Eero can now extend your mesh network with Echo devices

Amazon-owned Eero today announced that its latest Echo devices can act as Wi-Fi mesh extenders for Eero networks, using built-in hardware to extend a network up to 1,000 square feet.

Eero will also add “Internet Backup” for Eero Plus (formerly Secure+) subscribers, allowing Eero networks to automatically use a hotspot or nearby Wi-Fi during an internet outage and use it to guard certain devices connected until a dedicated connection returns. And the company announced Power-over-Ethernet devices for businesses, businesses, and networking enthusiasts.

Eero Built-In, which debuted in the Ring Alarm Pro last year, will be available on the latest Echo Dot and Echo Dot with Clock (fifth-gen) devices and the fourth-gen Echo, which is expected to be unveiled today. Mesh capabilities will also come to Echo Dot and Echo Dot devices with fourth-generation clock via an over-the-air update, Eero said. (Essentially, if your Echo device is spherical, clockwork, or announced today, it’s likely to have Eero built in).

Eero says Echo devices can extend an Eero network up to 1,000 square feet, but only at 100 Mbps. Echo devices will automatically start extending your network after receiving their update if you’re signed in to Eero with an Amazon account, but you can turn them off in the Eero app.

Internet Backup lets you choose up to eight mobile hotspots (including your phone) or other Wi-Fi networks within range of your Eero system and designate them as backup sources for an Internet connection during a breakdown. The system should return to your primary connection when the outage is over.

The backup feature is available on all Wi-Fi-6-based hardware and is part of Eero’s newly consolidated Plus subscription. The subscription was previously split into Secure and Secure+, but Eero will now only offer Plus, which includes everything the previous two plans offered: network analysis, parental controls, DDNS, and free access to apps like Encrypt.me and 1Password .

Eero also announced its first products with power-over-Ethernet (PoE), PoE 6 and PoE Gateway. The PoE 6, in the brand’s familiar white square shape with rounded edges, is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 hub powered by a PoE connection. The company claims it can cover 2,000 square feet and support up to 100 devices, and quotes wireless speeds of up to 1.5Gbps. It can be mounted flush to walls or ceilings, or just about anywhere you can run cables.

The PoE Gateway is a rack-style unit with two 10 Gbps Ethernet ports, eight PoE-enabled 2.5 Gbps ports, and a total output power of 100 watts when used with the included 140 W power supply.

These devices are widely targeted at professional installers for residential and commercial networks. Eero deploys tools that allow installers and managers to better monitor, maintain and transfer mesh networks.

Professional installers are also getting the first crack on new PoE devices in October. Eero says the PoE 6 and PoE 6 gateways will be available through ISPs and Amazon early next year at $300 and $650, respectively.

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