Upgrade from Asus RT-AX88U (RT-BE88U / ROG Strix GS-BE18000 / ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI)?..

[Tech9]

There's also agreement that the 6GHz band is not worth it.

Well... many will disagree, but I'm with you on this one. Wi-Fi is convenience first technology and dual-band devices offer better price/performance ratio with acceptable single AP range for home environments. What matters after all is user experience and not speed test numbers. I believe most will agree home AIO routers work best as single AP as designed. The best hardware choice is the right one for the application.

 

[Tech9]

the AX88U Pro (not really the same as his existing AX88U but highly compatible with it)

This model with 3006 firmware is hard to find lately and it's not really highly compatible with routers running 3004 firmware. The new GNP/Network/VLAN features are not available to older models in AiMesh configuration. So it's like investing in network with limitations right from the start.

But three meshed routers will likely cover most homes. They will be blazingly fast back hauled by Cat 6a cable.

If Ethernet infrastructure is available there are better options than "meshing routers" and consumer "mesh sets". Access Points in Wi-Fi 6 class with better multi-AP management features and VLAN support start under $100. There are better options than AiMesh in particular even on the consumer market.

 

[JarleH]

This model with 3006 firmware is hard to find lately and it's not really highly compatible with routers running 3004 firmware. The new GNP/Network/VLAN features are not available to older models in AiMesh configuration. So it's like investing in network with limitations right from the start.



If Ethernet infrastructure is available there are better options than "meshing routers" and consumer "mesh sets". Access Points in Wi-Fi 6 class with better multi-AP management features and VLAN support start under $100. There are better options than AiMesh in particular even on the consumer market.

Yes, this is a problem, the model is no longer for sale. So I am not sure which other model to go for in the AX line.

Also, AI mesh with backhaul, need more info on this. Is it just the APs are LAN connected?

Not sure my cheap AP support AI mesh.

 

[Tech9]

Not sure my cheap AP support AI mesh.

It's AiMesh, marketing name. Not AI mesh, no AI there. Your RT-AX1800U is AiMesh compatible model, wired or wireless backhaul configuration. Why don't you check the specifications?

https://www.asus.com/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800u/

 

[CornfieldWin]

This model with 3006 firmware is hard to find lately and it's not really highly compatible with routers running 3004 firmware. The new GNP/Network/VLAN features are not available to older models in AiMesh configuration. So it's like investing in network with limitations right from the start.



If Ethernet infrastructure is available there are better options than "meshing routers" and consumer "mesh sets". Access Points in Wi-Fi 6 class with better multi-AP management features and VLAN support start under $100. There are better options than AiMesh in particular even on the consumer market.

Successfully running last versions of AX88U Pro/3006.102.7 with GS5400/3.0.0.4.388_23169-gac5a2b0. Which are access Points in Wi-Fi 6 class with better multi-AP management features and VLAN support start under $100 than ASUSWRT-Merlin's functionality? Do you include the AMTM scripts?

 

[Tech9]

There are quite a few to choose from around $100-150 like Cisco CBW150AX, HPE Instant On AP22, Omada EAP6xx series including some HD variants, Ubiquiti U6-Plus or even U7-Lite, MikroTik wAP or cAP series, etc. They all offer WebUI, App or Controller management options with different features and are VLAN capable. In your specific case since you need only 2x APs I would go with Omada EPA650-Desktop in stand-alone mode WebUI controlled. They look nice for home setup, have small footprint, built-in switch for extra LAN ports, don't require PoE and 12V power adapter is included. The price is around $130/ea.

 

[Tech9]

AImesh backhaul is just another LAN device(s).

This is incorrect and the entire post above has nothing to do with AiMesh.

 

[Tech9]

I'm experiencing great difficulties deciphering your posts @CornfieldWin full of unrelated content and incorrect terms and I'm done with recommendations to @JarleH. Have a good weekend!

 

[CornfieldWin]

I'm experiencing great difficulties deciphering your posts @CornfieldWin full of unrelated content and incorrect terms and I'm done with recommendations to @JarleH. Have a good weekend!

Crickets. Perhaps you have good points but seem unable to articulate them in discussion. Have a good day.

 

[CornfieldWin]

@JarleH To the point:

3) Your best solutions is to add a AX88U Pro.
1) Plug your cable modem or equivalent into the WAN port of the additional AX88U Pro.
2) Plug in the existing AX88U and AX800U routers using your cat 6a cables into the LAN ports on the back of the AX88U Pro.
3) Take five minutes to factory reset all three.
4) Configure through the AX88U Pro GUI as usual in default router mode and set up the WIFI SSIDs.
5) Use the AImesh tab in the GUI to add simply add the existing two routers in AImesh mode which will be discovered automatically (they are compatible and know what to do).
6) Your are done! (All your WIFI configuration will automatically pass through to the now AImesh nodes.)

Ignore the rest of the thread as noise.

 

[CornfieldWin]

It actually makes me sad to see how people stick to single vendor, pay crazy money based on aggressive marketing or just select totally wrong hardware for the task. Two GT-BE19000AI gaming spiders from ASUS for $1800 may not provide better experience than Deco XE75 AXE5400 2-pack for $150. The latter is set-and-forget good quality Qualcomm Wi-Fi 6E home mesh set. It will self-adjust the mesh, has super easy control with phone app. Place it where it needs to be, turn it on... use the rest of the money for vacation.

Practically speaking there are three independent parts to any home network:\
1. the router (dedicated or integrated) which communicates to the outside world,
2. the APs using cables and/or radios to form the home home network whether sold as matched mesh APs or routers in meshed mode,
3. and other application specific servers.

Those are the 3 degrees of freedom. For most with simple needs the router and home network functionality will be integrated. Some manufacturers provide independent routers but lock in the APs needlessly to deter going elsewhere.

The DogsBreakfast19000 is the dumbest mistake imaginable combining all network functions with user downloadable applications (Opnense won't even let a browser onboard). Friends don't let friend go down that sink hole, never mind price. If in doubt, AI will explain.

 

[Ripshod]

Practically speaking there are three independent parts to any home network: the router (dedicated or integrated), the home network in router/AP mode optionally with mesh, and other application specific servers. Those are the 3 degrees of freedom. For most with simple needs the router and home network functionality will be integrated. Some manufacturers provide independent routers but lock in the APs needlessly to deter going elsewhere. The DogsBreakfast19000 is the dumbest mistake imaginable combining all network functions with applications (Opnense won't even let a browser onboard). Friends don't let friend go down that sink hole, never mind price. If in doubt, AI will explain.

Here we go with the AI
Welcome to my growing ignore list.

 

[Tech9]

Some really bad AI was used in this thread. Backhaul goes to the back of the router, fronthaul goes to the front most likely. Uplink and downlink go... you know already. When it's wireless it goes... anywhere it wants.

 

[dave14305]

If you’re old enough to remember…

Edit: adding reference for the rest of you:

It's a Good Life (The Twilight Zone) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[JarleH]

Please stay on topic folks...
I have pointed out the AX88U Pro is sadly no longer for sale, at least in my region.
AiMesh setup may be the best solution for my case, will look into alternative options for the AX88U Pro.

 

[Tech9]

will look into alternative options for the AX88U Pro

One of the main reasons to upgrade is better wifi (range, signal strength), newer hardware and minimum at least a few 2.5GB ports.

You have no immediate need to upgrade. Your main router is still supported by ASUS plus 3rd party firmware and matches the node's age and technology. Wi-Fi 7 devices won't give you better range and 2.5GbE LAN can be done with much cheaper switch. If you really insist on a new toy - RT-BE88U with your existing RT-AX88U as node. Remove the RT-AX1800U if not needed. Not ideal, there are AiMesh incompatibilities, there are bugs in firmware, but single device on somewhat fair price and with the ports you want. It is popular around model and folks using it may give you advice what to do when issues are encountered. Your user experience $340 later will most likely remain about the same. Wi-Fi performance will remain limited by your clients' capabilities and environmental factors.

 

[CornfieldWin]

Here we go with the AI
Welcome to my growing ignore list.

Noted. Apparently no understanding of network and system architecture. It gets hard to slide by as a technician or wire monkey forever as home networks expand in function. Bet there is no understanding why the ASUS DogsBteakfast19000 is a dangerous leap in the wrong direction. Very likely could not pinpoint the reason in a single sentence or explain why.

 

[CornfieldWin]

It actually makes me sad to see how people stick to single vendor, pay crazy money based on aggressive marketing or just select totally wrong hardware for the task. Two GT-BE19000AI gaming spiders from ASUS for $1800 may not provide better experience than Deco XE75 AXE5400 2-pack for $150. The latter is set-and-forget good quality Qualcomm Wi-Fi 6E home mesh set. It will self-adjust the mesh, has super easy control with phone app. Place it where it needs to be, turn it on... use the rest of the money for vacation.

According the OP, the AX88U Pro with WIFI 6 with cat 6a backhaul to existing investment would be superior with far greater flexibility and compatibility. Price difference amortized over 3 to 5+ years is minimal.

 

[CornfieldWin]

I have been focused on Asus due to my Asus routers have been very good for years, and able to run Merlin.
This one? https://www.prisjakt.no/product.php?p=13770235

Which mesh boxes?

And how are TP-Link in comparison? Their 'top router' is even more expensive then Asus.

ASUS AX88UPro with your two original ASUS routers in AImesh node backhauled with your existing cat 6a cabling. Best in class solution. This should not be a hard choice.

 

[CornfieldWin]

Both of your ASUS routers are Wi-Fi 6, not Wi-Fi 6E.



Yes, users with not enough knowledge can hurt themselves badly with it.

Point, guess cat 8 backhaul will just have to do.