RT-AX82U AiMesh Options?

[remmles]

We have the RT-AX82U as our main modem/router. We are experiencing a lack of coverage upstairs and down the back and needing to do something to get signal down there.

What modem would you recommend we get for plugging into a secondary Ethernet port and giving signal upstairs and using AiMesh?

 

[Tech9]

We have the RT-AX82U as our main modem/router.

RT-AX82U doesn't have modem part in it. It's an All-in-One wireless router. For AiMesh - second the same model unit works best, wired or wireless. Not clear what "secondary Ethernet port" is. Wired AiMesh node has to be connected to the main AiMesh router, not to the ISP provided modem or modem/router. More information here:

[AiMesh] Can I set up wired connection between AiMesh routers (Ethernet backhaul)? | Official Support | ASUS Global

 

[bbunge]

We have the RT-AX82U as our main modem/router. We are experiencing a lack of coverage upstairs and down the back and needing to do something to get signal down there.

What modem would you recommend we get for plugging into a secondary Ethernet port and giving signal upstairs and using AiMesh?

I have seen several internet service providers call routers modems. Yes, there are combo modem-routers and many cable companies provide these to consumers who do not know better. However, your AX82U is just a router. You will have a modem or an optical network terminator if you have FIOS between the ISP connection and your router. Also possible to have a modem-router combo before your AX82U.
@Tech9 is correct that your best bet for a mesh node is another router like your main router. Other Asus AX class routers will also work but beware of those on the end of life list.

 

[Tech9]

@Tech9 is correct that your best bet for a mesh node is another router like your main router.

This may not be possible though because all new RT-AX82U routers are perhaps V2 revision already and not exactly the same hardware as existing RT-AX82U, perhaps V1. At least they will be updated at the same time to the same firmware version. The firmware for RT-AX82U model now contains images for both V1 and V2 revisions.

 

[remmles]

How do I tell which version my current one has?

 

[Grumpy_Geoff]

How do I tell which version my current one has?

Look on the label - does it state "v2"?
Or run this in a telnet/SSH session -

nvram get productid