Disable Wifi on Router while leaving AiMesh Wifi enabled (Cat5e Backhaul)

[qhealy]

Hi,

I'm wondering if it's possible to disable the radio on the router (RT-AC68U) while leaving the wifi on my two AI Mesh satellites enabled. I'm using a cat5e backhaul to connect the router to the satellites. I find due to the restriction i have with router/modem placement in the house (proximity to fibre) the satellite and the router are too close to each other. This is causing pausing of wifi calls as the phone negotiates between satellite and router during handoff.

thanks .

 

[Tech9]

Why not try it instead of waiting for someone to reply?

If it doesn't work why not remove the satellite instead?

 

[qhealy]

In terms of trying it, there seems to be multiple ways of going about it, button on the side of the router, using nvram, using the gui. If I disable wifi and my satellites stop working then it's a big undertaking to get it back when i don't have ethernet on my laptop. I'd prefer to ask someone with experience in order to reduce that risk.


The router is located in a utility room with four walls and a door around. It's not in an ideal position to service the whole house. I need the satellite receivers to provide good coverage throughout the house.

 

[Tech9]

i don't have ethernet on my laptop

Press the button then. It won't disappear along with Wi-Fi.

The router is located in a utility room with four walls and a door around.

If the experiment fails - run it as wired router (Wi-Fi disabled) with the other 2x routers in AP Mode?

 

[nexttime]

I'm wondering if it's possible to disable the radio on the router (RT-AC68U) while leaving the wifi on my two AI Mesh satellites enabled.

Hi!
Yes, you definitely can.
You have the same setup as me (I have only one AiMesh node)
If you want, you can disable WiFi on main router (Wireless -> Professional) set "Enable Radio" to "No" for both band

Spoiler: Screenshots

 

[Tech9]

Is Guest Network working in this configuration?

 

[qhealy]

Apologies for the delay in the response I was factory resetting the router due to nvram issues. Disabling the radio under wireless->professional works. thanks for the help guys.

 

[nexttime]

Is Guest Network working in this configuration?

To be honest, I have no idea
I personally don't use guest network (yet)
But I think, it can work if you first set up Wi-Fi (including the guest network), and only then turn off the radio on the main router.
In any case, you should do it in this order, at least to configure the SSID and WPA Key.
Perhaps someone can comment on this.