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.