Recommended modem for Google Nest WiFi?

[#1]

Hi all,

I'm keen to get a google Nest WiFi router (otherwise need a wifi extender so thought I'd also attempt to improve speed and reliability). Pretty new to this, but not impossible with technology. Have gathered that I have FTTC.

Plusnets customer support's tech people said it'd work to just plug the Nest into the BT connection point in the wall, however I understand from other posts that this isn't correct - it seems I would need to plug in a modem between the Nest and the BT connection point in the wall..

Have both seen recommendations for more costly modems such as Netgear DM200 or cheaper ones like Openreach hg612. Any recommendations of what modem to go for?

Thanks!

[#2]

Moderators Note
This topic has been moved from Fibre Broadband to Tech Help.

[#3]

@Linn 

Yes, you will need to plug the Nest into a port on a modem. The latter is the link to the internet and the nest distributes it round the house.

Am I correct in assuming that you already have a router? If so, it should also act as a modem only. When you set up the Nest the instructions will take you through the procedure using an existing router and it will pair the Nest to that. If your existing router works ok now, the new system should also be ok, and any necessary setting changes on the router should be made automatically.

I don't have a Nest, but I use a similar system that has been set up in a similar way.

Also have a look on YouTube for a video that covers this. There are several and it might answer a few more questions for you. For example..  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quL2HRqRqGM

and also https://support.google.com/wifi/answer/7183148?hl=en

[#4]

Thank you so much for this! I haven't bought the Google Nest WiFi router yet, wanted to make sure I don't break the budget too much depending on how much I can get a modem for..

Yes, I currently just use the standard router (with modem built in) provided by Plusnet, have no real issues, just want better speed (I'm used to Gb, not two-digit Mb..) and range of coverage.

Do you have any tips on cheap but still ok modems?

[#5]

@Linn 

Typical fastest FTTC down speeds are around 60Mbps. What are you getting? If you are expecting Gigabits out of it you might be disappointed!

[#6]

Haha yes that's roughly what I'm getting most of the time. Not expecting that much more with this. Main reason for the google nest is the coverage; I'd have to buy an extender otherwise and this seems like a much better system, even if I would have to get a point (don't think I do).

Any modem tips..? That's really where I'm stuck

[#7]

I've never bought a pure modem but this seems to get good reviews. There aren't that many around.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/DrayTek-Vigor-ADSL-Ethernet-Modem/dp/B00F9E5LQA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=6U0HTAT79N6...

Or there's this.. https://www.amazon.co.uk/BT-OPENREACH-Infinity-TalkTalk-Providers/dp/B00UWBXXTC/ref=sr_1_4?crid=6U0H...

which I have used in the past as a trial. Speeds weren't great!

[#8]

Ok thanks! It's tricky..not sure what google planned for people to do

[#9]

@Linn 

They are mainly used as a range extender with the added advantage of being a network that routes the WiFi  data through the best possible track. Most people use their existing router/modem to access the fibre network.

[#10]

I didn't think that was possible with plusnet's router/modem? Thought it didn't allow you to turn off the router function

[#11]

@Linn 

I'll have to take advice on that. I've got one but I don't use it. I can't see why it would be a problem but I will be advised to the contrary. 🤔

[#12]

Please let me know if you find anything out!  

[#13]

@Linn 

You are correct. The Hub One does not allow bridge mode. This thread will illustrate what's needed to get a third party modem into bridge mode with a router. I honestly don't know how the Google Nest would cope with the necessary steps though. 

https://community.plus.net/t5/My-Router/None-of-my-modems-will-connect-in-bridge-mode/td-p/1607844

[#14]

Thanks, looks like I need to see if the Google Nest community have dealt with this.. Am finding modems that can be used in bridge mode for £30-70, which feels reasonable. The hg612 most seem to mention seems a bit too outdated by now.

This is all definitely becoming a lot more complex than I initially anticipated haha. Might just end up getting a cheap wifi extender and consider myself defeated!

[#15]

@Linn 

I've tried these and they work fine. As with all things WiFi positioning is the thing. But one advantage is that they can be "cascaded", ie one can be set to receive a signal from the previous one, rather than the router WiFi, to extend beyond router reach. One tip if you do get one/some, set them up with an ethernet cable rather than using WiFi or WPS. It's times easier.

https://www.toptenreviews.com/wi-fi-boosters-motorola-mx1200-review

https://uk.motorolanetwork.com/mx1200.html