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eeros are great, but many people seem to worry about their compatibility with Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

I noticed that there isn’t a compiled resource of compatible ISPs with eero, so I did some quick research and wrote this article!

In this article, I will cover all the questions you may have regarding eeros and compatible ISPs!

Read on for more information!

eeros & ISPs Compatibility

ISPs like Xfinity and Spectrum are pretty common in the United States!

However, many people online don’t seem to know how their wifi system works, let alone anything about their ISPs and how that works with eeros.

So here’s a short introduction to how routers like eeros are used alongside ISPs like Xfinity.

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Firstly, you’ll want to look at the picture demonstrated below:

You’ll see that the Internet Service Provider works with a number of other items in typical network topology in a home.

Here’s how things work:

Let’s say you want to download the home page of a website on the Internet. The information is first sent to an Internet Service Provider that will distribute the information on their networking architecture.

Typically, Internet Service Providers are different in different countries, but they work mostly the same.

Internet Service Providers will provide outlets in a home where you will be able to plug in coaxial cables (indicated in orange) from your ISP to your modem.

Your modem will then convert that data from analog to digital signals that an eero can understand and distribute.

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As eero works on a mesh wifi system, depending on your placement of eeros, they will distribute the information from the gateway eero (the eero that’s connected to your modem through an Ethernet cable) to other eeros in your home.

That’s how ISPs work with eeros! Simple, right?

1. Does Eero Work With Optimum?

eero does work with Optimum. In order to use eero with Optimum, just disconnect wifi from the Optimum modem, then hardwire the Optimum modem to the eero Ethernet port using an Ethernet cable. Follow the instructions from the eero app to set up the eero and its mesh wifi network with other eeros/eero Beacons.

Optimum is a cable provider in the United States, and it’s what’s known as an Internet Service Provider.

Remember that diagram I showed earlier in this article?

Optimum connects to its modem and can be directly connected to an eero.

Here’s an anecdote from a Reddit user who has contacted eero support and Optimum.

They mentioned that the systems are indeed compatible with each other!

They currently use their Altice One (modem) connected to their eero (router). However, you’ll end up with 2 separate networks, one by the eero for your IoT devices like smartphones, and the other by Optimum through the Altice One box.

The process above is described as double NAT-ing. I know it may sound complicated but it’s simply having a different SSID and password for your eero network and the network by the Altice One!

Altice One is a combination of a TV set-top, modem, and WiFi router. However, Altice One can still be used with your own routers, including eero routers.

Alternatively, here’s what I recommend:

Just set your modem to bridge mode, so you’re working on one eero mesh wifi network, if possible. This will ensure you have the full features of your eero, plus have everything work on one network.

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Read more info on how to bride your Optimum Altice One on eero’s website here.

Check out more functions related to eero’s security in an article here.

eeros & Security: 21 KEY Things To Know! (Read FIRST!)

2. Does Eero Work With Xfinity?

eero does work with Xfinity by Comcast. The Xfinity xFi wireless gateway must first be set to bridge mode in its settings by logging in to the admin tools at http://10.0.01. The xFi can then be connected to the Ethernet port on an eero through an Ethernet cable. The eero will successfully establish a mesh wifi network.

While eero does work with Xfinity through the xFi gateway, the xFi wireless gateway does not have internet speeds that are as fast as the eero mesh network!

If you’re using an eero with Xfinity, I would recommend either doing the above or trying out a completely new method and more effective method of using Xfinity internet with your eero!

The new method also does away with the rental that comes with your xFi wireless gateway.

Here’s how to do the new method:

Connect a standalone modem to your ISP through a coaxial cable (fiber optic cable).
Connect an eero to a standalone modem through an Ethernet cable on their LAN ports. This will be the gateway eero.
Setup the eero using the instructions in the eero app.
Setup other eeros around your home.

Since your xFi gateway works as both a modem AND a router, it limits your eero from its full potential when you plug it in while setting your xFi to bridge mode.

What you’ll want to do is to get a completely new standalone modem, with no routing capabilities, and return your xFi wireless gateway.

Recommended Standalone Modem: ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Modem

This modem works in a standalone fashion and will work when directly connected to eeros to set up a wireless mesh wifi network.

Here’s a simple illustration of the topology that I mentioned earlier:

You’ll see that the ARRIS Surfboard modem will be the one that receives the internet from an ISP (Xfinity), modulates, and passes that on to a gateway eero that will set up a mesh wifi network.

3. Does Eero Work With Spectrum?

eero does work with Spectrum. However, Spectrum routers that are modem/router combo devices need to be switched to bridge mode. eeros can then be connected to the Spectrum modem/router combo device via an Ethernet cable to their LAN ports.

Here are the steps to help your eero work with Spectrum internet:

Connect the Spectrum modem/router combo device to the mesh router
Sign in to the router’s admin page
Turn on bridge mode on the Spectrum modem/router combo device
Convert Spectrum router into modem ONLY
Save the changes
Reset all devices

4. Does Eero Work With AT&T Fiber?

eero does work with AT&T Fiber and AT&T U-Verse. However, an IP passthrough needs to be set up or put the eeros to bridge mode. IP passthroughs will allow eeros to be used in conjunction with modem/router combo devices, whereas eeros put in bridge mode is a simpler process, but with some drawbacks.

Firstly, eero recommends that you can do an IP passthrough to allow your modem/router combo device that came with your AT&T internet package to retain both the functions of U-Verse and your eero mesh wifi network.

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However, this can be quite difficult and technical to set up. eero suggests that you call them or AT&T for technical assistance.

Otherwise, look for instructions here.

Secondly, if you don’t want to go through all that hassle for an IP passthrough, enable bridge mode on your eeros.

This will allow you to retain some of your U-verse functions, but with some drawbacks to your eero functions.

You will lose these functions with eeros in bridge mode:

Family Profiles
eero Secure
eero Labs
Device bandwidth usage details
Device blocking
Advanced network settings management through the eero app
Automatic Channel Selection (ACS), which also disables DFS
Apple HomeKit

To set your eeros to bridge mode, follow the following steps by eero:

Open the eero app and tap Settings (bottom right corner)
Tap Advanced
Tap DHCP & NAT
Switch your selection from Automatic to Bridge
Tap the Save button in the top right corner

5. Does Eero Work With Verizon Fios?

eero does work with Verizon FiOS. For Verizon Fios Internet-only service, eeros can be connected to Optical Network Terminals through either a coaxial cable or Ethernet cable. For Verizon Fios Internet and TV services, eeros need to be set up behind the existing router using a double NAT and put to bridge mode.

Verizon Fios Internet-only Service

If you have subscribed to the internet-only service by Verizon Fios, you’ll most likely have an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) instead of the modem that other ISPs use.

That’s because Verizon Fios uses fiber.

ONT Configure for Coaxial Cables

If the ONT is configured for coax, eero recommends that you call the Verizon Fiber Solutions Center to have them switch the ONT to ethernet.

If not possible, you can set your eeros up in bridge mode behind your existing router.

ONT Configure for Ethernet Cables

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.

Power off the router for two hours
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

To find out the full details and steps, read eero’s blog here.

Verizon Fios Internet and TV Service

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.

If you have the Fios TV and Internet service, you’ll need to set up your eeros behind your existing router.

This means that your eero needs to be connected down the line of your modem/router combo device.

eero suggests creating a temporary double NAT, then putting them into bridge mode.

However, when putting your eeros into bridge mode, take note that they’ll lose these functions:

Family Profiles
eero Secure
eero Labs
Device bandwidth usage details
Device blocking
Advanced network settings management through the eero app
Automatic Channel Selection (ACS), which also disables DFS
Apple HomeKit

More information on the drawbacks of bridge mode is found here.

6. Does Amazon Eero Work With Virgin Media?

Amazon eero does work well with Virgin Media. Virgin Media hubs can be easily set to bridge mode (modem-only mode), which will allow eeros to connect to them and utilize their full functionality. Setting Virgin Media hubs to bridge mode is done through the IP address 192.168.0.1 in a browser.

Virgin Media Hub 3 or Hub 4

Here are the steps listed by eero to setup Virgin Media Hub 3 or Hub 4:

Enter 192.168.0.1 into the address bar of your browser
The password is printed on the bottom of the Hub
Select Modem Mode on the left-hand side of the screen
Select the option next to Enable Modem Mode
Select Apply changes

Watch this video by Virgin Media for easier following:

Virgin Media Super Hub 1, 2, or 2ac

Here are the steps listed by eero to setup Super Hub 1, 2, or 2ac:

Enter 192.168.0.1 into the address bar of your browser
The password is printed on the bottom of the Hub
Select Super Hub Settings to see the Modem Mode section
Select Enable Modem Mode
Select Yes to continue. The Super Hub will reboot and activate Modem Mode

NOTE: In modem mode, your IP address will change from 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.100.1

7. Does Amazon Eero Work With Sky?

Amazon eero does work with Sky. However, Sky does not allow their modem/router combo device to be set to bridge mode due to MAC Encapsulation Routing. As such, the modem/router combo devices need to be either set up in double NAT, or the eeros put to bridge mode.

Sky is one of the most common ISPs in the UK. If you use Sky, know that they are not very compatible with eero, but they still work.

Sky is a little different from other kinds of ISPs, in that it uses MAC Encapsulation Routing (MER) to authenticate the hardware and CHAP credentials.

As such, Sky does not allow their modem/router combo device to be put to bridge mode like the rest of the ISPs.

However, there are 2 solutions to this:

Set Up a Double NAT

I know the term “double NAT” may sound foreign to you, and honestly a bit scary if you are new to networking terms.

But not to worry, it’s actually quite simple to set up.

Here are the steps you can take to set it up:

Connect Gateway eero to Sky Hub.
Follow the instructions on the eero app to set up the eero mesh wifi network.
Turn off the WiFi on the Sky Hub to avoid interference

Here’s how to turn off the WiFi on your Sky Hub:

Connect to your broadband network.
Open up any browser and type in 192.168.0.1 into the address bar and hit enter.
Key in your login details. Username: admin, Password: sky (or your wifi password you set in the past)
Navigate to the Wireless section
Disable the wireless signal of the hub

And… you’re done!

Simple enough, right?

Set Up the eero in Bridge Mode

The best way to quickly set up your eero with a Sky ISP is to set the eero devices to bridge mode. Although this sounds a little complicated to the layman, it’s very easy to do.

Here’s how to set up your eero in bridge mode:

Open the eero app and tap Settings (bottom right corner)
Tap Advanced
Tap DHCP & NAT
Switch your selection from Automatic (recommended) to Bridge
Tap the Save button in the top right corner

Note: Make sure you save the settings because if you close without doing so, nothing will change.

You can also read some user manuals of common Sky equipment.

8. Does Eero Work With Starlink?

eero does work with Starlink. For Circular Starlinks, eeros can be directly connected to its Ethernet port. For Rectangular/Square Starlinks, an extra Ethernet Adapter from the Starlink Shop is needed to connect an ethernet cable to an eero. They must be set to Bypass mode through the Starlink app and factory reset.

When I checked the forums, Reddit user kdekorte mentioned that the 2 types of Starlink dishes/routers have different ways of working with eeros.

However, the naming convention by Starlink is the Circular Starlink and the Rectangular Startlink, indicating the shape of their respective dishes.

Looking at Starlink’s page, they also mention some specifics regarding the 2 types of Starlinks.

Circular Starlink

For Circular Starlinks, as they have an Ethernet port (Labeled as AUX), they are able to be directly connected to an eero mesh wifi system using an Ethernet cable.

I will recommend using a cable of category 6 and above as they are relatively inexpensive.

Here’s a link to one I recommend on Amazon.

Rectangular & Square Starlinks

To recognize a Rectangular Starlink, look for its dish in the shape of a rectangle.

Taken from Starlink’s website:

The Rectangular Starlink does not have any Ethernet ports on its device, and requires an additional Ethernet Adapter available from the Starlink shop.

The Ethernet Adapter costs about USD$20, and can be used to plug an Ethernet cable from the Adapter to an eero.

NOTE: When connecting the Ethernet Adapter to the Rectangular Starlink, make sure that the Rectangular Starlink is in Bypass mode.

The Rectangular Starlink can be set to the Bypass mode through the Starlink app.

Doing so removes the routing functionality of the Rectangular Starlink, enabling the normal usage of the eero mesh wifi system.

One thing to note is that Starlink is currently working on a mesh wifi system that will work well with their Starlink dishes, so you can look forward to that!

If you’re using eero Beacons, check out this post on their compatibility within the eero ecosystem:

Eero Beacons & Compatibility: 11 KEY Things To Know!

9. Does Eero Work With Ziply?

eero does work with Ziply. eero can be directly connected to an Optical Network Terminal via an Ethernet cable. A Ziply modem will not be needed for usage with eero.

Reddit user TitaniumIV has mentioned that this method has worked for them:

Ziply is an ISP that works on fiber optics, so it doesn’t use the traditional cable Internet with a modem like AT&T or some other bigger and older ISPs in older homes.

Ziply uses devices called Optical Network Terminals (ONTs), with which eeros can be directly connected to using an Ethernet cable.

Optical Network Terminals are not routers and do not do any routing. ONTs are devices that communicate directly with ISPs to get a fiber-optic Internet connection in your home or office.

I will recommend using a cable of category 6 and above as they are relatively inexpensive.

Here’s a link to one I recommend on Amazon.

10. Does Eero Work With Frontier?

eero does work with Frontier. For Frontier DSL routers, its WAN port can be connected to one of the Eero Ethernet ports via an Ethernet cable. For Fibre Optic Frontier, eero can be directly connected to the Optic Network Terminal (ONT) via an Ethernet cable.

Reddit user Smartmine42 has mentioned this in their comment on a forum.

In actual fact, Frontier has both DSL and fiber optic options available to their customers, so depending on which type you are using, you’ll have different solutions to make it work with eeros.

Frontier DSL

Frontier DSL Routers are the typical modem/router combo that many ISPs provide when they set up the networking in your home.

This means that they both act as a modem to modulate and convert signals from cable Internet into digital signals, and as a router to route wifi signals to your devices.

Here’s how to set it up:

Open the eero app and click Start Setup
Unplug current Frontier Router from the power
Plug an Ethernet cable from the WAN port on the frontier DSL router to one of the eero Ethernet ports
Plug in the eero into a power outlet.
Reconnect the Frontier wifi into a power outlet.
Click the arrow on the right on the eero app.
Choose your room name.
Wait for eero mesh wifi to be setup.

Refer to this stepwise guide for the exact instructions.

Frontier Fiber Optic

For Frontier Fiber Optic customers, you can just directly plug your gateway eero to the Optical Network Terminal (ONT).

Then you may proceed to follow setup instructions with the eero app for the normal full setup with eero.

11. Does Eero Work With Fiber?

eero does work with Fiber. eero works with ISPs that offer Fiber Optic options. The gateway eero can be directly connected to the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) that comes with installation of the Fiber Optic networking. For some fiber operators, the ONT needs to be reset.

Final Thoughts

After reading through this article, hopefully, you’ve found some useful information on eeros and whether they work with your ISP!

In fact, eeros work with all ISPs, it’s just that they work well to different extents, depending on the type of network, the modem/router they provide, and the specific nuances that each ISP has.

After setting up your eero, you might find this article on eero placement useful:

eero and eero Beacon Placement: 13 KEY Things To Know!

Thanks for reading and stay smart!

eeros & ISP Compatibility: 14 Things You MUST Know!

eeros & ISPs Compatibility

1. Does Eero Work With Optimum?

2. Does Eero Work With Xfinity?

Recommended Standalone Modem: ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Modem

3. Does Eero Work With Spectrum?

4. Does Eero Work With AT&T Fiber?