Question 1

how does it hook up?

Accepted Answer

It uses one of its two Ethernet ports to plug into your modem. Its only other connection is to the wall for its power. If you're setting up multiple routers to work together, you have to set up your main router first, and then the rest are setup to connect wirelessly using the dual-band wifi radios. There is an app you download to your phone called "Google WiFi" that is used for the setup process, and it really is pretty painless.

Question 2

Is it a wireless router or just an access point?

Accepted Answer

It's both. Each Wifi unit can serve as the base unit (that plugs into your cable model or other originating point of your internet access) and can also serve as a mesh repeater unit.

Question 3

Is this just a network extender or is it its  own wifi?

Accepted Answer

It is a standalone router. However, when combined with another one (or more), can create a mesh network that can be extended to cover a whole household too large for one to cover alone.

Question 4

WIll these work with my existing cable modem or do they replace that?

Accepted Answer

If you only have a cable modem (not a modem/router combo) from your ISP, these devices do not replace that device. One of the Google devices will serve as your home router and will connect to the Internet through your cable modem.

If you do have a router/modem combination device from your ISP, one of the Google devices will still have to act as your home router. The difference, in this case, is that you will need to make a configuration change to your combination modem/router device from your ISP to put it into "bridge mode"; effectively turning off the router portion of that combination device from your ISP and make it a cable modem only. This is a pretty simple thing to do if the device from your ISP supports it. You can look up your device to determine if it does or not.

Question 5

Can I connect to 220 volt?

Accepted Answer

The USB-C power supply that it comes with appears to be electrically universal (mine is labeled 100-240V, 50/60Hz). However regarding mechanical plugs, I don't recall getting a universal set of plugs. You may need one of those simple plug adapters.

Question 6

will it use my wi-fi data?

Accepted Answer

There is no such thing as wi-fi data. It must connect to the modem that supplies your Internet services. If your Internet service provider charges you for data then nothing is going to change that regardless of the device that provides the wi-fi signal. That being said, this is the best Wi-fi access point I have ever owned or worked with. I strongly suggest this device.

Question 7

If my modem is downstairs, will it help upstairs just as much as it does downstairs?  Our only weak connection is upstairs; modem location is downstairs.

Accepted Answer

It should. My understanding is that WiFi works in omni direction. We have 4 of them in a large, single level home and put the mother router (they daisy chain with no problem) 7 feet up the wall and we have no problems with the other three picking up the signal. I would recommend splurging for two of these and put one upstairs.

Question 8

what is manufacturer?

Accepted Answer

What's its power connection in volts?

Question 9

Is there a monthly charge for service?

Accepted Answer

No, it's just a router with fancy features built-in.

Questions & Answers