Restoring Bandwidth on Amazon Eero Mesh 6 Pro After a Firmware Update

Restoring Bandwidth on Amazon Eero Mesh 6 Pro After a Firmware Update

Understanding the Problem

When Amazon’s Eero Mesh 6 Pro receives a firmware update, most users notice a sudden drop in internet speed or an inability to maintain a steady connection. The update may change the way the router handles traffic, prioritize certain services, or re‑configure Wi‑Fi channels. Because home office setups often rely on a stable, high‑throughput link for video conferencing, cloud file transfers, and VoIP, a bandwidth hiccup can be frustrating.

The following guide explains why bandwidth may drop after a firmware update and walks you through a series of practical steps to restore the performance you expect from your Eero Mesh network.

Why Bandwidth Drops After an Update?

1. Re‑evaluation of Traffic Priorities
   Firmware updates often include changes to Quality‑of‑Service (QoS) rules. The router may now route certain traffic types (e.g., streaming or gaming) over the 5 GHz band, unintentionally throttling other traffic that previously benefited from that band.

2. Channel Reassignment
   The update can trigger a fresh channel scan. If the router lands on a congested channel, especially in the 2.4 GHz band, interference from neighbors or household appliances can reduce throughput.

3. Mesh Node Re‑calibration
   Mesh systems dynamically optimize the path between nodes. An update may force a node to switch its primary link from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz, lowering the maximum data rate.

4. Reset of Custom Settings
   Certain custom configurations—such as static IP assignments, port forwarding, or VPN passthrough—may revert to defaults. A missing rule can cause traffic to take longer routes, increasing latency and decreasing effective speed.

5. Hardware Limitations Exposed
   Firmware can enable new features that require more processing power. On older devices or in crowded environments, the added overhead may manifest as a slower overall connection.

Quick Check: Verify the Update Success

Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, confirm that the firmware update actually completed successfully.

• Open the Eero app on your phone or tablet.
• Go to Settings → Eero System → Software Update.
  A message stating “Eero is running the latest version” indicates the update succeeded.

If the update failed or the app reports an incomplete installation, revert to the previous firmware version via the Factory Reset section (see below). Reinstalling the update afterward can sometimes resolve the issue.

Step‑by‑Step Troubleshooting

1. Check the Basic Health of the Network

1. Restart All Eero Units
   Power cycle every Eero node: unplug, wait 10 seconds, then plug back in. Wait for all nodes to reboot and the status lights to return to steady white.

2. Inspect the Status Light
   A steady white light indicates normal operation. A flashing or amber light may signal a problem; consult the Eero help page for your specific code.

3. Run the Speed Test in the App
   In Settings → Network Speed, perform a speed test. Compare the results with the speeds you receive from your ISP. A drastic drop (e.g., from 200 Mbps to 50 Mbps) confirms bandwidth loss.

2. Re‑evaluate Wi‑Fi Channels

1. Open the Eero App → Wi‑Fi Settings.
   Note the current channel for each band.

2. Select a Less Congested Channel

   • For 2.4 GHz, choose channel 6 if it is clear; otherwise, try channel 11.
   • For 5 GHz, let Eero auto‑select or manually pick a non‑overlapping channel like 36, 44, or 149.

3. Save and Reboot
   Apply the change and let the node reboot. Test speed again.

3. Adjust Bandwidth Priorities

1. Enable or Disable Band Steering
   Some users find that disabling band steering forces all devices onto the 5 GHz band, yielding higher throughput for nearby devices.

2. Set Manual Band Allocation

   • Go to Settings → Advanced → Bandwidth Allocation.
   • Allocate a larger portion of the total bandwidth to the 5 GHz band if most of your traffic is local.

3. Confirm QoS Settings

   • In Advanced → QoS, ensure that critical applications (video calls, cloud sync) are assigned the highest priority.
   • Disable any automatic QoS rules that might have been altered by the update.

4. Re‑Map the Mesh Network

1. Re‑Discover Nodes

   • In the Eero app, select Add Device → Eero and allow the app to search for all nodes.
   • This forces each node to re‑establish optimal backhaul links.

2. Move Nodes If Needed

   • Place nodes in open spaces away from thick walls or appliances that can cause signal loss.
   • For the mesh backhaul, keep the 5 GHz link if possible.

5. Review Custom Settings

1. Static IPs & DHCP Reservations

   • Navigate to Settings → LAN → DHCP & Network.
   • Verify that devices with static IPs are still listed correctly.

2. Port Forwarding & DMZ

   • Ensure that any port forwarding rules are still active.
   • Re‑apply them if the update cleared them.

3. VPN Pass‑Through

   • If you use a VPN, go to Advanced → VPN and check that pass‑through is still enabled.

6. Check Device‑Specific Issues

1. Update Client Firmware

   • Ensure laptops, smartphones, and smart office devices have the latest Wi‑Fi driver updates.

2. Reset Network Adapter

   • On Windows, open a command prompt and run netsh int ip reset.
   • On macOS, navigate to System Preferences → Network and remove the Wi‑Fi service, then add it again.

3. Re‑Pair Wireless Devices

   • In the Eero app, remove and then re‑add devices that were frequently offline.

7. Perform a Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If none of the above resolves the bandwidth drop, a factory reset may be necessary.

1. Back Up Your Settings

   • In the Eero app, go to Settings → Eero System → System Backup.
   • Download the backup file.

2. Initiate Reset

   • Press and hold the reset button on the main Eero node for 10 seconds until the light flashes orange.
   • Repeat for each additional node.

3. Restore Settings

   • After all nodes reboot, open the Eero app and select Restore from Backup.
   • Re‑apply the firmware update if desired.

Tips for Maintaining Consistent Bandwidth

• Schedule Firmware Updates
  Turn off automatic updates and schedule them for times when low bandwidth usage is expected.

• Keep Firmware Current
  While an update can cause short‑term issues, staying on the latest firmware ensures security patches and performance improvements.

• Monitor Network Health
  Use the Eero app’s Network Health dashboard to spot trends. Persistent drops after a specific update may indicate a bug.

• Segment Your Network
  If you have a high‑traffic home office, consider creating a dedicated guest network or VLAN for non‑essential devices.

• Upgrade ISP Speed
  Verify that your ISP plan matches the demands of your office setup. If the plan is capped at 100 Mbps, even a perfect router will not deliver more.

When to Contact Amazon Support

If after following the above steps you still experience significant bandwidth reductions, reach out to Amazon Eero support:

• Open the Eero app → Help → Contact Support.
• Provide the following details:
  Firmware version before and after the update
  Results from the in‑app speed test
  Any error codes from the status light
  Recent changes to your network (e.g., added devices, moved nodes)

Amazon’s support team can run diagnostics remotely and may release a patch if the problem is widespread.

Final Thoughts

Firmware updates for the Eero Mesh 6 Pro can improve security, add new features, and refine the mesh algorithm. However, they may also introduce subtle changes that affect bandwidth. By methodically checking channel selection, QoS rules, node placement, and custom settings, most users can quickly restore the speed needed for a productive home office.

Remember that a stable Wi‑Fi environment is an ongoing process: keep an eye on the network health dashboard, update clients, and adjust node placement as your home’s layout evolves. With these practices, you’ll enjoy reliable bandwidth whether you’re video‑calling, streaming, or transferring large files.