Wifi mesh systems

Clareman · 15-01-2021 03:55PM

Disable UPnP and see if that makes a difference, I've noticed a few times, mainly on Eir connections, that UPnP can cause an awful lot of weird intermittent issues. Also, on the shield make sure IPv6 is disabled

54and56 · 15-01-2021 05:47PM

Thanks guys, some good tips there.

This is my weekend project now!

degsie · 15-01-2021 06:47PM

Make sure that when you are using a mesh system that it is not a good idea to have it operating in router mode and hanging off another router. Only have one router operating to dish out DHCP, DNS etc.

54and56 · 15-01-2021 07:30PM

degsie wrote: »

Make sure that when you are using a mesh system that it is not a good idea to have it operating in router mode and hanging off another router. Only have one router operating to dish out DHCP, DNS etc.

Thanks.

I believe my Virgin box is set to Modem mode bit it's at least 6-7 years since that was set up and the old router was given a static IP etc.

Is there anyway to access the Virgin box to check what the current settings are or would that require a call to their helpdesk?

FYI I'm on a business broadband package with them. Not sure if that makes any difference or not.

Gooey Looey · 15-01-2021 07:32PM

54and56 wrote: »

Thanks.

I believe my Virgin box is set to Modem mode bit it's at least 6-7 years since that was set up and the old router was given a static IP etc.

Is there anyway to access the Virgin box to check what the current settings are or would that require a call to their helpdesk?

FYI I'm on a business broadband package with them. Not sure if that makes any difference or not.

Just do a trace route, you should only see the mesh router not 2 private up addresses.
On Windows tracert type www.google.com in CMD

54and56 · 15-01-2021 08:27PM

Cyrus wrote: »

is the main wifi mesh network 2.4 + 5ghz? if so would you change that to 5ghz only see if that makes a difference?

I don't see any options to specify or tailor the main mesh network so whilst I guess it's 2.4Ghz + 5Ghz I'm not sure.

GrumPy · 15-01-2021 08:30PM

For those that have Google Nest/ Wifi Mesh. I picked this up while it was reduced over Christmas. I'm moving into a new house in a couple of weeks, and have yet to decide on an internet provider.
What provider offers the best compatibility? I ask because I play ALOT of online games (PC, xbox & ps) and I've read online that some service providers, when leveraged using Google nest configuration; have issues like double NAT and can mess up with port settings etc.
Can anyone suggest what might be best? Sky seems to be the least Nest Wifi friendly.

54and56 · 15-01-2021 08:34PM

Clareman wrote: »

Disable UPnP and see if that makes a difference

Done, will check later to see if there's a noticeable difference.

Bluefoam · 15-01-2021 08:37PM

GrumPy wrote: »

For those that have Google Nest/ Wifi Mesh. I picked this up while it was reduced over Christmas. I'm moving into a new house in a couple of weeks, and have yet to decide on an internet provider.
What provider offers the best compatibility? I ask because I play ALOT of online games (PC, xbox & ps) and I've read online that some service providers, when leveraged using Google nest configuration; have issues like double NAT and can mess up with port settings etc.
Can anyone suggest what might be best? Sky seems to be the least Nest Wifi friendly.

I have 250mb from virgin an a two part Nest WiFi... Virgin WiFi is turned off. I've had no problems with connection or speed, but don't play games.

Gooey Looey · 15-01-2021 08:39PM

54and56 wrote: »

Done, will check later to see if there's a noticeable difference.

Don't disable upnp if you play console games online or use a VPN for work

Damien360 · 15-01-2021 08:46PM

GrumPy wrote: »

For those that have Google Nest/ Wifi Mesh. I picked this up while it was reduced over Christmas. I'm moving into a new house in a couple of weeks, and have yet to decide on an internet provider.
What provider offers the best compatibility? I ask because I play ALOT of online games (PC, xbox & ps) and I've read online that some service providers, when leveraged using Google nest configuration; have issues like double NAT and can mess up with port settings etc.
Can anyone suggest what might be best? Sky seems to be the least Nest Wifi friendly.

I have google mesh system on the back end of my virgin media 360 connection. VM in modem mode, google in router mode. Lots of options, can reserve IP addresses, ports are easy to open, menu system is decent. Young lad plays a lot of gaming via steam, epic etc. I use it for PS4 and google stadia (trying to justify it to myself), and there are absolutely no double NAT or connection issues whatsoever. Minecraft VR with ports open on lads pc also. Works with his buddies without glitches.

54and56 · 15-01-2021 08:46PM

Gooey Looey wrote: »

Just do a trace route, you should only see the mesh router not 2 private up addresses.
On Windows tracert type www.google.com in CMD

Thanks Gooey Looey,

This is what I get

Don't think there's any IP address info there that's not ok to post publicly but please do alert me if I shouldn't be posting it.

Damien360 · 15-01-2021 08:49PM

54and56 wrote: »

Thanks.

I believe my Virgin box is set to Modem mode bit it's at least 6-7 years since that was set up and the old router was given a static IP etc.

Is there anyway to access the Virgin box to check what the current settings are or would that require a call to their helpdesk?

FYI I'm on a business broadband package with them. Not sure if that makes any difference or not.

Modem mode IP for VM is 192.168.100.1
Router mode default VM 192.168.0.1

You don’t need Helpdesk

54and56 · 15-01-2021 09:24PM

Damien360 wrote: »

Modem mode IP for VM is 192.168.100.1
Router mode default VM 192.168.0.1

You don’t need Helpdesk

Apologies if this is a silly question but what do I do with those IP addresses?

When I type them into Google i get an error that "This site can't be reached".

Shedite27 · 15-01-2021 09:39PM

54and56 wrote: »

Apologies if this is a silly question but what do I do with those IP addresses?

When I type them into Google i get an error that "This site can't be reached".

Are you connected via the wifi?

54and56 · 15-01-2021 09:45PM

Shedite27 wrote: »

Are you connected via the wifi?

No, tried on the Ethernet connected PC.

It's possible one of the 5 static IP addresses Virgin gave me was somehow allocated to the PC, I seem to remember that happening when the Asus router was originally set up which the Virgin helpdesk guided me through.

Gooey Looey · 15-01-2021 11:50PM

54and56 wrote: »

Thanks Gooey Looey,

This is what I get

Don't think there's any IP address info there that's not ok to post publicly but please do alert me if I shouldn't be posting it.

Those are all public ips so you should be fine

54and56 · 15-01-2021 11:53PM

Gooey Looey wrote: »

Those are all public ips so you should be fine

Thanks Gooey Looey,

Can you tell me what it all means?

Gooey Looey · 16-01-2021 12:00AM

54and56 wrote: »

Thanks Gooey Looey,

Can you tell me what it all means?

It means you are not double Natting which is what you want

54and56 · 16-01-2021 12:07AM

Gooey Looey wrote: »

It means you are not double Natting which is what you want

So it looks "good"?

It's hard to tell given all the time out's etc :-)

avud · 16-01-2021 10:15AM

Hi
I'm considering getting the google nest mesh system due to wifi black spots especially upstairs. I live in a standard 4 bed detached. My supplier is Eir with up to 100 mb download speeds and I have their supplied fibre F2000 router.
Has anyone tried the google system on a similar setup and does it work, im not tech savvy but I'm reading about issues like NAT etc on forms.
If the goigle isn't compatible any suggestions of an alternative option

Advice appreciated

Shedite27 · 16-01-2021 12:23PM

Hi, I bought Google Next Router with one Nest Access Point.

Tried to set them up, WiFi seems fine from the Nest Router, the AccessPoint is beating me.

I went through and set it up following the steps, but it seems to be operating basically as just a Google Home (receiving WiFi and accepting voice commands) but not as an Access Point boosting WiFi.

On the Google home app...
It appears as a Device (Bedroom), when I go to WiFi I can see it as a device but when I click “Points” it’s just showing me the router (kitchen).

On the Google WiFi app...
It’s just showing the Internet, WiFi Point (that’s the router/kitchen), Devices. It should be showing another should it?

Screenshots attached. Thanks

babelfish1990 · 16-01-2021 12:46PM

avud wrote: »

Hi
I'm considering getting the google nest mesh system due to wifi black spots especially upstairs. I live in a standard 4 bed detached. My supplier is Eir with up to 100 mb download speeds and I have their supplied fibre F2000 router.
Has anyone tried the google system on a similar setup and does it work, im not tech savvy but I'm reading about issues like NAT etc on forms.
If the goigle isn't compatible any suggestions of an alternative option

Advice appreciated

Don't use Google WiFi. While it is an excellent device on it's own, you will end up with NAT issues when you have more than one device - which negates the main advantage of Mesh.

If you have Cat5/Cat6 wiring in your house, I would recommend Ubiquiti Unifi devices, as these can be powered off the Ethernet cables (POE). If you don't have wiring go for a Mesh system that allows you to put the entire Mesh into "AP Mode". Switch off the WiFi in your Eir Router, and revert to using the Eir Router as a modem/router only, rather than a source of WiFi. TP Link Deco series are a reliable make, that support AP mode. Never use the Mesh system in router mode, or you will have NAT issues.

Some nerds and mesh manufacturers recommend you ditch your ISP router - Bad advice, unless you are very experienced in networking technology. Your ISP router provides your firewall, and is continuously managed by Eir. They will keep security patches up-to-date, and manage the settings remotely. If you ditch your router, you will have to be prepared to manage everything yourself.

54and56 · 16-01-2021 12:47PM

Damien360 wrote: »

Modem mode IP for VM is 192.168.100.1
Router mode default VM 192.168.0.1

You don’t need Helpdesk

Hi Damien360,

I can't connect to those IP addresses regardless of whether I try via a WiFi connected Win 10 laptop / Android phone or via the Ethernet connected Win 10 PC.

I might give VM helpdesk a call on Monday to see if they can help me figure out how to access the modem and check it's settings etc.

Here's my latest cloudflare result from a Win 10 Mesh WiFi connected laptop.

avud · 16-01-2021 04:07PM

babelfish1990 wrote: »

Don't use Google WiFi. While it is an excellent device on it's own, you will end up with NAT issues when you have more than one device - which negates the main advantage of Mesh.

If you have Cat5/Cat6 wiring in your house, I would recommend Ubiquiti Unifi devices, as these can be powered off the Ethernet cables (POE). If you don't have wiring go for a Mesh system that allows you to put the entire Mesh into "AP Mode". Switch off the WiFi in your Eir Router, and revert to using the Eir Router as a modem/router only, rather than a source of WiFi. TP Link Deco series are a reliable make, that support AP mode. Never use the Mesh system in router mode, or you will have NAT issues.

Some nerds and mesh manufacturers recommend you ditch your ISP router - Bad advice, unless you are very experienced in networking technology. Your ISP router provides your firewall, and is continuously managed by Eir. They will keep security patches up-to-date, and manage the settings remotely. If you ditch your router, you will have to be prepared to manage everything yourself.

Thanks very much for your advice you saved me lots of hassle there. The house isn't hardwired for ethernet unfortunately, so I guess the TP Deco is my option. Can you recommend one particular model please

babelfish1990 · 16-01-2021 06:45PM

avud wrote: »

Thanks very much for your advice you saved me lots of hassle there. The house isn't hardwired for ethernet unfortunately, so I guess the TP Deco is my option. Can you recommend one particular model please

A TPLink M4 3-pack should be perfectly adequate for you - expect to pay around €160 - well worth the money. If you want to shell out a little more - you could go for the M5 - slightly higher spec, and neater nodes, if space is an issue - around €200 for a 3-pack.

Clareman · 16-01-2021 09:56PM

babelfish1990 wrote: »

Don't use Google WiFi. While it is an excellent device on it's own, you will end up with NAT issues when you have more than one device - which negates the main advantage of Mesh.

If you have Cat5/Cat6 wiring in your house, I would recommend Ubiquiti Unifi devices, as these can be powered off the Ethernet cables (POE). If you don't have wiring go for a Mesh system that allows you to put the entire Mesh into "AP Mode". Switch off the WiFi in your Eir Router, and revert to using the Eir Router as a modem/router only, rather than a source of WiFi. TP Link Deco series are a reliable make, that support AP mode. Never use the Mesh system in router mode, or you will have NAT issues.

Some nerds and mesh manufacturers recommend you ditch your ISP router - Bad advice, unless you are very experienced in networking technology. Your ISP router provides your firewall, and is continuously managed by Eir. They will keep security patches up-to-date, and manage the settings remotely. If you ditch your router, you will have to be prepared to manage everything yourself.

I don't know what you mean about the Google Mesh, I have it and don't have a problem and I do all types of online gaming (consoles, PC and Shield) with no problem.

Gooey Looey · 16-01-2021 10:01PM

Clareman wrote: »

I don't know what you mean about the Google Mesh, I have it and don't have a problem and I do all types of online gaming (consoles, PC and Shield) with no problem.

If you have double NAT you have issues just not realised it yet. It breaks so many things, hosting pc and console games, VPN, VOIP, strict SSL and many more protocols get broken. Your PC and devices use plug and play to open the ports on the Google WiFi firewall then the ports remain blocked on your main router. It should never be 2 hops to the internet without careful planning and routing.

Clareman · 16-01-2021 10:06PM

I'm using all that as well as hosting a plex server, no issues whatsoever. Just checked it there, I've 50 devices connected at the moment and no problem I used VPN and VOIP for ~40 hours every week without a single issue. I also access all different types of smart devices (heat, lights, fans, cameras, alarm, vacuum) without a single issue. Everything just works, no issues with anything, gaming varies from PS5/Xbox X/PC to Counter Strike to Shield. I tried Stadia as well, didn't like it but didn't have a connection issue.

Gooey Looey · 16-01-2021 10:09PM

Clareman wrote: »

I'm using all that as well as hosting a plex server, no issues whatsoever. Just checked it there, I've 50 devices connected at the moment and no problem I used VPN and VOIP for ~40 hours every week without a single issue. I also access all different types of smart devices (heat, lights, fans, cameras, alarm, vacuum) without a single issue. Everything just works, no issues with anything, gaming varies from PS5/Xbox X/PC to Counter Strike to Shield. I tried Stadia as well, didn't like it but didn't have a connection issue.

You don't have double NAT! Or you are connecting these devices to your main router

"What is Double NAT? | Answer | NETGEAR Support" https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT

Wifi mesh systems

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