Thoughts on RT-AX82?

[Rob Q]

I've just ordered the RT-AX82U to replace my RT-AC1900P (since it's entering EOL according to Merlin). Since it works perfectly, I'm not going to toss the AC1900P. The AX82U will be the main router to handle all the WiFi 6 devices in the house which are connected on the 5 GHz band and I plan to use the old router as a secondary for only the 2.4 GHz band to improve the quality.

Would I have to configure them to use AiMesh?
Could I create a WiFi bridge between the two of them on only the 2.4 GHz band?


Lastly, and more importantly, what are your thoughts on the AX82 compared to the AC1900P?

 

[eibgrad]

IMO, the best part of the AC1900P compared to the AX82 is the former is supported by FreshTomato and DD-WRT! That won't help w/ AiMesh, but just about everything else will improve in terms of capabilities.

 

[Rob Q]

The lights on the AX82 are sooo pretty!!! My internet seems to load up a bit quicker than with the AC1900P. Signal is a bit better too! I haven't been out of the house to test it off the property.... yet. It's raining, so I'll do it another day.

 

[Rob Q]

Firmware.... do I stick with the stock Asus builds or toss on Merlin?
My thoughts are... Merlin has the site survey, stock doesn't.

 

[Tech9]

Merlin has the site survey, stock doesn't.

This was removed by Asus upstream, not available anymore.

secondary for only the 2.4 GHz band to improve the quality

Not needed. It won't improve the quality. Use single router only.

 

[Tech9]

what are your thoughts on the AX82 compared to the AC1900P?

More modern hardware supporting newer firmware base.

Firmware.... do I stick with the stock Asus builds or toss on Merlin?

Based on this question alone - use the stock Asuswrt firmware.

 

[Volt]

I have RT-AX82U V2, there is nothing to complain about, great router for its price, and I've also noticed that these newer routers work better even with older devices, so you can be pretty sure that you'll see improvements in speed compared to WiFi 5. Congratulations on your purchase!