Google WiFi can be a life changing WiFi experience. The question is where to best place each unit. Sure, you could just place them on a bunch of tables, but that might not be the best location.
This is a mesh system. A mesh system consists of a series of devices that work together as one. We’ll call each device a puck which seems to be a term used all over the internet for a Google WiFi device. Think if a group of pucks kind of like the Borg Collective from Star Trek in that they work together to appear as one. Unlike the The Borg, there are some rules for how these pucks work together. It all has to do with placement so let’s look at what needs to be done.
Most Google WiFi owners buys several of these. They are available in kits. A good choice is the Google WiFi System Set of Three. According to Google, a set of three covers a home up to 4,500 square feet. That’s enough to cover the majority of homes.
Primary WiFi Point Placement
After getting each puck setup through the smartphone app, it’s time to place these in the right places. Not placing these into the optimal locations will reduce the coverage effectiveness.
The Primary WiFi Point is physically connected to the modem. Don’t obscure this placement. It needs to be out in the open, not under a shelf or a group of papers. The other pucks will need to communicate with this device.
Additional WiFi Point Placement
Place each additional puck no more than a few rooms away. If possible, place it in the middle of the room. Surround the place where WiFi is most important with multiple pucks. Keep each puck as high as possible. Don’t place them on the floor. Limit the number of walls between the pucks.
Ideally there should be a line of sight between the pucks. This may not be possible because, well, most homes have walls.
A Google WiFi device is designed to rest atop a flat surface like a table or shelf. However, in order to follow the rules of engagement just explained, a flat surface may not be readily available. We have some ideas as to how to manage the challenge.
Mounts for Google WiFi
First is the The Spot for Google WiFi by Mount Genie. That’s the mount deployed in the photo that accompanies this article. The mount consists of two rings molded together. The smaller ring fits around the existing A/C power adapter. The Google WiFi puck sits within the larger ring. Since only a few inches of cable is required, the excess sits within the back of the mount. This allows the puck to be mounted almost flush to a power outlet. No table, shelf or flat surface required. The puck will sit almost flush to the outlet.
The next mount to consider is the HumanCentric Google Wifi Mount. Place the puck on a wall of ceiling. The mount attaches to the ceiling or wall using the screws provides. Don’t forget that the puck needs power so be sure to account for that when selecting a location. Placing the puck on a ceiling on the same floor as the one that’s attached to the modem is an excellent choice if it’s possible.
Managing the power cable in this case can be a bit of a challenge because you don’t want the cable dangling across the room. Consider the addition of the Legrand Wiremold CMK50 Cord Mate II Kit. This can be deployed right up to the A/C outlet. The cable is seated within the channel and the raceway is attached to the ceiling or wall using self adhesive strips. Elbows are included to make the turn to the A/C outlet. The white strips can be painted to match the wall or ceiling. This particular kit includes 4 cord channels measuring 31.8 x 3.7 x 2.7 inches.
Proper placement of the Google WiFi pucks will result in some of the best WiFi coverage you can get so be sure to experiment with placement. The pucks are easy to move and reconnect with no problems. After you get it all set up, this is a set and forget type of product that should remain technologically viable and relevant for many years.
