WiFi issues GT-AXE11000

[i5Js]

Hello all,

I have an GT-AXE16000 as main router using Merlin, 3004.388.7 and an GT-AX1000 as mesh node using the same version.

A friend has borrowed me an GT-AXE11000 meanwhile he is moving, and I have added it as mesh node, and I see all my devices can only connect to the GT-AXE11000 to 802.11n and 216Mbps. I have removed it from the mesh network, and setup it as a stand alone, and it works as expected, 802.11AX and up to 1300 MBps.

I have cleaned the settings, WPS reset method too, but nothing works, after adding it back to my mesh network, it happens again.

If I move my laptop close to the GT-AX11000, it connects fine, 802.11ax and top speed.

is there known issues about this router and mesh networks?

Thanks in advanced,

 

[Tech9]

When asking for help make sure you mention correct model numbers, speeds and connections. Your thread title is about AXE11000 (Asus GT-AXE11000?), your description of existing network is AX1000 node (Asus GT-AX11000?), 802.11n 2.4GHz at 216Mbps link speeds is possible only to rare 3-stream client and you are definitely not getting 1300MBps over any Wi-Fi standard.

So what exactly happens again when connected to what router and with what client on what band?

 

[i5Js]

Hello @Tech9 Thanks for jumping here. I have edit the post, you're right.

My exiting network was GT-AXE16000 as main router and a mesh node, GT-AX11000. Recently I have added a second node, GT-AXE11000.

So, basically, all the devices I have, when they are connected to the GT-AXE11000 only use the band 2.4Ghz. However, when I move them close the the GT-AXE16000 or GT-AX11000 they use all the bands, most of the time, 5Ghz 802.11ax at 1300Mbps.

Thanks again.

 

[Tech9]

Is your setup wired or wireless? This mix of hardware can't have dedicated wireless backhaul. Your GT-AX11000 doesn't have 6GHz band, your GT-AXE11000 has one only 5GHz band. This perhaps forces your main GT-AXE16000 router to use shared 5GHz backhaul to both of your nodes effectively eliminating the advantage of dedicated wireless backhaul. This is the first issue I see - device compatibility. Fix this and your system may start working properly. Why your main router currently serves clients on 2.4GHz only - I don't know. AiMesh configuration with 2x dedicated wireless backhaul bands is unlikely. You are testing unexplored AiMesh territory.

 

[i5Js]

Hey, thanks!

The backhaul is with ethernet. I'm going to disable 802.11ax / WiFi 6 mode in 2.4ghz setup.

 

[i5Js]

I have removed the GT-AX11000, but it didn't make any difference.

 

[Tech9]

The backhaul is with ethernet.

You may need to rebuild the AiMesh system and make sure Ethernet backhaul is actually active.

Disabling AX on 2.4GHz band is actually recommended as compatibility improvement step by Asus themselves.

 

[i5Js]

And what about the 5GHz? bands?

Nothing has worked... All the devices connected to the GT-AXE11000 uses the 2.4ghz band only.

 

[Tech9]

This is not normal nor expected in AiMesh configuration with Ethernet backhaul. Test this router in stand alone mode to rule out hardware issue.

BTW, GT-AXE11000 is exactly the same hardware device as your GT-AX11000. AXE version has one of the radios tuned for 6GHz band. This radio IC is the same BCM43684, perhaps with different power amp behind it.

 

[i5Js]

It's something about AiMesh for sure, as you well suggested, I have removed it from the mesh, and setup as a stand alone, I was able to connect using 5Ghz and 1300Mbps

 

[Tech9]

Reboot, reset, reconfigure, test what works and what doesn't. The Asus experience.

 

[i5Js]

It's funny, (ironic mode on), because I have disabled the 2.4ghz in the node mesh, GT-AXE11000, and none of my devices can connect to that node

 

[Tech9]

(ironic mode on)

The same functionality Node on Amazon:

Price $16, save additional $2 with coupon.

 

[i5Js]

Hahahahahaj true!

Tomorrow I will try to open a support ticket with asus. I guess they don’t support asus merlin, do they?

 

[Tech9]

I guess they don’t support asus merlin, do they?

No, Asus support is for stock Asuswrt only.

You may want to test with stock Asuswrt as well. If the same issues is present there - report it in Feedback form.

 

[i5Js]

Good morning! It's time to open a support ticket with Asus. I have restarted and reseted everything. All with stocks firmware, and exactly the same issue.

 

[i5Js]

It seems I have fixed it disabling the Enable Smart Connect option. Now the devices are "free" to connect to any band.

 

[i5Js]

I have done a new test, I’ve found something ridiculous and surprising at the same time Context: The main router GT-AXE16000 runs Merlin, 3004.388.8_2, GT-AXE11000 runs stock, 3.0.0.4.388_23849-g09afb67. I have assigned statics ips using YazDHCP, everything was working fine, but when I added an static ip to the GT-AXE11000, the issues started again. The devices can only use 2.4Ghz band; if I remove this settings, and the GT-AXE11000 uses an ip from the DHCP pool, everything starts to works fine. I did it three time to be sure.

No sense at all!