ASUS RT-AC68U Firmware version 3.0.0.4.384.45713

[bachastain]

Are you running "Auto" wireless channel, by any chance?

No, the fixed channels 11 and 149. I thought selecting fixed channels would end the "scan in progress" messages (and any side effects of the scan), but it didn't.

 

[bachastain]

There is an update for RT-AC66U, but not yet for my RT-AC66U B1 or the RT-AC68U.

 

[bachastain]

Sorry if I missed this in the thread but are the nodes connected by wire or CAN THEY be connected by wire? AiMesh forces all nodes to use the same channels. That can cause a LOT of issues IMO. I understand why they made such a choice but they could add some simple features to mitigate the need.

IF you can wire the nodes together switch to a router and an AP. You'll find numerous threads/recommendations for baseline settings. If you still have issues try downloading a tool like WiFi Analyzer and do manual channel assignments.

Again, sorry if I missed this information in this thread.

PS - I noticed an update for my one AC66 this AM if you're running stock firmware.
Firmware Version:3.0.0.4.382_51640

In my case I live in a cabin (3 bedrooms) with thick tongue and groove walls and floors. Running wires would be major surgery, with no promise that the result would be any better.

 

[Smokindog]

Understood...

However, could you temporarily drop a 100' cable across the floor (or whatever you need) and try Router/AP mode or even do it in the same room to see if it's the AiMesh causing the problems???

Just thinking out loud of things I've done in the past before embarking on new wiring Beyond that it may be time for a router upgrade. And to be clear, you keep mentioning an AC66-B1 even though this is an AC68 thread.

In my case I live in a cabin (3 bedrooms) with thick tongue and groove walls and floors. Running wires would be major surgery, with no promise that the result would be any better.

 

[bachastain]

Understood...

However, could you temporarily drop a 100' cable across the floor (or whatever you need) and try Router/AP mode or even do it in the same room to see if it's the AiMesh causing the problems???

Just thinking out loud of things I've done in the past before embarking on new wiring Beyond that it may be time for a router upgrade. And to be clear, you keep mentioning an AC66-B1 even though this is an AC68 thread.

The AC66-B1 and AC68 are electrically identical boxes, except for the plastic shell. They run the same identical firmware.

I don't currently have a long enough cable to test, so I'd have to order it.

 

[Smokindog]

How about just doing it in the same room to see if turning off AiMesh makes a difference? Cables are pretty cheap these days if you don't have a 10-25 footer. Even a 6 footer may be enough for this test.

The AC66-B1 and AC68 are electrically identical boxes, except for the plastic shell. They run the same identical firmware.

I don't currently have a long enough cable to test, so I'd have to order it.

 

[bachastain]

If the boxes are too close to each other the clients will prefer to attach to the router. The node would have nothing on it and so I'd never know if it was dropping clients.

 

[Smokindog]

Not necessarily. Set them to different channels and move your client around accordingly. Download WiFi Analyzer so you can see the strongest signals from the perspective of your client. It's not ideal but you can still test if it's the AiMesh and single channel selection causing the problem

Also, I'm unaware of any preference of router versus AP selection by a client. I'm aware of preferred band and roaming aggressiveness in clients but not node type of any sort.

 

[bachastain]

There's no way to set them on different channels in a mesh setup.

 

[Smokindog]

I know, that's the whole point of wiring them together so you can use Router/AP modes. NO AIMESH.

There's no way to set them on different channels in a mesh setup.

 

[bachastain]

Also, I'm unaware of any preference of router versus AP selection by a client. I'm aware of preferred band and roaming aggressiveness in clients but not node type of any sort.

That was my observation of client behavior as I move around the house. When there is near equal signal strength, the client always attaches to the router. I imagine different clients might act differently but that's how my clients are acting.

 

[Smokindog]

That was my observation of client behavior as I move around the house. When there is near equal signal strength, the client always attaches to the router. I imagine different clients might act differently but that's how my clients are acting.

Most clients are going to try to remain connected to "what they know" unless they can't or are disconnected. That's one thing the roaming aggressiveness setting helps with. As a signal level falls it will look for an alternative. To test "statically" you should reset your connection in each new location. Otherwise, the only thing it's hanging on to is the last thing it knew.

 

[bachastain]

I know, that's the whole point of wiring them together so you can use Router/AP modes. NO AIMESH.

The whole point of my ordering 3 RT-AC66U B1 was to set up a mesh, so I really don't care if APs work or not. If Asus can't make their mesh work in my environment, I'll be forced to try another mesh provider.

I do thank you for trying to help with this, but hopefully Asus will soon release the next firmware for my boxes too.