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Do you need a new modem for mesh WiFi?
Updated
No. A mesh kit replaces your router, not your modem. eero's support page says so in plain words, and the TP-Link listings say a modem is required for most providers. If your provider gave you one box that is both modem and router, keep it and put it in bridge mode, or put the mesh in bridge or access point mode instead.
Which setup do you have?
| What you have now | What to do |
|---|---|
| A separate modem and router | Unplug the old router. Plug the main mesh node into the modem. |
| One provider box (modem plus router) | Plug the main node into it. Put the provider box in bridge mode so only the mesh routes. If it has no bridge mode, see below. |
| A router you want to keep | Put the mesh in bridge mode (eero) or Access Point mode (Deco) so your router stays in charge. |
What bridge mode means
eero defines bridge mode as turning off a device's routing and WiFi so it acts only as a modem or an access point. The goal is one router in the house. Two routers in a row is called double NAT, and bridge mode is how you avoid it.
If the provider box has bridge mode: eero recommends using it. Steps differ by provider, so ask them or check their help pages.
If it does not: eero's advice is to turn off WiFi on the provider's box and put the eeros in bridge mode instead.
Putting the mesh in bridge or access point mode
- eero: Settings, Advanced networking, DHCP and NAT, then switch from Automatic to Bridge. eero says one eero must stay wired to the network, and you lose some features. Its page lists advanced security, ad blocking, content filters, historical data usage and Hotspot Backup as eero Plus features that do not work properly in bridge mode.
- TP-Link Deco: set up the Deco first, then switch to Access Point mode in the app. TP-Link says your main router's DHCP server must stay on, because the Deco will not hand out addresses in this mode. In Router mode only the main Deco should connect to the existing router, or you can create a network loop. In Access Point mode more than one Deco may connect to it.
When a new modem does make sense
Only if the old one cannot carry your plan. A mesh cannot make internet faster than the modem's link. Ask your provider which modems they support for your plan before you buy one. The mesh port matters too: a plan faster than 1 Gbps needs a 2.5G port on the main node. See the speed guide.
Kits and their modes
- Amazon eero 7: simple bridge mode in the app. Caveat: in bridge mode you lose the eero Plus features listed above.
- TP-Link Deco X55: Access Point mode to sit behind a router you keep. Caveat: Gigabit ports only.
More on setup and fees in the setup guide.