Bridge Mode and Double NAT

How do I bridge my modem/router combo device?

If your modem has a built-in router, we recommend that you put its routing functionality into bridge mode to make the best use of your eero(s). By putting your modem/router combo device into bridge mode, you are essentially turning off its WiFi capabilities and passing its Internet connection through to your eero. This step ensures your eero system can work its magic and you can take full advantage of its many advanced features.

Instructions for putting your modem/router combo device in bridge mode will vary widely by ISP and device. We’ve included links to the help articles provided by some of the larger ISPs, but if you can’t figure out how to put your device into bridge mode, we recommend giving your ISP a call.

Before you put your modem/router combo in bridge mode, set up your eero network. Once your network is set up, follow these instructions:

1. Find a device connected to your existing — non-eero — WiFi network. Open a web browser and go to the web interface of your modem/router combo device. You can usually find the link from your ISP’s webpage.
2. Log in and provide your username and password.
3. From this interface, you should find the option to enable bridge mode. After the changes have been saved and applied, your modem/router combo should automatically reboot. If not, you’ll have to reboot it manually. You can do this by hitting the power button on and off or simply unplugging and replugging your device back in. Once it reboots, your device should function solely as a modem.
4. If for any reason, putting your modem/router combo into bridge mode causes problems, you should contact your ISP. They can usually enable bridge mode for you, or have a customer service representative walk you through the steps.
5. Once your combo device is in bridge mode, you should disconnect all devices from its LAN ports. The LAN ports are labeled, and there’s usually four of them on any combo device.
6. After all your devices have been disconnected from your combo device, connect your gateway eero to LAN port 1, then power up that eero. If your eero network were set up before enabling bridge mode, your other eeros wouldn't be affected by the change.
7. If you need to reconnect devices that were once connected via ethernet to your modem/router combo, you’ll need a Gigabit switch. Connect the switch to the open Ethernet port on your gateway eero, and then connect as many devices as you’d like to the ports on your switch. Note: For you network to function properly, make sure you don’t connect a switch between your modem and gateway eero. Connect your eero directly to the modem before connecting a switch to your eero (we've got more details on how to connect a switch here). 
8. To re-connect certain devices to your eero network, you might need to forget your wireless network on your device and add it again. We’ve got tips on how to do this here.

There are some notable exceptions to the general instructions we provided above. If your device doesn't offer bridge mode, you should turn off WiFi on the equipment provided to you by your ISP and put your eeros in bridge mode. You can read more about how to bridge your eeros—and the situations in which this configuration is necessary—here.

If you need any help putting your modem/router combo into bridge mode, feel free to give us a call.

 

How do I bridge my eeros?

 

Why bridge your eero’s?

By putting your eero network into bridge mode you can continue managing your network through your existing router. While we don’t generally recommend this approach, as you will lose some advanced features of eero, it is necessary for customers with certain network configurations. If you have a modem/router combo device, we recommend putting that device into bridge mode. 

Putting an eero in bridge mode will turn off its network services but allows the eeros to continue providing WiFi access. Please bear in mind that you will not be able to manage your network’s advanced features through the eero app with your eero’s in bridge mode. Additionally, bridge mode requires that one eero remain wired into the network via Ethernet. Your network configuration should not change when in bridge mode, meaning all connections must funnel through one Gateway eero.

There are a handful of scenarios when bridging your eero’s is required: 

• Your provider is AT&T U-Verse, which provides WiFi/DHCP
• Your provider requires PPPoE*
• Your ISP requires a specific MAC address matching their provided equipment

*Please Note: As of the release of eeroOS v6.6.1 and eero App version 6.13.0, eero Pro 6 and eero 6 now support PPPoE. For more information on this feature and how to enable it, please see the following article.

 

How to bridge your eero’s

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. If you already have an eero network, open the eero App and tap the Settings tab.
3. Tap Network settings. 
4. Under Network services, select DHCP & NAT.
5. Switch your selection from Automatic to Bridge.

 

Can I bridge my eero’s as an eero Plus customer?

Yes. Bridging your eero’s as an eero Plus customer will still allow you to access features such as 1Password, Guardian VPN, Malwarebyte, Dynamic DDS (DDNS), and WiFi radio analytics. 

However, there are Plus features that do not work properly in bridge mode. This includes the Advanced security, Ad Blocking, Content Filters, historical data usage, and Internet Backup. 

To access the available eero Plus features once bridge mode has been selected:

1. Tap on the Home tab. 
2. Tap eero Plus. 
3. You will then see VPN by Guardian, Password manager, Malwarebytes, and DDNS. 
   1. Note: To access radio analytics, tap the Home tab, select your eero, and tap Wifi radio analytics. 

 

How do I setup my network in double NAT mode?

While it sounds a bit complicated, double NAT is fairly simple. 

If you have a separate router and modem, don't plug your gateway eero directly into your modem, as the eero app suggests. Instead, plug your gateway eero into your existing router. From there, follow the remaining setup instructions in your eero app.

If you have a modem/router combo device, simply plug your gateway eero into the combo device and follow the setup instructions from there. In this case, you also have the option of putting your modem/router combo device into bridge mode, so it'll only act as a modem. 

When double NAT-ing, be sure to use a different SSID and password for your eero network than your existing network. Running two networks with the same SSID simultaneously will lead to technical complications.