Improving coverage at home

[tradergene]

Hi folks. I've been running 4 - RT-AC86U router's in AP mode for the past 3 years and dealing with hand-off issues the entire time. Our house has almost no cell coverage so I rely on WiFi calling for calls/texts. As I move from one part of the house to the other I drop calls and other networking as the WiFi literally disconnects from one AP and re-connects to another, which sometimes takes 10-20 seconds on my Pixel 7 Pro Android phone. Recently I decided to try to fix this issue and shut down all 4 of my APs and replaced them with a single centrally located RT-AX86U PRO. Overall coverage seems to be good with the single AP on default settings but at a certain distance from the AP (less than 100 feet), when the WiFi 6 switches to 2.4GHz (strong signal strength still) I get noticeable packet loss intermittently. Is there a way to improve the packet loss issue or do I just have to assume it's some kind of interference causing it? Any other advice? Anybody figure out how to do smooth and fast hand-offs between ASUS APs?

 

[kuki68ster]

How big is your house? Is the main router connected by wifi with the satellite?

I use a RT-AX86U (main) + RT-AX82U (satellite) using a ethernet backhaul between the two and the hands-off are without issue...

Use cable where possible, but I have read somewhere in this forum that mixing ac+ax doesn't work that great...

 

[tradergene]

@kuki68ster rectangular 2800 square feet. Main router is doing everything, no satellites at the moment. The earlier configuration was 4 - RT-AC68U APs all connected via Ethernet back to a core 5th RT-AC68U router (WiFi antennas disabled). Have you actually watched your two nodes switch off without a WiFi disconnect or you just never noticed a disconnect?

 

[kuki68ster]

@kuki68ster rectangular 2800 square feet. Main router is doing everything, no satellites at the moment. The earlier configuration was 4 - RT-AC68U APs all connected via Ethernet back to a core 5th RT-AC68U router (WiFi antennas disabled). Have you actually watched your two nodes switch off without a WiFi disconnect or you just never noticed a disconnect?

Never noticed a disconnect, the family uses it without complaint...

Give it a shot, put the RT-AX86U PRO + one RT-AC68U in the furthest corner and see if it works...

Connect using the ethernet cable, and keep the wifi on the main and the satellite...

Use smart connect first and then (if it doesn't work) try without smart connect...

Check this: https://www.asus.com/microsite/aimesh/en/how_to.html

ChatGPT gave me (take it with a pint of salt):

Yes, you can use an AC router with an AX router in an ASUS AiMesh system. However, there are a few things to consider:

1. **Speed Limitations**: The AC router will be limited to its maximum Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) speeds, while the AX router will support the faster Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) speeds. Devices connected to the AC router will not benefit from the enhanced speed and efficiency features of Wi-Fi 6.

2. **Mixed Band Performance**: The overall network performance might be affected when mixing different Wi-Fi standards. Devices on the AX router will experience better performance compared to those on the AC router.

3. **Firmware Compatibility**: Ensure that both routers are running the latest firmware versions to ensure compatibility and the best possible performance in an AiMesh setup.

4. **Mesh Functionality**: The AiMesh system will still function correctly, with the AC router acting as a node. It will extend your network range and coverage, though devices connected to it will operate at the AC router's maximum capabilities.

This setup allows you to make use of older hardware while still benefiting from the enhanced capabilities of a newer AX router.

 

[jpthsd]

My best experience is to mesh with two identical Router/AP. AX86U is my favorite and been running 2.5 years, stock firmware, keep everything simple as it is Wifi and Internet gateway and do not attach anything to these like USB storage device to the routers ..etc.. keep it simple and it runs smooth!

If you have 2 x AX86U PRO or original AX86U, it should cover 5000 sqft (My house is 1700 sqft and my house lot is 6800 sqft, and I could get 4 wifi bar while standing on the driveway). Placement choice is the most important!

Good luck!

 

[Tech9]

Recently I decided to try to fix this issue and shut down all 4 of my APs and replaced them with a single centrally located RT-AX86U PRO.

You had too much Wi-Fi before. More doesn't make it better.