Open mesh vs. Eero- Discover how you can enjoy a streamlined internet connection
Most businesses rely on the internet for their day to day operations. You can enjoy a stable internet by choosing mesh networks. This Open mesh vs. Eero comparison guide can help you find an ideal one.
I work as an IT manager for a particular firm. My job has exposed me to numerous enterprise networks. Since I like the efficiency of mesh networks, I decided to get one for my home. The choices available at first were a bit overwhelming. I had to compare the different models since I wanted an effective mesh network system for my home. I did in-depth research on both Open mesh and Eero and discovered the following.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Open mesh and Eero?
Name |
Open mesh (Winner) |
Eero |
Pieces |
1 |
3 |
Speed |
Download speed-290 MbpsUpload speed-50 Mbps |
Download speed-194 MbpsUpload speed-34 Mbps |
PoE support |
Applicable |
Not applicable |
Call to action |
Open mesh vs. Eero-How do they compare?
Design
Eero comes as a three-pack unit, which includes nodes that look alike. You will like the rounded corners of this design, as well as the glossy white finish on them. Placing these nodes at different corners of your living room can add class to it. Open mesh, on the other hand, comes as a single unit that features a rectangular casing with some rounded corners. Matte finish also covers this device.
Hardware
If you focus on the specifications of these two mesh network systems, you will notice specific differences. For instance, Open Mesh makes use of 128 MB of RAM, while Eero utilizes RAM of 512 MB. The maximum speed rate of Open mesh is 450 Mbps on the 2.4 Hz band and 1300 Mbps on the other standard band. Eero, on the other hand, delivers maximum speeds of 866 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 400 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz. Based on different tests conducted, most people find Open Mesh better when it comes to internet speed compared to Eero.
Set-Up
Most of the mesh network systems are set up using a mobile app on Android or iOS devices. Choosing the Eero mesh network system subjects you the same installation system. According to customers, you should be able to set up and configure your unit within a few minutes. The use of a mobile app makes it easy for you to control your network from a mobile device.
Setting up Open mesh, on the other hand, is a bit different since this device works with a cloud controller known as CloudTrax. Feel free to perform the hardware installation of the Open mesh device then try configuring it through Cloudtrax. Using a cloud-based controller has its benefits. It enables you to configure your Wi-Fi from anywhere across the globe. While Eero only works indoors, Open Mesh gives you the options of mounting it either indoors or outdoors.
Features
Apart from the use of cloud management software, we found Open mesh more equipped compared to Eero due to the inclusion of advanced features. For instance, open mesh comes with unique configuration options, such as its ability to support multiple SSIDs. It also supports PoE, thus facilitating cleaner installs.
The unit also contains a USB port, a feature that is lacking in Eero. Though Eero has basic features such as anti-malware tools and parental controls, such features come at an extra cost. It also lacks advanced features found in Open Mesh, including QoS settings. Choosing Open mesh, therefore, gives you the chance to allocate a precise percentage of bandwidth to particular traffic types
Open mesh vs. Eero – A comparison overview
Open mesh
Open mesh is one of the famous mesh networks that some people prefer. It is from a famous American manufacturer who is known for introducing a cloud-based controller referred to as CloudTrax. It makes use of mesh technology and offers beginners a user-friendly experience. It is a unique mesh Wi-Fi system since you can set up the access points anywhere around the house or even outdoors. This unit can withstand extreme weather conditions. Since the unit can also handle numerous clients, it is ideal for both homes and business premises. Open mesh makes use of the 802.3 af technology.
Though this mesh network system is pocket-friendly, the manufacturer does not sacrifice on the quality. Choosing Open mesh enables you to enjoy a reliable throughput performance. It comes in the form of a one-piece unit that features a rectangular case. Most people like the attractive design of this unit since the matte finish makes it look elegant. The finish also prevents the retention of fingerprints on it.
Even though this mesh Wi-Fi system maintains minimalistic design, it still looks quite elegant as it features a curved square at the center where you should notice the Open mesh logo. This unit resembles a smoke detector. Apart from its compact design, the mesh Wi-Fi system comes with at least six internal antennas. You can either place it on a desk or mount it on the wall if you need it for a business environment. For mounting purposes, the manufacturer includes an installation kit to simplify the process.
You will also notice an Ethernet port near the base of this system. Since Open mesh can only be powered by PoE, you should have a PoE adapter or compatible switch to set it up. Its quality construction makes it suitable for outdoor mounting. If you choose this option, you will notice the division that separates the unit into two pieces. The manufacturer includes a rubber seal on the meeting point of these two parts. This prevents dust and water from finding its way into the case when the unit is installed outdoors.
Just like Eero, this mesh network system also comes with an LED indicator that shows you the status of the device. You can also reset this device to factory default settings through the use of the available reset button. It also features a USB port. One of the things that make Open Mesh stand out among conventional mesh networks is the integration with CloudTrax. This is a cloud controller that can help you with the set-up and configuration of Open Mesh.
Unlike other mesh network companies offering the Cloudtrax feature, Open Mesh does not charge you extra to use this feature. Cloudtrax contains different sections that you can use to configure your network accordingly. For instance, you get the chance to enable email alerts or even modify the parameters of the SSIDs. You can block some of the devices you don’t want to access your network or even create different network schedules.
Pros
- Has a minimalistic design
- Cloudtrax integration
- You can mount it anywhere
- Offers great wireless performance
Cons
- Configuring it locally is not possible
Eero
- WHOLE-HOME COVERAGE - The eero mesh WiFi system brings up to 4,500 sq. ft. of fast, reliable WiFi to your...
- WORKS WITH ALEXA- With eero and an Alexa device (not included), you can easily manage wifi access for...
If you are searching for a mesh network system for a large area, you have to focus on the internet coverage that a unit offers. Choosing Eero for a large building would be an ideal choice since this unit can provide network coverage of up to 5,000 sq. ft. You should, however, remember that things such as thick walls or unusual layout of a building can affect internet coverage.
Eero is a stylish unit that gets rid of all the dead zones in a home, giving you reliable internet at every corner of the building. Whether you prefer streaming movies from your upper rooms or ground floor, you can do this conveniently with the help of this mesh Wi-Fi system. It comes in the form of a three-pack unit. The three Eero nodes measure 3. 9 x 3.9 x 2.4 inches. They come in a sleek design and look like decorative pieces in your living room.
Apart from their design, you should also focus on the specific parts included in the Eero nodes. Each node contains an LED that can show you the status of your network and 2 gigabit LAN ports. You should also see the power port and reset button at the base of the nodes. I was disappointed with the fact that these nodes did not have USB ports that I needed to connect my printer and some external drives.
Other than the standard network coverage that Eero offers, you can enhance this by buying some additional nodes for your home. Though individual nodes are not pocket-friendly, they can give you extra coverage of up to 1500 sq. ft. Like most of the mesh Wi-Fi units, this is a dual-band network system that makes use of 802.11 ac technology. Using it gives you the chance to stream data from different devices at the same time. Eero can also support automatic band steering and beamforming.
Eero also makes use of flash storage of 4GB, quad-core processor (700 MHZ), and RAM of 512 MB. The speed of a mesh network system is also a significant consideration to make, especially if you download content frequently or transfer files. Though most customers of Eero reveal that it offers satisfactory speed rates, it is not the fastest model. It delivers maximum speeds of 866 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 400 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz.
Most homes nowadays have incorporated the use of numerous smart devices that simplify things. If you have been using the Alexa device, you will appreciate the ability to integrate the two systems. For instance, you can give your mesh network system different commands, such as turning the guest networking off and on.
Whether you are purchasing a mesh network for the first time or not, you need to get familiar with some of the features a basic unit should have. Like most of the mesh networks, Eero offers anti-malware tools and reliable parental controls. Such features can help you browse the internet securely as you protect underage internet users from accessing some adult related sites. The problem with this unit is that the manufacturer only gives you access to these features after subscribing to the Eero plan. I did not choose it because I could get the same features without incurring extra costs from other models.
For you to start using the Eero mesh network system, you have to set it up from the user-friendly mobile app on your Android or iOS device. Through the app, you can access all the relevant tabs that can help you configure the Eero unit accordingly. Most users like the fact that the installation of this unit is simple since all the instructions are provided. After conducting tests, I found that that the Eero nodes delivered a good throughput performance.
Pros
- It is easy to manage and set up
- Comes in a sleek design
- Reliable throughput performance
Cons
- The unit does not come with QoS settings
- Most of the features are not free
Conclusion
Have you been moving your laptop around from one spot to the other in your home looking for a place with better internet? You need to consider getting a mesh network system instead of only relying on your router. A regular rooter cannot provide extensive network coverage when your home is big. Mesh networking, on the other hand, can help you enjoy reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. Some of the popular models that you may come across in your search for mesh networks include Eero and Open Mesh. Though both of them work as expected, they have a lot of differences that make one better than the other.
Verdict: So, which is better? Open mesh or Eero
After careful deliberation, I discovered that the most suitable option for my home would be Open mesh. Though I liked the sleek design of Eero and its straightforward set-up, it could not deliver the internet speeds I was looking for. Open mesh on the other hand not only gave me a strong signal but also advanced features at no additional costs. Its excellent wireless performance made me conclude that Open Mesh is better than Eero.
FAQs
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What is the PoE feature?
This is a networking feature that enables Ethernet cables to supply power different network devices over a data connection. PoE stands for Power over Ethernet, and it applies in some mesh networks.
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Does Open mesh come with a regular AC adapter?
No. You have to get a power injector separately since the packaging does not include it. What is included in the package is only the PoE.
