Does Asuswrt-Merlin support AiMesh over Wifi?

[jaredpa29]

Hello Everyone!

I'm trying to get Merlin working with my setup that uses a wifi AiMesh and I'm running into a issue with connecting to the nodes.

My setup:
Router: RT-AX88U PRO, firmware stock 3.0.0.6.102_33320-g3899443_345-gf3514
Nodes: ZenWiFi AX6600 (XT8), firmware stock 3.0.0.4.388_24668-gb5d7304

Background info:
I have a wifi aiMesh setup with a RT-AX88U PRO as the router and two XT8 nodes. This has worked well for me so far and I would like to use Asuswrt-Merlin for the added VLAN and firewall features (I am getting into homeassistant and want to secure my IoT devices).

Problem:
After uploading firmware 3004.388.8_2 on the RT-AX88U PRO, I can no longer connect the XT8 nodes to aiMesh over wifi. However, if I connect the XT8 nodes via Ethernet, the aiMesh network functions correctly. Unfortunately, cleanly running Ethernet cables to the nodes' locations is not easy in this house.

Wondering if this is a known issue or just a problem on my end. Maybe it doesn't work because the XT8 nodes aren't on Merlin?

And help or advice is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[bbunge]

Sure, the Merlin firmware works very well with AiMesh over WIFI.
However, you mentioned you want to use VLAN or guest WIFI to secure your IoT devices. Merlin will work but you will be limited to using just guest network 1 on the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. With a Pro router and Asus firmware you can do so much more with VLANs but you will need Pro AiMesh nodes for the best configuration options.

For your setup it may be necessary to set the XT8's up with them close to the router or connected via Ethernet. Once set up you can move them to where the are needed and they should connect to the router via WIFI. Just leave the AiMesh settings at default. May also work to set the 5 GHz WIFI to 80 MHz at a fixed non DFS channel and the 2.4 GHz to 20 MHz on channel 1, 6 or 11. Use WPA2 and Dual Band SmartConnect also.

 

[jaredpa29]

Hey bbunge,

Good to know I will be limited to 1 guest wifi when using merlin. So if I later connect a security camera to my RT-AX88U PRO via ethernet I won't be able to put that on a separate VLAN from the IoT devices on the guest wifi?

When loading merlin I did bring my XT8 nodes close to the router without any luck. They would connected when I plugged them into ethernet, but after unplugging the ethernet they won't reconnect. I will try again tonight with your suggested wifi settings.

thanks

 

[visortgw]

Typically, after you establish AiMesh connection via Ethernet, you can disconnect the cable and move the node somewhere elese within wireless range. What @bbunge stated about guest network 1 is true pre-Guest Network Pro. With Guest Network Pro on the primary router, you can connect up to two guest networks per band per AiMesh node.

 

[Tech9]

This has worked well for me so far and I would like to use Asuswrt-Merlin for the added VLAN and firewall features

Asuswrt-Merlin for your model is Asuswrt 4.0 based, no VLAN features.

After uploading firmware 3004.388.8_2 on the RT-AX88U PRO, I can no longer connect the XT8 nodes to aiMesh over wifi.

Known coming and going Asuswrt-Merlin issue with known workaround.

 

[xraytech]

I am experiencing different symptoms with Merlin. My Mesh will not connect or stay connected unless there is a wired connection. I wire it and get it all working and as soon as I unplug the ethernet cable it looses connection. I tried with auto backhaul on and off. Its also strange that I do not get a binding icon for all my connected devices. Only on some of them. Anybody experience this? I went off ASUS firmware because I was having crazy login issues. Merlin fixed that but Aimesh is a challenge to work correctly. Any input welcome.

 

[visortgw]

I am experiencing different symptoms with Merlin. My Mesh will not connect or stay connected unless there is a wired connection. I wire it and get it all working and as soon as I unplug the ethernet cable it looses connection. I tried with auto backhaul on and off. Its also strange that I do not get a binding icon for all my connected devices. Only on some of them. Anybody experience this? I went off ASUS firmware because I was having crazy login issues. Merlin fixed that but Aimesh is a challenge to work correctly. Any input welcome.

Details of your configuration? Primary router? AiMesh node(s) and firmware type (Merlin or stock)/stock)

 

[Tech9]

Most likely RT-AC88U main with RT-AX1800S node. @xraytech is testing our X-ray vision.

 

[xraytech]

Main router is a RT AC88u running Merlin386.14.2 and node is a RT AX1880s running latest ASus firmware. Current only that one node but if I can get it working again I will add my Rt AC68u to the group which is currently running in AP mode with stock firmware.

 

[xraytech]

Most likely RT-AC88U main with RT-AX1800S node. @xraytech is testing our X-ray vision.

Opps yes a 1800s

 

[Tech9]

I will add my Rt AC68u to the group

Two EoL Broadcom routers on 386 and one MediaTek on 388. Good luck with this mix...

 

[xraytech]

Two EoL Broadcom routers on 386 and one MediaTek on 388. Good luck with this mix...

I did not realize my equipment was that old if I read you correctly. Just trying to use what I have around.

 

[Tech9]

Use whatever you like better for Router and if you have wires to other two - in AP Mode. RT-AC88U is 2015 model, RT-AC68U is 2013 model, both End-of-Life devices on final firmware now. RT-AX1800S is the cheapest AX-class offering from Asus on pretty old already MediaTek MIPS SoC with integrated radios. Your best chance for AiMesh is stock Asuswrt on all devices or at least stock Asuswrt on whatever is used for nodes. Don't count too much on AiMesh Compatible marketing. Test and find what works best for your needs.

 

[xraytech]

Use whatever you like better for Router and if you have wires to other two - in AP Mode. RT-AC88U is 2015 model, RT-AC68U is 2013 model, both End-of-Life devices on final firmware now. RT-AX1800S is the cheapest AX-class offering from Asus on pretty old already MediaTek MIPS SoC with integrated radios. Your best chance for AiMesh is stock Asuswrt on all devices or at least stock Asuswrt on whatever is used for nodes. Don't count too much on AiMesh Compatible marketing. Test and find what works best for your needs.

Ok thanks for the feedback. Moving to a new house later this year so will upgrade the equipment. Any suggestions for a main router which wont break the bank?

 

[Tech9]

Move to the new place first and we can discuss options. I have no suggestions for unknown location with unknown requirements.