How to set up eero with existing router?

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The system is clocked by Eero with an AX5400 speed rating, which reaches maximum theoretical rates of 800Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 2.3Gbps on the 5GHz and 6GHz bands.Every Eero Pro 6E router should cover approximately 2,000 square feet and be able to connect at least 100 devices.  How to set up eero with existing router

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How to set up eero with existing router

Step 1: Get the eero app on your iOS or Android device

Download the free Eero app from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Both iOS and Android are supported by eero. It is not possible for you to configure your system using a web browser.

Step2: Register for an eero account or sign in using your Amazon credentials.

You must log in before you can start configuring your new eero network. You have two options: create an eero account or log in with the details from your Amazon account. Your email address and phone number must be entered. By default, your phone number will receive a verification code from us. To create your account, enter this code on the app’s verification screen.

STEP 3: Set up your eero Gateway

The main eero need to set up your network is your gateway. Three simple steps will be guided by the eero app to help you set up your gateway eero:

  1. First, disconnect the power to your outdated router and modem. Please unhook any other wireless devices that are linked to your modem.
  2. Using the Ethernet wire that was included in the package, connect your Gateway eero device to your modem. The Ethernet ports on the rear of your eero are both usable.
  3. After plugging your Gateway eero device into a power outlet that is available, turn back on your modem. The status light on your eero device will begin to blink white. Go here for placement advice, which includes DOs and DON’Ts.
    • Note that in order to connect to your eero router, you must have a modem. You will need to connect your eero to your present router if your modem is integrated inside it (also called a modem-router). The initial eero device needs to be linked to your current DSL, cable, fiber, or modem-router.

Create your eero network in step four.

It’s time to set up your eero network now that your modem and eero gateway are plugged in.

The eero app will start searching for your new eero as soon as you touch Next. The LED on your gateway eero will start to flash and, once found, turn solid. You will be asked to choose an eero location when it has been found; this is how you will be able to identify each eero on your network.

  • If prompted, you may need to enter your eero’s serial number, which is located on a sticker attached to the bottom of your eero. Just look for a barcode with the letters SN on it – it’s small, but it’s there.

Once you’ve selected a location for your eero, you will enter your network name (SSID) and network password. This is how devices will join your network. 

  • Reusing your current network name (SSID) and password is a simple way to choose a network name (SSID) and password when replacing an old router. In this manner, devices that were previously connected to the network won’t need to be reconnect.
  • Remember that it can cause issues to have two networks using the same SSID. In order to prevent your devices from unintentionally connecting to the incorrect network, we strongly advise you to enable bridge mode on any modem/router combo devices you may own.In the unlikely event that bridge mode is unavailable, you can alternatively set up double NAT on your network.

Tap Next and your eero network will complete setup!

Step 5: Connect eeros to your network.

Once you’ve configured your gateway eero, your new network will be created, and you may start adding more eeros to extend it. You may integrate any eero device into your existing network.

When adding eeros to your network, please keep in mind the following placement tips: 

  1. Position your Eero device centrally.To establish a solid connection, place your new Eero device between the dead spot and another Eero device.
  2. For optimal communication, keep your eero(s) out of tight spaces such as media consoles, cabinets, and bulky furniture.
  3. To avoid blocking wifi signals, keep your eero device away from major electronics and appliances.

Eero can be installed wirelessly or by Ethernet backhaul, however eero Beacons (only available in the United States) can only be added wirelessly. Find helpful placement tips here. It’s a good idea to educate yourself with these guidelines before you begin so that you can maximize placement around your home from the start.

Step 6: Connect devices to your eero network

Finally (and most importantly), remember to link all of your devices to your new eero network. To do this, simply locate your eero network on your device, input the network password you generated, and connect. If you use the same network name (SSID) and password as your previous router, your devices will reconnect immediately. To get these devices to detect the new eero network, you may need to turn on WiFi or power cycle them.

How to bridge your eeros

By moving your eero network into bridge mode, you may continue to manage it using your existing router. Putting an eero into bridge mode disables its network capabilities but allows it to continue offering WiFi access. Please keep in mind that you will be unable to manage your network’s advanced capabilities via the eero app while your eeros are in bridge mode.

  1. Create your eero network: Follow the setup flow in the eero app.
    • Note: If your network configuration necessitates bridge mode to function, you’ll have to first set up your eero network by double NATing. Read our full instructions on how to do so here.
  2. Bridge your eeros by following the instructions below:
  • Open the eero app and tap Settings (bottom right corner)
  • Tap Network Settings
  • Tap DHCP & NAT
  • Switch your selection from Automatic (recommended) to Bridge or Manual (for those running static IP)
  • Tap the Save button in the top right corner

Replacing Your Gateway eero with a New eero Device

If you’ll be looking to replace your gateway eero, meaning the one connected directly to your modem, you can take the following steps:

  • Open the eero app
  • Tap the blue plus icon on the top right
  • Tap Add or Replace eero Devices
  • Tap Replace eero Device
  • Select which eero you want to replace
  • Follow the setup instructions to complete the replacement
  • Allow the new eero to boot up and come online
  • It may take up to 10 minutes for your eero network to come back online as your network assigns the new eero as the gateway (main eero).

eero PoE Gateway setup

STEP 1: Download the eero app for iOS or Android

STEP 2: Create an eero account or Log In with your Amazon Account

STEP 3: Set up your eero PoE Gateway

Your PoE Gateway is the primary eero needed to create your network. The eero app will guide you through setting up your PoE gateway eero in three easy steps:

  1. First, unplug your old modem and router from power. If you have other wireless equipment connected to your modem, please unplug it as well.
  2. Connect your PoE Gateway eero to your modem using an ethernet cable.
  3. Plug your PoE Gateway eero device into an available power outlet, then reconnect your modem to power. Your eero device’s status light will start flashing white.

STEP 4: Create your eero network

STEP 5: Add eeros to your network

Step 6: Connect devices to your eero network

One final (and important) step is to remember to connect all of your devices to your new eero network. To do this, simply find your eero network on your device, enter the network password that you’ve created, and get connected. 

Apple recommended set up eero with existing router

To alter your router’s settings, firmware, or Wi-Fi password, use the manufacturer’s configuration portal or app. For assistance, see the router’s documentation, manufacturer, or network administrator.

Before making changes to your router’s settings, save a backup in case you need to restore them later. Update your router’s firmware and install the newest software for your Apple devices. After changing network settings, it may be necessary to forget the network on any previously connected devices. The device then uses the router’s new settings when rejoining the network.

To guarantee that your Apple devices can connect safely and reliably to your network, apply these settings consistently to each Wi-Fi router and access point, as well as each band of a dual-band, tri-band, or other multiband router:

Security >
Set to WPA3 Personal for better security, or set to WPA2/WPA3 Transitional for compatibility with older devices.
Network name (SSID)>
Set to a single, unique name (case-sensitive) for all bands.
Hidden network>
Set to Disabled.
MAC address filtering, authentication, or access control
Set to Disabled.

Automatic firmware updates> Set to Enabled.

Radio mode > Set to All (preferred), or set to Wi-Fi 2 through Wi-Fi 6 or later.

Bands > Enable all bands supported by your router.

Channel > Set to Auto.

Channel width > Set to 20 MHz for the 2.4 GHz band. Set to Auto or all widths for the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands.

DHCP > Set to Enabled if your router is the only DHCP server on the network.

HCP lease time > Set to 8 hours for home or office networks. Set to 1 hour for hotspots or guest networks.

NAT > Set to Enabled if your router is the only device providing NAT on the network.

WMM > Set to Enabled.

DNS server > Continue using the default DNS server, or specify a different primary or secondary server.

Set up eero with Verizon Fios

There are different routes that should be taken to get eero set up depending on the services that you have with Verizon FiOS:  

  1. If you have FiOS TV and Internet, you will need to set up your eeros behind your existing router, temporarily creating a double NAT, and then put them into bridge mode.
  2. If you have FiOS Internet only(no TV), you can connect eero directly to your Optical Network Terminal (ONT). Your ONT is configured to communicate with your router either via coax cable or via Ethernet (The ONT isn’t a modem and doesn’t act as a network bridge – it just changes the optical signal to an electric signal used by your router).
    • If the ONT is configured for coax, we recommend that you call the Verizon Fiber Solutions Center to have them switch the ONT to ethernet. If this is not possible, you can set your eeros up in bridge mode behind your existing router.
    • If the ONT is configured for ethernet, follow the steps listed below to release your DHCP lease. This has to be done because FiOS DHCP leases are MAC bound to their router. Releasing this DHCP lease from the old router enables your eero to handle routing properly.

There are a few ways to release the DHCP lease:

  • Power off the router for two hours: Verizon’s DHCP lease interval is 2 hours. Once this existing lease has expired, the new router should be able to obtain a new DHCP lease
  • Call the Verizon Fiber Solutions Center (1-800-VERIZON) to break the lease.
  • Break the Lease using the FiOS App by following the troubleshooting steps for “I can’t connect to the Internet”.
  • Via the router GUI – Depending on what router you have, the next steps will vary. Steps for the most common Verizon-provided routers are listed below.
  1. Actiontec MI424-WR Steps:
    1. Click on ‘My Network’ icon at the top
    2. Select ‘Network Connections’ (coax or ethernet) depending on your connection to the ONT
    3. Click ‘Settings’
    4. Click ‘Release’
    5. Click ‘Apply’
    6. Disconnect router immediately to prevent it from re-requesting a DHCP lease
  2. Westell 9100EM Steps:
    1. Click ‘My Network’
    2. Select ‘Network Connections’ from menu on the left
    3. Select ‘Broadband Connection’ (coax or ethernet) depending on your connection to the ONT
    4. Select ‘Configure Connection’
    5. Click ‘Release’
    6. Click ‘Ok’
    7. Disconnect the router immediately to prevent it from re-requesting a DHCP lease

How do I disable the eero WiFi on my existing router?

You will not be able to change or adjust the existing WiFi broadcast in your home straight from the eero app because it is generated by your ISP equipment. In most circumstances, this setting must be altered by connecting a device, such as a laptop or PC, directly to the modem-router; in certain cases, you may be able to edit these settings through an online portal offered by your ISP. If you are unsure which technique is applicable to your router, contacting your service provider directly is always the best way to obtain assistance with this modification.

How do I reset my eero?

Resetting your eero(s), like any other router, can be an effective troubleshooting step. Before attempting a reset, we normally recommend taking simpler measures, such as power cycling your eero by disconnecting the power cord, waiting 30 seconds, and then plugging it back in.

To reset your eero, use the app (instructions available here) or press the reset button on the back of the device (1st-generation), back (2nd-generation), or bottom (eero).

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