Mesh hardware choice - reduce Privacy risks?

Privacy Questions
1

My intent is solely on increasing Privacy when asking the following:

I’m working on cleaning up my Privacy profile as I learn about my current mistakes. This led me to find out (embarrassed to say) that the Eero 6 Pro devices are very high on the list of information gathering.

I’ve searched for replacement Mesh devices but can’t find out if they are any better. Is there advice on this?

Here is my current Router/Wifi configuration:
Asus RT-AX86U Pro (Wifi turned off - only used as Router)

  • note: it is Dual band and not Tri band - a consideration for Mesh devices

Eero 6 Pro (set up as Bridge mode)
(1) base unit Eero 6 Pro
(2) hardwired Eero mesh nodes
(2) wifi Eero mesh nodes

The router is running AsusWRT Merlin and no ASUS Web account was created, so it should be just standalone.

Should I purchase the ASUS Mesh devices for this model and turn on the “AIMesh” feature?

I’ve gone through the Router and configured it with as many Privacy related settings that I can find.
Router Security - Turn Off Stuff
Router Security Checklist
CSI_BEST_PRACTICES_FOR_SECURING_YOUR_HOME_NETWORK.PDF

1 Like
2

What specific information are they gathering?

3

I am not smart enough to be able to answer that correctly, but according to one source, the Terms Of Agreement allow for the following:
(source: Amazon - ToS;DR)

Third-party cookies are used for advertising

Terms may be changed any time at their discretion, without notice to the user

This service tracks you on other websites

The service can delete your account without prior notice and without a reason

Voice data is collected and shared with third-parties

You waive your right to a class action.

The service can sell or otherwise transfer your personal data as part of a bankruptcy proceeding or other type of financial transaction.

Your personal data may be used for marketing purposes

This service forces users into binding arbitration in the case of disputes

This service can license user content to third parties
personal data is given to third parties

This service can share your personal information to third parties

The service uses your personal data for advertising

Any liability on behalf of the service is only limited to the fees you paid as a user

Details are provided about what kind of information they collect

You can opt out of promotional communications

They may stop providing the service at any time

Prohibits political discussions or campaigning

This service prohibits users sending chain letters, junk mail, spam or any unsolicited messages

The service is provided ‘as is’ and to be used at the users’ sole risk

Invalidity of any portion of the Terms of Service does not entail invalidity of its remainder

Users are responsible for maintaining the security of their Amazon account and for the activities on their account

This service employs separate policies for different parts of the service

Third parties are involved in operating the service

4

If you would like to use Mesh then probably go for another Asus Router and flash it with AsusWRT is your best bet, since Broadcom base devices aren’t usually supported by Openwrt and interoperability of Mesh is not very good (lets put it nicely).

Alternatively you can try repositioning your Asus Router and see if it could cover your whole premises. Repositioning the antennae and adjusting radio power are also vital to “improve” wireless coverage. You might also want to discover the possibility of upgrading your antennae if you go for this route.

1 Like
5

Thank you. That is what I was looking for. Appreciate your advice.

6

you are welcome, please mark this thread as resolved so other members would know you found the information you need.

7

Will do.

I have now selected “Solution” under your response. Was that it?

edit: Never mind. I now see it being marked a solved. (first timer here…)