Introduction
When it comes to achieving seamless, high-performance Wi-Fi coverage in a multi-floor home with extended outdoor areas like a garage, a mesh network is often the go-to solution. Amazon Eero is a popular choice for its simplicity and excellent coverage. However, for advanced users who want more control over their network, integrating Eero with a dedicated router like the Ubiquiti EdgeRouter-X and incorporating Pi-Hole for DNS filtering can provide a powerful, customizable setup.
In this blog post, I’ll share how I set up an Amazon Eero mesh Wi-Fi system in bridged mode with an EdgeRouter-X handling routing duties. With one Eero each in the basement, main floor, top-floor, and another in the garage, I ensured optimal coverage. I also integrated Pi-Hole for network-wide ad-blocking and DNS filtering.
Planning the Setup
Before diving into the configuration, it’s crucial to plan the setup:
Devices and Roles:
EdgeRouter-X: Handles routing, DHCP, and VLANs if necessary.
Amazon Eero Mesh Wi-Fi: Provides Wi-Fi coverage; operates in bridged mode for this setup.
Pi-Hole: Acts as the DNS server for ad-blocking and DNS filtering.
Physical Placement:
Eero devices were placed strategically; One on each floor of the house. One in the garage, ensuring coverage for outdoor activities or smart devices like garage door openers and cameras.
Topology Overview:
• Bell HH3000 Internet Modem → EdgeRouter-X → Eero in Bridged Mode.
• Pi-Hole was integrated into the setup as the primary DNS server.
Configuring the EdgeRouter-X
The EdgeRouter-X is a versatile and cost-effective router, but it requires a bit of configuration. Here’s how I set it up:
Step 1: Update the Firmware
Ensure the EdgeRouter-X is running the latest firmware to access new features and fixes. You can update it through the System tab in the EdgeOS interface.
Step 2: Basic WAN and LAN Configuration
1. Log in to the EdgeRouter-X admin panel.
2. Set up the WAN interface to connect to your ISP:
• Navigate to Firewall/NAT and configure NAT masquerading for the WAN interface.
• Assign an IP address or use DHCP for the WAN interface.
3. Configure the LAN interface:
• Assign a static IP address for the LAN (e.g., 192.168.1.1/24).
• Enable the DHCP server for the LAN if needed. Pi-Hole can also be used as a DHCP server but I opted to use the EdgeRouter.
Step 3: Point DNS to Pi-Hole
1. Under the DHCP settings for the LAN, set the DNS server to the Pi-Hole’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.2).
2. Configure a fallback DNS server (e.g., 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8) for redundancy.
Setting Up the Amazon Eero Mesh Network
The Eero mesh system was configured in bridged mode to avoid double NAT and to allow the EdgeRouter-X to handle all routing tasks.
Step 1: Physical Setup
1. Connect the primary Eero to one of the LAN ports of the EdgeRouter-X using an Ethernet cable. It’s crucial that only the primary Eero is connected to the router. The satellite Eero’s should be connected to the primary Eero with ethernet if possible. A simple unmanaged network switch can be used.
2. Place the additional Eeros on each floor and in the garage for optimal coverage. Ensure they are connected to power and strategically located to minimize obstructions.
Step 2: Eero App Configuration
1. Download the Eero app on your smartphone and create an account if you don’t already have one.
2. Set up the primary Eero:
• Follow the in-app instructions to connect to your network.
• Choose bridged mode when prompted to let the EdgeRouter-X handle routing.
Add the additional Eeros:
• Follow the app instructions to add additional Eeros to the network.
• Use the app’s signal strength tool to ensure each Eero has a strong backhaul connection to the primary Eero.
Integrating Pi-Hole for DNS Filtering
Pi-Hole is a network-wide ad blocker that operates as a DNS sinkhole, filtering unwanted domains. Here’s how I incorporated it into the setup:
Step 1: Setting Up Pi-Hole
1. Install Pi-Hole on a device like a Raspberry Pi or a small virtual machine.
• Follow the official Pi-Hole installation guide.
• Assign a static IP address to the Pi-Hole device (e.g., 192.168.1.2).
2. Configure Pi-Hole with desired blocklists and whitelist any necessary domains.
Step 2: Configuring EdgeRouter-X to Use Pi-Hole
1. In the EdgeRouter-X admin panel, navigate to Services > DHCP Server.
2. Under the DNS server section, enter the Pi-Hole’s IP address as the primary DNS server.
3. Save the changes and reboot devices to apply the new DNS configuration.
Step 3: Testing Pi-Hole
1. Access the Pi-Hole admin interface (e.g., http://192.168.1.2/admin) to verify activity.
2. Test ad-blocking by visiting websites with known ads and ensuring they’re blocked.
Optimizing and Monitoring the Network
After completing the setup, I optimized and monitored the network to ensure everything was functioning smoothly.
Signal Strength and Placement
The Eero app provides signal strength diagnostics. I adjusted the placement of the Eeros to eliminate weak spots and ensure strong mesh connectivity.
Network Monitoring
Pi-Hole’s dashboard offered insights into DNS queries and blocked domains, allowing me to fine-tune blocklists.
The EdgeRouter-X’s interface provided detailed statistics on traffic and device connections.
QoS and Prioritization
I configured Quality of Service (QoS) settings on the EdgeRouter-X to prioritize specific devices or services, such as streaming or gaming.
Troubleshooting and Tips
During the setup process, I encountered a few challenges:
Double NAT Issues
Initially, I forgot to enable bridged mode on the Eero, which caused double NAT issues. Switching to bridged mode resolved this.
Pi-Hole Not Resolving Queries
Ensure that the Pi-Hole device has a reliable connection to the EdgeRouter-X and that its IP address is correctly set in the router’s DNS configuration.
Eero Placement
I found that placing the Eero devices near heavy obstructions like thick walls or appliances reduced performance. Experiment with placement to maximize coverage.
Conclusion
Setting up an Amazon Eero mesh Wi-Fi network in bridged mode with an EdgeRouter-X for routing and Pi-Hole for DNS filtering has provided me with robust, reliable, and ad-free internet across my home. The mesh network ensures seamless coverage on all floors and in the garage, while the EdgeRouter-X and Pi-Hole deliver advanced control and functionality.
If you’re considering a similar setup, I hope this guide helps you achieve a seamless and powerful home network. With a bit of planning and configuration, you can enjoy both the simplicity of Eero and the customization of a dedicated router and Pi-Hole.
Feel free to share your experience or ask questions in the comments below!