Need advice - Asus AIMesh with node serving as ethernet switch vs Asus router and unmanaged ethernet switch

[Samson]

Hi!
Please excuse me if my question has been discussed, but I am new to the forum and I haven't been able to find my exact question.
I currently have a setup with an Asus TUF-AX5400 router with an unmanaged TP Link TL-SG105 ethernet switch on my 2nd floor for ethernet connection for 3 computers. The router is placed on the ground floor in an elevated position. This works very well, though WiFi is a little poor in the room furthest away from the router. To extend the WiFi range I am considering replacing the unmanaged ethernet switch with an Asus RT-AX57 and configure the network as AIMesh with ethernet backhaul. The TUF-AX5400 as the main router and the RT-AX57 as mesh node serving as an ethernet switch for our computers as well as WiFi range extender. Unfortunately, I do not have the knowledge to decide if this will negatively affect the ethernet performance compared to using the unmanaged TP Link switch. It is important to me/us that I get the best possible ethernet performance - this has priority over WiFi range.

Are there any drawbacks with using said RT-AX57 as an ethernet switch compared to using the current setup with the umnanaged TP Link switch? Anything else to consider? Any input / help is greatly appreciated.

All the best,
Samson

 

[bbunge]

Should not change the Ethernet performance/capacity. You could also plug the AX57 into the switch. Or plug the switch into the AX57. While the AX57 can be had for a good price, you might consider spending a bit more for a better router/AiMesh node. Depending upon the place where you purchase it, try it and if it does not work out you can send it back. AN AX58U may be a better choice.

 

[Samson]

Thanks a bunch for your prompt response, bbunge. Much appreciated. Your suggestion to plug the AX57 into the switch would solve an installation challenge as I have limited space for a router - I didn't think of that at all. Regarding AX57 vs AX58U I just now discovered that the AX58U is 35 % off, which makes it way more worth than the AX57. How abt that .

Again, thank you for your valuable input. Rgds,
Samson