Google nest wifi point2/29/2024 ![]() Testing in my home, I found that close to the router, I achieved average throughputs of 289.16Mbps using the TamoSoft Throughput Tester. Google also hasn’t added a dedicated wireless channel for mesh communication, as with the Netgear Orbi system, saying that it doesn’t need to. For example, a three-stream (3×3) MacBook Pro can use all three streams connecting to the router, but only two streams when connecting to a point. This configuration means that some devices may benefit from faster speeds when connecting to the router. The point uses 802.11ac AC1200 MU-MIMO with 2×2 5GHz and 2×2 2.4GHz networking. You get more powerful Wi-Fi via the router, which uses 802.11ac AC2200 MU-MIMO, with a 4×4 5GHz network and 2×2 2.4GHz network. The router and point use slightly different Wi-Fi chips. There’s no support for Wi-Fi 6 with this mesh system, with Google sticking with the older, cheaper Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) standard. ![]() Neatly, each point supports the same touch controls as on the Nest Mini, too: the top is play/pause, the sides are volume up/down. The Google Nest Wifi points are a good way of expanding voice control through your home, but you’ll hanker for something louder and more powerful if you want devices for music. ![]() The result is a speaker that’s loud and clear enough for voice replies and radio, but weak when it comes to music playback. Internally, each point includes a 360-degree 40mm driver, which is the same as in the Google Nest Mini. Note, too, that the points support Bluetooth, so you can use them to control some smart devices, such as Bluetooth-enabled Philips Hue bulbs. Each one is a full Google Assistant speaker: you can control smart devices, play music, ask for directions and so on. If you have any Google Nest Wifi points, they’re automatically added to your Google account to work with the Google Assistant. More advanced features include DNS settings, UPnP and port forwarding, now all available in the Google Home app (at launch, these features were in the Google Wifi app). You can then manually pause and unpause the internet for each group – turning off the kids’ internet connection to get their attention, for instance. Groups let you bundle together devices under one profile – say, one for each member of the house. It takes just a few minutes to get a system up and running, after which you end up with a new Wifi icon in the Home app that takes you to your system’s configuration.įrom here you can configure your network’s name and password, plus access more advanced controls, including setting up Groups. However, this system is not compatible with the new Google Nest Wifi Pro, so you can’t mix and match as you upgrade, or press an older satellite into use with the newer system.Ĭonfiguration and setup are through the Google Home app, not the old Google Wifi app. You can also use your old Google Wifi access points in the network, since the system is backwards compatible. Points cost £129 each, although you’ll get a far better deal if you buy a kit comprising of a router and point, which Google says gives you the same coverage as the old Google Wifi three-satellite pack. In addition, it also means there’s no Ethernet backhaul option, which is helpful if you want to expand your network beyond normal Wi-Fi range – to an outbuilding, for example. That’s frustrating since it limits options. Strangely, the points don’t have any Ethernet ports they connect to the mesh network using their wireless connection only. Nevertheless, it’s a device you’ll happily have on display – the point is also a Google Assistant-powered smart speaker (there’s a switch at the back to turn off the microphone if you don’t want Google listening in). In the US, the point is available in three colours in the UK it’s only currently available in white. Each point is a smaller-sized (87.2 x 102.2 x 102.2mm) puck. Next we come to the satellites, which are called “points” in Google’s terminology. The router is available to buy on its own for £149, if you want. Realistically, most people will end up buying an Ethernet switch, since so few ports will prove too limiting. One is dedicated to your internet connection the other is for wired devices. The router component has two Gigabit Ethernet ports. ![]() The switch makes things easier overall, and means you don’t have your old router to manage as well. This is an upgrade from the original Google Wifi, which plugged into your existing router. First, there’s a router (90.4 x 110 x 110mm) that connects directly to your broadband. Decked out in the customary smooth plastic seen on other Nest products, the Nest Wifi looks fantastic – and as such, you’ll be quite happy to have parts of it on display. With the Google Nest Wifi, however Google has made a real effort. Wireless mesh networks aren’t usually the most attractive looking bits of kit.
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