Looking for more coverage, Range Extender or use Router?

[Wafflestyx]

I currently have a RT-AX86U (with merlin) located in my basement and would like add something on the second floor of the house. (would be running ethernet to connect them)
Is there any benefits or disadvantages to using a extender like the ASUS RP-AX58 over another AX router? Less range?
I'm guessing the RP is just plug and play where the router I would need to set up first and give me extra Ethernet ports (if anyone in the room where it would to use)

If a router would be the better option does it really matter what the specs are?
The rt-ax55 can be had for about 30-40 on eBay, if this is a bad choice to pair please suggest something else.

Thank you.

 

[Tech9]

I would get another RT-AX86U used off eBay. They are reliable units. AiMesh works best with 2x identical units. You don't need to setup anything on it. Reset to defaults and add as AiMesh node. See user experience with 2x RT-AX86U in recent thread here:

is it required Smart Connect enabled in order to have Wifi 6 enabled?

Hello, I have AiMesh with AX-86U (1 main and 1 node). I split 2.4 & 5ghz into two different SSID xxxx-2.4 & xxxx-5ghz. It's been reliable AiMesh, Wifi .. Does splitting 2.4/5Ghz to two different SSID make WiFi6 not working (as I heard Wifi6 needs both 2.4 & 5Ghz to work)? Do i need to enable...

www.snbforums.com

 

[dlandiss]

(would be running ethernet to connect them)

Since you plan to hard-wire the connection, it is hard to beat the reliability of a plain vanilla access point.

 

[Wafflestyx]

I would get another RT-AX86U used off eBay. They are reliable units. AiMesh works best with 2x identical units. You don't need to setup anything on it. Reset to defaults and add as AiMesh node. See user experience with 2x RT-AX86U in recent thread here:

is it required Smart Connect enabled in order to have Wifi 6 enabled?

Hello, I have AiMesh with AX-86U (1 main and 1 node). I split 2.4 & 5ghz into two different SSID xxxx-2.4 & xxxx-5ghz. It's been reliable AiMesh, Wifi .. Does splitting 2.4/5Ghz to two different SSID make WiFi6 not working (as I heard Wifi6 needs both 2.4 & 5Ghz to work)? Do i need to enable...

www.snbforums.com

What is the down side to using different models?
Also, would it matter that one is merlin and the node is stock?

 

[degrub]

The best chance of success/less issues is to run same hardware, same firmware on all devices. Other than that, it is an experiment.

 

[Tech9]

What is the down side to using different models?

You are looking for cost efficient solution. AiMesh gives you that. Used same model router can be found cheap. Two identical devices can run the same firmware, be updated at the same time and having the same radios clients don't have preferred AP - a chance for better roaming. AiMesh has very limited control options and non-guaranteed compatibility. With 2x identical devices at least the compatibility is guaranteed. AiMesh is closed source Asus software, the same in Asuswrt and Asuswrt-Merlin.