Eero Pro 6 Tri-Band Testing

I. Testing Results

Tri-Band Networks like the one we purchased from Amazon via the brand Eero will use 2.4, 5.2 and 5.8gHz at the same time. Your devices in conjunction with Eero software determine what channels/ frequencies will be necessary to achieve wireless connection.

Above is a scan of our area when Eero was connected to our main network. As you can see there are networks on both sides of the spectrum. When nodes are added they use the same channels as the main router. This can make it hard for Shockwafe to operate as we use either 5.2 or 5.8gHz for wireless transmission.

Think of the black lines below as lanes on a highway. The FCC allows us two highways for 5gHz communication, 5.2 and 5.8gHz. The Red diamond represents where shockwafe operates at any given time (only one side will operate at a time, both are shown below for demonstration purposes.)

The green diamond represents how much of the 5.2 or 5.8gHz signal may be used at a time with a Tri-Band network (both sides at the same time,) with new routers they can go into the same range as the red diamond on 5.8gHz.

Red: Shockwafe / Green: Tri-Band

Performance of devices may depend on proximity to the transmission. It’s more likely to happen when using your source devices/ TV as they are placed next to or near your soundbar (which is your Shockwafe system’s wireless transmitter.) With this in mind you will either need to adjust your channels or the location/ orientation of your router and extensions to improve performance.

Unlike most networks, you are unable to log in using a web address to access channel settings.

This doesn’t mean you are out of options. As we found out some interesting information through troubleshooting.

II. OTHER Solutions

Here's what we've tried so far:

Pairing the TV with just the main router
- Results were mixed as some wireless settings (either a C Number for eARC or D FRQ mode for SSE models) would result in better performance. Powering down/ back on usually required adjusting wireless channels on the soundbar. When we paired back with our main 5gHz network there was no interference every time we powered on/ off.
Installing an extension in the same room
- This resulted in wireless interference regardless of D FRQ or Channel selection. Movement of the extension is necessary for proper transmission in this case.
Alternative methods to see if there are any outside solutions
- We tested wireless connections while a PC is logged into the mesh network/ TV is connected to another 5gHz router. This resulted in no interference, even when the laptop was streaming content from Netflix. This means that the disruptions are likely due to how the Tri-Band network transmits data to the devices next to or near your soundbar.
- If your Tri-Band network is connected to a main modem with its own 5gHz connection, this may be another reason why you may experience interference. Try disabling all wireless transmissions from your other networks if they are not in use (as per the method mentioned above.)

Below are some step by step instructions for troubleshooting if you own this or a similar router:

If you hear the disruption try flipping wireless channels through your soundbar.
If both channels behave the same (or repeat flipping is necessary to achieve a proper connection) please unplug your nodes and only leave your main extension connected.
Test with your main router if possible, if you only have your Eero/Mesh network try testing when only the unit plugged into your modem is powered up.
Test connections when there is only one router, if they improve try moving your extensions to different locations to prevent interference.

In most cases you can alleviate interference through troubleshooting. Keep in mind Shockwafe operates like a dual band router’s 5gHz signal. It will not output more signal than your Tri-Band router (as Tri-Band will operate on 2.4,5.2 and 5.8gHz at the same time.) This in conjunction with changing locations, or even rotating extensions 90 degrees may have a positive impact on performance.

If you are still facing difficulty with wireless channels after performing troubleshooting, you may want to contact your service provider or the manufacturer of your router/ network for additional support/ possible solutions. (Especially if disruptions go away when your entire network is disconnected/ you test with offline content.)