Question Trying to determine best way to set up AiMesh Ethernet backhaul with a Switch

[loweherzat]

Hi all,

I'm trying to set up an AiMesh system with 2 Asus RT-AX55U as AP/Mesh Router/Node
intended to add a 3rd Asus later.

My network map intended as following:

Internet -> Draytek Modem/Router/DHCP Server -> Switch

the Switch connects:
- Windows Server (static IP) that provide AD service and NAS.
- Some home desktop PC (DHCP by the Draytek)
- Some entertainment system (speakers, tv)

Since I run a VPN via the Draytek modem, and the NAS/AD windows server within the LAN, i dont want all the devices to connect wirelessly via the Asus to be at another subnet level with the NAS. Hences from what I understand I should not connect the cable from switch to the Asus via the WAN port.

Hences, I've tried to connect cable from Switch to LAN port on all the Asus. I'm able to get into Asus router setting page and it show the mesh/mesh node working fine. My laptop connect wifi via these Asus and can get internet. However the Asus Mesh Topology showing that WAN is disconnected (of course), and I cannot turn on Ethernet Backhaul Mode. Each time i tried to turn it on it said one of the node are not connected with an Ethernet cable (currently there's only 1 node)

It looks like this:

Switch
----> Asus RT-AX55 (1 - main) ---> Laptop
----> Asus RT-AX55 (2 - node) ---> Laptop

Questions:
1. Can QoS from the Asus setting work with this setup?
2. Obviously the AiMesh node is still using the connection with the main Asus Mesh router via the ethernet cable. They're in 2 different rooms lead to very weak wifi signal from each other, and i've tested the speed with a laptop connect wifi to the node when the node is connected with and without cable to the switch: when tested with cable connected to the switch the speed test from laptop is up 10 folds. So why I cannot turn on the ethernet backhaul?

Sorry for the long explanation as I didn't want to leave any infos out.

 

[kanewolf]

Hi all,

I'm trying to set up an AiMesh system with 2 Asus RT-AX55U as AP/Mesh Router/Node
intended to add a 3rd Asus later.

My network map intended as following:

Internet -> Draytek Modem/Router/DHCP Server -> Switch

the Switch connects:
- Windows Server (static IP) that provide AD service and NAS.
- Some home desktop PC (DHCP by the Draytek)
- Some entertainment system (speakers, tv)

Since I run a VPN via the Draytek modem, and the NAS/AD windows server within the LAN, i dont want all the devices to connect wirelessly via the Asus to be at another subnet level with the NAS. Hences from what I understand I should not connect the cable from switch to the Asus via the WAN port.

Hences, I've tried to connect cable from Switch to LAN port on all the Asus. I'm able to get into Asus router setting page and it show the mesh/mesh node working fine. My laptop connect wifi via these Asus and can get internet. However the Asus Mesh Topology showing that WAN is disconnected (of course), and I cannot turn on Ethernet Backhaul Mode. Each time i tried to turn it on it said one of the node are not connected with an Ethernet cable (currently there's only 1 node)

It looks like this:

Switch
----> Asus RT-AX55 (1 - main) ---> Laptop
----> Asus RT-AX55 (2 - node) ---> Laptop

Questions:
1. Can QoS from the Asus setting work with this setup?
2. Obviously the AiMesh node is still using the connection with the main Asus Mesh router via the ethernet cable. They're in 2 different rooms lead to very weak wifi signal from each other, and i've tested the speed with a laptop connect wifi to the node when the node is connected with and without cable to the switch: when tested with cable connected to the switch the speed test from laptop is up 10 folds. So why I cannot turn on the ethernet backhaul?

Sorry for the long explanation as I didn't want to leave any infos out.

Unfortunately Merlin firmware isn't available for your specific model....
Generally you want to use LAN ports when using an Asus router as an AP. None of the Asus routers are providing DHCP or NAT from what I can tell in your description. Set them as APs, IMO. Forget about the "AIMesh". Configure the SSIDs and passwords manually. Don't assume the software is smarter than you are.

 

[loweherzat]

How would the Merlin firmware help? I'm still leaving the 3rd Asus out for later, so I could buy one that support it if it helps with my setup?

The previous setup is exactly as you suggested: each floor has their own AP. The thing with setting up each router as APs is that when I move into the overlaping area, my cellphones for example still get connected to the weak signal and not auto-reconnect to the stronger AP unless I manually do so.

 

[kanewolf]

How would the Merlin firmware help? I'm still leaving the 3rd Asus out for later, so I could buy one that support it if it helps with my setup?

The previous setup is exactly as you suggested: each floor has their own AP. The thing with setting up each router as APs is that when I move into the overlaping area, my cellphones for example still get connected to the weak signal and not auto-reconnect to the stronger AP unless I manually do so.

I have always used Merlin firmware in all supported devices.
Your phone is completely in control of what WIFI source it connects to. To improve roaming you turn DOWN the transmit power on your APs to minimize overlap.
You also want the transmit power of your 2.4Ghz signal to be lower than your 5Ghz signal (assuming you have the same SSID for both bands). If your 2.4 and 5Ghz SSIDs are different, then relative power between bands is not an issue.