If you're looking for a new router to get your smart home up and running, the Google Nest Wi-Fi is worth considering. It promises a hassle-free setup with no hassles. In this review, we'll discuss its features and pros and cons to help you decide whether this product is perfect for you.
What is Google Nest Wi-Fi?
Nest Wi-Fi is Google's new Google Wi-Fi system with its mesh technology that provides a fast and stable connection all over your home. It is built-in Google software to work seamlessly with Google products such as Google Home or Chromecast.
Plus, Nest Cam security cameras can alert you if there's anything suspicious going on at home when you're not around. Google Nest also has a new feature called "family accounts," where you can create different profiles for each family member.
With this feature, they may access only the content they want. Google Wi-Fi is straightforward to set up, and it will take less than five minutes from start to finish.PROS
CONS
Features and Benefits
Overall Performance
The Nest Wi-Fi router includes a dual-mode Wi-Fi network with a 1.4 GHz quad-core CPU and Digital Signal Processing Adapters. Any smartphone may use the extension to respond to all Google commands and Google Assistant Skills. In addition, the router features 1GB of RAM and 2GB of firmware and settings storage. The extended edition includes 768MB of RAM and 512MB of storage. Here are the benefits of having a Google Nest Wi-Fi at home or in the office:
No Subscription Needed
Unlike Eero, Nest Wi-Fi doesn't have a subscription component for ad blocking, filtering, and other security features. No obnoxious antennas are sticking out of the Nest Wi-Fi.
Google DNS Services
The Google DNS services are built into the Google Wi-Fi, so your Wi-Fi will always be fast, even on networks that suffer congestion. Through the Google Wi-Fi app, you can change the DNS provider.
Great for Gaming
Suppose many people in your home use multiple devices simultaneously to play games. In that case, Google Nest Wi-Fi is an excellent choice because it provides substantial bandwidth allocation and quality of service features which help prioritize gaming traffic above all else. Google designed this product with gamers in mind.
Build Quality
Wi-Fi devices like Google Nest can be hidden in smaller spaces. The devices should be placed in a range of home furnishings to improve Google Home design. Each Nest Wi-Fi device has four internal antennas that integrate into the electronics creating self-healing 802.11AC wireless networks.
TLS
Transport Layer Security or TLS protects all communication between Google Nest Wifi or Google Wifi devices and Google. This protocol protects the privacy of a device and a server by ensuring that no one else sees or tampers with the communication.
MU-MIMO
Multi-User, Multiple Antenna (MU-MIMO) technology is Google's new way to get the most out of Google Nest Wi-Fi and Google Wi-Fi. It allows multiple devices to connect at once without slowing down performance because it prioritizes device connections based on their location in a home.
Beamforming
Beamforming is Google's way of creating a more efficient network. Google Nest Wi-Fi and Google Wi-Fi do this by focusing the Wi-Fi signal directly to where it needs to go, instead of sending out signals in all directions like other routers.
Compatibility
Google Nest Wi-Fi is compatible with most wireless networks such as Verizon Fios, Xfinity, AT&T, and more. It means you won't be having any problem with Google Wi-Fi when it comes to compatibility.
Connectivity
The standard for wireless Internet was increased with Google Nest Wi-Fi (802.11ac). This newer technology allows your devices to connect faster than ever before, with speeds up to three times faster than previous generations.
It also features peak performance at longer ranges, so you can use your Google device throughout your entire home or office without sacrificing speed or quality.
Functionality
Nest intelligence delivers the best temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels for your home - all while using less energy. The Google Assistant on Google Home works with Google Nest devices (thermostats, security cameras) to control compatible smart lights, plugs, and more.
It also connects seamlessly with other Google services like Gmail or Google Calendar so that you can manage many things at once.
WPA2 and WPA3 Encryption
Google Nest Wi-Fi and Google Wi-Fi use either the WPA2 protocol or the newer WPA3 standard to protect your Wi-Fi network. Using the WPA3 protocol protects your Wi-Fi network against security threats such as offline dictionary attacks.
Google Nest Wi-Fi and Google Wi-Fi utilize the WPA2 protocol by default (such as phones, tablets, or laptops). However, you may enable the WPA3 transition mode in the Google Home app.
This option allows WPA2 and WPA3 devices to connect to your Wi-Fi network. To use this function with Google Wi-Fi devices initially set up in the Google Wi-Fi app, you must connect your network to the Google Home app.
Ease of Use
Google Nest Wi-Fi supports Google's new system called Google On. It is a platform for devices to discover each other and establish direct communication via Google Cloud. With Google Cloud, you may also set up with Google Nest Wi-Fi and an extra layer of security by limiting connections directly to your home network only.
Google Nest Wi-Fi and Google Wi-Fi get automatic software upgrades to ensure that you always have the most up-to-date security features and protection against newly identified security risks.
These upgrades may include open source components and are subject to multiple thorough evaluations. Google signs all software upgrades. Google Nest Wi-Fi and Google Wi-Fi cannot download or execute software that has not been signed and validated.
Tech Support
Of course, the most significant change to the ecosystem with Nest Wi-Fi Points' addition is Google Assistant support. The Nest Wi-Fi point has a speaker with the Google Assistant, allowing you to use your voice to play music, manage your Wi-Fi network, get answers, control your connected devices, and more.
Google Home App
Each Point effectively functions as a Google Nest Mini, complete with all voice commands, music playback, and smart home controls found in any Google smart speaker. There's also a mute button on the rear if you want to be alone.
The Google Wi-Fi system utilizes your Google account to provide you with some useful features, including simultaneously managing settings for up to 30 units through the Google Wi-Fi App. This feature makes it possible to turn off lights or appliances when Google Wi-Fi detects that everyone has left home using their mobile devices on the same network.
The app makes managing home networks more accessible than ever by using machine learning technology. This technology will prioritize device connections based on the house's location. Meaning, even if there is no one at home, you can turn off a smart coffee maker in no time.
The app also lets users switch guest network access on/off as needed and control which devices connect to each available wireless band depending on their needs. Additionally, the app allows you to run a speed test to check your internet connection and ensure everything is working correctly.
Security
Google Wi-Fi's parental controls let you pause the Internet on kids' devices. Google® Family Link enables you to manage your familyʼs settings (e.g., which sites they can visit and how much time they spend online) from anywhere, anytime. Google Wi-Fi supports up to 100Mbps speeds.
Guest Network
Google Wi-Fi has a separate network for guests that protects your personal information. It generates unique security keys when someone joins the network, so no one else will access their device or yours when connected remotely. Google also gives all guest accounts their login credentials with temporary passwords that expire after 24 hours.
Certain features do not support guest networks, including voice control through Google Assistant, smart home integrations via IFTTT applets, Google Nest products, Google Wi-Fi app features such as Network Check, and more.
Firewall
The firewall in Google Nest Wi-Fi and Google Wi-Fi provides a barrier between your Wi-Fi network and the Internet, protecting your data from unwanted connection attempts. It's a stateful firewall that tracks connections such as TCP streams and UDP communication that passes through it. The firewall allows data connected with a known active connection.
What is the Google Wi-Fi Nest Best For?
Nest Wi-Fi is Google's best home mesh network, and it combines Google Home with Google Network Assist to provide the complete solution for your smart devices. It's not just a router but also an access point that can be configured as you see fit!
What Buyers Have To Say
No wireless slow spots anywhere in the house now. I download at 300 Mbps all over (for the non-techies out there, that's SUPER fast).
Followed instructions and had no problems. Any issues include a restart, and it gets right back on without problems. Great mesh Wi-Fi signal.
SOLVED MY ISSUE! No buffering when watching videos, no interruptions with streaming music.
Conclusion
The Google Nest Wi-Fi is a fantastic choice for getting started with their home automation project. It's easy to set up, and it promises excellent customer service when an issue arises. However, the price can be high for some people who are just getting into innovative technology--especially if they don't know if they'll use or need these features in the future.
Still, this router is worth considering as your first step on your journey towards a fully automated house! Have you already finalized your decision to buy Google Nest Wi-Fi? We're happy to help you decide which will work best for you.