Is RT-AX86U Pro meshed w/ RT-AX3000 (satellite) still a good option?

[SR-71]

Asking as I just saw the AX86U Pro on sale nearby for $180. Thoughts/suggestions appreciated!

Have been using the AX3000 v1 centrally positioned in basement since 2020 and it's been mostly good but need better range and speed in outer rooms.

Relevant details:

• Will not be able to hardwire the backhaul between them, only 1 5GHz band on each
• ISP speeds 800/20 (actual: 800-920 DL / 24 UL due to ISP overprovisioning)
• Long single story house with finished basement; modem & router in the basement (can't move it due to running cable to office there to get full speed)
• Main objective is to improve signal & bandwidth to rooms at edges of home; faster WiFi file transfers with security features enabled would be a solid nice-to-have.
• 15-20 devices total, probably only 4-6 in active use over WiFi at any one time, rest idle/just background packets until needed.

My current thinking is between these options:

1. Go Small: Get the AX86U Pro on sale and try meshing it with the AX3000. Will only cost $180 to try and I can return it if it doesn't improve things.

• Since the Pro came out later, what's the likely/guessable life for supported fw updates?
• Small footprint is perfect since the current area for the AX3000 is likewise fairly small.
• Upgrade on both bands from the AX3000: AX86U Pro is 2.4GHz 3x3, 5GHz 4x4; although the 4th antenna is internal.
• How is the CPU processing speed compared to the AX3000 (thinking about file transfers)?
• Con: What's the likely impact of meshing the AX3000 on the sole 5GHz band, if the AX86U can't cover the entire house well enough by itself?

2. Go Big: Been eyeing the GT-AXE16000 due to dual 5GHz bands for the mesh backhaul - while the many pros are obvious (better CPU, all 4x4, better/more antennas, fw longevity, etc.), there are some cons:

• The new 6GHz band won't help at all right now (only 1 tablet with AX6E upstairs and having 6E in the basement is likely only short-range from what I've read) - so even future devices likely won't benefit.
• Large size is problematic for where it needs to go, prefer smaller, would need to get a new table or shelf for it.
• Cost currently $529, bit pricey.
• Unknown but possible the AXE16000 would be able to cover the entire house without meshing (not a con, just mentioning it)

Thoughts/suggestions appreciated!

 

[rung]

I currently are doing option 1 with good results. The ax3000 replaced a powerline ap. Aimesh is working well with the 5GHz backhaul. It connects with 4x streams @160MHz. Only issue I had with AiMesh was my Amazon music mesh wasn't reliable. I had to tie all speakers to the main AX86 Pro router.

 

[jksmurf]

Option 1. I have two sets, one at home, one 9000km away.

First set one with RT-AX3000, the second (remote) with a RT-AX58U (identical to RT-AX300)
Both v1's with Asus Merlin, i.e. NOT the Gnuton Versions.

First set is wired BH, with two XD6's as AIMESH Nodes in the mix too. RT-AX86U Pro main router. main and guest Wifi to all nodes.
First set is wireless BH, works fine, RT-AX86U main router. main and guest wifi to the node.

Running Scripts as shown in sig. Very happy with this setup for the moment. do not need more coverage, fast enough with 1G/1G and 300/100 respectively.

As I use/intend to use a lot of IoT devices I will wait patiently and upgrade the RT-AX86U Pro set to all 3006 codebase and utilise the various Guest/IoT Networks being sent to the LANs (although there is suggestion, yet to be confirmed, that this is already available).

 

[SR-71]

Thank you both, I really appreciate it. Will get the AX86U Pro and try it, especially at that reduced price.

Quick question: Which firmware generation/version have you found to be stable for meshing these two particular models?

I'm still running the very last official 386 fw only because it has been rock solid (briefly tried the 388 earlier-to-mid releases but quite flaky at the time so reverted back). Saw that the 3.0.0.4.388_24762 fw from April has a ton of fixes and security updates. What's the good/bad on it?

Or, any Merlin version better for stability and performance, especially when meshing these two models?

Looking to upgrade the firmware as far as it remains stable/reliable for both meshing and regular operation/WiFi performance -- especially for the numerous security updates. Don't have a lot of time to mess around with it currently, so appreciate hearing what's stable/problem-free at this point.

 

[Tech9]

I'm still running the very last official 386

And your router never auto upgraded to 388?

 

[SR-71]

And your router never auto upgraded to 388?

No, have it set to manual -- been burned before on problematic updates. Do you have a version recommendation?

 

[SR-71]

Also, while I've always set up all my new routers manually, is there any downside to trying to load the AX3000's config file to the AX86U Pro to save time? That's one of the cool features with Asus and I'm just seriously crunched for time for a while.

Realize there should be extra/new features in the latter needing attention, but if this works it will save a good chunk of time, also on bringing over the server/account info. I can just reset the AX86U if needed.

 

[rung]

Quick question: Which firmware generation/version have you found to be stable for meshing these two particular models?

Latest Merlin on both, 3004.388.8_2.

 

[bbunge]

Also, while I've always set up all my new routers manually, is there any downside to trying to load the AX3000's config file to the AX86U Pro to save time? That's one of the cool features with Asus and I'm just seriously crunched for time for a while.

Realize there should be extra/new features in the latter needing attention, but if this works it will save a good chunk of time, also on bringing over the server/account info. I can just reset the AX86U if needed.

Ah, configuration files are not to be used from one model router to a different model. Doing so is a great way to make a brick...

 

[Tech9]

No, have it set to manual -- been burned before on problematic updates.

Regardless of your setting Asus can still push auto firmware upgrade at any time.

Doing so is a great way to make a brick...

No, you can’t brick the router and settings save/restore actually works surprisingly well between different models running stock Asuswrt.

 

[SR-71]

Regardless of your setting Asus can still push auto firmware upgrade at any time.



No, you can’t brick the router and settings save/restore actually works surprisingly well between different models running stock Asuswrt.

Thanks, that's what I thought with Asus routers, having read that in multiple places. Haven't tried it yet across different models yet, though.

Just got the 86U Pro yesterday on sale for $180+tax, still in box. My plan, when I have time:

1. Backup current AX3000 config file, then take offline.
2. Set up AX86U Pro manually with only the bare basics to verify:
   1. It works,
   2. Check the range, bandwidth, and compatibility with my devices for comparison against the AX3000, and
   3. Peruse the various screens and settings to see what's new/different.
3. If the AX86U passes #2:
   1. Note the fw version and backup the bare config file.
   2. Update the fw to latest stock, check performance, and backup config file again.
   3. Restore the AX3000 config file to bring over the majority of what I need, and configure the rest/new stuff as needed.
4. Check performance again to see if I even need to mesh the AX3000, and if so, where to best place it.
5. Consider upgrading the AX3000 to latest stock fw before meshing, backing up the config file again in case anything changed behind the scenes. (I might do this earlier, after I backup the current config in step #1).

Then, after knowing everything is working well with stock, consider upgrading to Merlin across both. I do everything a step at a time so it's easy to back out of something with minimal effort. Plus I learn along the way.

Open to suggestions if I've missed anything worthwhile. Appreciate all the feedback!

 

[Tech9]

My plan, when I have time:

You are overthinking it. Just commission your new router first, set it up manually if you feel more comfortable this way, stay close to defaults at the beginning, don't change settings you are not very familiar with. I would recommend using stock Asuswrt firmware for AiMesh configurations and when there is no need of complex VPN setups or there is no interest in Custom Scripts. Stock Asuswrt for your RT-AX86U Pro is the new Asuswrt 5.0 firmware with Pro features not yet available in Asuswrt-Merlin. If you don't need the node - don't use it just because you have the router.

consider upgrading to Merlin across both

This will be firmware base downgrade from Asuswrt 5.0 to Asuswrt 4.0 for RT-AX86U Pro and you have to start from the beginning with factory reset. For the eventual node - Asuswrt-Merlin is not needed. AiMesh code is closed source, no changes in 3rd party firmware and nodes don't have GUI.

 

[rung]

1. If the AX86U passes #2:
   1. Note the fw version and backup the bare config file.
   2. Update the fw to latest stock, check performance, and backup config file again.

Not sure why you would not upgrade to the latest firmware. Benchmarking with older firmware seems pointless to me. Do this for the router and the test AiMesh node.

 

[jksmurf]

Quick question: Which firmware generation/version have you found to be stable for meshing these two particular models?

I use Merlin’s latest (per sig) on both; not because of it being any better than anything else (not tried), but because I use Addins.

Having said that it’s been very stable (hard reset both following update).

 

[Perpend1cular]

Asking as I just saw the AX86U Pro on sale nearby for $180. Thoughts/suggestions appreciated!

Have been using the AX3000 v1 centrally positioned in basement since 2020 and it's been mostly good but need better range and speed in outer rooms.

Relevant details:

• Will not be able to hardwire the backhaul between them, only 1 5GHz band on each
• ISP speeds 800/20 (actual: 800-920 DL / 24 UL due to ISP overprovisioning)
• Long single story house with finished basement; modem & router in the basement (can't move it due to running cable to office there to get full speed)
• Main objective is to improve signal & bandwidth to rooms at edges of home; faster WiFi file transfers with security features enabled would be a solid nice-to-have.
• 15-20 devices total, probably only 4-6 in active use over WiFi at any one time, rest idle/just background packets until needed.

My current thinking is between these options:

1. Go Small: Get the AX86U Pro on sale and try meshing it with the AX3000. Will only cost $180 to try and I can return it if it doesn't improve things.

• Since the Pro came out later, what's the likely/guessable life for supported fw updates?
• Small footprint is perfect since the current area for the AX3000 is likewise fairly small.
• Upgrade on both bands from the AX3000: AX86U Pro is 2.4GHz 3x3, 5GHz 4x4; although the 4th antenna is internal.
• How is the CPU processing speed compared to the AX3000 (thinking about file transfers)?
• Con: What's the likely impact of meshing the AX3000 on the sole 5GHz band, if the AX86U can't cover the entire house well enough by itself?

2. Go Big: Been eyeing the GT-AXE16000 due to dual 5GHz bands for the mesh backhaul - while the many pros are obvious (better CPU, all 4x4, better/more antennas, fw longevity, etc.), there are some cons:

• The new 6GHz band won't help at all right now (only 1 tablet with AX6E upstairs and having 6E in the basement is likely only short-range from what I've read) - so even future devices likely won't benefit.
• Large size is problematic for where it needs to go, prefer smaller, would need to get a new table or shelf for it.
• Cost currently $529, bit pricey.
• Unknown but possible the AXE16000 would be able to cover the entire house without meshing (not a con, just mentioning it)

Thoughts/suggestions appreciated!

Just a humble reflection on alternative 1.b Go
Medium:
Get two RT-AX68U Pro (that price is sure good) and set up the AiMesh with those.
Would cost you 70% of the AX16000 you have been checking but would give you the most reliable AiMesh setup according to SNB consensus (use same HW in mesh setup).

 

[SR-71]

Just a humble reflection on alternative 1.b Go
Medium:
Get two RT-AX68U Pro (that price is sure good) and set up the AiMesh with those.
Would cost you 70% of the AX16000 you have been checking but would give you the most reliable AiMesh setup according to SNB consensus (use same HW in mesh setup).

I appreciate the suggestion. If I was starting from scratch, that would be an interesting mesh option.

The current AX86U Pro <> AX3000 mesh is pretty good (all endpoint devices are 2x2). Range could be better with dual AX86U Pros, though, and perhaps a slight speed increase would be had with dual AX5700 routers.

So far I’ve found that placing the AX3000 centrally on the first floor in mesh mode has helped fill in the weak areas very nicely. Sure, the speeds dropped as expected for devices wirelessly connected to it (wasn’t an option to hardwire the backhaul), but it’s good enough for now. [Edit: It's more accurate to say that devices furthest out from the AX86U have faster speeds connecting through the AX3000 node, even with the reduced speed from backhauling over WiFi. For devices closer to both, it's a toss-up, although in some cases I've seen faster speeds connecting through the main AX86U even though it's further away than the AX3000. It's cool the ASUS mobile app lets me easily bind/switch devices between them to test their performance.]

Interestingly, I discovered the AX86U Pro with a 4-core CPU is slower to reboot and broadcast the two WiFi networks than the older 3-core CPU AX3000. Wasn’t expecting that from the specs. Both are now on the latest official firmware for each.

That said, I saw ASUS just released a new firmware update for the AX3000. Since everything seems to be working well at this point, I’ll wait until the weekend to update to it. Not as much listed for this update, but the improved memory management optimization looked interesting.

 

[SR-71]

You are overthinking it. Just commission your new router first, set it up manually if you feel more comfortable this way, stay close to defaults at the beginning, don't change settings you are not very familiar with. I would recommend using stock Asuswrt firmware for AiMesh configurations and when there is no need of complex VPN setups or there is no interest in Custom Scripts. Stock Asuswrt for your RT-AX86U Pro is the new Asuswrt 5.0 firmware with Pro features not yet available in Asuswrt-Merlin. If you don't need the node - don't use it just because you have the router.



This will be firmware base downgrade from Asuswrt 5.0 to Asuswrt 4.0 for RT-AX86U Pro and you have to start from the beginning with factory reset. For the eventual node - Asuswrt-Merlin is not needed. AiMesh code is closed source, no changes in 3rd party firmware and nodes don't have GUI.

Thanks Tech9! I had intended to reply earlier -- really appreciated the heads up on the downgrade difference on the base fw.

While some of the Merlin additions would be great to have, I currently don't have a burning need for the add-ons, at least not yet. Figured I'd start with the stock fw for my first AiMesh attempt, get more familiar with the newer features ASUS added, and go from there.

BTW, restoring my AX3000's settings to the AX86U Pro went perfectly and saved a LOT of time -- especially as they were the result of a lot of optimization experiments for the best wireless performance and other customizations. IMHO, that capability is one of the best but probably least-touted ASUS features.

That was only after testing the new AX86U Pro in standalone mode with a basic manual config to verify it was working well -- easy to revert back if I ran into any issues.

 

[Tech9]

BTW, restoring my AX3000's settings to the AX86U Pro went perfectly

No wonder. I have tested it personally with positive results:

can configuration information of the same firmware version be exported/imported to each other?

If you overwrite these nvrams with the MAC of a different device's config file, they won't be replaced by the correct one unless you did another factory default reset. You will end up with a mixture of correct and incorrect MACs. On which mac addresses do you refer to? This is the AX88U I...

www.snbforums.com

Unfortunately, a lot of "forum knowledge" around is either outdated, either based on what someone else posted in the past.