AiMesh - devices show signal but no internet

[puhs]

Hi everyone,
I have two ASUS routers in an AiMesh setup.
Main router: TUF-AX5400
node: RT-AX1800U (wireless backhaul)

The node is not far from the main router and they connect wirelessly.
I often see that devices connected over Wi-Fi (like phones) show a strong signal, but they don’t receive any data. They can’t load websites, and apps like WhatsApp or Telegram stop receiving messages.
The only thing that fixes it is turning Wi-Fi off and on again on the device.

I don’t know how to debug this issue. I already tried many settings, including changing Wi-Fi channels, but nothing helped.
If anyone has an idea what could be wrong, or how I can troubleshoot this, I would really appreciate it.

For reference, I just updated to these firmware versions:
AX5400: 3.0.0.4.388_24305-gf054f28
AX1800U: 3.0.0.4.386_69155-g0a07ff2

Thanks in advance!

 

[Tech9]

There is nothing much to debug on the user side. AiMesh is ASUS proprietary software and if you followed all the FAQs about setting up AiMesh and it still doesn't work - call ASUS Support and good luck. Perhaps even ASUS don't know how well AiMesh works with mix-and-match random "AiMesh Compatible" routers.

 

[degrub]

turn off the node. Does the issue go away ?
If so, maybe try the AX1800U in AP or wireless bridge mode ?

 

[Tech9]

AiMesh node and Repeater are the only two wireless options serving wireless clients. AP Mode is wired only, the wireless bridge in ASUS world called Media Bridge serves wired clients only. No much of a choice.

 

[puhs]

turn off the node. Does the issue go away ?
If so, maybe try the AX1800U in AP or wireless bridge mode ?

Yes, I didn’t have this issue before adding the node.
If I change the AX1800U to a different mode, does that mean my devices won’t move between the routers smoothly anymore?

 

[degrub]

In wireless repeater, you will loose about half of your throughput on the repeated band if that matters.
If you can do wired LAN connection to the AX1800u, you can try AP mode.

The client device determines when to drop an AP/radio and connect to another . All you can do is set an RSSI value to have the AP/radio drop the client and then hope the client thinks another radio is the better one to connect to.

If your RF coverage by the AX1800u and the AX5400 overlap too much ( e.g. similar power levels (RSSI) at same location, then the client will have issues selecting a different radio.

What issue are you trying to solve by using the AX1800u ?

 

[puhs]

I have some areas in my house where the AX5400 doesn't reach, so I placed the AX1800U in the middle to extend coverage. My goal is to have a strong wireless connection throughout my house, so I can move around with my laptop or phone and stay connected to Wi-Fi without switching between networks.


Now, I do have a good connection and decent speed at most points, but too often, the connection just freezes. Unfortunately, I can't wire the routers together

 

[Tech9]

In both wireless AiMesh node and Repeater the clients connected to the second router get about 1/2 throughput. No difference. Wireless AiMesh node is in fact a Repeater with some added features.

 

[puhs]

I'm not worried about the speed, just about the convenience of using aimesh..