Bought AX88U Pro need AP suggestions

[workingStorage]

Just pulled the trigger on the 88 pro to replace my dual AC 68P (One as an AP). Plan to run the 88 as a router with wifi off

Should I just get another cheap router that does Wi-Fi 6 and run it in AP mode? I don't really care about mesh; this will be ethernet. If there's another Asus to get that seems to work, can someone recommend one?

 

[mmjlmjl]

Any Asus router would do, why do you not want to use the AX88U Pro wifi?

You can use your old routers as AP's, using a wired backhaul from the 88. On each node you can configure the channels to use and use the same wifi name (SSID) and password.

If you want something faster than your old AC routers: get a 2nd hand AX or BE router from Asus and use that as an AP. Then again, AC is still rather fast, just no WPA3 though so a bit more vulnerable on that front, nevertheless, a lot of clients also do not support WPA3

 

[OzarkEdge]

Just pulled the trigger on the 88 pro to replace my dual AC 68P (One as an AP). Plan to run the 88 as a router with wifi off

One AX88U Pro could actually "replace" your two AC68Us. Can't say without knowing what your network requirements are.

Should I just get another cheap router that does Wi-Fi 6 and run it in AP mode? I don't really care about mesh; this will be ethernet. If there's another Asus to get that seems to work, can someone recommend one?

If you don't really care, just get whatever you want and wire it to your new router as an AP like you've been doing. Done.

OE

 

[workingStorage]

Ah, sorry.

I have an AC68P currently in the basement with 4 ethernet cables coming out - one upstairs to tv, one upstairs to the other AC68P which is acting as an AP on floor 1, one upstairs to an office, and one downstairs for the PC's there.

I don't actually need wireless in the basement (yet), so I figured I'd turn WIFI off on that router and replace the AC68p that's the current access point with something that could do wifi6 clients (like my Pixel 6, etc).

I was wondering if it mattered what AP I got there, and if it operated independently of the router handling DHCP (Which I presume I'd have my 88U do).

Am I missing anything basic?

 

[Tech9]

If you really like Asus - you could go with the new ExpertWiFi EBG15 (wired router, $90) and ExpertWiFi EBA63 (access point, $130). PoE injector is needed extra, they are cheap. Total price - about the same as what you have paid for RT-AX88U Pro with the AX access point upstairs included. EBG15 runs on Asuswrt 5.0 with the new white GUI with widgets shown here:

ASUSWRT 5.0

version 3008

routerkb.asuscomm.com

ASUS ExpertWiFi EBG15｜Business WiFi Solutions｜ASUS Canada

ExpertWiFi

www.asus.com

ASUS ExpertWiFi EBA63｜Business WiFi Solutions｜ASUS Canada

ExpertWiFi

www.asus.com

 

[dave14305]

You may be surprised how “fat-as$” the AX88U Pro is compared to the AC68 line. It takes a lot of space. A lot of junk in the trunk.

 

[OzarkEdge]

Ah, sorry.

I have an AC68P currently in the basement with 4 ethernet cables coming out - one upstairs to tv, one upstairs to the other AC68P which is acting as an AP on floor 1, one upstairs to an office, and one downstairs for the PC's there.

I don't actually need wireless in the basement (yet), so I figured I'd turn WIFI off on that router and replace the AC68p that's the current access point with something that could do wifi6 clients (like my Pixel 6, etc).

I was wondering if it mattered what AP I got there, and if it operated independently of the router handling DHCP (Which I presume I'd have my 88U do).

Am I missing anything basic?

If one AC68U on floor1 covers your space now, the AX88U Pro may very well cover it much better, ideally centrally located and/or near your media center/TV on floor1 for wired streaming. If you can sort out the other cabling up and down, it may be all you need. Add a cheap switch or perhaps re-purpose an AC68U switch (DHCP and WiFi OFF) near term for LAN expansion where needed. The AX88U on floor1 will likely better extend coverage well outside to surrounding yard areas. My network covers 2 acres.

At least try the AX88U WiFi to know how well it will cover your area. I have one on the short side of floor1 (31'x54') covering 3 finished levels (basement, floor1, and floor2).

The AX88U Pro is 8"Hx12"Wx9"D plus another 7" on each side for the slanted antennas... it has a footprint but actually appears/presents less than the vertical format AC68U... you don't notice it as much in a room because it sits flat and its LEDS don't blast you in the eyes.

OE