Modem for MER and Eero as mesh?

[SOrion]

Hi all, trying to add an eero 6 mesh network on my FTTC connection and have it working right now with the sky hub in its default modem/router mode and the eero gateway is bridged (so acting as mesh only) but really want the eeros to do the routing.

So will a MER compatible modem/router in bridge mode work connected to the eero gateway? Or do the eeros need to support MER as well as the modem?  

I have tried the eeros in double NAT mode so both the sky hub and eero are routing but I was getting regular internet disconnects from the sky hub. 

[cookiemonsteruk · Accepted solution]

@SOrion 

The router must support mer not the modem. Which the eero doesn't as far as we are aware. So it will just be an access point/mesh system 

[SOrion]

Thanks for the reply, I'll keep the eero's in bridge mode for now then until my contract ends and i can move to another provider who doesn't force you to use their modem/router.

[Chrisee]

@SOrion Sky dont force you to use their hub and many customers use third party routers etc. The issue is you chose a system that doesn't support the Sky's FTTC service  but many others do. 

[SOrion]

Sky are the only provider that I know of that uses MER authentication which makes them the minority, hence forcing me to use their modem/router.

[SOrion]

Also forced to use it if I want to make use of the voip package.

[jamesn123]

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@SOrion wrote:

Sky are the only provider that I know of that uses MER authentication which makes them the minority, hence forcing me to use their modem/router.

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Minority for using it yes, does not force you to use the router though. I know many people using their own router for Sky.

[SOrion]

I'm sure others are using different routers but in my case it does force me to use it, as unless I go out and buy a different mesh system (which presumably you can get one that supports MER), then my only choice is to use the sky router and bridge the eeros. But I'm not going to buy a different mesh system when the eeros work for any other provider. If I could use a TP modem/router combo that supports MER and can be bridged and would work if I connected the mesh to that, then I would do that. But was told authentication has to be done at the router side on the mesh network.

So the logical and cheapest choice for me is to simply move to another isp when my contract expires to do what I want to do. 

[jamesn123]

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@SOrion wrote:

So the logical and cheapest choice for me is to simply move to another isp when my contract expires to do what I want to do. 

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And that is absouletely fine/understandable if you wish to use the current mesh system you have. I was simply pointing out that you were factually incorrect in that Sky does allow use of other routers, it doesnt matter whether what you currently own doesnt work with Sky that doesnt mean you can claim that Sky forces you to use their own router because that is incorrect.

[SOrion]

Yes you are correct that you can use different routers with sky, I was more referring to my own situation. But apologies if it was coming across the wrong way, I wasn't trying to be funny or anything, I appreciate the fast responses!

[BatteredHaddock]

I'm with you there, finally had enough. Want to be able to chose my own Wi-Fi 6 mesh to replace my Linksys Mesh which has been virtually wasted in Bridge mode for most of the time I've had it. Shame aa Sky got my the option to get FTC and then FTP quicker than others, saving me from 15 years of 5Mbps so had plenty of goodwill but this router stuff so incredibly frustrating.

[BatteredHaddock]

Do you have a link to an authoritative list of confirmed 3rd party routers? I've been digging through these forums and full of conflicting information and issues using 3rd party. I'd want a Wifi 6 or above 2 node mesh so I can simplify my setup. Its a shame the Eeros don't work (I'd found that out already from the forum) as the solid if not blazing fast Eero 6a was a steal over black Friday.

[Chrisee]

@BatteredHaddock it depends what you want from your system but a mesh system operating in access point mode should not affect its primary role as providing strong wifi connections. Its the peripheral functions that dont work.

Sky's position, as they have explained it to superusers is simple. They sell a mass market service with a router which, apparently, well over 98% of their customers use. The demand for different connection types is small and they dont go out of their way to meet it not least because their diagnostic and support systems require a Sky hub to be connected. Simply put sorry but go elsewhere they are ISPs keen for your business Zen being an example.

[BatteredHaddock]

Oh for sure on the bridge mode, I've been using it for some time. I do miss not being able to use the additional features and the added stage can occasionally add additional troubleshooting measures that are frustrating, particularly if I am away from home and someone less familiar needs to get things back online.

No argument with your 98% comment either, its just a shame I'll likely go elsehwhere when the contract is up as one of those who does want the ability to have a faster iteration of in home wifi features. 

If Sky could maintain a tested, but not supported, set of 3rd party routers for those looking for richer features then that would be enough for me, but its unlikely to happen.

Cheers

Alex

[Chrisee]

@BatteredHaddock the reason why we were pushing a modem mode was to allow use of the voice line which is moving to an IP platform in many areas and Sky's solution requires the Sky hub. Sky only really permit third party routers because Ofcom said they had to. Several third party manufacturers do support DHCPv4 Option 61 including Sus and Netgear. TP-Link do but only on combined modem routers. 

Sky very politely explain that they really are not interested in whst we might call the "enthusiast" market be it for broadband or TV whenever tecdubject is broached.