TABLE OF CONTENTS |
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Alarm Pro Advanced Features Based on wifi Network Configuration |
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Summary of Bridge Mode vs Double NAT-ing Features & Benefits |
Your Alarm Pro Base Station has a built-in eero router that allows you to replace your existing wifi router. It provides internet access by connecting directly to your modem.
If you have an existing eero mesh network setup, we generally recommend adding Alarm Pro as an extender instead of replacing your eero gateway device. Doing so allows you to preserve existing eero features while still supporting Alarm Pro’s advanced functionality listed in the chart below.
During an Internet Service Provider (ISP) outage, Alarm Pro takes over as the gateway and provides 24/7 Backup Internet* connectivity to your eero network. When the internet outage ends, your gateway eero device will resume control of managing your network connectivity and your Alarm Pro will resume extending your eero mesh network.
What if you don’t want to replace your existing non-eero wifi router with the Alarm Pro built-in eero router or you don’t have an eero mesh network already?
You can create a second wifi network (also know as Double NAT-ing) that will operate independently from your primary wifi network. This allows you to use certain features, including 24/7 Backup Internet,** Extra Data,** and Ring Edge** while maintaining your original wifi network and connected devices.
Another option is to put your Alarm Pro’s eero router into Bridge Mode. Doing so will allow your existing router to manage the connection between your wifi network and Internet Service Provider (ISP).
NOTE: When using Bridge Mode, you must connect Alarm Pro to your router via an ethernet cable. Additionally you will lose certain Alarm Pro advanced features, such as 24/7 Backup Internet** and Extra Data.** You will however retain the ability to use Ring Edge** for local video processing.
Alarm Pro Advanced Features Based on wifi Network Configuration
| Alarm Pro's eero Router Network Configuration | Primary Router | Extender | Second Network (Double NAT-ing) | Bridge Mode |
| Ring Protect Pro Plan* | ||||
| 24/7 Backup Internet | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Back Up Data | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Ring Edge | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| eero Secure (Ring Protect Pro Required) | ||||
| Advanced security to help protect your connected devices from online threats. | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Block a variety of ads on devices connected to your network. | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Block or allow specific websites on your network or only on certain profiles. | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| SafeSearch to help ensure that Google search results are appropriate. | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Content filtering allows you to set profile-specific filters for different types of content. | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Historical data usage allows you to see daily, weekly, and monthly data usage. | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| VIP support sends you to the front of the line when you need help. | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
* Extra data charges may apply. Cellular data is provided by a third party carrier. Coverage, uptime, technology, and speeds will vary. Will require backup power if the power goes out. Visit ring.com/alarm-pro for more details. Ring Alarm Pro is designed to be used as a router, but it can also be used as an extender on an existing eero mesh network.
Click here to learn more about Ring Protect Plans.
Click here to contact eero support for alternative networking questions
Pros and Cons of Double NAT-ing vs Bridge Mode
Benefits of Setting Up a Second Network (Double NAT-ing)
- There’s no need to replace your existing router with Alarm Pro’s built-in eero router.
- You can keep using your existing wifi network and the devices connected to it as before. (Note: these devices will not be eligible for the benefits for 24/7 Backup Internet).
- You select which wifi devices will have access to Alarm Pro’s advanced features.
- eero Secure (included with Ring Protect Pro) helps protect the devices connected to your eero network from online threats.
Drawbacks of Setting Up a Second Network (Double NAT-ing)
- Multiple apps required for wifi network and wifi device management.
- The potential for wifi interference caused by running multiple networks in close proximity.
- For homes over 1,500 square feet, additional eero extenders are required for optimal wifi coverage.***
- The additional cost of a wifi network switch if required.
- Alarm Pro must be connected to your existing router via ethernet.
Benefits of Setting Up Alarm Pro in Bridge Mode
- There’s no need to replace your existing router with Alarm Pro’s built-in eero router.
- Existing wifi router manages the internet connection .
- Alarm Pro extends existing network’s wifi signal.
- Reduced network management complexity.
- Ring Edge** is available for local video processing.
- Your existing router will continue to provide coverage to your home, so there’s no need to purchase additional eero extenders.
Drawbacks of Setting Up Alarm Pro in Bridge Mode
- 24/7 Backup Internet** and Extra Data** are not supported.
- eero Secure (included with Ring Protect Pro) features are not available. You also lose access to the following features:
- Family Profiles
- eero Secure
- eero Labs
- Device bandwidth usage details
- Device blocking
- Advanced network settings management through the eero app.
- Automatic Channel Selection (ACS), which also disables DFS.
- There is an additional cost if a wifi network switch is required.
- Alarm Pro must be connected to your existing router via ethernet.
How to Set Up a New eero Wifi Network (Double NAT-ing)
During Alarm Pro setup in the Ring app, you’ll be directed to the eero app to replace your existing router with the Alarm Pro eero router. Follow these steps:
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- Instead of plugging your Alarm Pro directly into your modem (or modem/router combo device) as the eero app suggests, plug Alarm Pro into an open ethernet port on your router.
- Follow the remaining setup instructions in the eero app before returning to the Ring app to complete setup.
If you do not have an open port on your router, see “You May Need to Use an Ethernet Network Switch” below for adding a multi-port network switch.
For homes over 1,500 square feet, an additional eero extender per 1,500 square feet is recommended for optimal wifi coverage. Click here to learn how to enable Alarm Pro’s advanced features such as Ring Edge.**
You May Need to Use an Ethernet Network Switch
If your router (or modem/router combo) does not have an open ethernet port for your Alarm Pro, use a multi-port ethernet network switch.
When using a separate modem and router, it’s important to connect the ethernet network switch to your router; not directly to your modem. This will allow you to use the same IP address provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Note: Follow the setup instructions provided with your ethernet network switch if you need additional help.
After your network switch is connected to your router, use an ethernet cord to plug the Alarm Pro into an open port before you proceed with setup instructions above.
Use a network name and password for your new eero network that is different from your existing wifi network. If two wifi networks are using the the same network name simultaneously, it will lead to technical complications.
Connect Your Ring Devices to the New Network
Note: After setting up your new eero network, you must connect your devices to it, including Ring cameras and doorbells, in order to use certain features, such as 24/7 Backup Internet,** Extra Data,** and Ring Edge.** Follow these instructions to connect your Ring cameras and doorbells to the new network.
Existing Ring Devices:
Follow these steps in the Ring app to confirm that your existing devices are using the new wifi network:
- Tap the gear icon for your camera or doorbell on the Ring app dashboard, then click Device Health.
- Verify that your new eero network name appears in the Network Name field.
- If your device is not using your new eero network click Change Wi-Fi Network and follow the onscreen prompts to move the device to your new eero network.
New Ring Devices:
When setting up new Ring cameras or doorbells, you must select your new eero network when prompted to connect to wifi in the Ring App.
- Click menu in the Ring app (three lines in the top left corner). Choose the option to Set Up a Device.
- Select Doorbells or Security Cams.
- Choose the device name you would like to set up.
- Follow the in-app instructions to complete set up of your new Ring device.
- When prompted, select the wifi network that you prefer for your new Ring device and enter your password to complete setup.
Non-Ring Devices
If you have other wifi devices that will use 24/7 Backup Data** and Extra Data** when needed, ensure that they’re also using your new eero network. Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to change wifi networks for your non-Ring device.
Note: If you have a Ring Chime Pro on your account, select the option to connect to your Home (eero) wifi Network and not your Chime Pro Network when prompted.
How to Manage Devices Between Networks for Non-Ring Devices
Wifi devices that use your new eero network will no longer appear on your primary wifi network. They must be managed using the eero app. Wifi devices that remain on your primary network will continue to be managed by that network provider’s app.
Note: Having two separate eero networks connected via ethernet cable is not recommended. This could cause your Alarm Pro to switch to 24/7 Backup Internet.* It may not switch back automatically. If that happens, it will continue to consume data until the Alarm Pro is disconnected and the other eero device is reset as the gateway. You’ll know when you are using 24/7 Backup Internet because it will appear as your Ring Alarm Pro Base Station’s connection status. See image below:
How to Set Up Bridge Mode
Create your eero network by following the setup flow in the eero app. The new eero network will start out in NAT mode.
Note: If your network configuration needs Bridge Mode to function, you must first set up your eero network by double NAT-ing. See the instructions for how to double-NAT your Alarm Pro here.
Follow these instructions to Bridge your eeros:
- Open the eero app and tap Settings (bottom right corner).
- Tap Advanced.
- Tap DHCP & NAT.
- Switch your selection from Automatic (recommended) to Bridge or Manual (for those running static IP).
- Tap the Save button in the top right corner.
IMPORTANT: Use the same SSID and password as your existing networking setup to avoid conflicts.
You May Need to Use an Ethernet Network Switch
If your router (or modem/router combo) does not have an open ethernet port for your Alarm Pro, use a multi-port ethernet network switch. Please see these instructions for how to use an ethernet network switch.
When using a separate modem and router, it’s important to connect the ethernet network switch to your router; not directly to your modem. This will allow you to use the same IP address provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Note: Follow the setup instructions provided with your ethernet network switch if you need additional help.
After your network switch is connected to your router, use an ethernet cord to plug the Alarm Pro into an open port before you proceed with the setup instructions above.
Connect Your Ring Devices
Since Bridge Mode does not replace your existing wifi network, following instructions to add Ring devices to your wifi network as you normally would.
After setting up your Alarm Pro in Bridge mode, you’ll be able to manage which Ring cameras and doorbells are using Ring Edge in the Ring app.
Summary of Bridge Mode vs Double NAT-ing Features & Benefits
Double NAT-ing Your eeros (Having Two Networks with Different SSIDs) |
Bridge Mode (Turns off network services but allows eeros to continue providing WiFi access) |
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Home size |
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| Benefits |
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| Additional Information |
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| 24/7 Backup Internet * | Available with a Ring Protect Pro plan subscription. | N/A |
| Extra Data * | Available with a Ring Protect Pro plan subscription. | N/A |
| Ring Edge * | Available with a Ring Protect Basic plan or higher. | Available with a Ring Protect Basic plan or higher. |
* Extra data charges may apply. Cellular data is provided by a third party carrier. Coverage, uptime, technology, and speeds will vary. Will require backup power if the power goes out. Visit ring.com/alarm-pro for more details. Ring Alarm Pro is designed to be used as a router, but it can also be used as an extender on an existing eero mesh network.
** Compatible Ring Protect subscription required (sold separately). Extra data charges may apply. Cellular data is provided by a third party carrier. Coverage, uptime, technology, and speeds will vary. Will require backup power if the power goes out. Visit ring.com/alarm-pro for more details.
*** A single eero mesh wifi router provides up to 1500 sq. ft. of coverage. Adding eero extenders expands coverage. Actual range and performance can vary, including due to factors such as interference, device usage, building materials and obstructions and internet connection speed. Coverage estimates are based on normal use conditions, and are a configuration reference, not a performance guarantee. Do not set up Ring Alarm Pro on an existing non-eero wifi network.
Additional Information About Alarm Pro and eero
Contact eero Support with Alternative Network Questions
Troubleshooting Your eero or Modem Connection
Using the Ring app and eero app to Manage Alarm Pro
Frequently Asked Questions about Ring Alarm Pro
How Do I Set Up My eero if I Want to Keep My Existing Router?
Instructions for Bridging Your eeros
Instructions for Double NAT-ing Your eeros
