Zenwifi BT8 Manual?

[joechip]

I am considering replacing my 12-year old Asus router with a current Zenwifi BT8 (with one mesh satellite). Although I am not an SME, I know how to perform my desired configuration options manually through its web interface, such renaming and hiding the SSID, implementing MAC filtering, and using the parental controls.
I considered some other Asus mesh routers (e.g. ET9 and XT8), and I can easily understand their configuration options by downloading and reviewing their ~130-page operating manuals. However, in the case of the BT8, in which I think that I am finally interested, its online manual is 25% the length (~30 pages) of the others and is much higher level, not very useful for me at all. Configuration options such as the few I have listed above are not even mentioned. Furthermore, I am not even sure that the BT8 has a web interface.
There is a searchable FAQ on the Asus product web page, but some of my searches such as "SSID" and "hidden SSID" return no results.
Does the BT8 even have a web interface? Is it comparable to the web interfaces of other Asus routers? How can I determine the unit's configurable options before buying? Is there a more complete manual hiding somewhere?
In my current case, I may have to disable NAT in the router, since the upstream T-Mobile internet gateway (not yet integrated into my main home network) evidently performs NAT, and I can't access this parameter to turn it off. So, I need to learn about that.

thanks

 

[jzchen]

If it's still true what I've read in the past T-Mobile service uses a gateway and unfortunately doesn't allow Bridge Mode nor IP Passthrough (AT&T's option). You'd want to set the primary BT8 as an Access Point and the other as it's AiMesh node.

Regarding the manual I just checked and it is 30 pages. But section 3 is interestingly a bunch of hyperlinks to Tutorials/FAQs online. (A good way to easily keep them up to date without having to go and revise manuals one by one)...

 

[joechip]

jzchen, thank you for your quick reply. As far as I can tell, the only configuration that T-Mobile gateway only allows me is to name the SSID and configure its wifi service. That's about it. I have no visibility into anything else that it does. The T-Mobile gateway also includes a separate mesh access point.
If I configure the BT8 as an access point, what is the point of having the BT8 at all? My intention was to use its IP assignment, wifi (WAP3), MAC filtering, and parental controls. None of these functions will be available if the BT8 is configured as an access point, will they?
If I am correct, and they are not, couldn't I just use a network switch instead of the BT8?

 

[jzchen]

Your questions are all valid....

IP assignment will be provided by the T-Mobile Gateway DHCP server. You would need to depend on it for MAC filtering and if available parental controls.

A network switch is an access point minus WiFi. Or an access point is a switch with added WiFi function/reach. WPA3 would be an available benefit of adding the BT8. You may find the pair useful if your home is large and have some dead spots/areas with the T-Mobile mesh. AiMesh would function and you could have devices seamlessly roam between the two BT8...

I don't know T-Mobile's Internet policies nor how committed you are to keeping their service, but without the option to bridge or Passthrough the service isn't one I'd recommend to friends/family...