.
Different factors also come into play: physical distance from the router, interference, and local network congestion.
You do not have these issues with Ethernet.
Conclusion
As you have seen, we have discussed the solutions for adding extra ports to your Google WiFi in the guide above.
You can easily add the ports using an unmanaged Ethernet switch.
Remember that Ethernet is a better choice than WiFi due to its reliability, consistent speed, and low latency.
