Google nest mesh with TP-Link AX1500 router?

[Carystreet]

I've just had an updated modem from TPG installed. My old Wi-Fi extender no longer works with it. So I thought I would invest in a mesh system and got Google nest which includes the router and two nests. I originally thought that I would have to connect the Google router somehow to the TP Link router, and then place the nests where needed. however I am thinking now that I should be replacing the TP Link router completely with the new Google nest router, and plug it into the NBN box. 

dumb question I know, but do I have to replace the TP Link router with the Google router or do they work in tandem? 

OR can l use the two nests somehow with the TP-LINK router?

I am now nervous about installing the Google router in case it affects the great support from TPG and that I won't be able to sort out any difficulties.

Any advice from others that have Google nest connected to the TPG broadband service? I am pretty sure our NBN is to the node.

[david64]

Hi @Carystreet . Whether you need to use the VX220 or not depends on the type of NBN connection and your plan.

If the wifi router connects directly to the phone wall socket, you are FTTB or FTTN (node).

If the router connects to a "NBN box", if it is white with blue lights (FTTC), or black with green lights (HFC), or a large box attached to a wall (FTTP).

Your plan is either a bundled NBN/VOIP phone plan, or BYO router data only plan. Since TPG sent a router, it is likely you are on bundled plan, even though you may not use the phone function.

If you have FTTP connection or data only plan, the Google device can connect directly to the FTTP box.

For the other types of connection and bundled plan, the Google device has to connect to the VX220. The VX220 handles the VLAN ID 2 function needed by TPG. 

If you want to use the VOIP phone function, the Google device has to operate in Access Point mode.

If you don't want the phone function, the VX220 can operate in Bridge mode doing VLAN processing, and Google device operates in its standard mode doing all routing functions.

If Google has updated the Nest firmware to include VLAN ID processing, the VX220 can be removed in some cases.

Regarding your old wifi extender, what model is it?

In what way does it not work with the VX220?

[Carystreet]

Hi David 

Thanks so much for reaching out. 

In terms of the plan, the details about my account are:

"NBN Cable Broadband Unlimited Superfast"

In terms of the extender, it is Netgear EX3110. The setup fails because it tells me the extender Wi-Fi is not connected to the Internet. I tried several times to set it up using the Netgear app, but it just kept saying no Wi-Fi connection. On one attempt, it said the extender was no longer supported by Netgear but I don’t think that can be right.

So now I am trying to be clear if I have to replace the TPG supplied router with the Google router, or somehow connect the Google router to the TPG supplied router in my case. We do not use the VoIP phone.

Any advice appreciated Do you need any more information to suggest what you would do in my case?

Thanks again, David!

[Carystreet]

Just some additional information about the NBN box, I have attached two pictures to show you how it’s set up. How do you say broadband cable plug it into the back of it. Check out the pictures please.

[david64]

@Carystreet . The Arris box is a HFC connection.  Once everything is set up on NBN and TPG side, all 4 lights should be green.

The Superfast plan does not provide a VOIP phone. Also, VLAN ID is not used.

This means the Google router WAN port should connect directly to the Arris box (yellow cable in picture).

The Google router config is PPPoE, TPG username (try with and without @tpg.com.au), and password.

It might need a reset first.

For now, the VX220 and extender are spare.

[Carystreet]

David, thanks so much for helping me out. So affectively I replace the TPG supplied router with the new Google one and then place the nests where needed. I still have not unpacked the Google nest set, so, do you have any last-minute advice on performance vis-a-vis Google router to the TP Link router supplied by TPG? I have checked Choice advice. I think I am okay with Google but appreciate your own perspective. At this stage I could still return the pack  unopened. .

[david64]

@Carystreet . I guess Google will outperform the EX3110 because Google is modern hardware. EX3110 is a few years old.

Nevertheless, it is worth trying to get the EX3110 working with the VX220.

Do you have the manual for the EX? 

https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/EX3110/EX3110_UM_EN.pdf

Go through setup procedure.

Only thing to do on VX220 is check that your phone/tablet can see two separate wifi bands. If not, check if Band Steering is enabled and disable it (that's if it has that setting).

[Carystreet]

I did try again with the extender, but it is clear now that the new TP Link router is not supported by Netgear extender. I am rethinking whether I need a full router and nest set, and might think about another mesh option that works with the existing TP Link, router supplied by TPG. 

of course, I would appreciate any advice on a good mesh solution rather than an extender. Perhaps I can return the router and two nests and find an alternative. I do want just one wifi band to be available throughout the house. So any suggestions that will work with the existing TP Link router supplied by TGP would be appreciated.

[david64]

@Carystreet . It is strange the EX3110 doesn't work. Were you able to login to its web admin function?

If you want to keep the VX220, I would buy a modern extender, but you'll still need to make it connect to the VX220.

There are other brands of mesh units apart from Google. But I wouldn't use a mesh with the VX220 because the mesh can then only be an access point and you lose lots of functionality of the mesh.

Regarding just one wifi band, it means all your devices must be 5GHz band or 2.4GHz band. Older devices might only connect to 2.4GHz band. Having just one band means you don't make use of some wifi capacity.

[Carystreet]

OK - l think l want the mesh functionality so might install the google router and nests after all. 

thanks so much for your expert and helpfull advice!

jj