Looking for a Wi-Fi 7 Router/AP with Wireless-Backhaul and VLANs

[Schnooz]

Hey guys,

i'm currently running my network based on a pair of Netgear Orbi Pro (SXR80/SXS80) with a wireless backhaul and some VLANs. As Netgear has discontinued the Orbi Pro series, i'm looking for a Wi-Fi 7 alternative and got some hints that maybe ASUS devices can give me what i'm looking for.

For clarification what i need, here a simplified diagram of my current setup:

So now my question to the experienced guys: Are there some ASUS devices capable to do this:
- Wi-Fi 7
- Wireless-Backhaul with full VLAN support (Dedicated Wireless-BH would be great, but not required)
- SSIDs assignable to VLAN
- tagged and untagged VLANs on Ethernet-Ports

For sure I'm not afraid of using a 3rd-party firmware, if it's only available out of the stock firmware.

 

[jksmurf]

OK, initial disclaimer, I don’t have Wi-Fi 7 devices, but if you go with ASUS I think it is imperative you get Router/Node models on “Asus VLAN List” of 3006 codebase GNP, VLAN supported routers that do just that. See Note 1 below. There are Wi-Fi 7 models on that list.

If you do not care about VLAN propagating to the nodes Ethernet ports then 3006 GNP Primary and 3006 GNP Nodes on Asus GNP List may be sufficient. Note that many (most) on the GNP list also appear on the VLAN list.

There are quite a number of threads on the vagaries of Guest Network Pro with 3006.102.x Primary and 3004.388.x codebase nodes. From personal experience I strongly suggest you do not go that route. Here are some recent examples of that experience:

5Ghz GUEST Network not propagating to AiMesh nodes?​

What is the latest wisdom on getting the 5Ghz (Guest Wifi) band to actually work on the GNP Nodes, using AiMesh (in addition to the 2.4Ghz band). I do not wish to create APs atm. My Guest Network (GNP) is working, but clients (iPhones and iPads) all seem to be served 2.4Ghz only (on Guest) and...

www.snbforums.com

Guest Network Pro not broadcasting on XT8 nodes (GT-AX11000 Pro + XT8 mesh setup)​

How do I fix that ?? Just pick guest network not custom ?? Meaning how do I change the instance ! I think it's an either/or thing, so if you want regular Guest Network and not Guest Network Pro I think you have to revert to the 3004.xx firmware branch.

www.snbforums.com

Note 1. A quick comparison between both lists I linked above suggests (currently):

• Routers that do both GNP and VLAN: Many (most?) of the high-end and newer models (like the GT-BE, RT-AX88U Pro, RT-BE series) support both features.
• GNP only: A few specific models like the GS-BE7200X and RT-BE58 Go, although the recently released RT-BE58 Go e.g., may just be an oversight as its predecessor the RT-AX57 Go is on the VLAN list too.
• VLAN only: Primarily some specific business models (EB-series) and a couple of high-end gaming routers (GT-AX11000 Pro, GT-AXE16000). I am dubious about these missing from the GNP list TBH, might just be Asus failing to update properly, hopefully others can say “model X on the VLAN list actually supports GNP as well”.

And if you can use Ethernet to connect them, even if it needs some work pulling or threading or laying cables and ducts, do it.

See also this thread FYI, as you can achieve the VLAN to Ethernet pots Tag with a cheap managed switch.

https://www.snbforums.com/threads/switch-capabilities-of-aimesh-nodes.94562/page-10#post-970405

My recent experience with a second network with 35-odd IoT devices is that even with fully VLAN and GNP compatible routers and nodes, the lack of per node transmission power means that you have to tweak RSSI values to get IoT devices to bind (I don’t like forced binding) to the closest nodes, (two RT-AX86U pro worked BH, RT-AX6000 Main, all Wi-Fi 6).

HTH

 

[Tech9]

wireless backhaul and some VLANs

This wireless backhaul requirement limits your hardware choices to equipment potentially struggling with the rest of your requirements. Explore Ethernet connection options or high-throughput wireless bridges, then your OPNsense firewall goes to SMB managed switches with the APs you need. Otherwise you have to take chances with consumer ASUS gaming spiders and AiMesh in AP Mode.