Advice needed for fixing or replacing ASUS AiMesh ?
Advice needed for fixing or replacing ASUS AiMesh ?
Hi
I'm experiencing some network problems with my AI Mesh setup (RT-AX82U plus three ZenWifi XD5 nodes) and a TP-Link VX42 iiNet modem.
These issues have been happening over the past few days, and I suspect an ASUS firmware problem:
1) My Toshiba Air Touch2+ Air Conditioning Controller keeps disconnecting from the system.
I contacted ASUS support, who suggested splitting my network into 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz segments. When that didn't resolve the issue, they asked me to reset the router and mesh nodes. Following advice from Toshbiba, I also set a static IP for the AirCon in the router settings. However, the connection still drops every 20 minutes, requiring manual reconnection.
2) My iPhone and iPad are also facing connection problems (repeated "unable to connect messages"). These devices work fine when near the router, but if I need to reconnect elsewhere in the house, I encounter difficulties even when standing directly on a node. Setting fixed channels hasn't helped. Other devices around the house seem unaffected.
ASUS has referred me back to the retailer (JB HiFi), which seems insufficient.
This is really frustrating, and considering the time spent on the phone and reconnecting devices, it's been very disruptive. I've only had the router and mesh nodes since December, and I was hoping for better results from ASUS.
I'm unsure what to do next. If I visit JB HiFi, should I ask for a full refund? Would there be a more suitable setup available (around $800 AUD for the router plus nodes), or should I keep trying to fix this?
Thanks
Update: ASUS managed to roll back the firmware on the XD5s, and I noticed Apple doesn't allow separate network names from the same router, so now both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks share the same name.
I've managed to avoid disconnections for several hours, which is a local record.
I strongly dislike any kind of mesh system. How effectively it functions with just one router and no remote nodes? A more straightforward network usually offers better stability. Most mesh systems have been marketed for years, yet people now require multiple devices all at once...? Partially, the reliance on mesh has become an issue itself. The greater the number of users in a mesh setup, the more radio traffic and bandwidth they demand, which increases interference with neighboring devices. This can degrade signal coverage in your home areas, especially when several neighbors compete for the same bandwidth.
In any case, most marketing materials mislead consumers. They suggest placing mesh units in remote rooms, but this is often the worst spot—similar to getting the same poor signal from the main router that you then try to replicate elsewhere. A single central router generally performs better than a poorly positioned mesh system.
The crucial point is that remote units need strong signals from the main router and must still communicate with remote rooms. You must be very careful about their placement, as they can interfere with each other. Unless you have very expensive mesh units with additional radio chips to facilitate communication between the mesh and the router, interference will occur.
I question whether Apple truly needs the same naming conventions. How does a phone recognize that your home only supports 2.4GHz while your friend uses 5GHz? The device should not be confused about the different radio frequencies. The main reason for using different names is to make networks appear distinct, even though they technically share the same internet connection.