AX vs AC

[jmcnei01]

I need some help. I want to set up RT-AX88U (router), RT-AX86U (access point) and the ZEN XT8 as a AiMesh network? Or am I better off using the AC version of 88U and 86U?

 

[L&LD]

Welcome to the forums @jmcnei01.

We need more information. What is the layout of the home? Where will the routers be located? Is VPN on the router a high priority for you? Do you really need (how many exactly?) all those routers to adequately cover your home?

What features and options do you expect/want in your new network?

What routers of all those you've mentioned do you currently have?

 

[jmcnei01]

I would like ax (wifi 6) with AiMesh for the overall better performance (number of devices, work from home, streaming, etc). I currently have the AC68U and AC88U that has AiMesh (I will give those to my daughter). I want to add the Zen Ax AT8 with them. My house is 3600 sq ft. I have fibre optic (1gig up and 1 gig down)

The information directly from ASUS contradicts what I am seeing on the web.

I want to to make the AX88U my main router and the AX86U and the ZEN part of the mesh. All I want to know is will these 3 pieces work as AiMesh together?

 

[L&LD]

They should.

But for a 3,600 SqFt home, I would be testing a single RT-AX86U if it can be centrally located. Add another RT-AX86U if you can use it as a wired backhaul AiMesh node.

I would not be adding any Zen 'lifestyle' equipment into this potent mix. The 2x RT-AX86U setup I am using with my Fibre 1Gbps symmetrical up/down ISP connection is the fastest (consumer) network I've ever used.

AiMesh Ideal Placement