Device suggestions for AiMesh node just for 2.4ghz IoT with a Pro primary

[brentil]

Looking for advice on a device to get as well as if what I'm trying to do is even possible. I've currently got a RT-AX88U Pro as my primary network device that replaced a AC86U+AC68U AiMesh. I was hoping it would provide enough coverage but it doesn't just on the 2.4 ghz network where all my IoT devices are. So I'm now looking for another device to add to remake an AiMesh again and was looking for suggestions. Would have a hard wired backhaul. Stock firmware.

But since I have a Pro device I started making a bunch of dedicated virtual networks for different types of IoT devices so I wasn't also sure if those even work with AiMesh and if they do if that meant the node had to be a Pro device or not?

1. Primarily only used for 2.4 ghz IoT so doesn't need to be WiFi 6 or 7
2. Actively support by Asus hopefully for several more years
3. Works with Pro virtual networks on the mesh nodes
4. Not expensive and available in US market

 

[bennor]

If you still have the RT-AC86U and RT-AC68U, why not turn those into AP nodes (connected to the main router using Ethernet Backhaul) and configure the AP nodes for 2.4 Ghz only. Then connect the IoT devices to those AP nodes rather than the main router.

 

[bbunge]

Looking for advice on a device to get as well as if what I'm trying to do is even possible. I've currently got a RT-AX88U Pro as my primary network device that replaced a AC86U+AC68U AiMesh. I was hoping it would provide enough coverage but it doesn't just on the 2.4 ghz network where all my IoT devices are. So I'm now looking for another device to add to remake an AiMesh again and was looking for suggestions. Would have a hard wired backhaul. Stock firmware.

But since I have a Pro device I started making a bunch of dedicated virtual networks for different types of IoT devices so I wasn't also sure if those even work with AiMesh and if they do if that meant the node had to be a Pro device or not?

1. Primarily only used for 2.4 ghz IoT so doesn't need to be WiFi 6 or 7
2. Actively support by Asus hopefully for several more years
3. Works with Pro virtual networks on the mesh nodes
4. Not expensive and available in US market

You could try either or both of your old routers. I feel that the 2.4 GHz would work and maybe allow a single guest network as well. You can disable the 5 GHz network on the node.

One caution: using those old routers as nodes on the AX88U Pro may limit the channels and bandwidth available. I had this happen when I tested an AC66U B1 on my AX86U Pro.