Asus Routers Extension Proper Set-up Using Ethernet Cable

[niccofox]

Hello. I understand very little about networking and routers and I'd like to get some help connecting my Asus AX1000 router to my Asus AX82U. So my ISP modem is connected to my AX1000 then the AX82U is an aiMesh node. The AX11000 is on the 1st floor. I also have an ethernet cable connected to it going to my PC via the 2.5g port. WAN port going to the modem, LAN 1 is not used, LAN 2 is being used by another PC, then there's LAN 3 used as a failback, then LAN 4 is empty.

What I would like to know is how do I do a proper setup of my main router going to the node using an ethernet cable. I do not want to lose the wifi connectivity of the main router, I only want to enhance the reliability of the 2nd node. Is it a simple plug and play to one of the ethernet ports of the AX1000 going to the AX82U WAN slot?

 

[dlandiss]

I have a similar configuration (but different model numbers). My RT-AX86U is the gateway router, and an RT-AC86U hardwired to it is configured as an access point. Works flawlessly, been doing so ever since first installed.

You can give them both the same SSID or separate, your choice.

 

[niccofox]

I have a similar configuration (but different model numbers). My RT-AX86U is the gateway router, and an RT-AC86U hardwired to it is configured as an access point. Works flawlessly, been doing so ever since first installed.

You can give them both the same SSID or separate, your choice.

Awesome. So to be clear about it, one AC86U is directly connected to the modem then the other AC86U is an extension of the main router? Sorry, I'm still trying to get used to some terminologies. In that case, if let's say my mobile phone is connected to "router 1" initially, will it get connected to "router 2" if my device is closer to that one?

 

[OzarkEdge]

Hello. I understand very little about networking and routers and I'd like to get some help connecting my Asus AX1000 router to my Asus AX82U. So my ISP modem is connected to my AX1000 then the AX82U is an aiMesh node. The AX11000 is on the 1st floor. I also have an ethernet cable connected to it going to my PC via the 2.5g port. WAN port going to the modem, LAN 1 is not used, LAN 2 is being used by another PC, then there's LAN 3 used as a failback, then LAN 4 is empty.

What I would like to know is how do I do a proper setup of my main router going to the node using an ethernet cable. I do not want to lose the wifi connectivity of the main router, I only want to enhance the reliability of the 2nd node. Is it a simple plug and play to one of the ethernet ports of the AX1000 going to the AX82U WAN slot?

Your AiMesh node can be connected wired or wirelessly. To wire it, connect the node WAN to the router LAN. The node should prefer the wired backhaul and not use its wireless backhaul. You can inspect for this in the router webUI AiMesh page and in the Wireless Log... there should be no wireless backhaul connection established between the node and router when the wired backhaul is being used by AiMesh. If there is a wireless backhaul in the Wireless Log when using a wired backhaul, toggle Ethernet Backhaul Mode ON/OFF to see if it turns the wireless backhaul OFF.

OE

 

[niccofox]

Your AiMesh node can be connected wired or wirelessly. To wire it, connect the node WAN to the router LAN. The node should prefer the wired backhaul and not use its wireless backhaul. You can inspect this in the router webUI AiMesh page and in the Wireless Log.

OE

Thanks OE! I understood that well.

 

[bennor]

[AiMesh] Can I set up wired connection between AiMesh routers (Ethernet backhaul)? | Official Support | ASUS Global

[AiMesh] What is Ethernet Backhaul Mode/Backhaul Connection Priority in AiMesh System and how to set up in different scenarios? | Official Support | ASUS Global

 

[dlandiss]

So to be clear about it, one AC86U is directly connected to the modem then the other AC86U is an extension of the main router

Just about. Use one as the main gateway and only actual "router" on the network.

The other should be configured as an Access Point, which removes its ability to assign IP addresses (it is no longer a "router") and makes it a network switch having both Ethernet and Wi-Fi outputs.

 

[niccofox]

Just about. Use one as the main gateway and only actual "router" on the network.

The other should be configured as an Access Point, which removes its ability to assign IP addresses (it is no longer a "router") and makes it a network switch having both Ethernet and Wi-Fi outputs.

Thanks! Would this be a better option than using the aiMesh system? Is there anything much beneficial for AP aside from removing the ability to assign IP addresses?

By the way, if I had a third router, can I also use that one as an AP but wirelessly?

 

[dlandiss]

For me the choice for an access point is reliability. Just my opinion, but it looks like mesh networks are still evolving and the bugs are getting worked out.

I think the third box would not be a true access point, but a wireless repeater with compromised bandwidth.

"Better" always depends on your situation and goals. It's like asking "is a car better than a truck?"

 

[bennor]

By the way, if I had a third router, can I also use that one as an AP but wirelessly?

For an Asus router, likely have to set it up in "Repeater mode", or possibly "media bridge" mode depending on usage/needs, if not using AiMesh or not using wired Ethernet AP mode. Basic general Asus Support directions:

[Wireless Router] How to set up repeater mode? | Official Support | ASUS Global

[Wireless Router] How to set up media bridge mode? | Official Support | ASUS Global