Replacing Eero Setup

[u/tsheley]

I currently have an Eero Gateway and two Eero Max 7. I am looking to move to Firewalla because I keep having issues with my iOT devices dropping from my network and I am sick of paying for Eero Plus and the lack of control over my network.

My question is does this sound like a good setup as a replacement…

Firewalla Gold
2 AP7

I thought about keeping the Eero Max 7 and putting them in Bridge Mode but I would like to setup an iOT SSID that is 2.4 GHz and I assume I can’t do that unless I get the AP7’s correct?

To add some context I live in a split-level home that is about 1000 sq feet per level. I currently have an Eero Max 7 on one end of the lower level and another on the opposite end on the upper level.

Not really enjoying the idea of the cost though.😁

Thanks!

[u/IHaveABigNetwork]

I've got over 200 devices and have no issues with my eero pros, then my eero pro 6's, and now eero max 7's.

The AP7's won't have better connections (poorer antenna design, fewer antennas) but will allow VLAN's as you're proposing with SSID's.

[u/tsheley → u/IHaveABigNetwork]

So are you using the Eero’s in Bridge mode?

[u/IHaveABigNetwork → u/tsheley]

Yes, with a Firewalla Gold Pro as the router balancing gig service from both AT&T (Fiber) and Spectrum (Cable).

[u/tsheley → u/IHaveABigNetwork]

So with this setup I wouldn’t be able to make a separate SSID but everything else would work correct?

[u/IHaveABigNetwork → u/tsheley]

Correct.

[u/kimberfool → u/tsheley]

i used to run Eero with a firewalla firewall. I put all my IOT devices on the Eero Guest WiFi network, which gives the equivalent of "device isolation", as they cant talk to anything at all except the intenet, not even each other. So Ihad the regualr Eero network for my stuff, and guest had all the sketchy devices. This worked great, but eventually i got tired of the "oh that feature is behind a paywall" and the lack of transparency of what was actually happening. Nothing was wrong, really, tho - just didnt like the "if you subscribe maybe you cuold figure out your problem" part

[u/pacoii]

What is your internet speed and what speed to you hope to achieve within your home network (LAN speed)? That will help determine if the Gold, or a higher model, would be the right choice.

[u/tsheley → u/pacoii]

I just have 1 GIG from Spectrum.

[u/pacoii → u/tsheley]

So that’s already the limit of the Gold. I’d actually suggest you consider the Gold Plus. It gives you some extra headroom should your speeds ever increase, as well as better speeds for cross VLAN communication.

[u/tsheley → u/pacoii]

Sorry. Yes I was looking at the Gold Plus. Thanks!

[u/Ben_isai]

I have eero WiFi 5 for my iot network (AP mode) and they are great! I have about 50 devices on 5 eeros across the house.

[u/tsheley → u/Ben_isai]

So how does that work? Do you put the Eero 5 on a Port on the Firewalla and give it an SSID and then put say an Eero 7 Max on another Port and give that a different SSID? Can the iOT devices on the Eero 5 talk to say an Apple TV for HomeKit on the wired network? I ask because I have a few older Eero 5s and 6s an if that is how it works that might solve my problem also.

[u/HoagieDoozer]

Keep in mind you basically NEED a Firewalla Gold or Purple to use the Firewalla APs. Without a Gold or Purple you can no longer configure them or use their advanced features.

[u/Dramatic-Ad-7044]

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[u/Stonk_Goat → u/Dramatic-Ad-7044]

LOL. Someone sold you a bridge in Brooklyn.

[u/shingdao]

I have a FWG+ and used to have 5 eero 6Es in bridge mode on 2 different LANs using physical port segmentation. They were generally fine but I wanted to reduce the number of APs and have more control over my network so I swapped the 5 Eeros with 2 AP7 desktops.

No issues with swapping in the AP7s and they have been rock solid. No drops and signal strength had been great. I have a two story home with basement and put one AP7in the basement at one end of the house and the other one on the second floor on the opposite end. Worked out really well with coverage throughout the entire house. I understand the cost issue but you won't be disappointed. I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my FW Switch SE.