Before You Start
You'll need: your mesh system (unboxed), your existing modem (cable, fiber ONT, or DSL), an ethernet cable (usually included), and a smartphone with the manufacturer's app installed. If you're replacing an existing router, you'll want your current WiFi name and password handy so you can reuse them — this means your devices will reconnect automatically without reconfiguring each one.
Step 1: Place the Primary Node
Connect the primary (main) mesh node to your modem with an ethernet cable. This node should be near your modem, but ideally in a central location. If your modem is in a corner of the house, consider running a longer ethernet cable to position the primary node more centrally. Power it on and wait 2-3 minutes for it to boot.
Step 2: Set Up via the App
Open the manufacturer's app (Eero app, TP-Link Deco app, NETGEAR Orbi app, etc.) and create an account if you don't have one. The app will detect your primary node via Bluetooth. Follow the prompts to name your network and set a password. Use the same WiFi name and password as your old router to avoid reconfiguring all your devices.
Step 3: Place Satellite Nodes
This is the most important step. Satellite nodes should be placed halfway between the primary node and the area you want to cover — not in the dead zone itself. Each node needs to maintain a strong connection to at least one other node. Guidelines:
Place nodes 1-2 rooms apart (not through more than 2 walls), keep nodes elevated (shelf or table height, not on the floor), avoid placing nodes behind TVs, inside cabinets, or near metal objects, and in multi-story homes, place one node per floor, ideally directly above or below another node.
Step 4: Add Satellite Nodes in the App
Power on each satellite node one at a time. The app will detect it and walk you through adding it to your network. Most systems show a signal strength indicator during setup — aim for "good" or "excellent" connection to the nearest node. If the signal is weak, move the satellite closer to the primary node.
Step 5: Optimize Placement
After all nodes are online, walk through your home and run speed tests at SpeedsTests.com in each room. If any room still has poor coverage, try repositioning the nearest satellite. Most mesh apps include a network topology view showing how nodes connect — use this to ensure each satellite has a strong backhaul connection.
Step 6: Configure Advanced Settings
Once the basics are working, optimize your network: enable automatic firmware updates, set up a guest network for visitors, configure parental controls if needed, and enable the built-in security features (like Eero Secure or NETGEAR Armor). If your system supports wired backhaul and you can run ethernet between nodes, enable it for the best possible performance.
Common Setup Mistakes to Avoid
Placing satellites too far apart (they need overlap, not just coverage), putting the primary node in bridge mode when it should be in router mode, forgetting to disable the old router's WiFi (causing interference), and using the same channel as the old router without rebooting devices. If you're replacing an old router, power cycle your modem before connecting the mesh system to clear the old device's MAC address from the modem's memory.