Eero adds built-in mesh extensions to Echo devices

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

Eero will also add “Internet Backup”for Eero Plus (formerly Secure+) subscribers, which will allow Eero networks to automatically use a hotspot or nearby Wi-Fi during an Internet outage and use it to keep selected devices connected until the dedicated connection is restored. And the company has announced Power-over-Ethernet devices aimed at enterprises, businesses, and serious networking enthusiasts.

Eero’s built-in technology, which debuted in Ring Alarm Pro last year, will be available in the latest (fifth generation) Echo Dot and Echo Dot with Clock devices, as well as fourth generation Echo devices expected to be introduced today. According to Eero, Mesh capabilities will also be coming to fourth-generation Echo Dot and Echo Dot with Clock devices via an over-the-air update. (Basically, if your Echo device is spherical, watch, or announced today, chances are it has an Eero built in.)

Eero says the Echo devices can expand Eero’s network to 1,000 square feet, but only at 100Mbps. Echo devices will automatically start expanding your network after receiving their update if you are logged into Eero with an Amazon account, but you can turn them off in the Eero app.

Internet Backup allows you to select 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 Internet connection during an outage. The system should return to your main connection when the failure ends.

The backup feature is available on all Wi-Fi-6 enabled equipment and is part of the newly unified Eero Plus subscription. The subscription was previously split between Secure and Secure+, but now Eero will only offer Plus, which includes everything that was offered in the previous two plans: network analytics, parental controls, DDNS, and free access to apps like Encrypt.me and 1Password.

Eero also announced its first Power over Ethernet (PoE), PoE 6 and PoE Gateway products. PoE 6 of the familiar white square shape with rounded edges is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 hub that can cover 2,000 square feet and support up to 100 devices. Eero lists wireless speeds up to 1.5Gbps. It can be installed flush with walls or ceiling if you can connect to it via ethernet for backhaul.

The PoE Gateway is a rackmount device with two 10Gb Ethernet ports, eight PoE-enabled 2.5Gbps ports, and a total power output of 100W when using the included 140W power supply.

Both of these devices are mainly aimed at professional installers of residential and commercial networks. Eero is implementing tools that enable installers and managers to better monitor, maintain and transfer mesh networks.

Professional installers will also have access to new PoE devices for the first time in October. Eero says PoE 6 and PoE 6 Gateway will be available through ISPs and Amazon early next year for $300 and $650, respectively.