Amazon Renewed Nest WiFi Router 2 Pack AC2200

Like many people, I don’t often write reviews but I feel compelled to do so because of (1) how frequently people now work at home and rely on WiFi devices and (2) the expense of a mesh system.

I’ve set up quite a bit of networking equipment, so I think it was reasonable for me to assume that I should be able to set this up without much trouble.

I have Verizon FIOS. My configuration consists of running two connections from the FIOS Router
1. A CAT6/fiber network wired into the FIOS router
2. The Google WiFi mesh wired into the FIOS router

I initially ran everything off the mesh, but after having *serious* intermittent connectivity problems, I separated my office (CAT6) from the mesh to maintain a consistent internet connection. I lost out on the benefit of using the mesh in my office and created printing challenges.

There are 2 main things prompting the review & that you might want to consider:

1. WiFi Consistency – I haven’t had any intermittent WiFi signal problems until installing this
2. “Seamlessness” with your existing network – Google creates a “hidden” network, which is problematic for sharing devices (like printers) across your WiFi and wired (CAT5/6) networks. There are workarounds but they aren’t obvious IMHO.

*** Here are the details of the points above ***

1. This is baffling. For no apparent reason, the WiFi signal will drop then reappear. I know it’s not the Verizon FIOS signal because my office uses a CAT6/fiber link and it never experiences interruptions. I haven’t identified a pattern, and I really shouldn’t have to (nor do I want to) because no conditions change, nothing moves…it just drops then comes back after a minute or so. This happens at least 2X per day and it’s the dealbreaker.

2. The Google mesh creates what they call a “NAT” network that uses a familiar-looking IP address range (192.168.86.x) but for security reasons, it’s not visible to your physical network unless you shut off NAT. My workaround is everything is on the mesh network (including the printer) and when I want to print things from my office, I disconnect from the CAT6 & connect to the WiFi network. It does work, but for those not familiar with stuff like this, figuring this out could be maddening.

When it worked, it did work really well. I consistently got 50-60mbps in most areas I wanted covered. But…

I’m going to return the equipment because I can’t solve the intermittent WiFi signal drop. In fairness, I bought the Refurb option, but it was factory reset and appeared to be new, not beat up/damaged. But I don’t think having it work 98% of the time is a fair tradeoff or expectation.

I think consumers should be able to “set & forget” it & expect it to work pretty much 100% of the time. I’m returning it & not sure what I’ll get to replace it.

Hope this helps.

I love the concept of these. My router can also answer simple questions and play music for 100 bucks, yes please. The satellite does go out every now and then though a quick reset through Google Home solves everything.

Buen producto, cumple con su cometido solo que faltó informacion n de su instalación y configuración.
No traía nada de instructivo.

Getting rid of this system ASAP. Unless your house uses next to no bandwidth and you have very few devices. Do not get these.

A much needed upgrade from an outdated Spectrum router, which often had connection issues and took a long time to restart.

I use the second station provide wifi to a Granny unit on my property and haven’t had any drop outs or slow downs.

These were recommended by the tech from the Internet provider. I have not had any issues with connectivity since I changed to these.