Get help installing ASUS AiMesh. Follow the instructions carefully for a smooth setup.
Get help installing ASUS AiMesh. Follow the instructions carefully for a smooth setup.
Hello, I'm currently using my main router as an Asus GT-AX11000 3 AiMesh setup. It has two AX-92U units on different floors and a GT-AC5300 in the basement. My internet speeds are around 500 down and 30 up. I'm feeling frustrated because I don't see much effort to fine-tune my settings. We have roughly 30 devices connected at any time, whether they're using WiFi 6 or not, and many of them run gaming on my Xbox Series X or PC. I just want to improve stability and learn how to use the router's features better. Also, I notice my download speeds aren't consistently hitting 500 Mbps even though tests suggest up to 4K is possible. Most of the time I see much less than 500 Mbps, especially when down. I'm not sure where to begin with organizing this information—maybe someone can help me walk through it step by step. Thanks for your help!
Asus' AI Mesh appears to offer a solid mesh network setup, incorporating some unique technology internally. However, it still struggles with wireless blockages such as walls and floors, as well as interference from other networks or devices. Even if you place mesh nodes on every floor for strong horizontal coverage—most routers use omnidirectional antennas—they must still exchange signals vertically, which isn't ideal for a reliable wireless backhaul.
Expecting perfect WAN-to-WLAN speeds through WiFi is unrealistic due to these limitations. I suggest connecting each mesh node directly via Ethernet from the main router to bypass vertical communication issues. This eliminates the need for complex wireless coordination. While Asus can support AI Mesh in wired mode, using AP mode should suffice.
Also consider reducing the number of mesh nodes. Arrange them carefully, ensuring their channels don’t overlap, and lower their transmission power so they don’t interfere with one another.
That's amazing. I love this information. So your recommendation is unanimous on the AI Mesh correct? Keep it on? Secondly, I've never been good in determining which bands and frequencies I should be using. Would there be some screenshots I can post here in order to have some assistance in determining if my set up is well optimized? I don't know if I understand wireless backhaul so well, but I do have two SSIDs set up, my main for 2.4ghz and 5ghz, the second for 5.1ghz and then there's the hidden backhaul at 5.2ghz. In regards to vertical communication you're right. The beams in a house are not forgiving and so it can wipe out a lot of speed. I'll have to determine how I can connect all my nodes to ethernet as I don't necessarily have ethernet in every room which is a problem.
5 Ghz delivers the performance you need for WiFi. Higher frequencies reduce penetration and limit range. 2.4 Ghz excels in distance but tends to be slower. It’s also widely used without a license, leading to interference from other devices. 5Ghz is ideal for backhaul to achieve maximum speeds. Consider using a WiFi analyzer app on your phone or tablet to perform a site survey. Check signal strength across different areas with AI mesh routers and at each device to plan optimal placement.
If it had Wi-Fi 6E, it could help resolve certain problems. The 6E or 6GHz band offers more channels with less interference, which might improve performance.
As you move up in bands, your penetration power decreases. This means the walls will affect performance more noticeably. I haven’t seen any data on 6 GHz yet, but I’d guess you’ll get less range. Also, the person asking doesn’t mention their location, but outside the US it’s typical to build houses with concrete. Concrete and WiFi don’t go well together.
I understand the context of 2.4GHz and 5GHz, but 6GHz seems to offer better penetration. This is just my assumption since I believe 6GHz should improve speeds beyond 5GHz, not only in speed but also in coverage. However, I need to verify this through testing. Essentially, what I'm saying is that 6E or 6GHz isn't as restricted as 5GHz. But I could be mistaken.
I follow the rules of physics. However, if you undergo some testing, feel free to share your findings. Interestingly, I haven’t encountered much WiFi 6E equipment yet. Also, I haven’t come across any reviews from the YouTubers I usually watch.
In physics, increasing wave frequency means shorter wavelength, which limits how far the wave can travel. Waves with higher frequencies are also more prone to being weakened by physical barriers. Choosing 6GHz offers better spectrum size compared to 5GHz, less widespread usage, and faster data rates. When few devices use 6GHz, interference drops significantly. Reflect on how 5GHz launched—it provided speed mainly in close proximity. Expect WiFi 6E routers to suit small spaces rather than large homes; multiple access points are necessary for optimal performance. Consider sharing your router settings screenshots (hide passwords) and run a Wi-Fi analysis using an app covering both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Vertical connections between access points should be wired if possible.