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):
1. The internal ethernet switch, (old routers may have used two ethernet physical interfaces),
2. and the 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 home routers present the ethernet switch labelled by port number 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 (by being 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). Note wireless can also be used as the internet facing interface. Windows to my amazement seems to be able to support both at hot spot and client mode access mode at once.

So yes, the backhaul cables go into any port on the LAN switch [unless configured to be on a different VLAN which are otherwise typically on native VLAN 1 by default and 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 .

 

[CornfieldWin]

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.

Great.

 

[CornfieldWin]

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 .

What? I have run a very similar configuration with the two routers literally next to each other for testing and backhauled across ground floor by ethernet with no complications. Can reach 100 feet into outside fields, basement, second floor, and attic with rock solid connectivity. So what "SMB type design" would do better with the existing base of APs and cabling?

 

[CornfieldWin]

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.

The Cisco CBW150AX would max out at 50 clients of which I have more. Not bothering with the rest because they can't reuse existing equipment (same as OP) and appear to do best (but not only) with at least one ethernet backhaul. But if starting from scratch them separating choice of access points and from choice of router makes good sense depending upon cost and convenience trade offs. This allows the router hardware, software, and configuration to be detached from choosing or replacing APs.