Aimesh Ethernet Backhaul not working through switch?

[tokyo_networking]

When I connect ASUS ZenWifi XT8 (3.0.0.4.388_21099) directly through an ethernet cable to an ASUS RT-AC1900P (3.0.0.4.386_49703) Aimesh node, it shows the RT-AC1900P backhaul is using the ethernet connection. However, when I put a Netgear switch in between, it uses a wireless 5G backhaul.

Why does it not use the ethernet backhaul when putting a switch in between?

 

[Tech9]

Doesn't work with smart switches in default configuration. Works with normal switches. AiMesh uses VLAN for Guest Network. I believe it can be done, but with extra switch configuration. I can test it down the road and share the findings.

 

[tokyo_networking]

Doesn't work with smart switches in default configuration. Works with normal switches. AiMesh uses VLAN for Guest Network. I believe it can be done, but with extra switch configuration. I can test it down the road and share the findings.

My switch is a Netgear GS110TP Smart Switch. https://www.netgear.com/support/product/gs110tp.aspx

Would be interested to learn what is going on.

 

[Tech9]

You lose VLAN tagging needed for AiMesh.

 

[fisherman]

Hmmm I have a Netgear ProSafe Plus switch here on my desk, a GS105E. So if I had used it to interconnect my node router to the main, it wouldn't have worked...? Or I guess you're saying instead that it could likely be "made to work" with some added configuration...

This stuff makes my head hurt.

 

[Tech9]

Or I guess you're saying instead that it could likely be "made to work" with some added configuration...

I have to test it first, but I'm not playing with my production switch. Need to find the hardware and time needed.

 

[tokyo_networking]

Doesn't work with smart switches in default configuration. Works with normal switches. AiMesh uses VLAN for Guest Network. I believe it can be done, but with extra switch configuration. I can test it down the road and share the findings.

Thanks to the hint I did come across these postings

Does aimesh use a tagged VLAN for wired backhaul?

While setting up aimesh I found that a smart switch blocks the wired connection between the node and the main router. Does this connection use a tagged VLAN? If it is using a tagged VLAN what is the VLAN ID/number? I did find that in another post that guest SSID apparently use IDs 501, 502...

www.snbforums.com

 

[drinkingbird]

When I connect ASUS ZenWifi XT8 (3.0.0.4.388_21099) directly through an ethernet cable to an ASUS RT-AC1900P (3.0.0.4.386_49703) Aimesh node, it shows the RT-AC1900P backhaul is using the ethernet connection. However, when I put a Netgear switch in between, it uses a wireless 5G backhaul.

Why does it not use the ethernet backhaul when putting a switch in between?

Try adding VLANs 501, 502, and 503 tagged on both ports (the port facing each Asus device). Leave VLAN 1 untagged on those same ports (not sure if VLAN 1 is needed but it won't hurt).

Leave PVID as the default VLAN 1.

Or you can use a "dumb" switch and it should forward the VLAN tags without caring.