AIMesh oddness

[jgranto]

I have an RT-AC5300 triband router and an RT-AC68 node. This setup seemed to work fine. However, I added an RT-AC3100 (dual band) node to the mix and things got add. After adding the RT-AC3100, the AIMesh decided to use 5GHz-2 as the backhaul. I see the 5GHz-1 SSID throughout the house, it works great, as does the 2GHz SSID. However, when I look at the clients on the RT-AC5300, there are no clients connected on 5GHz-1.

In fact, if I turn off both mesh nodes, the 5GHz-1 SSID is not broadcast from the RT-AC3100. I am assuming something is going on with a triband router connecting to dual band nodes. I still want my RT-AC5300 to use 5GHz-1 and handle wireless clients. What do I need to do?

Thanks!

 

[jgranto]

I ended up resetting all routers but the main one (RT-AC5300), remaking the AiMesh, and everything works correctly. In fact, because of how cheap they are, I bought a second RT-AC3100 on eBay and added it.

Overall, AiMesh seems pretty good. There is definitely a bit of a handoff delay between nodes - this is not so noticeable with when doing "normal computer" things, but is definitely noticeable if you enable calling over WiFi on your phone. I do not have a lot of experience with other meshes, but this seems decent.

If you are used to the Asus router interface, you will be at home with AiMesh. It is just a few extra screens of info. I think you would find it way easier than your existing setup of having 3 routers with different SSIDs.

AiMesh does allow you to configure one SSID for all frequencies, like many other systems. I do not use that feature - I have read that sometimes devices will prioritize the lower-bandwidth 2.4GHz signal over the higher-bandwidth 5GHz signal, even if 5GHz signal is strong. I therefore have 2 SSID's - one 2.4GHz, one 5GHz. But for simplicity, you could try out a single SSID and see how you like it.

Ideally I would add a wired backhaul, but I am not interested in that for my current house. You may want to consider it - it will prevent you from losing a radio to dedicated backhaul.

If money is an issue, I recommend you would buy 2+ RT-AC3100 units on eBay for $50 - $80 each and go AiMesh. It will provide a much nicer experience, I think. If money is no issue, I would recommend the high-end Orbi RBK853. Sure, the RBK853 has issues, but so do all units, and I like it the best.