XT8 AImesh without being primary router

[NoncarbonatedClack]

I've been trying to get this setup for a bit now..

I've got 2 XT8's flashed with gnuton's firmware. I'm trying to get this setup as an AImesh network, due to not having ethernet backhaul capabilities currently.
I'm unable to get the nodes to see each other and form the mesh. I've been through multiple factory resets, etc. Mesh works if I configure the device as a router, but I'm running an opnsense firewall, so I don't need a router.

Does anyone have these devices configured in such a manner? It looks to be an option during device setup.

 

[aex.perez]

AiMesh is ASUS Router and ASUS Router set to operate as a AiMesh node or nodes. Nodes get their configs from the Router they are paired with.
If Opensense Firewall is your primary device, set the XT8's to operate as AP's instead which makes operate individually without Router capabilities.

 

[NoncarbonatedClack]

AiMesh is ASUS Router and ASUS Router set to operate as a AiMesh node or nodes. Nodes get their configs from the Router they are paired with.
If Opensense Firewall is your primary device, set the XT8's to operate as AP's instead which makes operate individually without Router capabilities.

So in other words, AI Mesh doesn't exist outside router mode? I don't have the capability to use ethernet backhaul, I need the wireless backhaul function.

From Asus' website (ignore the red boxes, I didn't make those):

It would seem like that 2nd option, AP mode /AI Mesh router in AP mode would be what I want, but that isn't working out

 

[aex.perez]

Router needed, yes. Nodes added to it to make the mesh. Otherwise, in your case AP mode is likely what you want and your best option.
But Wired back haul is not a requirement, can be Wireless and others. I don't have access to a graphic to show up the options supported under AiMesh in the GUI.

Dedicate one 5Ghz band to the backhaul and the others for WiFi connectivity.
But in AP mode each works independently, no mesh, wired to the Opensense firewall.

 

[NoncarbonatedClack]

So if I'm understanding correctly, set both to AP mode, and one can connect to the other wirelessly?

 

[aex.perez]

Almost, they become independent or each other both providing WiFi to devices using unique SSID’s connect to the LAN on the OpenSense firewall - no AiMesh

 

[NoncarbonatedClack]

Hey, works for me. I just need the wireless backhaul. I would be using MoCA but my adapters finally failed after many years, and I don't feel like investing the money there again. Pricey stuff.

 

[Tech9]

So in other words, AI Mesh doesn't exist outside router mode?

AiMesh in AP Mode is valid configuration, but restore the original firmware on your routers first. This 3rd party firmware gives you nothing in AiMesh, may give you trouble. XT8 is not the best option for AP since it has no VLAN support. It can provide basic AP functionality only for single network on your pfSence firewall.

Router needed, yes

Asus router in Router mode is not needed for AiMesh.

 

[NoncarbonatedClack]

AiMesh in AP Mode is valid configuration, but restore the original firmware on your routers first. This 3rd party firmware gives you nothing in AiMesh, may give you trouble. XT8 is not the best option for AP since it has no VLAN support. It can provide basic AP functionality only for single network on your pfSence firewall.



Asus router in Router mode is not needed for AiMesh.

I would very much love having VLAN capability, I wasn't aware of support for that in another model. Maybe I'll have to look into that.

 

[aex.perez]

learn something new everyday

Then to take this to the next step, could I take the my AX88, and two AX86's and make a mesh out of them, as I have now. And them have the freedom to move to a any router independantly, taking the AX88 out of Router Mode and from the function. Maintaining the WiFi coverage I have now as I slow roll upgrading the overall network piece by piece. First a Router or something, and then AP's or something as a replacement for the nodes?

That would open some doors I didn't think I had open to me...

 

[Tech9]

I have different advice for both of you:

@NoncarbonatedClack:
Your pfSense firewall with XT8 routers makes no sense (pun intended). You have 100 network configuration options on the firewall and APs capable of 1 flat network only. If you feel like scripting VLANs on 3x different interfaces with 3rd party firmware and AiMesh with dedicated wireless backhaul on top - good luck! Restore your XT8 mesh system and remove this pfSense firewall. At least you can have proper Guest Network. Asus firewall is good enough for home use.

@aex.perez:
You have Ethernet to the APs and can use this example to create VLAN cable APs. The script is ready for 2x of your routers, you have to modify it for one. Any VLAN capable firewall can be used, the OP is with UCG. Not the best option, you have to modify the script every time you change VLANs, you won't have the APs integrated, but possible as cost cutting measure. The best option is PoE powered VLAN capable APs, but this can wait for the next network upgrade.