wags1
Regular Contributor
Just as another point of reference, I had a pair of XT8’s that I was using, one as the main router and one as a AIMesh node (using Ethernet backhaul). Put up with it for 2 years during which time it was never 100% stable, I was always having to tweak and fiddle. Finally gave up and replaced the main router XT8 with a RT-AX86U. I kept the one XT8 as the AIMesh node (still use Ethernet backhaul). It has been 100% stable since I made the change. No more fussing and fiddling, my network just works. It was a night and day difference. Maybe it was just me, IDK but that has been my experience. It’s been almost 3 months now and it is still rock solid. Honestly I don’t even think about my network anymore…which is just the way I like it.I would disable Smart Connect for better control over where the devices connect and use 2x separate SSIDs instead. Smart Connect is not that Smart in moving devices around and may create disconnections in time sensitive applications like streaming and voice/video calls. You have to experiment what works best for you. I would return this set and purchase AX86U for main router + AX86S for node. Both are more stable, run the same firmware and have the same radios. Much more capable hardware as well. XT8 has a history of firmware stability issues and is overpriced for what it is.