Is AP mode reliable in an Asus routers?

[czrabode]

Hi. I was considering buying 2 RT-AC86U and connecting them via Aimesh using ethernet but I have read that the Aimesh can be unreliable.

I have read the the better way to so it is to set up the second router in a wired AP mode.

What are the pros and cons of this?

Is this setup pretty reliable?


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[HowIFix]

Buy 2 RT-AC86U and 1 RT-AC68U.

1. Install Asuswrt-Merlin firmware in a RT-AC86U, In the other RT-AC86U and RT-AC68U install Stock firmware.
2. The RT-AC86U that has Merlin firmware disable both bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz).
3. On the other RT-AC86U that has Stock firmware use it as AP and AiMesh. (Enable SmartConnect)
4. Use the RT-AC68U as a node.

Too you can use the RT-AC86U with Merlin firmware for Guest network (Block Access to Intranet and AP Isolated)

 

[czrabode]

Thanks for your reply. I am fairly new to this. Do you mind describing how this set up works and what the advantages are versus the two router setup I described? Can you also explain the choice of installing merlin on one router and the choice of the older router for the third router? Appreciate your help!!!


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[HowIFix]

With this setup get all the Features of Asuswrt-Merlin and AiMesh
Features | Asuswrt-Merlin

1. Asuswrt-Merlin > Stock firmware
2. The RT-AC68U only as NODE is good, because now support Smart Connect (Smart Connect only work when it is used as a node), but as the main router or AP, I no longer recommend it, does not support Smart Connect, old CPU, bad if you use VPN (max 40-60MB), old kernel v2.6.36.4 of 2011.
3. The RT-AC86U is the upgrade of RT-AC68U, I recommend this router as main router or AP, because supports Smart Connect, new CPU, good if you use VPN (250-300 MB), new kernel v4.1.21 (it's still a bit old) of 2016.

 

[maxbraketorque]

Hi. I was considering buying 2 RT-AC86U and connecting them via Aimesh using ethernet but I have read that the Aimesh can be unreliable.

I have read the the better way to so it is to set up the second router in a wired AP mode.

What are the pros and cons of this?

Is this setup pretty reliable?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

AP mode for the satellite router has been around for much much longer than AiMesh and not really what I would consider to be buggy. It just has some limitations. I have two AC86Us with the satellite running in AP mode, and it works fine for my needs. The problem that can occur with AP mode is that clients are often slow or resistant to switch to the satellite router, even when it is clearly offering higher signal strength. Most clients will eventually switch, but sometimes the main router signal strength has to be really low. AiMesh is meant to address this issue, but its still very buggy. Another disadvantage of AP mode is that it requires an ethernet connection between the main and satellite router. If that's not possible, then AP mode is out.

 

[CaptainSTX]

In the AP mode if you have sticky clients that refuse to switch to a nearer/stronger signal then you can always give the SSIDs different names and let the user make the decision. AiMesh might be better but the technology is still evolving IMHO so depending on the clients you have it may not work any better with it than using an AP.

In either case AP or AiMesh the results will probably be better than using a repeater.

 

[mogulman]

One unit as a router and one as an AP is much more stable if you have a wired connection. I use an 86u as router and 1900p as AP. Works great . Tried Aimesh. Had a lot of problems .