Is Google Wi-Fi a Mesh Network?

Yes, here's what that means

By
Shannon Flynn
Shannon Flynn headshot against white and gray background
Shannon Flynn
Writer
  • West Chester University
Shannon Flynn is a journalist in cybersecurity, business technology, and consumer IoT.
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Updated on February 7, 2022
Reviewed by
Ryan Perian
Ryan Perian headshot
Reviewed by Ryan Perian
  • Western Governors University
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

Yes. Google Wi-Fi is a mesh network, meaning multiple devices are set up throughout areas of your home to provide a strong Wi-Fi signal.

No matter where you are in your home, you’ll experience fewer interruptions in Wi-Fi, so you can stream 4K movies, listen to music, or make video conference calls, for example.

Is Google Wi-Fi a Mesh System?

Yes, Google Wi-Fi is a mesh system. A mesh network is a set of devices that work together to form a single Wi-Fi network. Rather than a single router in your home, there are additional “points,” which are small devices you place in different locations of your home. These points are connected to the same network, providing a blanket of expanded coverage.

All points are connected wirelessly, which makes setup and installation simple. Points can communicate with each other as long as they’re within range. The result is more efficient data routing, and there’s no need for an additional router in a mesh network.

Traditional Wi-Fi systems include only one router. The farther you move away from it, the weaker your connection is. With a mesh network, you’re never far from a connection. Place them in areas of your home where you typically use your connected devices.

How Do I Know If My Google Wi-Fi Is Mesh?

All Google Wi-Fi systems are considered mesh networks.

The two main Google Wi-Fi products are Google Wi-Fi and Nest Wi-Fi. They have similarities and differences, and it’s critical to know the differences when deciding which system will best suit your needs. Both systems connect to your Google Home app, which allows you to gain more control over your Wi-Fi connection.

With Nest Wi-Fi, you can purchase both a Nest router and one or more points to place in various rooms in your home for additional coverage.

Is Nest Wi-Fi a Mesh System?

Yes, Nest Wi-Fi is also a mesh network. Nest Wi-Fi was released as a follow-up to Google Wi-Fi when Google rebranded its Home Mini smart speaker and its Home Hub smart display, which are now both called Nest Mini and Nest Hub, respectively.

nest wifi router
Nest-Wifi-mesh-network.

Google Store / https://store.google.com/us/product/nest_wifi?hl=en-US

Some of the differences between Nest Wi-Fi and Google Wi-Fi include:

  • Nest devices have a modern, sleek, cylindrical design.
  • Nest Wi-Fi includes a dedicated router with small, separate extenders. In contrast, all Google Wi-Fi devices are identical and can be used as range extenders.
  • Google Wi-Fi devices each have Ethernet ports, whereas the Nest Wi-Fi Points do not.
  • Nest Wi-Fi devices double as smart speakers.
  • Nest Wi-Fi devices come in three colors: white, coral, or blue.

There are only a handful of differences between the two systems. Still, it’s worth mentioning Nest Wi-Fi is typically faster and even more reliable than Google Wi-Fi.

FAQ
  • How do I set up a Google Wi-Fi mesh network?

    Setting up a Google Wi-Fi mesh network is similar to setting up Nest Wi-Fi with the Google Home app. Connect Google Wi-Fi to your modem and plug in the primary Wi-Fi point > then tap Add > Set up device > New device > choose your home > select Yes when the Google Home app finds your primary point > and create a unique name and password for your Wi-Fi network. To add points, repeat the steps to add a new device in Google Home > scan the QR code on the bottom of the points or enter the setup key > and follow the instructions in the app.

  • How do I increase the distance of a Google Wi-Fi mesh network?

    To get the most out of your Google Wi-Fi mesh network, carefully arrange the primary and additional Wi-Fi points. Position the primary Wi-Fi point away from the ground and at eye level. Place the other points in open spaces and not too far from each other, taking care to place points close to areas where you want a strong signal.

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