RT-AX86U - What to pair with for AIMesh?

[Tech9]

If single RT-AX86U is good enough for wireless coverage - you have an easy and free solution. The AX router upstairs, remove this AiMesh, configure the AC router as Media Bridge downstairs. Connect your Printer and VoIP to it and test if everything works as expected.

 

[OzarkEdge]

I'm not going to order anything new and see how this works for a bit. Seems like a much better setup with the AX86U upstairs with better reach to the devices that get used most frequently.

Yes, seems so.

Another option to consider... configure the downstairs AC68U node in Media Bridge Mode to connect wired clients only. The AC68U will use all of its WiFi for the uplink to the upstairs router. Be sure to not locate the AC68U directly under the upstairs router... stagger them apart.

OE

 

[LexLuthor]

If single RT-AX86U is good enough for wireless coverage - you have an easy and free solution. The AX router upstairs, remove this AiMesh, configure the AC router as Media Bridge downstairs. Connect your Printer and VoIP to it and test if everything works as expected.

This is very helpful and how I have things set up now, thanks! It's connected via 5G and signal strenth is around -45. Printer and ATA appear to be working. I'm pretty confident that the AX86U, positioned where it is now, will provide acceptable coverage to wherever I need. I do not recall exactly why I didn't try it positioned here when I got it. Likely because I didn't know I could set up the 2nd one as a media bridge and not wanting the printer upstairs.

Yes, seems so.

Another option to consider... configure the downstairs AC68U node in Media Bridge Mode to connect wired clients only. The AC68U will use all of its WiFi for the uplink to the upstairs router. Be sure to not locate the AC68U directly under the upstairs router... stagger them apart.

OE

You mean physically a floor directly under the main router would be bad? The lower one is probably a floor below and 10 feet to the right of the upstairs one. Is that far enough staggered? What happens if they aren't staggered enough?

 

[Tech9]

Is that far enough staggered?

You have GUI with connection information available in Media Bridge mode. Why don't you look there? You set this router in Media Bridge mode yourself, no? How much bandwidth and traffic a Printer and VoIP ATA will need anyway? Sometimes people focus so much on advice online that forget simple and obvious things...

 

[LexLuthor]

You have GUI with connection information available in Media Bridge mode. Why don't you look there? You set this router in Media Bridge mode yourself, no? How much bandwidth and traffic a Printer and VoIP ATA will need anyway? Sometimes people focus so much on advice online that forget simple and obvious things...

Signal is -46, printer and ATA use almost no data. Based on what OzarkEdge said, I was thinknig maybe there's some sort of persistent connection/data flow between the 2 routers that might cause problems if they are not "staggered".

At this point, I don't think I have to touch anytihng and will monitor this week and make sure no one has any complaints.

 

[Tech9]

This router is now a client on your network just like any other. The signal strength is excellent. You have nothing more to optimize.

 

[OzarkEdge]

You mean physically a floor directly under the main router would be bad? The lower one is probably a floor below and 10 feet to the right of the upstairs one. Is that far enough staggered? What happens if they aren't staggered enough?

I mean try not to have the APs directly inline, one stacked over the other... 10 feet staggered is fine.

The concern is how the signal is formed... you don't want to locate the antennas in dead zones. Depending on the antenna gain (etc.) the beam patterns can vary:

I believe these routers are close to the bottom image... ~2dBi and 360 degree coverage. But if there is going to be a signal dead zone, it's going to be directly above and below the donut hole. So, my advice is to stagger the APs left and right a bit to get them out of any weaker signal 'hole'. Of course, slanting the antennas tilts the donut pattern, so there are variables... but as a practice, I find it best to not 'stack' APs. Staggering between floors also puts them farther apart... the typical ~10 feet floor-to-floor distance is close for APs (or AP and media bridge client), imo... why you are now enjoying a very strong media bridge connection at -46dBm.

OE