NEWS

Does Eero support separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz SSIDs?

Best Answer:

No. Eero devices use a single SSID that broadcasts simultaneously on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. This is a standard feature in most mesh networks, and even for those where it can be reconfigured, it's not easy to do. Like most mesh networks, Eero broadcasts multiple bands over a single SSID. it's not designed to split these bands into separate SSIDs. This is by design, and Eero shares this functionality with both of its major competitors, Google Nest WiFi and Netgear Orbi.

Generally, a Wi-Fi network transmits on one of two frequencies, or bands. The first, 2.4 GHz, is older and slower but can transmit signals over a longer distance at a slower data transfer rate. The second, 5 GHz, is newer and faster but can support much higher speeds over a smaller area.

Many Wi-Fi-enabled technologies and smart home devices use the 2.4 GHz band by default since fast data transmission isn't necessarily important. A smart light bulb, for example, doesn't need high data speeds — it just needs a network connection. It also doesn't care as much about slowdown, which can be common on a 2.4 GHz network, as everything from cordless phones to garage door openers to baby monitors and microwaves can transmit on the band.

For this reason, it's usually better to leave Internet of Things (IoT) devices on a 2.4 GHz band, and personal devices such as smartphones, smart TVs, game consoles, and computers on a 5GHz band.

At first blush, this might make the fact that Eero's mesh devices, which don't support separate SSIDs, seem like a considerable drawback. However, most mesh networks broadcast multiple bands over a single SSID. They do this so devices can seamlessly switch from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz as they move through the network.

Most smart devices are capable of making this decision on their own. However, for those niche cases where there's an issue, Eero has implemented band steering into its hardware.

EERO Band steering and you

As described in an Eero blog post, band steering tracks whether each device on the network has previously connected to both the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band. For those that have, it will attempt to steer them towards the 5 GHz band, operating under the assumption that these devices will be better served with a faster connection.

Note that in some cases, band steering may interfere with device connectivity, particularly with 2.4 GHz only smart devices.

HTC 5G router

As well as allowing faster internet connections, the HTC Exodus 5G Hub also includes support for a number of popular privacy apps, including the ProtonMail secure email platform, the open-source Brave internet browser and VPN and ad-blocker service Incognito.

The launch follows HTC's Exodus crypto-smartphone line, first revealed at Mobile World Congress 2019 and supplemented by the release of the Exodus 1S device in November 2019.

In keeping with the cryptocurrency theme, the Exodus 5G Hub allows users the ability to run a full Bitcoin node, along with an all-in-one private vault to keep track of your cryptocurrencies. Users can also track market performance via the hub's display, which can be tweaked to show up-to-date pricing information.

“Exodus was always about more than smartphones: Exodus is about ownership," said Phil Chen, Decentralized Chief Officer of HTC.

"Exodus is the shield against the onslaught of big tech and its assault on the privacy of your home. By using the Exodus 5G Hub, you have more control and ownership of your data than ever before.”

The Exodus 5G Hub is set to go on sale in Q2 2020, but there's no news on price or which markets will get the device just yet.