Can the RT-AC3200 use 2.4g and 5g bands in Media Bridge mode

[SonoranWoody]

I have a core network consisting of a master RT-AX88U with two RT-AC86U nodes connected in AIMesh mode. The AX86 is using Asus firmware 3.0.0.4.388_22525. Both AC86 units are running Asus 3.0.0.4.386_51255.

To this I have connected an RT-AC3200 in Media Bridge mode. The AC3200 is running Merlin 384.13_10 (final release). When setting up the 3200 to connect to the AX86 (closest unit, and confirmed in the AX88 UI), I have the option to connect to the 2.4, 5_1, or 5_2, but no option to use multiple bands. I select one of 5g band and I get a 1300 connection. Being this is an AC WiFi unit connecting to an AX unit, I would think I should be able to at least use the 2.4g band along with one of the 5g bands in order to get a combined higher speed of 1900 (1300+600). I assume I cannot get the full 3200 because the master node is reserving one band for AIMesh back-haul if I understand ASUS' design correctly.

1) Is my understanding of AIMesh reserving one band correct? (This would prevent any ac3200 client from using all three bands I assume)
2) Why can't the AC3200 connect the 2.4g plus at least one 5g?

AC3200:

AX88U:

 

[ColinTaylor]

I believe media bridge mode only connects to one SSID. You can't combine multiple bands.

 

[drinkingbird]

I have a core network consisting of a master RT-AX88U with two RT-AC86U nodes connected in AIMesh mode. The AX86 is using Asus firmware 3.0.0.4.388_22525. Both AC86 units are running Asus 3.0.0.4.386_51255.

To this I have connected an RT-AC3200 in Media Bridge mode. The AC3200 is running Merlin 384.13_10 (final release). When setting up the 3200 to connect to the AX86 (closest unit, and confirmed in the AX88 UI), I have the option to connect to the 2.4, 5_1, or 5_2, but no option to use multiple bands. I select one of 5g band and I get a 1300 connection. Being this is an AC WiFi unit connecting to an AX unit, I would think I should be able to at least use the 2.4g band along with one of the 5g bands in order to get a combined higher speed of 1900 (1300+600). I assume I cannot get the full 3200 because the master node is reserving one band for AIMesh back-haul if I understand ASUS' design correctly.

1) Is my understanding of AIMesh reserving one band correct? (This would prevent any ac3200 client from using all three bands I assume)
2) Why can't the AC3200 connect the 2.4g plus at least one 5g?

AC3200:
View attachment 49274

AX88U:
View attachment 49276

You can't combine speeds of the two frequencies with AC. You need to pick one, obviously 5Ghz is better if in range.