asus rt-88u ai mesh

[eltell69]

Hi Guys, I've installed the latest f/w 384.8_2.zip for the asus rt-ac88u router and unable to locate the Ai mesh settings for the ausus rt-86u router that is in Ai mesh configuration.
It used to be in the settings on the rt-88u and was able to auto upload both f/w's when available but now there is no Ai mesh details at all can you please advise. Oh nearly forgot, the reason for the merlin f/w is for my vpn.
Thanks

 

[JDB]

Merlin does not support AiMesh.
Please use the forum search!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[eltell69]

Merlin does not support AiMesh.
Please use the forum search!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Oh I was using ai mesh to increase my wifi coverage, so does this mean the rt-86u is an additional router with it's own wifi network that's not connected with the rt-88u main router.

 

[JDB]

If you have Merlin you cannot use AiMesh at all. Pretty simple. The functionality is removed!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[eltell69]

Hi JBD just another thought do I really require the merlin f/w for the router, I used it because I understood it enhanced the router in additional ways.

 

[JDB]

There are many reasons to use Merlin, I originally did as stock fw did not support my ISP.
Since then I have added many more custom bits to my router so rely on Merlin for many things.
If stock works for you and you need AiMesh for coverage don’t worry about Merlin.

For the best of both worlds, see my signature!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[eltell69]

Thanks JDB you've been a great help much appreciated

 

[eltell69]

Hi JBD would you be able to answer this:-
I thought the merlin f/w was as close as poss to the default asus router f/w but it appears the merlin f/w doesn't support the Ai mesh configuration is there a reason for this as I'm unable to use the merlin f/w with my routers as I use Ai mesh.

 

[eltell69]

is it anything to do with copyright

 

[JDB]

It clashes with too many of Merlin’s introduced fixes/features.
Never say never, it may be integrated with time but as far as I’ve read from @RMerlin it’s not a priority


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[AndreiV]

is it anything to do with copyright

https://www.snbforums.com/threads/faq-read-me-first-before-posting-a-question.47153/

 

[eltell69]

Ah AndreiV have read and understood thanks for the link, Regards

 

[birdy]

For the best of both worlds, see my signature!

Asus RT-AC86U (Merlin) - Main Router WiFi Disabled (348.8)
Asus RT-AC5300 (Stock) - AP/Ai-Mesh Router (32799)
Asus RT-AC5300 (Stock) - Ai-Mesh Node (32799)
Asus RT-AC88U (Stock) - Ai-Mesh Node (32738)

Hi JBD
A good hint. But if I‘m right, in your configuration it’s not possible to enable Guest WiFi?

Maybe I’m wrong, but my conclusion is, to have AiMesh, Merlin-SW and Guest WiFi running in the same LAN, is not possible.

 

[JDB]

I have guest Wi-fi, however (as with all AiMesh) it broadcasts only from the AiMesh router, not the nodes.
I’m hoping at some point Asus will update AiMesh to allow guest networks to propagate to nodes as well, but it’s not a big deal for me as my AiMesh router covers 90% of the house including where guests usually hang out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JDB]

I guess I can’t enable guest isolation as it would likely isolate them from the Merlin router, but I’m not bothered by this. I just have a separate SSID so I can kick all guests with a password change should the need arise.
Usually I’m adding someone so they can airplay to a speaker or cast to a TV anyway.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[birdy]

I’m looking for a new WiFi infrastructure, an thinking about the a good configuration.

So, as I thought, clear guest isolation on the AiMesh router (AP Mode) is not working.

But, is the guest WiFi only on one device active (no meshed guest WiFi) it can be activated on the Main (Merlin) Router. I think it should work.

Thanks