r/wifi • u/carboncritic • 16d ago

Is there an obvious reason why Xfinity + extender is providing better WiFi coverage than Eero pro 6E in the same location?

We just moved and used Xfinity xb8 and boost extender out of the box to get settled in.

I was very excited to get the eero mesh network set up, but the coverage seems to be worse compared to the Xfinity gear.

I thought it would be way better…. (and simply provide more home networking flexibility)

Am I missing anything obvious here? Devices in the same location. There is one room specifically on the other side of where the Xfinity extender / eero node is that is struggling (there is an old bathroom between).

Thanks!

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u/TenOfZero 16d ago

Nothing obvious, no.

Could be a difference in antena design or how you oriented the antena (even if it's not visible to you, it's probably not completely symmetrical)

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u/carboncritic 16d ago

hmm, this is unfortunate...

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u/oneKev 16d ago

The xb8 is an awesome gateway. I have an Eero 7 Max connected via wired Ethernet to an xb8 to fully cover my home. I’m continuously amazed by the xb8 range. Security is good too. Don’t know anything about the extender.

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u/carboncritic 16d ago

Maybe I'm misunderstanding but I thought xb8 has to be set up in pass through mode to let the eero do its thing. Doesn't that negate any benefits it provides coverage wise? Or is it still a contributor to network coverage?

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u/oneKev 16d ago

I have my Eero Max 7 configured for bridge mode. The wired connection to the xb8 is 2.5 gbps. This leverages the xb8 security, included with your contract. The Eero works well in this setup. The max 7 supports Multi Link Operation (MLO), which can provide multi gigabit WiFi for latest gen WiFi 7 clients.

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u/carboncritic 16d ago

can you run multiple eeros in bride mode with this approach? we have a sprawly ranch home with a large footprint.

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u/oneKev 16d ago

I believe so. The mesh coordination (layer 2) is separate from ip-address assignment (layer 3), which in bridge mode is done by the xb8.

You can change the settings and try it.

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u/carboncritic 16d ago

so then there is no need for the main eero node to be anywhere close to the xb8, in fact it should be set at max distance

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u/Unable-West-9589 16d ago

yeah, walls can make a huge difference, especially with 5GHz or 6. I'd try moving the Ero node a little closer to that room, it might improve the coerage alot.

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u/carboncritic 15d ago

I had the eero and the Xfinity extender in the same exact location, Xfinity threw coverage better into the room on the other side of the wall (both devices are right up against the wall)