MESH system with more than two ethernet ports

[BO Terry]

I have a client needing better wi-fi coverage in one part of their 3000 SF home. I've been using eero Pro's lately and really like them but it won't work here because they need at least 3 ethernet ports on the router. I know I could add a switch but prefer not because it's just another potential point of failure. I've read that some of the Orbi's have 3/4 ethernet ports but have never worked with them.


As an alternate, I'm considering a powerline adapter, likely the TP-Link TL-WPA8631P KIT.

 

[timeshifter]

If I'm in your shoes I just throw a metal Netgear switch in the mix. While not as elegant as something with built-in ports, I'd not want to give up the reliability and comfort level I have in the eero system just for a few Ethernet ports. Also, failures of small 5-8 port network switches are rare to non-existent in my world.

One could also argue that its better to have them separate. If the WiFi radio fails you still have your switch, or if the switch fails you still have your WiFi.

 

[BO Terry]

If I'm in your shoes I just throw a metal Netgear switch in the mix. While not as elegant as something with built-in ports, I'd not want to give up the reliability and comfort level I have in the eero system just for a few Ethernet ports. Also, failures of small 5-8 port network switches are rare to non-existent in my world.

One could also argue that its better to have them separate. If the WiFi radio fails you still have your switch, or if the switch fails you still have your WiFi.

Thanks. After I posted this, I realized I may be overthinking it a bit. I could also just turn off Wi-Fi in the Gateway and continue using the ports on the Gateway. Have you ever had an issue with that method?

 

[timeshifter]

Yes.

https://www.technibble.com/forums/threads/never-underestimate-the-ability-of-the-cable-company-to-eff-things-up.87365/

You can make the eero do WiFi only and not act as a gateway or router. But, I'd rather just have a modem and let the eero be the gateway / router. Better, more control.

 

[BO Terry]

Yes.

https://www.technibble.com/forums/threads/never-underestimate-the-ability-of-the-cable-company-to-eff-things-up.87365/

You can make the eero do WiFi only and not act as a gateway or router. But, I'd rather just have a modem and let the eero be the gateway / router. Better, more control.

Something else I've wondered about is going with all routers or mixing routers/extenders like come in some of the kits. I've always done all routers and like that, if one pod fails, you can still keep running while you get a replacement. If you have 1 router/2 extender and your router fails, that wouldn't work. Overthinking again?

I'm looking at the eero 6 for this one vs the Pro because there is only one person living there. Don't really see the value in the Pro.

 

[timeshifter]

That is a bonus for the eero, any of the devices can be a simple access point or a gateway / router. In practice though, I've not yet had one fail and had to switch the function of one of the remaining ones.

I like the Pro because it uses a separate channel for the backhaul. They were on sale the other day for $479, a real sale, been a year since they were at that price.

 

[carmen617]

i have an eero system for my home. I run my business from my basement and have a switch on the eero unit down there to run ethernet to client machines and my printer. My router is also in that room, and tried running the client machines from the router rather than using the eero network - it was unstable, so went with the swtich. No problems at all with the switch. You can get a good looking one, if esthetics are an issue for the client, but I would just tell them that's the way it has to be.