How To Hardwire Google Wi-Fi?

Google Wi-Fi is an extremely popular service among internet consumers. In our homes filled with multiple users, gadgets, and obstacles, wireless signal connectivity can be a very real annoyance. That’s not to mention the security concerns that come with wireless devices and networks. Many consumers can be forced to protect themselves with Wi-Fi isolation to prevent an unauthorized device or person from accessing the network.  

Google Wi-Fi has a huge following all over the world because it addresses exactly these problems. The proprietary mesh system comes with a secure setup and advanced wireless features to add to your internet experience. Google insists, however, that its wireless mesh and network tech only works with Google Wi-Fi. This can discourage internet users who want to hardwire their Google Wi-Fi using an Ethernet cable. However, is this true? Read on to find out more about whether it is possible to hardwire your Google Wi-Fi and how to do it. 

Can You Hardwire Your Google Wi-Fi System? 

First things first. A user manual and a basic Google search will always give you the impression that it is impossible (or almost impossible) to hardwire Google Wi-Fi using an Ethernet cable. But this is not strictly true. Google does indeed recommend only using its mesh with Google Wi-Fi. But that does not mean it is impossible to hardwire.  

The way the wireless network tech works is quite straightforward. Google requires you to use an Ethernet cable when setting up the primary wireless access point. That’s pretty much the same as plugging in a modem via Ethernet to the best Wi-Fi for streaming gateway.  

Once done, you can do anything from browsing to responding to pay my Optimum bill email. However, while Google recommends all other access points to be set up wirelessly, there is some wiggle room. It is actually quite possible and realistic to hardwire Google Wi-Fi. Find out how in the sections below.  

Guide to Hardwiring Google Wi-Fi 

For one thing, Google’s requirement is only the company’s preferred method of setting up Google Wi-Fi. You can actually set up all access points, including the additional ones, with an Ethernet network. This is what we refer to as “hardwiring”. You use Ethernet cables instead of wireless signals to transfer data. This automatically improves the throughput thanks to a lower loss rate. And it can also help bridge signal gaps where a secondary access point is too far from the primary gateway.  

Google’s Wi-Fi mesh tech leverages its wireless mesh routers as a key selling point. The wireless setup is very convenient. However, if you choose, you can change adjust the mesh router’s settings to let you hardwire them instead. Here are a few steps to follow:  

Use Ethernet to Chain Multiple Access Points  

Step #1: Connect the primary Google Wi-Fi gateway to your modem via wired ethernet. 

Step#2: Use wired ethernet to link your modem’s LAN port to Google’s WAN or LAN. 

Once done, you should have a chain of mesh devices linked together with wired ethernet.   

Place Network Switches Downstream of Primary Gateway  

Network switches are controlling devices that allow various connected devices like computers and printers to communicate over the same network. A switch allows signals like print commands to pass through the internet to a wireless printer instead of connecting it to a computer or laptop. Adding the switch downstream from a primary Google Wi-Fi point allows the switch to manage all other access points. Here’s how to set it up: 

Step #1: Connect the LAN port on your modem to the WAN port on your Google Wi-Fi point. 

Step #2: Do the same with the LAN port on primary Google Wi-Fi to the WAN port on the switch.  

Step #3: Use a wired ethernet to link the WAN port on the switch with the LAN port on the primary Wi-Fi.    

Use a Third-Party Router as a Switch to Save Money  

If a new switch sounds too pricey for you right now, don’t worry. Many people have a spare third-party router lying around. This can typically save you the cost of a new network switch while doing pretty much the same job as one. Here’s how to set up your spare router as a network switch for your wireless mesh:  

Once done you should have steady internet access all over your home. If you are a big fan of on-demand video, you’ll know that the best Wi-Fi for streaming is the one that reaches you with a steady signal. You should be good to go if you’ve followed all the steps correctly.  

Avoid These Common Hardwiring Mistakes    

There are still some common mistakes that people make when hardwiring a Google Wi-Fi mesh system. This can impact the functionality, signal strength, and throughput of every access point in the mesh. Sometimes, using a spare router as a network switch can cause networking conflicts and issues.  

This usually only happens when the third-party router is also broadcasting Wi-Fi in addition to the rest of the mesh. Fix this by changing the settings on the router to bridge mode. For good measure, turn off Wi-Fi broadcasting on the router as well. To make sure you don’t run into any other unexpected problems, avoid the following: