Adding a node, low-end or mid-range?

[syedsahmad]

Hello everyone. I recently setup an AX88U as my main node with an AX3000 (AX58U) as a second node. (Both are running latest betas for Merlin.) I really like this AiMesh setup and, for the most part, have great coverage in my home. However, I am considering adding another node and not sure what to add. I initially thought about adding a second AX3000 (which I'm considering lower-end) but then I thought maybe I should get something more substantial for future-proofing purposes, specifically the AX86U (considering this mid-range and routers that are Merlin-supported). The primary benefit of adding an AX3000 is that I would spend less while adding the coverage I would want. However, I would like to go higher-end for the perceived performance gains and longer-term future-proofing.

FWIW, the clients connecting to the AX3000 nodes have no issues and speeds are great. If I had performance problems or money wasn't a consideration then I would add another AX88U! (Sticking with dual-band mostly since my nodes are all wired...)

Thoughts and suggestions, even criticisms, appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[OzarkEdge]

Hello everyone. I recently setup an AX88U as my main node with an AX3000 (AX58U) as a second node. (Both are running latest betas for Merlin.) I really like this AiMesh setup and, for the most part, have great coverage in my home. However, I am considering adding another node and not sure what to add. I initially thought about adding a second AX3000 (which I'm considering lower-end) but then I thought maybe I should get something more substantial for future-proofing purposes, specifically the AX86U (considering this mid-range and routers that are Merlin-supported). The primary benefit of adding an AX3000 is that I would spend less while adding the coverage I would want. However, I would like to go higher-end for the perceived performance gains and longer-term future-proofing.

FWIW, the clients connecting to the AX3000 nodes have no issues and speeds are great. If I had performance problems or money wasn't a consideration then I would add another AX88U! (Sticking with dual-band mostly since my nodes are all wired...)

Thoughts and suggestions, even criticisms, appreciated.

Thanks!

Wired 2.5 Gigabit 3xRT-AX86U would have been nice. But you may only need two APs... too much WiFi is not a good thing... and a mix of hardware isn't an advantage. I'd buy for now... future proofing is a bit of a misnomer... it costs more to be on the bleeding edge you can't use with your existing technology.

OE

 

[L&LD]

If you can sell your current RT-AX88U + RT-AX58U routers for a reasonable price, 2x RT-AX86U's would be an upgrade.

In your situation though, an additional RT-AX58U makes more sense.

Particularly if you spend the money you saved to wire both nodes to the RT-AX88U too.

 

[syedsahmad]

Wired 2.5 Gigabit 3xRT-AX86U would have been nice. But you may only need two APs... too much WiFi is not a good thing... and a mix of hardware isn't an advantage. I'd buy for now... future proofing is a bit of a misnomer... it costs more to be on the bleeding edge you can't use with your existing technology.

OE

The 2.5 Gigabit port is not a use case I’ve considered or have a major need for currently. Not sure what you mean by too much WiFi is not a good thing, but I appreciate the advice/suggestion.