Google Fiber offers affordable, fast, and reliable internet. To use this service you don’t need to buy a router to enjoy its benefits, but it’s highly recommended to use one.
We’ve determined that the best router for Google Fiber to wirelessly connect your smart devices is Google WiFi.
It is affordable, has excellent range, fast, stable performance, and is very easy to set up. For advanced network users, Ubiquiti EdgeRouter Lite is fantastic hardware to replace Fiber Network Box.
Best Router For Google Fiber in 2024
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As we already mentioned, Google Fiber offers affordable, fast, and reliable internet. Unfortunately, you still have to be lucky to live in a place where this internet option is available.
If you’re in a service area of Fiber, and you are signing up for one of their plans, you may be wondering if you can use your own router, and what router does allow for enjoying the full benefits of ultra-fast internet.
What is Google Fiber?
Google Fiber is Google’s fiber optic-based broadband internet service that debuted in 2010 and delivers high-speed connectivity to individuals in select cities across the US. The service is outstanding because of its high speed, running up to 1000 Mbps, and a month-to-month straightforward pricing scheme.
Is Google Fiber offered in your area? You can always check the availability of Google Fiber in your area, just enter your address and zip code on Fiber´s official website, then sign up for the service if you want.
Do You Need A Router With Google Fiber Internet?
Once the fiber optic cable is in your home, Google will provide you with at least two pieces of hardware. A Fiber Jack also called an optical network terminal, will attach to a wall plate and mount to an interior wall. The Fiber Jack also has power,
Ethernet ports, and a status LED (light-emitting diode). This jack converts the fiber optic light signals into gigabit Ethernet signals and sends them to a Network Box, which is the second hardware provided by Google, via Ethernet cable. Read more about the full installation.
The Network Box acts as a router and allows you to share the connection throughout your entire house. To answer the question, you don´t need to buy a router to enjoy Google Fiber, but it´s highly recommended to use one.
Why?
Most internet providers are using routers or modem-router combos that are usually cheaply made and are fine only for the very basic setup – one computer and perhaps a couple of smartphones/tablets.
Google Fiber is a high-speed internet option and to get the most out of it, you may consider buying a fast, powerful, and low-latency router. Here is our list of the 5 best routers for Google Fiber.
Best Overall: Google WiFi
Frequency: Dual-band 2.4GHz + 5GHz – AC1200 | Wireless standards: 802.11ac | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports per Wifi point (1 WAN and 1 LAN port each) | Features: Area coverage 4,500 sq. feet, Beamforming
Pros:
- Super-simple setup
- Great value
- Excellent design
Cons:
- Limited hardware control
- Lower AC rating
It is affordable, has excellent range, fast, stable performance, and is very easy to set up. We are speaking about Google WiFi. One of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems available.
Mesh Wi-Fi systems consist of the main router and one or more access points (called satellites) that work together in order to cover your entire house with Wi-Fi. The result is a stronger signal, stable, and faster connection.
Google WiFi kit comes in a pack of 3 units, one router, and two satellites, and is a little bit cheaper than other mesh systems such as Linksys Velop or Netgear Orbi. The great on these satellites is their discreet design and relatively long Wi-Fi area coverage of 1,500 square feet. Google promises that the pack of 3 units can cover up to 4,500 square feet in a home.
Living in a modern smart home means that you need a router designed to handle the heavy load from multiple devices at the same time. While only a dual-band router, Google WiFi does it without any issue – it gets you tons of performance and more individual nodes to expand your networking range than competitors.
Best For Replacing Fiber Network Box: Ubiquiti EdgeRouter Lite
Pros:
- Highly configurable
- High performance for the price
Cons:
- Not newbie-friendly
- Throughput drops considerably with QoS enabled
- Does not come plug-and-play out of the box
The EdgeRouter Lite from Ubiquiti Networks is part of the EdgeMAX series and is designed for advanced network users. Housed in a compact, fanless form factor, the EdgeRouter Lite delivers powerful routing, security, and management features you require to efficiently run your home network.
The Ubiquiti EdgeRouter Lite is an interesting router with many features and impressive throughput. And with an affordable price, it is a Ubiquiti attempt to appeal to the masses.
Please note: It isn’t for networking newbies. Replacing Fiber Network Box with EdgeRouter Lite requires advanced tech skills, and unless you have some experience of setting up networks, we don’t recommend using it.
Also Great For Replacing Network Box: Mikrotik Routerboard RB2011
/ Image credit: Mikrotik
Pros:
- Cheap, basic models start at 100$.
- Loads of features
- Sturdy design
Cons:
- Not easy to manage
- Not newbie-friendly
The Mikrotik RB2011 is another option you may consider buying if you want to use Google Fiber without the Network Box. And it doesn’t cost too much, RB2011 is a low-cost multi-port device series.
The Mikrotik RB2011 is a great combination of features and customizability for the price. It builds on the solid Router OS, a fully featured routing operating system that has been continuously improved for fifteen years.
Dynamic routing, hotspot, firewall, MPLS, VPN, advanced quality of service, load balancing and bonding, real-time configuration, and monitoring – just a few advanced features supported by RouterOS. Not only has it a lot of features, but it’s also easy to set up, and very quick, to get the router up and running.
Best Budget: Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 (R6700)
Frequency: Dual-band 2.4GHz (450 Mbps) + 5GHz (1300 Mbps) – AC1750 | Wireless standards: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Connectivity: 4x LAN, 1x WAN, 1x USB 3.0 | Features: Beamforming, Circle with Disney, NETGEAR Armor™, Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
Pros:
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- A lot of features for a low price
Cons:
- Circle by Disney is a paid service
A good router does not cost too much. The Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 is a cheap wireless router ideal for standard daily home use. It is fast, easy to use, and powerful enough for smooth online gaming, video streaming, and web surfing at the same time.
The Netgear R6700 is a dual-band router with a theoretical combined speed of 1.75Gbps and comes with Beamforming for better Wi-Fi signal, Netgear Armor for improved online security, and Circle by Disney which helps parents manage the online time of their children. There is no surprise that Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 is one of the best selling routers overall.
Best For Home Use: TP-Link Archer C2300
Frequency: Dual Band 2.4GHz (600 Mbps) + 5GHz (1625 Mbps) – AC2300 | Wireless standards: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Connectivity: 4 x LAN, WAN, USB 3.0, USB 2.0 | Features: HomeCare (parental controls, QoS, antivirus), MU-MIMO, 3 external antennas, Link Aggregation for doubled wired speeds
Pros:
- Great performance
- Inexpensive
- Built-in antivirus protection
- Two-year warranty
Cons:
- Runs hot
Packed with Beamforming, the newest MU-MIMO technology, Link Aggregation, and HomeCare service that comes with antivirus, parental controls, and QoS. TP-Link Archer C2300 has features common for high-end models, but not for a router for this price.
This is an impressive dual-band router, with a strong focus on both speed and security. The Archer C2300 is a great addition to any home network, with a small, lightweight body and powerful hardware.
TP-Link Archer C2300, is a router with an incredibly affordable price, yet still packed with features perfect for smart homes these days.
Router For Google Fiber Buying Guide and FAQs
While Google Fiber provides speeds of up to an impressive 1Gbps, the main downside is that it’s available in a small number of cities across the US. But if you are lucky enough to live in the area of service and want to expand your Wi-Fi signal through your entire house, you should consider buying a wireless router.
But there is a catch. According to Google, you have to use the Network Box to share a Wi-Fi signal. You can’t skip this device, and just connect your router to the Fiber Jack. Since the Network Box is acting as a router, there is no need to use a router with Google Fiber service, for some users… the Network Box is enough.
But not enough if you have multiple connected devices in your home Wi-Fi. Smart TV, multiple smartphones, tablets, or computer. The Network Box will definitely not handle all the online traffic without issues. That´s where routers come into play.
Why Should You Use Router With Google Fiber?
According to Google, you can plug your router into the network box and use it, just as you do with any other type of broadband internet service from CenturyLink, Comcast, Cox… However, is not a substitute for the Fiber Network Box, you cannot use your own router in place of the Fiber Network Box.
Benefits of using a router with Google Fiber:
Signal Range: An additional router will cover a wider area of your home. It can help eliminate dead spots, and improve poor signals in some areas of your home… it simply extends your Wi-Fi to any place you wish.
More Features: With a router, you get more useful features and better control over your home Wi-Fi network. Beamforming, Quality of Service, MU-MIMO, or parental controls… just a few examples of features that are important for a modern smart home. Some routers are allowing you to install third-party software (DD-WRT, OpenWRT, or Tomato) instead of the official firmware to give you even more control over your home network.
Can I Use My Own Router With Google Fiber?
Yes, you can. If you already have a wireless router, connect it to the Network Box and you´re online.
Can I Replace Google Fiber Network Box?
If you are an advanced network user, it can be done. Yes, you can replace the Fiber Network Box provided by Google, but the company doesn’t support this process for individual customers – it typically comes with the use of a Ubiquiti Edgerouter or setting up a PFSense box. However, for small business customers, Google supports the replacement of its Network Box.
Here is an official statement:
“If you are a small business customer and you need features the Network Box does not offer, you can use your own router with Fiber service. If you are a residential customer, you must use the provided Network Box for service.” Read more
Main photo by Andres Urena
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