21.6.2019

A bit of a long post, but I hope this helps anyone considering purchasing Google WiFI as it's not a cheap bit of kit!I bought a Google Wireless 3-pack after using a Devolo powerline system with wireless extenders for several years. The Devolo set-up was OK, but I still had a lot of dead spots in my house and the Devolo systems needed frequently resetting if the mains power ever needed to be switched off or if we had a power cut.I'd point out FOUR areas that reviewers should be aware of when considering purchasing Google WiFi1. You're best off replacing your existing router with a simple modem rather than trying to connect Google WiFi to your existing modem. The Draytek Vigor 130 is a great option as it's a simple 'plug & play'device that will automatically connect to (most) UK Internet providers (ISPs) BUT...2. If you're a Sky internet customer you'll have problems setting this system up. Try as I might I could not use a modem to connect to Sky as they use a different client identifier/authentication method to most other ISPs to connect to their network, ("DHCP 61" for those of you that want to know more). This means that you either have to stick with your existing Sky modem-router, or use a router which supports DHCP 61. Routers also allocate and manage unique IP addresses to the various devices that connect to your network (this is known as a DHCP server). The problem here is that Google WiFi also has a DHCP server built in. Running two DHCP servers on the same network can cause conflicts that prevent devices connected to either your Sky modem or Google WiFi from talking to one another. Google WiFi does not support DHCP 61, so you have no option at present but to connect via your Sky modem-router and work around the challenges of both trying to supply IP addresses to any of your connected devices. Talk to Google support and they'll tell you that using Google WiFi with a router is not supported! Nevertheless I've got my setup working with my Sky router, but won't be able to use a modem until Google updates their WiFi system to support DHCP 61 requests (and allows users to configure this) OR unless I change to another internet provider. This is CRAZY as Sky is one of the biggest internet service providers in the UK!3. I've found the Google WiFi signal to be great across the house, except for some areas downstairs where we've gone open plan between some of our rooms. The signal does not drop entirely, but it slows down from an average of 65 Mbps to around 7 Mbps even though I'm in a different room that is only 8-10 meters away from the WiFi point sited in the open plan area of my house. I think that the steel beams (RSJs) we needed to hold up the roof may be causing some issues, but taking those out is not an option! I've ordered a fourth WiFi point to combat this.4. If you have network players in your house such as Sonos (or in my case Bluesound) you may experience problems in getting them to connect to Google WiFi. My Bluesound players don't recognise the Google WiFI network and, even if I enter the details manually, don't want to connect to it. I've seen some posts that also state that Sonos speakers can cause the Google WiFi network to slow down. In both cases I suspect that this is a result of possible interference between Google WiFI and the various WiFi networks that streaming audio devices use to connect with one another. I've 'hardwired' my Bluesound players instead using a couple of my, now spare, Devolo powerline adapters.

28.12.2018

I bought Google WIFI as I had seen and heard really good things about the hardware and software. The installation process is relatively straightforward, especially in comparison to previous devices I have used. The packaging includes all relevant hardware and cables with the further configuration being performed via an app (more on that later).The hardware looks amazing and features two Gigabit Ethernet ports as well as a USB Type-C connector. A manual reset button is also available, that is runs flush with the external body of the device. Running centrally through the body of the hardware is a light to indicate device status. Overall,the hardware has a really appealing look to it and is certainly a setup from the usual WIFI hubs I have used previously.To configure the initial device, you will need to scan a code or enter the reference on the bottom of the device. Prior to doing this, you should download the Google WIFI application. The setup process can take a while as you position your devices around your location to maximise signal strength, however, the setup can be stopped/paused at any time and the devices that have been successfully configured will be active. Plugging the first device into your Internet router and starting the app will bring you into the software configuration process.With regard to the software, this is where this particular product excels. Google has done a great job in making the application simple, yet very comprehensive. I especially like the manager feature where you can delegate administration to another user. Login is linked to your Google account, and this means that the WIFI can be controlled from anywhere. You can also set limits on WIFI access per connected device and give priority to particular devices on the network. In addition, the software also gives feedback on network speed and connectivity between devices as well as the ability to dim/brighten the light emitted on the hardware.A small point/issue to note when setting up the devices. The feedback on network performance seems to be based on the relative speed of primary connection rather than a fixed level of WIFI speed. I mention this as my installation indicated I had a poor network at one side of the house, however, this confused me as I had full bar WIFI connectivity. Running an external network test, I could see I was getting a 20Mb download at the farthest end of the house, which is pretty impressive (we have very thick walls) and certainly good enough to stream movies. My expectation is that signal strength would naturally degrade the further from the source device. In which case, if your original internet source is extremely fast, you may want to take the "poor connectivity" reading with a pinch of salt (or a the very least, test it to see if it meets your requirements).Overall I would highly recommend these devices to anyone looking for low maintenance WIFI and ease of configuration.

22.5.2019

I received a twin pack which is perfect for me living in a bungalow, having downloaded the App and following the only instruction to sign in to my Google account I plugged in the first "Puck".I must admit I am the sort of guy that nothing works as it should and there is always a glitch when installing new tech, but none of it just a quick scan of the QI code on the bottom of the "puck" then it was so simple to install with easy to follow instructions and screen updates to confirm what it's doing and "nearly there" and "the wait will be worth it" messages reassured me and I left it to get on with it for a few minutes.Then I connected the second "puck" following the simple instructions

15.12.2018

I bought a 3 pack of these following an unsuccessful experiment with a cheap wifi extender which just slowed the internet right down and caused connection issues. I did my research and purchased whilst accepting the price point seemed steep compared to some competitors. However I quite like google products, and accessories such as wall mounts are readily available.The concept that is sold seems slightly misleading, or certainly how it sets itself up out of the box. We have the openreach socket right at the front of our house, which is a 1930s bungalow with solid internal walls, extended out of the back and into the loft. I envisaged that these units would link up in series along the bottom floor,

25.1.2020

We’ve got a converted 1950’s bungalow and I’m not sure what they built the walls out of, but they’re solid! For that reason there were a couple of rooms in the house that the Wifi was awful in, I’d tried various solutions already, Power line adaptors, WiFi extenders and nothing worked. A mate of mine recommended the Google mesh and at first I was sceptical, especially because of the price tag; knowing the issues I’d faced in the past the last thing I wanted to do was spend a small fortune on something else that didn’t work. I can only say it’s been a revelation! The kitchen was a black spot and I’m now getting 36mbs (max I can get as we’re not on fibre yet), the extension, which was awful,

2.3.2019

We have been using Google Wi-fi for 3 months. We received 3 small unobstrustive white round wi-fi points. Simply download app to a smartphone and scan barcode. Easy to follow instructions given. 1 primary point uses an ethernet cable to connect to your modem. Each satellite point needed to be 1 room away or 1 floor up (we have thick walls and tall ceilings; further and it doesn't improve wi-fi- app tells you to move it closer to primary point). We have a long 4 bedroomed property. I think most will need a 3 pack unless property small (though if small will get less benefit from increased spread anyway). They are powered from mains so need to be near a socket. It seems to work well with our BT Home Hub 5,

18.9.2019

I have trouble installing on my Huawei phone so I always have to get a friend round with an iPhone or Samsung if I have a problem and need to reconnect. This has only happened twice. Once following a complete power fail in the area and once when my ISP changed the hub.I bought this purely to ruin my son's life as I have complete power over which of his devices are connected to the WiFi even when I'm not at home.I can set schedules so his xbox connects after homework time and disconnects at bedtime AS IF BY MAGIC. This is brilliant for me as I have ADHD (we both do) and I get so distracted I would previously forget that "I will disconnect you in 15 minutes so be warned!“Obviously in the past it could easily be an hour before I actually rembered,

9.4.2020

I wish Google would bring down the price, but I have to admit - the product is BRILLIANT. I have had wifi signal problems in my home and have changed providers 3 times. When I changed to my current provider they promised they had a brilliant super-duper router that had the best signal on the market (and yes, I fell for that line!). When I set the router up, same issues with wifi; called my provider and they told me: "it's the walls. Your house has walls. The signal is being absorbed by the walls". No joke. That's what I was told.Any way, I tried lots of stuff; repeaters, APs, Powerline etc etc and nothing worked.So I tried MESH - I went for the BT Whole Home WiFi first.

30.7.2017

My house covers about 200 square metres over two floors. I have struggled for years to get good wifi coverage. I've got by, by using a second more powerful router/access point and mains powerline adaptors for TV and my outside office. The Google wifi installation has revolutionised this.Taking a guess at whether I would need two or three Google Points I bought a double pack and a single pack. Installation was astonishingly easy. Basically, the instructions read: 1. Plug it in 2. Scan the QR code. That really is all you have to do. There is an app which helps you position the Points for best Mesh coverage.To my amazement, just one Point provided coverage across the whole house. However,

24.1.2019

I liked how easy it was to set up. I was concerned that it sets up another network itself, so with a normal router from our ISP you are effectively creating a NAT within a NAT, but I was surprised at how well it works. The only issue I found was that I couldn't see my network printer which was plugged into the router and therefore on the external network/NAT. However, the cure was simply to connect it to the Google WiFi and so place it within the same network and then it worked. I am however able to see my NAS which is on the external network, but my Mac (on the WiFi) won't pick it up on Bonjour or via standard broadcast - I had to configure and connect to it manually.

9.1.2020

After suffering for months with our Virgin internet supply with constant calls (after waiting for ages in the queue), and new 'super' modem (not so), we finally had an engineer visit the house, who spent ages checking everything and replacing various connections, and he came to the conclusion that our property, which was built in the 1960s and has internal brick walls, were possibly blocking the wi-fi signal. He suggested Virgin's booster package, which would have cost around £200. We decided to take independent advice and reading the various reviews (which seemed to indicate we weren't the only Virgin customers having problems,, we decided to try the Google Mesh system (with 3 hubs).

10.10.2018

As per usual the Amazon Prime delivery was next day and I was very excited to receive this particular parcel having sent 2 previous Mesh systems back!The packaging is typical Google, much like Apple products, and the beautiful looking Google WiFi unit sat atop an ethernet cable, UK 3 pin power adaptor and a single piece of card giving setup instructions on just 1 side!That says it all really, setup is just so easy. Just install the Google WiFi app from the Google Play Store or Appstore, log in with your Google account credentials and let the app walk you through setup. Obviously make sure your unit is plugged in to the wall socket, switched on at the wall and, using the enclosed ethernet cable,

23.1.2018

I purchased these as I have never found a router which works reliably all over the house. The most recent best-case solution was a Netgear Nighthawk coupled with powerline extenders for the parts of the house the Wifi wouldn't reach due to all the interior walls being solid. Even then the signal in parts was slow and dropped out a lot. I decided to give these Google ones a go and they have been excellent, with no dead spots and no areas where the speed drops off a cliff dramatically. The only missed star is that they are expensive and you often need more than two of them - I needed four in the end to get a good solid signal all over the house. But they have finally solved a problem I've had for years.

18.10.2018

I'm really impressed with Google Wifi. I have Sky Q and the coverage is...poor to say the least, even in a ~40sqm flat. Plus...intermittent disconnects from certain devices. I wasn't sure whether one puck would be enough or I'd need two. I gambled on two and the results are fantastic. My Sky Q was getting around -80 to -85db (pretty much useless) in a bedroom. Adding a secondary Google Wifi puck in the bedroom now gives me around -40db which strangely is better than the -50db I get in the living room.Set up:1. Downloaded Google Wifi app to phone2. Wired primary puck to my Sky Q router3. Disabled wifi on Sky Q router (2.4GHz and 5Ghz)4. Set up Google Wifi in the app and called my network the same name as the original Sky Q5.

29.5.2020

I have a 200Mbs broadband from Vrigin. They gurantee that speed to the Router, but, the device they provide is hopeless at distributing the signal using wifi. Even in the room next door I lose 65% signal. So, I purchased the Google wifi after a friend recommended them. Installed them using the simple instructions and the app that you download, which I assume works on IOS and Android, although I used the IOS app. I now get 210 to 219 Mbs download and between 16-19 Mbs upload from anywhere in the house and also in the garden.The main reason I purchased these though was because I work from home and the Skype meetings were never that good. But those days are gone,

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