How To FIX WIFI & Take Control of Content: Setting Up eero Pro 6E Mesh Network

Are you looking to take back control of your internet and ensure better connectivity across your property? Do you have issues with weak or lost WIFI signals? Maybe you’re trying to control the content and screen time in your home. If so, this video is for you! I posted this video to educate anyone on what a mesh network is, the benefits, and how to take control of digital content and connectivity. I did quite a bit of research leading up to our purchase decision on how to solve for network connectivity across our home while also ensuring control over our families screen time and content - Extremely helpful if, like our household, you need to help manage around ADHD in this digital world. I ended up selecting the eero Pro 6E and using Echo Dots (5th Generation) to extend the network (teaser: there is a catch on the Echo extending your network). I also signed up for eero Plus to get content, app, and site filtering for profiles (I’ll cover this in a separate video). Feel free to use the timeline below to jump to the relevant parts. NOTE: The top issues we faced with eero are resolved in the “Fixing Connectivity” sections. While this video applies to all Internet Service Providers (ISP), those with AT&T will find these sections especially useful. I hope it saves you time!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction.
01:07 What is a Mesh Network?
01:56 Why eero Pro 6E?
02:57 Dive In & Unbox: eero Pros & Cons.
05:10 Setting Up eero Mesh Network.
10:52 Adding Your First Device.
11:16 Extending Network with Echo Dot 5th Generation.
12:35 Fixing Connectivity Issues (Intermittent Connectivity).
14:31 Fixing Connectivity (Ethernet Ports & WiFi Peripherals).
15:13 What’s Next / Closing Comments.
About TrueMesh:
TrueMesh automatically switch between radios (Triband; 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz) to avoid interference.
About Triband, WiFi 6E:
Wi-Fi 6E is the industry name for Wi-Fi devices that operate in 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6 GHz. More info here: www.wi-fi.org/download.php?fi...
Bridged Network (Most Internet Providers):
You create a single, aggregate network from multiple communication networks or network segments.
Bridge Mode Instructions: support.eero.com/hc/en-us/art...
NOTE: Non-Bridged Network setups will make Virtual LANs (VLAN) unusable.
Passthrough Network (AT&T Customers):
The modem turns off any routing features and passes the IP address and data to eero. It is similar to "Bridge Mode," but also removes any firewall features or other data processing eliminating the need for network address translation (NAT). eero controls any WiFi routing or security needs.
More Information for AT&T users: www.att.com/support/smallbusi...
NOTE: Passthrough direction matters. You want to put your Modem or Gateway into "Bridge Mode", not the eero. If you put eero into "Bridge Mode" you will lose eero features like "Profiles".
Adding a Switch & Network Topologies:
Always plug the switch into your eero (not into your modem). Anything connected directly to your modem will not be on the same network as your wireless devices. eero supports gigabit Ethernet (1000 / 100 / 10 mbps) but can work with Fast Ethernet (100 / 10 mbps) equipment. You can use a managed switch, but eero recommends using Unmanaged Switches. They are easier to use. More info here:
support.eero.com/hc/en-us/art...
Examples of Network Topologies here: support.eero.com/hc/en-us/art...
Some Network Switch Options:
Note that most switches should work fine. Just pay attention to their supported Ethernet speed so you don’t slow yourself down. Switches come in Managed and Unmanaged flavors.
Unmanaged Switches:
Unmanaged switches are easier to set up with eero. They use auto-negotiated ports to determine parameters, such as data rates. Additionally, unmanaged switches have no concept of virtual LANs (VLANs). All devices belong to the same broadcast domain. Good options include:
* NETGEAR 5 port Mulit-Gigabit 2.5 G Ethernet (MS305)
* TP-Link TL-SG108
* TP-Link TL-SG105-M2
* Zyxel XGS1010-12
Managed Switches:
Managed switches can be made to work with a bit of effort and let users adjust each port on the switch to any setting, enabling them to manage, configure and monitor the network. These are often used for businesses needing fine grain control and layered security. They are generally more expensive. Below are some options:
* Ubiquiti EdgeSwitch 8, 8-Port Managed PoE+ Gigabit Switch with SFP, 150W (ES-8-150W)
* Cisco Business CBS350-8P-E-2G Managed Switch
* Limited Lifetime Protection (CBS350-8P-E-2G-NA)
* NETGEAR 26-Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Smart Switch (GS324TP)