How I Set Up My Home Network and Why It Works for Me

In today’s world, a reliable home network isn’t just a convenience—it’s essential. Whether you’re working remotely, streaming 4K content, or managing smart home devices, the quality of your network can make or break your experience. When I decided to upgrade my home network, I wanted a system that would provide consistent speeds, excellent coverage, and robust connectivity for my devices. At the same time I did not require anything "advanced", just a basic setup. Here’s how I set up my network and why it works for me.

The Setup

I opted for the Nest Wi-Fi Pro 6E system, which includes two devices. My house is approximately 2,000 square feet, and this two-pack system provides ample coverage (They also sell it in three-pack systems, great for multi-story homes). Here’s how I configured it:

1. Primary Router Placement and Connection: The Nest is what is called a Mesh network. Essentially each router talks to each other to prioritize the data flow and decide which router is going to process your data. I connected my first router to my cable modem via a network (Ethernet) cable. This provides a direct, non-wireless connection of data from this router to the main data entering the house.
2. Secondary Router Placement and Functionality: I placed my second Nest directly on a shelf under my work computer. I then wired it via Ethernet cable to my docking station, which connects my laptop to my multiple monitors. This also results in the data flow being directly cabled to the second router. So while the rest of the house has wireless access to either one of the Nests, dependent on the one they get the highest quality signal from, the only "wireless" happening between my work computer and the internet coming into my house is the wireless dataflow between my Nest router devices...which are designed to optimize data flow between each other.

The Results

After setting up the Nest Wi-Fi Pro 6E, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my internet performance. My average speeds increased from the mid-200 Mbps to low 300 Mbps range to consistently achieving speeds in the mid-300 Mbps to low 400 Mbps. This jump in performance has been especially noticeable during high-demand activities like video calls, large file transfers, and streaming. That extra speed is important, particularly when other people in the house may be downloading or streaming content themselves.

Why This Setup Works

Wired Backhaul for Maximum Efficiency:

By connecting the first Nest device to the primary router with an Ethernet cable, I’ve created a direct connection between the two. This eliminates the need for them to communicate wirelessly, which can slow down the network. As a result, all the available bandwidth goes straight to my first Nest device without interference or congestion.

Direct Ethernet Connections for Critical Devices:

Connecting my laptop docking station ( and I did the same with my NAS, a network storage device ) directly to the second Nest device ensures they always get the fastest and most stable connection. This setup is perfect for transferring large files, using shared storage, or ensuring smooth video calls without buffering.

Enhanced Wi-Fi Coverage:

The placement of the two devices ensures that every corner of my 2,000-square-foot home gets a strong and reliable Wi-Fi signal. Dead zones and weak signals are now a thing of the past, whether I’m in the living room, kitchen, or home office.

Future-Proofing with Wi-Fi 6E:

The Nest Wi-Fi Pro 6E supports the newest 6 GHz band, which is faster and less crowded than the older bands. While not all devices use it yet, this feature means my network is ready for newer technologies as they become standard, giving me an edge in speed and performance down the road.

Tips for Setting Up Your Own Network

If you’re looking to optimize your home network, here are a few lessons from my experience:

• Consider Your Needs: Think about how you use your network. For me, the combination of remote work, streaming, and shared storage drove my decisions.
• Leverage Wired Connections: Whenever possible, connect critical devices via Ethernet. It’s faster, more stable, and reduces congestion on your Wi-Fi network.
• Strategic Placement: Place your routers in open, central areas to maximize coverage. Avoid placing them near metal objects or electronics that could interfere with the signal.
• Prioritize Devices: Many modern routers allow you to prioritize specific devices for better performance during high-demand times. While the Nest Pro has only minor capabilities related to this (which is one reason why you might choose a different, most expensive Mesh setup) for myself the Nest Pro had everything I needed.
• Future-Proof Your Setup: Investing in newer technology like Wi-Fi 6E ensures your network will keep up with advancements in devices and internet speeds.

Final Thoughts

This setup has transformed how I experience the internet in my home. The combination of wired and wireless connections provides flexibility, speed, and reliability, making it ideal for both work and leisure. If you’re considering upgrading your network, I hope my experience offers some inspiration and guidance.

Feel free to reach out or comment below if you have questions about this setup or want to share your own networking tips!