Upgrading from an AX88U to AX88U Pro, can I used the non-pro as an AImesh node?

[diyguy]

I've read that you would lose some pro-features if you use the non pro version as a mesh node.

 

[bbunge]

I've read that you would lose some pro-features if you use the non pro version as a mesh node.

Not really loose. You will be limited in what you can do with the guest WIFI and VLAN. I used an AX86U as a node to an AX86U Pro with no problem.

 

[Tech9]

I've read that you would lose some pro-features

Correct. Don't believe ASUS' false advertising "All devices in an AiMesh network enjoy access to all the features of the main router". Your node won't support Pro features. It will have one GN per band available. Two routers are okay for cost saving, but don't invest heavily in AiMesh. Lots of compatibility issues and limitations.

 

[diyguy]

Is it worth creating an AImesh node then ? I could just backhaul ethernet connectg the non-pro, set it up as a AP and use the same SSID etc. Any downside to this approach as opposed to creating the AImesh node? I have a decent sized house and this is to solve weak spots on opposite ends of the home.

Thanks

 

[jksmurf]

Is it worth creating an AImesh node then ? I could just backhaul ethernet connectg the non-pro, set it up as a AP and use the same SSID etc. Any downside to this approach as opposed to creating the AImesh node? I have a decent sized house and this is to solve weak spots on opposite ends of the home.

Thanks

Only if you want to propogate more than the main SSID to nodes and need centralized management.

 

[jzchen]

Seamless roaming may be lost also. Ethernet backhaul is preferred unless you have a dedicated backhaul channel ie 5 GHz-2 or 6 GHz-2. ASUS stopped saying that all features are gained after WiFi 5 to WiFi 6 transition, so between WiFi 6 and WiFi 7....

 

[RMerlin]

Is it worth creating an AImesh node then ?

Yes - centralized management. You will be able to monitor ALL clients from the main router interface rather than having to move between two different web interface. You will also be able to force a client to connect to one specific interface. It will also let you manage firmware updates through one single interface.

AiMesh also does support Ethernet backhauls, no need to set the node in AP mode for this.