How to set up a mesh WiFi network

If you’re an Astound customer and you’ve recently subscribed to Whole Home WiFi to complement your wireless internet, read through our guide on how to set up a mesh WiFi network on your Astound network.

In a few simple steps, you’ll be able to be up and running with your very own mesh network.

With Astound, we provide eero as a mesh WiFi network solution. Using your smartphone, navigate to the Google Play store or iOS App Store and download eero Whole Home WiFi application.

After installing the app, you’ll need to launch the app in order to access the onboarding process.

If you don’t already have an eero account, make sure to create one through the application. Enter your full name, phone number and email address. You may need to verify your phone or email address to proceed.

After verifying your phone and email, press “Get Started” to start the walkthrough. You may want to move the app icon to your home screen so you can manage your network easily.

Depending on your configuration, you will want to connect your modem to your mesh WiFi device using an Ethernet cable. If you want to use an additional modem, simply connect your modem to your mesh WiFi device using an Ethernet cable and connect your mesh WiFi device to your additional modem using another Ethernet cable. From there, you can wire your fixed devices into your network.

Open the app and configure the security, parental controls and other settings in order to make sure that your mesh network satisfies your security requirements.

Connect one of your devices wirelessly to your network and test your network by walking around your home to see where the network reaches. If you find dead zones, try moving your nodes around or purchase more nodes to expand coverage.

Optimizing your mesh WiFi performance depends on maximizing the performance of your modem and main node. Follow these tips to make sure you’re running an optimal network.

• 1. Position the main node (the one connected to your modem) in a central location within your home, if possible. This helps distribute the WiFi signal more evenly throughout your space.
  2. Place nodes away from large metal objects and appliances like refrigerators and microwaves, which can cause interference. Avoid thick barriers such as brick walls, as they can weaken the WiFi signal.
  3. Mounting your nodes at a height halfway between the floor and ceiling can help improve signal distribution, as mesh nodes tend to radiate their signal more effectively at this height.
  4. Ideally, nodes should be no more than 50 feet apart to maintain a strong wireless connection between them. This distance might need adjustment based on the specific layout and construction materials of your home.
  5. Keep nodes out in the open rather than hidden in cabinets or behind other objects to allow for better signal transmission.
  6. As every home is unique, you may need to experiment with different placements to find the optimal spots for your mesh nodes. The system’s app can guide you through this process to help ensure you’re getting the best coverage possible.

Having difficulties with your mesh WiFi network? Try using the following methods in order to restore your network’s full functionality.

If you have issues with a slow or unstable connection:

• • Regularly update your nodes’ firmware for the best performance and security.
  • Reposition nodes in central, open areas for better signal distribution.

If you have issues with interference:

• • Keep nodes away from microwaves or cordless phones.
  • Remove nodes from metal enclosures or thick walls.

If your devices aren’t connecting properly:

• • Make sure all nodes broadcast the same SSID for seamless roaming.
  • Restart devices that are struggling to connect to refresh the network.
  • Check for congestion and allocate enough bandwidth for all devices.

If your dead zones persist:

• • Add more nodes to the network to expand coverage.
  • Adjust the placement of existing nodes to improve coverage.

If your network can’t be found:

• • Correctly sync all nodes to the main router node.
  • Factory reset the entire system to refresh the network configuration.

By understanding and addressing these common issues, your mesh WiFi network will provide strong, consistent coverage and support your connected devices.