Eero Mesh vs Google Nest?

[heyyitssusan]

I’m wanting to finally set up a mesh network, but deciding between the two as far as ease of setup. I have modem/router combo from Spectrum, and I have voice services so unfortunately I can’t switch to a modem only.

I reached out to Eero support, and they told me to put my modem into bridge mode (essentially turn off WiFi) and also put the Eero’s in bridge mode for it to work. How easy is it to set up the Eero’s in bridge mode? Does it complicate the process at all?

I was reading the Nest Bridge Mode instructions and it states to not put my device into bridge mode unless I’m only using a single WiFi device which I have multiple devices on my networks, so does that mean for my scenario I don’t have to put my nest into bridge mode? I assume it’d still have to be done on Spectrum’s end, but will that make thing easier for set up?

Hoping someone can offer some advice.

 

[pldelisle]

The ISP router must be in bridge mode, not the Eero's. If ISP is in bridge mode, you can enter your ISP credentials into the Eero, and it is this one that will get a public IP address and do network address translation (NAT). This is more than just turning off Wifi on the ISP since you will then get double NATting and this can cause problems. Generally, there is an advanced DMZ mode in the ISP router interface or simply a checkbox on which you can select the operational mode. ISP won't help you because it's not a standard configuration (well, most of them won't help you).

More specialized forums like DSLReport can help you more with setting your modem correctly. People on this forum are great and many are network specialists.

I don't like Google's routers... I think Google knows enough of us without even filtering our internet connection. Eero are nice, but also check Ubiquiti Amplifi. It's one of the best in class mesh system.

Another solution is to keep your ISP router and just buy Ubiquiti Unifi Access Points (APs). You can setup them using a controller. It's next level in difficulty thought, but works incredibly well, stable, and flawless. Just installed 2 in a home with a TV service and wasn't able to bypass the ISP modem due to the TV service.

 

[heyyitssusan]

The ISP router must be in bridge mode, not the Eero's. If ISP is in bridge mode, you can enter your ISP credentials into the Eero, and it is this one that will get a public IP address and do network address translation (NAT). This is more than just turning off Wifi on the ISP since you will then get double NATting and this can cause problems. Generally, there is an advanced DMZ mode in the ISP router interface or simply a checkbox on which you can select the operational mode. ISP won't help you because it's not a standard configuration (well, most of them won't help you).

More specialized forums like DSLReport can help you more with setting your modem correctly. People on this forum are great and many are network specialists.

I don't like Google's routers... I think Google knows enough of us without even filtering our internet connection. Eero are nice, but also check Ubiquiti Amplifi. It's one of the best in class mesh system.

Another solution is to keep your ISP router and just buy Ubiquiti Unifi Access Points (APs). You can setup them using a controller. It's next level in difficulty thought, but works incredibly well, stable, and flawless. Just installed 2 in a home with a TV service and wasn't able to bypass the ISP modem due to the TV service.

Thanks! I’m glad I posted on here as Eero support told me to put the Eero and my modem in Bridge Mode.

 

[chabig]

I think Google knows enough of us without even filtering our internet connection

I think the same about Amazon (owner of Eero). That's why I would choose neither brand. There are other mesh systems that aren't owned by surveillance companies. Ubiquiti's Amplifi brand is a good choice.

AmpliFi | Faster, Whole-Home Wi-Fi

Not Just a Wi-Fi Router, It’s a Mesh Wi-Fi System.

amplifi.com

 

[pldelisle]

Thanks! I’m glad I posted on here as Eero support told me to put the Eero and my modem in Bridge Mode.

ISP modems are like plague. You need to avoid them at all cost. They often have security vulnerabilities, extremely poor support and absolutely no will to solve bugs and vulnerabilities.

Best today is to go 100% internet only. Many services now offer a way to watch live TV via an Apple TV / Chromecast app. Land phone lines are from the past too. I know very, very few people actually paying for this.

If you go 100% internet, you can definitively remove the ISP router or find another ISP which work with standard DOCSIS technology. You install a compatible DOCSIS modem or Media converter if you are on fiber and then use your own network appliance. Ubiquiti Dream Machine is now a nice option since they have corrected most bugs in their firmware. This router has built in Deep Packet Inspection and a great firewall for improved security. Amplifi is also a very nice and secure option.

 

[Prorege1]

I have an Ubiquiti UDMP + wifi, it's very nice, but set-up is rather complicated.

I also have Google wifi connected to the router - rock solid and very easy to install. As far as I know a complete Google wifi 3 puck set can be bought in the US for USD 199 which seems to be a good price. It's not necessary to set the existing router/modem in bridge mode, just turn off the wifi in your existing router.

Have a nice weekend.

 

[pldelisle]

. It's not necessary to set the existing router/modem in bridge mode, just turn off the wifi in your existing router.

But then you are double NATing, which is something I don't recommend. If you ever need to forward ports to something, you can run into problems.

 

[macsound1]

The ISP router must be in bridge mode, not the Eero's. If ISP is in bridge mode, you can enter your ISP credentials into the Eero, and it is this one that will get a public IP address and do network address translation (NAT). This is more than just turning off Wifi on the ISP since you will then get double NATting and this can cause problems. Generally, there is an advanced DMZ mode in the ISP router interface or simply a checkbox on which you can select the operational mode. ISP won't help you because it's not a standard configuration (well, most of them won't help you).

More specialized forums like DSLReport can help you more with setting your modem correctly. People on this forum are great and many are network specialists.

I don't like Google's routers... I think Google knows enough of us without even filtering our internet connection. Eero are nice, but also check Ubiquiti Amplifi. It's one of the best in class mesh system.

Another solution is to keep your ISP router and just buy Ubiquiti Unifi Access Points (APs). You can setup them using a controller. It's next level in difficulty thought, but works incredibly well, stable, and flawless. Just installed 2 in a home with a TV service and wasn't able to bypass the ISP modem due to the TV service.

2nd the Unifi APs. Everyone thinks mesh networking is great until they see what it's like to have multiple real APs. Unifi is great and having a controller is super easy, just run the app on your mac, only necessary to run for initial setup.

 

[Prorege1]

2nd the Unifi APs. Everyone thinks mesh networking is great until they see what it's like to have multiple real APs. Unifi is great and having a controller is super easy, just run the app on your mac, only necessary to run for initial setup.

Absolutely correct, but you need cables for the Unifi APs- that's not always possible.

 

[eMacKilla]

new idea, PFSense and Ubiquiti AP's.

 

[pldelisle]

new idea, PFSense and Ubiquiti AP's.

Good idea too.

 

[macsound1]

Absolutely correct, but you need cables for the Unifi APs- that's not always possible.

While that's true in general, you can create "mesh" networks using regular UniFi APs where one is the base and the 2nd is a repeater, but because you can see how it's working, you can fine tune the bandwidth and location and even add wired connections at the other end of the wireless repeater.