Compatible mesh nodes to use with RT-BE88U

[gt67cougar]

I'm looking for advice on what the best (inexpensive) unit would be to work as a mesh node with my RT-BE88U. I ran an RT-AC88U for more than 8 years and once AiMesh got the early bugs worked out, added an RT-AC3100 as a hard wired mesh node on the opposite end of the house on top of my AV rack. Both units running Merlin firmware. I replaced the RT-AC88U with an RT-BE88U (running Merlin firmware) in February and it has worked well, pretty much covers the whole space without AiMesh. While the Wi-Fi at the fringe areas works, it isn't great so I'm considering setting up a mesh node over on the AV rack again (replacing the switch that is currently there). I was going to wipe and add the RT-AC88U as the mesh node, but figured I'd better check a little harder. After some research, it should connect as a mesh node, albite AC only, but would lose a significant number of features. I'm currently running the IoT network solely for my 2 Squeezebox Booms and 2 Squeezebox Duets (go figure, they still work great 16+ years old) which I use daily. Would the IoT still work off the BE88U, just not the AC88U mesh node? Etc.

I further looked at AiMesh in general and Dong says NO on hook-ups more than one generation apart, i.e.

Wi-Fi7 / Wi-Fi7 = BEST
Wi-Fi7 / Wi-Fi6 = OK
Wi-Fi7 / Wi-Fi5 = NO

Is this accurate? I'd love to get another RT-BE88U as a mesh node, but really can't afford another $350 out so was looking at the RT-BE58U for the mesh node? Would that work well? I realize it doesn't have the top end bandwidth of the BE88U, but in real world use I can't see that being an issue. Also know it's not supported by Merlin firmware but the stock firmware should be fine as a mesh node. I have my sister running an RT-AX88U with 2 RT-AX3000 as mesh nodes without issue. Had intended to run Merlin on all but when the AX3000's arrived they were ver 2 and not compatible anymore so have been running stock ASUS firmware on those and she's had no problems.

I've looked at the RT-BE86U as well, but for such a slight difference in price compared to BE88U, I'd much rather have the additional network ports and RAM of the BE88U. I do not need or want Tri-Band, I'm of the opinion that except for rare situations, the 6GHz band is pretty much useless in the real world.

So, would the RT-BE58U work for me as a mesh node, without loss of features? I appreciate any feedback! Thanks

 

[bbunge]

With WIFI 7 router stick with a WIFI 7 AiMesh node. If the router is a "Pro" version a non "Pro" version will work but some features will be lost.

 

[gt67cougar]

thanks, the BE88U is not a "Pro" model, they don't have one currently (yet). Far as I can tell the BE58U is lower CPU, half the ram, and 2 x 2 antennas vs 4 x 4 on the BE88U and the network port differences, which is fine.

 

[jksmurf]

If you’re looking at VLAN capabilities of mesh nodes and connectivity both wired and wireless, have a look at this thread, @visortgw provides some excellent feedback. It is something to consider wrt FW Codebases for AIMesh units.