Google nest router connectivity to Vodafone router - Fiber connectivity

[sivajivenkat]

Hi All,

Recently I moved to Vodafone Fiber from another ISP. I had a set up Good Nest connected to Modem with the other ISP. I wanted to have the same set up with Vodafone Router to make Google Nest as primary router so that I have access points in different rooms. This way speed can improve  everywhere in the property.  Here is what I have done so far:

1. I did a factory reset of Google Nest Wifi router. This way all data w.r.t to old router is all deleted and reset. 

2. Connected Google Nest wifi router to Vodafone router. To my surprise, there was no error and it was successful set up as a mesh network. 

3. I now get full bandwidth speed out of the Google Nest router. However,  the Vodafone router is also functional as router. I have now two routers connectivity. With the Google nest wifi router connected as mesh to wifi access points, I am able to get connectivity from dead spots of the property from before. However, the speed isn't great. 

I understand there is no configuration in Vodafone router to set it as Modem as it is a fiber connectivity. There should be some configuration in the Vodafone router to optimise the connectivity and improve the speed everywhere within the property. 

How can I optimise the the double router connectivity that I have now so that the speed can increase in all the rooms of the property?

Has anyone come across this situation and can share their experience please.

Thank you in advance.

[Jayach]

Using the mesh as an access point, means it will basically be replacing the Vodafone's Wi-Fi, but the Vodafone router will be doing everything else, so no double NAT. (turn off the Wi-Fi in the Vodafone)

It's probably the best solution, if you don't want to replace the Vodafone router.

[sivajivenkat]

@Jayach Thanks for your prompt response. This is my understanding from your post, please clarify.

Google Mesh Router must be configured as access point instead of Router.  I am assuming the access point connected to VF router will be different to other Nest wifi points placed around the property 

Switch off the wifi services from Vodafone router. (Switching off  "Main Wi-Fi" from VodafoneBroadband app)

After this is done, Google Mesh Router my new access point will be more like front end for devices to connect and Vodafone router behave like a back end connected to ONT etc.

Thanks again. 

[Jayach · Accepted solution]

Sorry, but I didn't quite understand the query.

Your mesh, will still be a mesh, irrespective of whether it is in access point or router mode.

That means the main unit and the satellites will still be a mesh. You will just plug them into the Vodafone router the same as you do now,

You can turn off the Vodafone Wi-Fi as you won't need to be using it anymore. 

Hope that makes more sense.

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@sivajivenkat wrote:

After this is done, Google Mesh Router my new access point will be more like front end for devices to connect and Vodafone router behave like a back end connected to ONT etc.

Yes that is basically how it will work.

[sivajivenkat]

@Jayach  I managed to switch off wifi on the VF router and the connected Google nest router is working well. So far, connectivity is good.

I think this solution is good from Vodafone support for the future as well as the Vodafone router is still connected to the ONT. Just in case if troubleshooting from Vodafone is required in the future for any problems. 

Many thanks for your help. I appreciate your patience and problem solving skills. 

[Jayach]

For anyone who doesn't need the advanced router functions of the mesh, but wants easy access to the supplied VoIP function of the Vodafone router and also wants to have good Wi-Fi connectivity around the house, a mesh in access point mode is the best solution. It's just a rather expensive way of achieving it.