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.

 

[JarleH]

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.

Done a bit more searching. I can get hold of a RT-AX88U Pro nicely used, and Asus RT-AX86U Pro are still for sale.
Both about same price.

 

[degrub]

Confirmed case of Gear Acquisition Syndrome.
You really don't want to add additional nodes as there is no control over the Tx power and too much overlap between radios just generates noise. A SMB type design would likely better fill your hole needs and any roaming handover as suggested above .