Device Recommendation for Setting up Asus AiMesh?

aec on 12/02/2023 - 09:26
Last edited 12/02/2023 - 22:19 by 1 other user

Recently purchased an ASUS RT-AX56U, but it doesn't seem that great. I can only get 4 bars on my phone in one bedroom of my little two storey house. This is not a major issue though.

More importantly, I want to relocate my eufy homebase 3 from the garage to my study room. I can probably purchase either something like TP-Link 300Mbps Universal Wi-Fi Range Extender (or a better model) or NetCommWireless NP511 500Mbps Powerline Adapters. Alternatively, I can set up a proper mesh system.

The questions:
1. if I keep AX56u as the main router, what other device is recommended? Something MUST have an ethernet port for HB3.
2. will it be a better idea to sell AX56u, and purchase a complete mesh system of asus or other brand?

I don't want to spend/waste too much money.
I do want the mesh system takes a smaller footprint (that's the reason i consider tp-link range extender)

Any recommendations?

Thanks.

PS
is 300 Mbps fast enough for streaming 4k video?

what about this: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/756463#comment-13368425

• 

  scrimshaw on 12/02/2023 - 10:59

  +4

  Are you aware that most ASUS routers have AiMesh feature and can be configured to form a mesh network?

  Seeing as you already own an ASUS router, all you really need now is another ASUS router that supports AiMesh and you can get your own mesh network going. You do not need a matching model either, you just need one that supports AiMesh

  I can probably purchase either something like TP-Link 300Mbps Universal Wi-Fi Range Extender (or a better model) or NetCommWireless NP511 500Mbps Powerline Adapters.

  Range extenders are terrible for performance and your devices also do not automatically roam between your router and the Wifi extender. Don't buy these.

  Powerline is better than Wifi repeaters / extenders but again these are not guaranteed to work well in every home and performance is kind of a "your mileage may vary" thing.

  • 

    aec on 12/02/2023 - 13:14

    maybe something like these:
    ASUS ZenWiFi XD4S

    thanks.

    • 

      xuqi on 12/02/2023 - 19:35

      +1

      I use the dual kit at home without issues.

      https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/23461/101630/asus_-_co…

      • 

        aec on 18/02/2023 - 21:18

        i will need the dual kit too.

    • 

      [Deactivated] on 13/02/2023 - 14:14

      +1

      I'd rather get an AX86U and run the 56U as a AP-only AIMesh node (with or without Ethernet backhaul). The Asus mesh routers (as far as I know) just use their AIMesh technology, you're basically just paying for the nice smaller form factor and matching aesthetic. $350 here get you another mediocre entry level router and some satellite that you might end up replacing at some point in the next 5-10 years anyway because your network grew. I'd go as far to say most people will get better network improvement getting an older flagship AC router like the Netgear R7800/D7800 (flashed to OpenWRT) or the Asus AC86U and its siblings than a AX router/AP.

      • 

        aec on 18/02/2023 - 21:19

        AX86u is certainly great! but it will cost nearly $500! Hopefully there will be a decent deal soon…

• 

  vince088 on 12/02/2023 - 23:19

  +1

  300mpbs capability from that extender is not the speed you will get, the max speed you will get is the speed of your internet connection, depending on what plan you get.

  also extender/repeater has a 50% speed penalty as it is repeating your signal.

  Mesh does not have a speed penalty as a different technology.

  I recommend you get another node to connect to your current router to create a mesh system and you should be good.

  ps. most mesh systems/nodes have ethernet connections for backhaul and connect to devices that need a wired connection