In some cases, you might even be required to do so!

Here’s what you should probably know.

Why Use a Mesh connection With Your Old Router?

MeshMix1

There are, however, situations where you may want or need to keep your old router operational.

What you’re looking for is an option to put your router combo unit in “bridge mode.”

Be sure to double-check the Wi-Fi status on the original router.

Someone plugging in an eero router.

Amazon

Sometimes putting a combination unit in bridge mode turns off the Wi-Fi radios, but sometimes it doesn’t.

Different mesh connection systems handle bridge mode in different ways.

you might’t use eero nodes as stand-alone access points; it’s an all-or-nothing thing.

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Wi-Fi mesh networks like the eero are a great replacement for the cruddy underpowered Wi-Fi router your ISP gave you.

Other platforms likeGoogle Nest Wi-Fisupport bridge mode, but only for a single node at a time.

This inexpensive mesh system features Wi-Fi 6, WPA3, and a pile of advanced features.

Finally, other platforms like the popularTP-Link Deco lineupsupportstand-alone access point mode.

A TP-Link mesh node setup like an access point.

TP-Link

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This inexpensive mesh system features Wi-Fi 6, WPA3, and a pile of advanced features.