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

[CornfieldWin]

I usually prefer complete solutions (Gateway, controller, switches, APs), but it's not necessary.

Does that meant each of those are architected carefully, or one proprietary vendor?

 

[CornfieldWin]

For multi-AP SMB class system - definitely single vendor with integration if possible. It doesn't mean though over the counter consumer mesh set with >5 satellites, nodes, pods (whatever they are called) is a good idea. Home mesh sets work best with up to 3 units and the user has to be aware of capabilities and limitations. There is a person in another thread with 5 wired XT12 units... waste of money for limited capabilities result.

Advocating single vendor lock in for all components or all tightly related components like APs?

 

[CornfieldWin]

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.

??? The typical home router is three physical devices and interfaces (level 2), the ethernet switch and two radio (sometime three) radios. The LAN is a firmware bridge (also level 2) of those three devices. The Ethernet switch is most typically a managed smart switch in most modern routers whether hardcoded by legacy or exposed by VLANs in the GUI. Most modern routers present the ethernet switch labelled by port at the back. The WAN port may convert to yet another LAN port in AP mode which may be done by legacy code or VLAN magic internally (made part of native VLAN 1). No matter what, the mesh backhaul cables(s) plugs into any of the designated LAN ports on the ethernet switch.

Wireless backhaul likewise bridges to the main LAN. (OK, if not, show why not).

So yes, the backhaul go into any port on the LAN switch [unless configured to be on different VLAN which is typically native VLAN 1 that also supports the switch/bridge/router management GUI]. Q.E.D.

 

[CornfieldWin]

I have to agree with this. I moved from RT-AX88U to RT-BE88U and to be frank the only gain is Guest Network Pro and VLANs which I'm not currently using to the full.
There's also agreement that the 6GHz band is not worth it.
Stick with what you have - it's working and still has some mileage in it. See what the future brings.

It appears that AX88U Pro/AX6000 is not available at retail, although still available at a good price on eBay. From your report, it seems the RT-BE88U is assuming that role with the same processor which is key to future grades.