Connecting Asus Zen WiFi XT8 to existing network and router.

[sadaman]

Hello.
I would like to ask you to verify whether the connection method is correct.

My supplier provided an ONT to which I have connected a TP-Link ER707-M2 router > TP-Link TL-SG2218P switch (to provide internet to two other buildings + POE cameras).
In my 3-story house, to distribute the WiFi network, I installed a set: 3 x Asus XT8 v2 + 1 x Asus RP-AX58 which was configured as AP.
The router for ZenWiFi is TP-Link ER-707-M2
Please let me know whether the connection of everything as in the attachment is correct?
The Zen WiFi system works well, but once every few weeks I can't connect, e.g. to the 5G-1 band, several times one of the XT8 satellites lost the connection. Of course, restarting the whole thing helped.

I would like to ask for suggestions, proposed changes, etc.
Thank you

 

[OzarkEdge]

Hello.
I would like to ask you to verify whether the connection method is correct.

My supplier provided an ONT to which I have connected a TP-Link ER707-M2 router > TP-Link TL-SG2218P switch (to provide internet to two other buildings + POE cameras).
In my 3-story house, to distribute the WiFi network, I installed a set: 3 x Asus XT8 v2 + 1 x Asus RP-AX58 which was configured as AP.
The router for ZenWiFi is TP-Link ER-707-M2
Please let me know whether the connection of everything as in the attachment is correct?
The Zen WiFi system works well, but once every few weeks I can't connect, e.g. to the 5G-1 band, several times one of the XT8 satellites lost the connection. Of course, restarting the whole thing helped.

I would like to ask for suggestions, proposed changes, etc.
Thank you

Are the Zen units interconnecting as a wireless AiMesh in Router Mode or AP Mode while all are still wired to the TP-Link site router?

OE

 

[sadaman]

Are the Zen units interconnecting as a wireless AiMesh in Router Mode or AP Mode while all are still wired to the TP-Link site router?

OE

Hi. All units connect to each other in AP mode only using Ethernet "Ethernet Backhaul Mode". I do not use wireless connection.

 

[OzarkEdge]

Hi. All units connect to each other in AP mode only using Ethernet "Ethernet Backhaul Mode". I do not use wireless connection.

See Scenario 3 or 4 in this FAQ:

[AiMesh] How to set up ASUS AiMesh or ZenWiFi Mesh Ethernet backhaul under different conditions ? (Advanced setup with network switch) | Official Support | ASUS Global

OE

 

[Tech9]

proposed changes

So you have Omada compatible Router and Switch with PoE and installed a home mesh system without PoE and VLAN support for Wi-Fi? You need Omada Controller (of free software version) and the number of Omada compatible APs for complete Omada system with full VLAN support and much better roaming and system tuning options. You basically limited yourself with this hardware choice.

Omada Hardware Controller

Omada Hardware Controller

www.omadanetworks.com

AX1800 Wall Plate WiFi 6 Access Point

www.omadanetworks.com

 

[sadaman]

See Scenario 3 or 4 in this FAQ:

[AiMesh] How to set up ASUS AiMesh or ZenWiFi Mesh Ethernet backhaul under different conditions ? (Advanced setup with network switch) | Official Support | ASUS Global

OE

Hey.
In my configuration, all are connected via WAN ports, and it works. According to your link, both scenario 3 and scenario 4 assume that the main AP should be connected to the switch in LAN<>LAN mode and the other points to LAN<>WAN.
I think it doesn't matter since it works.
Am I wrong?

 

[sadaman]

Masz router i przełącznik kompatybilny z Omada z PoE i zainstalowałeś domowy system mesh bez obsługi PoE i VLAN dla Wi-Fi? Potrzebujesz kontrolera Omada (z darmową wersją oprogramowania) i liczby punktów dostępowych kompatybilnych z Omada, aby uzyskać kompletny system Omada z pełną obsługą VLAN i znacznie lepszymi opcjami roamingu i dostrajania systemu. W zasadzie ograniczyłeś się tym wyborem sprzętu.

Omada Hardware Controller

Omada Hardware Controller

www.omadanetworks.com

AX1800 Wall Plate WiFi 6 Access Point

www.omadanetworks.com

Hey.
I was thinking about this solution. The system in the photo (ER707-M2 + TL-SG2218P) supports several buildings. I deliberately did not include the EAP AP and the OC200 controller in the graphic, because the question concerns only the house I live in.

I was wondering how to connect the Omada AP instead of ZenWiFi at home. Unfortunately, in the rooms I only have points in the walls / RJ45 sockets. I tried to connect the TP-Link AP from the Wall series, but unfortunately it was poor. I did not take into account the ceiling points because I do not have connections on the walls / ceiling, and renovation is not an option.
So here is the reason why I chose Asus ZenWiFi.
Regards

 

[OzarkEdge]

Hey.
In my configuration, all are connected via WAN ports, and it works. According to your link, both scenario 3 and scenario 4 assume that the main AP should be connected to the switch in LAN<>LAN mode and the other points to LAN<>WAN.
I think it doesn't matter since it works.
Am I wrong?

Yeah, I saw your diagram... maybe the WAN ports have since become smart enough to work as they need to(?) I can't comment... I don't have your equipment. You may get it to work and keep it working despite ASUS firmware and any ZEN plug-and-play automation fighting you, but it may be too frail over time to be considered solid/robust networking(?) I would be prepared to evolve it into something more certain if it becomes troublesome.

OE

 

[b-rubble]

Hi. All units connect to each other in AP mode only using Ethernet "Ethernet Backhaul Mode". I do not use wireless connection.

It could be different for XT8 but I will provide ET8 example; It is not possible to enable "Ethernet Backhaul Mode" if you are in AP mode as that toggle is locked down. It is only an option if you are in AiMesh mode.

 

[OzarkEdge]

It could be different for XT8 but I will provide ET8 example; It is not possible to enable "Ethernet Backhaul Mode" if you are in AP mode as that toggle is locked down. It is only an option if you are in AiMesh mode.

AiMesh can be configured in AP Mode:

site router <wire> AiMesh router in AP Mode <wire/wireless> AiMesh nodes

Note that AiMesh guest WLANs will not be isolated from the site LAN/WLANs.

OE

 

[Tech9]

Just two comments and you can continue doing whatever you believe is best for your case.

The system in the photo (ER707-M2 + TL-SG2218P) supports several buildings.

I wouldn't run my home network as part of several buildings network. Without separation your home devices are visible across the entire network. Even with VLAN separation whoever has access to the router or controller may monitor your network use and activity.

I did not take into account the ceiling points because I do not have connections on the walls / ceiling, and renovation is not an option.

When you look at AP specs and see 3-5dBi antennas - this is mostly omnidirectional AP and more so when used without the metal mounting plate for ceiling installation. You can use it mounted on a wall or placed on top of a shelf or even under a cabinet on the floor.

 

[sadaman]

Just two comments and you can continue doing whatever you believe is best for your case.

When you look at AP specs and see 3-5dBi antennas - this is mostly omnidirectional AP and more so when used without the metal mounting plate for ceiling installation. You can use it mounted on a wall or placed on top of a shelf or even under a cabinet on the floor.

Thank you for your answer.

I didn't know that you can get very good results with a ceiling EAP by mounting it anywhere.

And which ones would you recommend?

I see that there are options available, e.g.:
EAP650, EAP653, EAP660, but I also see that TP-Link has introduced
a desktop model, the new EAP650-Desktop
Have you had any experience with them?

I can still return the Asus and replace the AP with an EAP.

Best regards

 

[Tech9]

And which ones would you recommend?

I don't have experience with the newer AP models. I had an Omada testing setup running some time ago, but not using Omada on any of my networks. In my opinion you have to separate your home network from the upstream network using a router/gateway even though your setup will be in double NAT and no matter what your hardware choice is. About how many APs or routers/mesh points you need - I don't know since I know nothing about your place and location (region). There are differences in Wi-Fi planning for different regions. Three XT8 + one AX58 seems like a lot of Wi-Fi for unknown to me reasons. Flooding the spectrum with many APs on high power and very limited tuning options (like AiMesh) is in general bad idea.

 

[Tech9]

I can still return the Asus

This specific XT8 model is years old now and has quite long history of issues. I personally can't recommend any of the ZenWiFi models unless the user goes straight for the looks and doesn't care much about the quirks they come with. Different ZenWiFi models generated hundreds of troubleshooting issues threads here on SNB Forums. The more units you have in "mesh" the worse it gets.

 

[jksmurf]

I personally can't recommend any of the ZenWiFi models unless the user goes straight for the looks and doesn't care much about the quirks they come with. Different ZenWiFi models generated hundreds of troubleshooting issues threads here on SNB Forums.

Tech9 is not incorrect on there having been (and continuing to be) issues with Zenwifi and AIMesh (in fact with AIMesh setups in general), however I personally have had no issues (apart from the initial teething problems on setup) with two WIRED Backhaul ZenWifi XD6 units in a mesh configuration with an Auss RT-AX86U Pro as the main router. Works well and is solid. Plus little hands cannot break the antennas...