Looking for Asus AiMesh devices to build a home Wi-Fi mesh system

[Krakadil]

Hi,

my current setup is:
1. Modem from provider
2. N100 mini PC as router (pfsense)
3. 2.5G Switch in 2 rooms

What I looking for:
- Wi-Fi mesh system for about 130m² + garden
- would be already happy with 30 Mbit/s because only for smartphone, notebook and tablet + IO devices

My problem:
- a small XD4 Plus repeater is about 60-80€
- a router with AX is almost the same price
- wifi 6e or 7 is to expensive

What I want:
- good signal or better to say stable signal
- goood coverage (maybe 3 devices)
- maybe 5-7W per device if it is possible
- one wifi network


With AiMesh I can use any Asus device since 2018?I checked on ebay and find some unreal cheap used devices but it looks like I am dumb...
For example:
2x XD4 Plus for 99€
2x XD6s Plus for 115€

Why is the XD4 so much popular than the XD6s? AX1200 vs AX5400 and for only 15€ more.

Also, when I get 2x XD4 Plus and 2x XD6S I will lose all benefit from XD6S, because of the XD4?

I also could get 3x AX88U for 300€ instead of ~250€ for much weaker small repeater.

Don't know what to do so looking for some advice.


Regards

 

[tgl]

If you already have a router that you like, why are you considering AiMesh gear at all? ASUS does not sell wireless APs, only all-in-one routers+APs. Sure, you can run them in AP-only mode, but then you're paying for hardware you don't need, and using a mode that the manufacturer doesn't care about and doesn't test too carefully.

Since you don't care about WiFi 6, look into some AC-era SMB APs, such as Cisco, Omada, TP-Link, Ubiquiti, Zyxel to name a few brands. You can get those very cheap if you don't mind buying used gear.

 

[Krakadil]

Looks like my english is the definition of bad or you just read the title

I got a modem and a router but no wifi at all. I use Asus with Merlin before and now I need wifi, only wifi, not a second router but with Asus I can get router or repeater and pair them with AiMesh. Now I look for Asus router or repeater, low power, good range and stable.

I would go with Wifi 7 but not for 400€ per router or 200€ for one repeater.

 

[kuki68ster]

These are the range extenders that Asus is selling that are "cheaper" than a full blown router...

Extensores de Rede｜Extensores de Cobertura｜ASUS Portugal

Na ASUS ãExtensores de Redeã - Redes / IoT / Servidores , pode encontrar o Redes / IoT / Servidores mais apropriado com base nas caracterÃsticas, especificações ou preço do produto. E também pode obter informações sobre detalhes e comparações do produto, até mesmo adicioná-lo à lista...

www.asus.com

The price range from 50 to 100 bucks...Maybe you can get cheaper if you buy a used one on Amazon...

You can also get the ASUS-AX1800, that is 65 bucks (new): Asus-AX1800.

I agree with @tgl, in you case is better to get an Omada, TP-Link or an Asus extender instead of a full blow router, since you already have a N100 mini PC as router (pfsense).

Use an ethernet link to the extenders, from you router and you will get a stable signal with the same wifi...

In your country do I find Mercusys extenders? They are cheap and work ok if you set the ethernet backhaul...

Range Extenders - Welcome to MERCUSYS

Extend WiFi to Where You Need It

www.mercusys.com

 

[Tech9]

Looks like my english is the definition of bad or you just read the title

The whole idea for VLAN capable router (pfSense) to non-VLAN capable APs (consumer products) doesn't sound right to me in any language. This will limit your configuration options. You may not be able to set simple isolated Guest Network with this setup. Get proper VLAN capable APs instead as suggested by @tgl above. They also have wireless mesh options and will cover your low bandwidth requirements even with shared wireless backhaul.

 

[Krakadil]

I can get the ROG AX6000 (box opened but new) with 2 brand new XD6S AX5400 for 200€ with shipping.
Its maybe way to much but for that price its sounds good.

 

[Tech9]

Firmware mismatch with limitations again. GT-AX6000 runs Asuswrt 5.0, XD6S runs Asuswrt 4.0. Whatever is available on you main router as VLANs and Guest Network Pro stays on the main router only. Similar situation to your pfSense firewall to consumer routers with no VLAN support.

 

[Krakadil]

The Range of the AX6000 is so much better. Compare to my Speedport 4 and Fritzbox 7590ax it is way better.

 

[leerees]

The biggest jump in performance I've noticed is having AX. This is the step up that gives you increased performance, lower latency, increased range and improved power consumption for your devices.

I've not looked into WiFi 7 as we are very happy with our AX setup.

Just pick a modern Asus mesh within your price range. They are all going to be good enough for even the most demanding home WiFi.

I'm still running old AX92u's with a shared 5ghz backhaul. They handle everything simultaneously which is often 4k streaming, gaming, smart home, video conferencing, anydesk, home media server and the occasional sailing of the high sees. We have over 100 devices connected.

 

[Krakadil]

Just pick a modern Asus mesh within your price range. They are all going to be good enough for even the most demanding home WiFi.

One of the worst idea is to go with Asus + ZenWifi

ZenWiFi XD6S just go offline and not work anymore until factory reset

Hey My setup is a GT-AX6000 behind a modem with two Zenwifi XD6S Repeater. The setup is easy and fast. Anything works perfect few days and than the XD6S goes offline and this is it. When I open the Asus Android app or go to router menu and click on AiMesh it's over and freeze. Need to wait...

www.snbforums.com

Router works perfect but AiMesh is broken.

 

[coxhaus]

I would not even run a N100 on a mini-PC for Pfsense because if you push it hard it will overheat and throttle. Use a normal sized PC for better cooling.

And it makes no sense to add ASUS wireless to Pfsense. Buy a small business wireless AP.

 

[Krakadil]

I would not even run a N100 on a mini-PC for Pfsense because if you push it hard it will overheat and throttle. Use a normal sized PC for better cooling.

Looks like you have no idea but let me explain it.
N100 runs max. at 17% when you push all 2.5G Ports, which never will happen. The chinese ones can go up to 25W. You need to change in BIOS P1 and P2 5 - 10 Watt. That means up to 70°C with no cooling.

And it makes no sense to add ASUS wireless to Pfsense. Buy a small business wireless AP.

It make sense because I looking for Wifi only. You can go way cheaper with Xiaomi, TP, etc.

Thats all off topic. The problem is Asus is not working good with AiMesh like XD6. Its really bad and you can read more about in the link.

 

[degrub]

What generally has worked the best , if you insist on going the AiMesh route, is to have all devices the same hardware and firmware revision. "Best" being least chance of difficulties assuming there are no physical layout and RF issues in your environment. Wired backhaul (ethernet, MOCA, or AV2000 power), if possible, is always strongly recommended for reliability. If not possible, then dedicated backhaul radio is preferred. So pick your 2-3 ASUS wireless routers to use in AiMesh.

Otherwise, look at wired backhaul with SMB APs as has been previously suggested.

 

[Krakadil]

What you mean? 3 times the same router?

 

[degrub]

What you mean? 3 times the same router?

"What generally has worked the best , if you insist on going the AiMesh route, is to have all devices the same hardware and firmware revision."

 

[coxhaus]

Looks like you have no idea but let me explain it.
N100 runs max. at 17% when you push all 2.5G Ports, which never will happen. The chinese ones can go up to 25W. You need to change in BIOS P1 and P2 5 - 10 Watt. That means up to 70°C with no cooling.

It make sense because I looking for Wifi only. You can go way cheaper with Xiaomi, TP, etc.

Thats all off topic. The problem is Asus is not working good with AiMesh like XD6. Its really bad and you can read more about in the link.

If you are pushing 25 watts you might as well run a regular PC for better cooling. I don't run anything at 70 degrees C.

So, you are running Pfsense that supports VLANs and you are going to buy an ASUS router when you only need an AP so you are paying extra for the whole router instead of an AP, and ASUS does not support VLANs as an AP. It makes no sense.

 

[Tech9]

It make sense because I looking for Wifi only.

Your configuration options will be limited with no VLAN support on the AP side. Better get the needed number of business class APs. They may come even cheaper. AX1800/AX3000 class can be found under $100, some sold with PoE injector and/or 12V power adapter included. When you upgrade a system go forward, don't buy more disposable hardware. You already have good firewall, upgrade to proper APs, add PoE switch later, add network controller (some APs have it built-in), etc. You can do it on stages, not necessarily big expense all at once.

 

[Krakadil]

is to have all devices the same hardware and firmware revision

I don't get it. It make no sense to me.

If you are pushing 25 watts you might as well run a regular PC for better cooling. I don't run anything at 70 degrees C.

Most chinese N100 mini PC's are set at 25W on P2 stage in BIOS. For example check Firebat AM02 from Firebat, which is running with 10W, its silent and cool. On the other side you will find a lot of N100 which get bad reviews because of high temps.

So, you are running Pfsense that supports VLANs and you are going to buy an ASUS router when ... It makes no sense.

Dude, I need Wifi for 130m² + garden. Smart devices, smartphones, notebook, tablets, printer, etc. I could get 3-4 cheap extender but I eould go with better hardware. I rrally don't care 100 or 200€, just stable and good wifi network.

Your configuration options will be limited with no VLAN support on the AP side. Better get the needed number of business class APs. They may come even cheaper. AX1800/AX3000 class can be found under $100,....

Not it's to late, I already bought the hardware and it was the worst idea to use Asus for that.

ZenWiFi XD6S just go offline and not work anymore until factory reset

Hey My setup is a GT-AX6000 behind a modem with two Zenwifi XD6S Repeater. The setup is easy and fast. Anything works perfect few days and than the XD6S goes offline and this is it. When I open the Asus Android app or go to router menu and click on AiMesh it's over and freeze. Need to wait...

www.snbforums.com

Here you go...