ASUS Aimesh Ethernet backhaul

[thewickedpickett]

Hello

I run an Aimesh system with AX88u as primary and 3 AX82Us as nodes. All nodes use ethernet backhaul. 2 are connected to the main router and one is daisy chained off one of the nodes LAN ports.

My issue is that all my devices show as connected to the main 88U router. Some time ago I used to see devices jumping around from node to node etc but not any more. I could also see wired devices listed under the correct node but not now.

The interesting thing is that speed tests and the like strongly suggest wireless devices are connecting to the nodes. Why do they all appear under the main 88U?

I contacted ASUS a few times but they were unhelpful. Any ideas. I have searched around but not found this particular issue.

 

[Tech9]

AiMesh and Client List quirks, there is no user side fix.

 

[thewickedpickett]

Is there a technical way to ascertain if my devices are definitely connecting to a node? The wireless devices for example?

 

[Tech9]

If you really have doubts where the clients connect perhaps your router and nodes are too close. AiMesh works okay when the nodes are at least -65dBm signal level. If they are closer your clients see many good APs to connect to. Overall network performance and roaming will suffer as a result. More Wi-Fi is not necessarily better. Not sure why you need 4x routers.

 

[bbunge]

Hello

I run an Aimesh system with AX88u as primary and 3 AX82Us as nodes. All nodes use ethernet backhaul. 2 are connected to the main router and one is daisy chained off one of the nodes LAN ports.

My issue is that all my devices show as connected to the main 88U router. Some time ago I used to see devices jumping around from node to node etc but not any more. I could also see wired devices listed under the correct node but not now.

The interesting thing is that speed tests and the like strongly suggest wireless devices are connecting to the nodes. Why do they all appear under the main 88U?

I contacted ASUS a few times but they were unhelpful. Any ideas. I have searched around but not found this particular issue.

Do you have the AiMesh system set to Ethernet Backhaul mode (AiMesh/System Settings/Ethernet Backhaul mode)? If so, turn it off. Let the system set itself up with the nodes. I have found that forcing the backhaul mode can cause problems.
What firmware are you using? If Merlin, go back to Asus firmware and see if it works better.

 

[thewickedpickett]

I do have it on Ethernet backhaul mode but that’s only been a recent change. The firmware is just whatever is standard on the ASUS management pages. 3.0.0.4 etc.

I have wondered if 3 nodes is overkill but my house has thick brick walls and heavy doors that are often closed. Speed always suffered any time you were in a different room the the main router and we are heavy users of many devices wirelessly and wired. I initially ran Ethernet into other rooms for hard wiring devices but went down the Aimesh route as a way of being able to use routers to hard wire and hopefully improve WiFi.

 

[bbunge]

I do have it on Ethernet backhaul mode but that’s only been a recent change. The firmware is just whatever is standard on the ASUS management pages. 3.0.0.4 etc.

OK, but is the firmware up to date?
ASUS RT-AX88U Firmware version 3.0.0.4.388_24209
ASUS RT-AX82U Firmware version 3.0.0.4.388_24963

 

[Tech9]

went down the Aimesh route as a way of being able to use routers to hard wire and hopefully improve WiFi

Was it ever working in somewhat acceptable way?

 

[thewickedpickett]

Was it ever working in somewhat acceptable way?

Actually yes. Initially I had a node connected via WiFi and back then I could see devices attached to the correct router. And wireless devices would jump to a different node etc.

Firmware is up to date.

 

[Tech9]

I would turn off the nodes, power them up one at a time and evaluate Wi-Fi coverage. You don't need full bars and full speed everywhere. I believe you have too many nodes and this is causing issues. Client List in Asuswrt is buggy for years and you can't fix that. AiMesh is a marketing term for connected APs or repeaters. You may want to test with Router + AP Mode configuration at some point. No Guest Network to nodes propagation, but in general the more stable setup allowing more control including Tx power per AP for better roaming. AiMesh is made easy, but not the best you can get.