Question about AiMesh Router in AP mode

[corgi]

Couldn't find a direct answer here and the ASUS support page only generically answered how to switch the operation mode. I have 2 AC3500, this setup would add a 3rd AC3500.

Q: Is it possible to setup three routers in this fashion Ai Mesh Router/Wireless Router Mode (default) -----> Access Point(AP) mode / AiMesh Router in AP mode -----> AiMesh Node ?

The idea is to get a stronger 5ghz channel across the household. Does this mean I need to add both AiMesh Router in AP mode and the AiMesh Node as AiMesh nodes under the configuration? Or just the furthest AiMesh Node?

Does the AiMesh Router in AP mode automatically take the configuration from the main router like a normal AiMesh node would or do I need to configure that manually as a AP router (aka, whats the significance of them calling the AP router "AiMesh Router in AP mode"?

Will the AiMesh node use the 3rd tri-band 5ghz band as backhaul automatically in this case with the AP router? There's no way I can get a backhaul via eithernet where the 3rd router would be without using powerline which which is extremely degraded at this distance (tested).

Or would it be better to just use AiMesh nodes for all three routers?

 

[OzarkEdge]

Couldn't find a direct answer here and the ASUS support page only generically answered how to switch the operation mode. I have 2 AC3500, this setup would add a 3rd AC3500.

Q: Is it possible to setup three routers in this fashion Ai Mesh Router/Wireless Router Mode (default) -----> Access Point(AP) mode / AiMesh Router in AP mode -----> AiMesh Node ?

The idea is to get a stronger 5ghz channel across the household. Does this mean I need to add both AiMesh Router in AP mode and the AiMesh Node as AiMesh nodes under the configuration? Or just the furthest AiMesh Node?

Does the AiMesh Router in AP mode automatically take the configuration from the main router like a normal AiMesh node would or do I need to configure that manually as a AP router (aka, whats the significance of them calling the AP router "AiMesh Router in AP mode"?

Will the AiMesh node use the 3rd tri-band 5ghz band as backhaul automatically in this case with the AP router? There's no way I can get a backhaul via eithernet where the 3rd router would be without using powerline which which is extremely degraded at this distance (tested).

Or would it be better to just use AiMesh nodes for all three routers?

If your goal is to extend WiFi coverage, setup one router as the router and add the others as wired or wireless AiMesh nodes. You can daisy chain nodes, but I have not tried it.

OE

 

[maxbraketorque]

For AiMesh, only one router can act as the primary controlling router. Any others need to act as nodes. ASUS routers also have a main/AP method of operation that is different from AiMesh. I don't think that the two methods can be intermixed. However, if you are able to run an ethernet cable between your controlling AiMesh router and any nodes for backhaul, that is better than using wifi for backhaul.

 

[Smokindog]

You can add an AP to an AiMesh setup.

 

[lgkahn]

can someone tell me how.. when i put my asus router in ap mode the parent router never finds it to add to ai mesh.. i dont see a way.. straigh ai mesh mode works but i want it in ap mode so i can have more control over the ssids. thanks

 

[Crimliar]

In AP mode you connect from the main router to the AP via ethernet cable! It sounds like you are trying to create a "bridge" as in Media Bridge Mode. *Unless things have changed though, bridge mode is usually slower (everything gets re-transmitted) than AiMesh (selective retransmission).

 

[Ripshod]

when i put my asus router in ap mode

If you want to add the router to aimesh it should be done from the default state. No messing with the config, just reset and add.

 

[lgkahn]

it is amazing to me that asus advance f/w like merlin cannot beat a cheap netgear ex7800 as an extender..
i was getting 650 meg download test as i could set it up to use 5g-2 as the backchannel and broadcast 5g on a different channel than the main gt-axe16000 router.
i had an extra rt-ac5300 sitting around.. put merlin on it and tried to use in the same configuration and there seems to be no way to do it except aimesh and then i cannot rebroadcast different ssids etc.

 

[Crimliar]

It seems as if you are misunderstanding the different modes in:
Administration > Operation Mode
When you select the different "radio buttons" on that page it'll give you a description and diagram of how that mode works.
Regarding broadcasting different SSIDs - to some extent that can be done using the Guest Networks.

 

[OzarkEdge]

can someone tell me how.. when i put my asus router in ap mode the parent router never finds it to add to ai mesh.. i dont see a way.. straigh ai mesh mode works but i want it in ap mode so i can have more control over the ssids. thanks

AiMesh has two configurations...

AiMesh in Router Mode:
AiMesh router in Router Mode (root node) <wire/wireless> AiMesh node(s)

AiMesh in AP Mode:
non-AiMesh LAN <wire> AiMesh router in AP Mode (root node) <wire/wireless> AiMesh node(s)

You only configure the AiMesh root node.

And, of course, you can configure any/most ASUS routers to be a traditional wired AP or wireless Repeater/Extender. (AiMesh in AP Mode is similar to a traditional wired AP except you can extend it with AiMesh nodes.)

Wired is best until wireless is better... not yet.

Use the FAQ Search in the root node webUI to find simple Help.

OE

 

[jontalk]

I recently set up a wireless AI Mesh using the AX68U as the main router and my AC68P as the node (forgive me if I'm using the wrong terms). That said, the AC68P is about 16-20' from the AX68U. Using WiFi Analyzer it shows the AC68P with signal strength of -39 dBm +/-. Living in an apartment my neighbor's router is very close so her strength is nearly as strong. What can I do to improve the set up? I've read about changing the Roaming assistant RSI value which is currently default (-70 dBm)...Any advice?

 

[Tech9]

Living in an apartment... Any advice?

You perhaps don't need this node in an apartment. Wireless AiMesh node is a repeater. It generates 2x traffic on the same channel you use. Remove the old router, restore single router configuration.

 

[jontalk]

You perhaps don't need this node in an apartment. Wireless AiMesh node is a repeater. It generates 2x traffic on the same channel you use. Remove the old router, restore single router configuration.

Thanks for the advice though throughput improved dramatically after it was set up..prior to this, the auto-connect feature on my Android phone never worked. I appreciate the feedback, regardless

 

[Tech9]

Use the old router in AiMesh only if the main router coverage is not enough. Open a new thread with your AiMesh questions, this thread is for Aimesh in AP Mode or something you don't need.