How to Setup an Eero Mesh router with Bell HomeHub 4000: Complete Guide

Introduction

If you recently upgraded to an Eero Max 7 (or any Eero system) hoping to fix poor WiFi coverage across your home, you've probably discovered that connecting it to Bell Canada's HomeHub 4000 isn't as straightforward as it should be.

Bell doesn't allow residential users to easily switch the HomeHub 4000 to bridge mode, leaving many frustrated homeowners searching through Reddit threads and forums for answers. I spent hours testing different methods, and I'm writing this guide so you don't have to.

The Problem: Bell's HomeHub 4000 creates a "double NAT" situation with your Eero, causing connection issues, slower speeds, and network complications.

The Solution: Use PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet) to bypass the HomeHub's router functions and let your Eero handle everything.

This guide covers both methods (Advanced DMZ and PPPoE), explains why PPPoE is more reliable, and includes the critical tips that took me forever to figure out.

Why You Need This Guide

When setting up an Eero with Bell Fibe, you'll face these challenges:

• Poor WiFi Coverage: The HomeHub 4000's WiFi range is limited, especially in larger homes
• No Bridge Mode: Bell doesn't provide easy bridge mode access for residential customers
• Double NAT Issues: Running two routers creates network conflicts
• Scattered Information: Solutions are spread across multiple Reddit threads and forums
• Hidden Settings: Critical configuration steps aren't documented anywhere

Understanding the Two Methods

Method 1: Advanced DMZ (Hit or Miss)

• Places your Eero in the HomeHub's DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)
• Routes all traffic to the Eero
• Problem: Doesn't work reliably for everyone
• In my case, the Eero wouldn't connect at all with Advanced DMZ enabled

Method 2: PPPoE (Recommended) ✅

• Bypasses the HomeHub's routing entirely
• Your Eero connects directly to Bell's network
• Gets a public IP address (no double NAT)
• More reliable and provides full control

Method 2: PPPoE Setup (The Reliable Solution)

This is the method that finally worked for me after hours of troubleshooting.

What You'll Need

• Your Bell PPPoE credentials (Username: Usually b1XXXXXXXX@bellnet.ca, Password: Your Bell account password)
• Eero app
• Ethernet cable

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Configure PPPoE in Eero App

This is where the critical trick comes in.

1. Open the Eero app
2. Tap Menu → Network Settings
3. Scroll down to Advanced Settings
4. Tap WAN Settings (or Internet Connection Type)
5. Select PPPoE
6. Enter your Bell credentials (Username: b1XXXXXXXX@bellnet.ca, Password: Your Bell password)
7. CRITICAL STEP: Tap Save
8. Here's the trick: After saving, the screen will appear to revert back to "Automatic" or DHCP settings. This is normal and expected. Don't panic!
9. Restart your Eero: Unplug the Eero from power, wait 10 seconds, plug it back in
10. Wait for startup: The Eero will take 2-3 minutes to fully restart
11. Once the LED turns solid white, check your connection

How to Check If You Have a Public IP (Not Double NAT)

This is crucial to verify your setup is working correctly.

Understanding NAT Types

Double NAT (Bad):

• Your Eero gets a private IP from the HomeHub (like 192.168.x.x)
• Your traffic goes through two routers
• Can cause gaming, VPN, and port forwarding issues

Public IP (Good):

• Your Eero gets a public IP directly from Bell
• No double NAT issues
• Full control over your network

Method 1: Check via Eero App

1. Open Eero app
2. Tap Menu → Network Settings
3. Tap Gateway (your main Eero)
4. Look for WAN IP or Public IP

What to look for:

• ✅ Public IP: Starts with something other than 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x (Example: 64.230.x.x or 142.165.x.x - Bell's IP ranges)
• ❌ Private IP: 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x = Double NAT (PPPoE didn't work)

Method 2: Check via Website

1. Connect to your Eero WiFi
2. Open browser and go to: https://www.whatismyip.com
3. Note the IP address shown
4. Check your Eero's WAN IP in the app and compare

Result:

• ✅ IPs Match: You have a public IP (PPPoE working correctly)
• ❌ IPs Don't Match: You're behind double NAT

Conclusion

Setting up an Eero with Bell's HomeHub 4000 doesn't have to be a nightmare. While Bell doesn't make it easy, the PPPoE method provides a reliable solution that eliminates double NAT and gives you full control over your network.

The key trick that took me forever to discover: the Eero app's UI is misleading. After saving PPPoE settings, you MUST restart your Eero for the configuration to take effect, even though the screen appears to revert to automatic settings.

With this guide, you should have your Eero Max 7 (or any Eero system) up and running with a public IP address, better WiFi coverage, and none of the double NAT headaches.