In order to learn how to set up Eero with FiOS, we must go through the essentials of mesh networking and your Verizon FiOS configuration.
By adding Eero to your FiOS setup, you will be looking at enhanced network speeds, connection reliability, and improved WiFi signal.
To set up Eero with any FiOS equipment, you could either connect it directly to the gateway (if you’re subscribed for internet and TV service).
The other option is to plug the Eero with the ONT installed by technicians and enable the DHCP of the network router.
Is Eero Compatible with FiOS?
Absolutely! Eero is able to coexist with Verizon TV and the internet or with Fios Internet only.
You will have to install the Eero devices behind your existing Verizon router and create a double NAT, before putting the devices into Bridge Mode.
- If you have FIOS TV and Internet
Installing Eero devices in a Verizon internet and TV setup is only possible via bridge mode.
The bridge mode turns off the WiFi feature for your Verizon router and makes it a “bridge” for the secondary Eero WiFi router existing in your setup.
- If you Have FiOS Internet No TV
In this case, connect the Eero devices directly with your ONT (Optical Network Terminal). We are going to configure the ONT to communicate with the router either via Ethernet or via Coax.
About the Network ONT:
The network ONT does not work as a modem. The only function of the ONT is to change the optical signal sent by the router into an electrical signal that is also used by the router.
The ONT will convert the signal so your internet router can understand it and transmit the signal.
How to Set Up Eero with Verizon FiOS?
We will review two methods for setting up Eero with Verizon equipment.
In the first method, we will learn how the setup is complete with both Verizon Fios TV and internet devices. In addition, we will learn what to do if you only have Fios internet so let’s get started!
Method #1 Set Up FiOS TV & Internet with Eero!
The only specific thing when setting up Eero with an existing Verizon TV and internet is that you will have to create a double NAT.
“NAT” (Network Address Translation) is called “double” when the data of your network is going through a NAT process twice.
Double NAT On Verizon and Eero?
When you connect the Eero gateway (the primary Eero device or the modem) to your Verizon FiOS router, setting up double NAT is mandatory.
This will enhance your WiFi network’s speed and improve the connection coverage in your house dramatically.
1. Create the Eero Network
To create a bond between your FiOS router and Eero, you must set up a mesh network first.
You must use the Eero mobile application to create the mesh network first and then connect the Eero device with your installed Verizon router.
Follow these steps to create the Eero network:
- Download and install the Eero app on your mobile device.
- Launch the application and go to the “Gateway Setup” page.
- Press on “Start” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Info: The Eero devices must be connected to power before setting up the mesh network!
2. Activate “Bridge” Mode for Eero
By default, Eero’s “DHCP & NAT” setting is set to “Automatic”.
Since you will be using both of the network devices simultaneously, activating the “Bridge” mode for Eero is necessary as this will allow the connection with a third-party Verizon FiOS router.
- To activate “Bridge” mode on Eero, go to Settings > Advanced > “DHCP & NAT” > “Bridge” within the Eero mobile app.
Note: Once you’ve adjusted the mode of the Eero devices, save all changes and exit the tab.
3. Wire the Eero Gateway with Verizon
To complete the setup with your Verizon internet and TV package equipment, all that is left to do is wire your Eero router with the Verizon router.
For this type of connection, you will need an Ethernet cable and a free Ethernet port on the back of your Verizon and Eero router.
- Plug the Eero and Verizon router via Ethernet cable and open the Eero app!
Note: Once the routers are wired up, bridge instructions will appear in the Eero application!
How Eero Mesh Network Works with Verizon?
A question you might have when performing this type of setup is how would the Eero Mesh network react when your primary Eero beacon is connected to another router.
The answer is that the mesh network will remain intact and wirelessly connected to your Eero beacon.
More About Verizon and Eero WiFi Conflict?
Some users reported that in this type of setup, a WiFi conflict occurred between the Eero and Verizon router.
To settle this, call Verizon to deactivate the WiFi feature for your Verizon router, otherwise, you will have to unplug the router from the ONT and wait for two hours.
Method #2 How to Setup Eero with FiOS Internet Only
With Verizon FiOS internet (no TV), your only option is to connect the Eero gateway directly to the ONT.
This is where things may get a little bit tricky since the majority of ONTs offered by Verizon are compatible with coax and Eero does not have a fiber connection port.
Can you Use Verizon FiOS Router and Eero With no TV Package?
No, you cannot.
When you’re only subscribed to Verizon Internet and have no TV, you must disconnect your old Verizon router before plugging the Eero with the ONT.
This is because Verizon allows only a single MAC address per account and connecting two independent routers is not possible.
Let’s learn how to set up your Eero with the FiOS ONT in easy steps!
1. Prepare your ONT
When you have FiOS with internet service only and no TV, we will connect the Eero device directly to the terminal.
Since Eero only has Ethernet ports and no coaxial input, your first step is to determine whether the ONT is compatible with the Eero device.
- Check the ONT’s terminal and determine if there’s an available Ethernet port
If ONT is Configured for Ethernet:
If your Verizon FiOS ONT does have an Ethernet port, then proceed to the next solution to release the DHCP lease.
This is mandatory before connecting your Eero device as the lease timer of FiOS lasts for 2 hours and you won’t be able to plug your mesh device before that.
If ONT is Configured for Coax:
You must call Verizon to switch your ONT to Ethernet or you will not be able to connect the Eero device.
With no Verizon gateway to work with, connecting Eero with the ONT is your only option and when there is no Ethernet port, the only thing you can do is call Verizon for assistance!
2. Release the DHCP Lease
If your ONT is configured for Ethernet, the next mandatory step is to release the DHCP before plugging your Eero router.
Here are the options you’re looking at when releasing DHCP:
Method #1 Power off the Router
The DHCP’s interval is 2 hours. To release it, you must disconnect all routers from the ONT and wait for 2 hours. Once connected, the Eero router will acquire the new DHCP lease.
Method #2 Call Verizon
Call Verizon at their Fiber Solutions Center (1-800-VERIZON) to immediately release the DHCP lease and avoid waiting for 2 hours.
Method #3 Access the Router GUI
The DHCP’s lease can also be released from the Verizon router’s control panel:
- Connect a PC/laptop to your router via Ethernet.
- Input 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in the browser.
- Use “admin” for username and “password” for password.
How to Release DHCP On Different FiOS Routers?
- If you have an M1424-WR router, go to “My Network” > “Network Connections” > “Settings” > “Release” > “Apply”.
- If you have a 9100EM router, go to “My Network” > “Network Connections” > “Broadband Connection” > “Configure Connection” > “Release” >” OK”
Alert: Unplug the router after you’ve released the DHCP.
3. Connect Eero to the ONT
The final step is to connect your Eero with the ONT. Once we’ve released the old DHCP, your Eero will automatically acquire a new IP address once it is connected with the ONT.
When you are ready, plug the Eero device into the Verizon ONT via Ethernet and test the connection.
Note: It may take Eero up to 2 minutes to stabilize the connection and host the mesh network!
Quick Recap:
Here we’ve learned how to setup Eero with FiOS, so plug the Eero directly into your combined FiOS gateway if you have one and enable “Bridge” mode.
If you’re only subscribed to FiOS internet, release the DHCP lease and plug Eero with the ONT.
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Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.