Aimesh - wire and wireless

[BigBob]

Hi,

On a given AiMess node, can I use wired and wireless connection?

For example a wired connection to my TV and WiFi for my other devices?

 

[st3v3n]

BigBob, Without knowing the particulars of your setup, I'm tempted to say yes; sure, why not, but then again that's a too-easy guess. Without knowing the particulars of your set up, what routers or devices are in play, what firmware and services, etc, so an informed answer requires more specifics. For instance, If you're asking if you can plug a PC into a node with Ethernet or just use a wireless tablet, and it should just work, well, probably, maybe, or maybe not. If you've actually tried it and it works, that means you've done your home work; congratulations. If you're asking because you've tried it and it doesn't work, then the answer is, keep searching. Reading and research will give you the answer you seek.

The forum is a big area to cover. If you've read everything applicable to your model and the FW you use, and you can't find anything remotely similar to your setup in a thread on the forum try rewording your query and provide more details so one of the resident wizards can give you a more precise reply. Cheers.

 

[BigBob]

Hi, thanks for reply.

In fact, I plan to buy a 2nd router to connect with my main router RT-AC-1900p, the 2nd router will be connected to the main router thru Aimesh WiFi.

I just want to know if I can use Ethernet connection AND WiFi with the 2nd router connect as a Aimesh node to the main router. I need that Ethernet connection...

If it's not possible, I'll buy a used RT-AC-66U and connect it to the main router with Media Bridge...

 

[Locoblade]

I'm typing this on a laptop connected via Ethernet to my AC66U-B1 AiMesh node, so yes

Edit: whilst editing it on my wireless connected phone, so definitely

 

[st3v3n]

BigBob, Most welcome This is a wicked-hot topic over in the Asus-Merlin forum with several extensive thread. AIMesh is yet to firm up, but even though it's 'official' it's not entirely actually plug and play quite yet. We have several Asus routers that will probably/eventually try meshing but not until the dust settles, and all models work equally well with the firmware. Whether you use the Official release or RMerlin's fork, using Asus code as it's released to him, this is an exiting development and you should have a lot of fun. Thankfully, many people have dived head-first into this, several forum members with your router have had good results placing other models in a mesh setup.

One of the Asus techs is monitoring the threads; from what I've read, the efforts of people involved in testing this firmware are helping to whip it into shape. The back-haul is Ethernet so be prepared for some tweaking, depending on the router, firmware and area covered. We have a couple tmAC1900s/converted to Rt-AC68 and others with your model are using AIMesh. Check the threads over there for a good read amd see if something grabs your eye that applies to your situation Good Luck and Cheers.

 

[st3v3n]

Just a quick mention, without seeming to be a shameless fanboy/promoter of Amazon or Asus, there are some good deals currently on US Amazon for the TMAC1900, which converts fairly easily into the RT- AC68,; for $100, they have the RT-AC1750_B1 listed which is actually a new Asus RT-AC66, only with the same dual-core 1000 MHz CPU that's in the AC68, and doesn't require converting. The 2.4 Ghz band is a wee bit slower on the AC170B1 than the 1900, but having a new warranty and being able to pop either FW on it at will, without first doing a bit of FW tweaking/converting, has a certain appeal. Either way, both models will be fine for what you want to do, without a stiff entry fee Cheers.

 

[Locoblade]

Yep I've got an AC66U-B1 which I assume is the same device here in the UK. If you've got a really fast broadband connection and want to max that out with VPN etc you'll want something like my AC86 for the additional horsepower but for my 50/10 FTTC connection the 66U-B1 is no slower than the AC86 which cost over twice the amount (£200 vs £90) and since the last firmware update it joins AiMesh seamlessly. The only thing for me that makes the AC86 any better is slightly better WiFi coverage but it's not a massive difference and I could have 2 more 66U-B1's for less than the AC86 cost me to create a 3 node mesh which would undoubtedly give me better overall coverage than a single AC86 plus a single 66U-B1.

 

[st3v3n]

Locoblade, congratulations mate I don't think it could be better said; keep us advised of your status and enjoy, Cheers!