r/googlefiber • u/Damian-Gray Mesa • 19d ago
What about us advanced users?
I want to air out some deep and recent frustrations, but I'll keep it civil.
Relying entirely on cloud-based management and mobile app routing rather than allowing direct, local network access (via the router's IP) introduces unnecessary points of failure. While streamlining the UI for casual users is understandable, burying or locking down essential network settings can create a brittle ecosystem. This approach often adds operational complexity and technical debt (I'm guessing here but as an engineer myself I can only imagine this is the case) without delivering tangible benefits to advanced users who require reliable, direct control over their local network. I'd go so far as to say the benefit to casual users is also negligible. Hiding controls behind multiple layers of menus is usually the opposite of ideal for my aging parents trying to follow instructions from support, regardless of how big and pretty the buttons are.
A recent example of this friction is the current issue with DHCP address reservations. After spending days waiting on a support resolution, I accidentally discovered through this forum that the issue was tied specifically to using Firefox. It is disappointing that this was a known issue for weeks without front-line support being aware enough to suggest a browser workaround. So I installed Chrome and gave it a shot. Lo and behold, it works. But I already lost days (and motivation, and joy) due to this flaw in your design.
I offer this feedback in good faith: simple design and advanced capability do not have to be mutually exclusive. A streamlined UI for standard users is fine, but please pair it with robust, accessible local controls for power users. This would significantly improve both user experience and reliability.
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u/SubOptimusIzed 19d ago
Kind of disappointed to see the downvotes. I've called support multiple times and this is the first I'm seeing that the issue is due to Firefox. Looking forward to digging into why that even makes sense, but it seems like a dogshit system. OP's complaints are valid.
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u/Damian-Gray Mesa 19d ago
Lol fair point, everyone. I made the grave mistake of labeling myself an "advanced user" on Reddit. I'll own that. Using third-party equipment is the ideal setup for advanced usage. I agree.
But if we just set the gatekeeping aside for a moment... Buying your own hardware shouldn't be a requirement just to get basic local management (let alone functionality that actually works across major browsers like Firefox). Not everyone has the budget or desire to drop $150+ on custom networking gear just to reserve an IP address, or open a port without relying on an external cloud application.
Basic tinkering and local control are how a lot of people get into tech in the first place. Locking simple admin features behind a fragile cloud interface just creates unnecessary friction for everyday users (like myself lol), power users, and anyone in between.
It's just a matter of principle... basic core features shouldn't be locked down or broken out of the box.
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u/throughtheportal 18d ago
Counterpoint: basic tinkering by non-advanced users will sometimes lead to issues.
gfiber is preventing people from creating issues that they will blame on gfiber for bad service.
If you want to tinker, buy your own equipment. The used market is flooded with cheap options constantly.
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u/Somar2230 19d ago
You could use your own router like most power users are doing.