Asus WiFi 7 and WiFi 6E routers

[xiaofan]

Floorplan uploaded here - https://ibb.co/995vHZ7C.

Modem and router both at the same location in living room. No LAN ports in rooms. Using HomePlugs for PCs in the study room instead.

It is an old RT-AX88U . It had issue reaching my master bedroom & its toilet of my 5RM point block previously as well. So thought I needed a stronger one, or a second one nearer the bedroom.

For BE230, I meant TP-link's EasyMesh, so had the impression that my option was to buy a better model from either TP-Link or ASUS, and use the respective lousier one as node.

Thanks!

Maybe your placement is also a problem, try to put your existing RT-AX88U in a high place to see if that helps. If possible, move it a bit up towards the dining area.

Since you do not have LAN ports in the rooms, if you need to use a mesh solution, you have to use wireless backhaul. Best for mesh with wireless backhaul is to use triband mesh solution. But neither RT-AX88U nor Archer BE230 is triband.

Since you already have the RT-AX88U, one option is to get TUF-AX6000 as the main router, then use the RT-AX88U as AImesh node. Both are dual band router so not the best for mesh with wireless backhaul, but it may well work. You have to carry out experiment with the placement of the RT-AX88U. In this case, you can sell the Archer BE230.

Or you can get another Archer BE230 (less than S$100) and then use two Archer BE230 based mesh solution.

If you want to use triband mesh for the best performance, you can check with M1 whether they still have the PWP offer for Asus ZenWiFi BT10 two-pack for S$21 x 24 = S$504. In that case, you can sell both the Archer BE230 and RT-AX88U.

 

[xxviiperxx]

Maybe your placement is also a problem, try to put your existing RT-AX88U in a high place to see if that helps. If possible, move it a bit up towards the dining area.

Since you do not have LAN ports in the rooms, if you need to use a mesh solution, you have to use wireless backhaul. Best for mesh with wireless backhaul is to use triband mesh solution. But neither RT-AX88U nor Archer BE230 are triband.

Since you already have the RT-AX88U, one option is to get TUF-AX6000 as the main router, then use the RT-AX88U as AImesh node. Both are dual band router so not the best for mesh with wireless backhaul, but it may well work. You have to carry out experiment with the placement of the RT-AX88U. In this case, you can sell the Archer BE230.

Or you can get another Archer BE230 (less than S$100) and then use two Archer BE230 based mesh solution.

If you want to use triband mesh for the best performance, you can check with M1 whether they still have the PWP offer for Asus ZenWiFi BT10 two-pack for S$21 x 24 = S$504. In that case, you can sell both the Archer BE230 and RT-AX88U.

Huge thanks for the advice!

One last qn pls - based on your recommendation for triband mesh, how about 2 x ASUS BE92U? Got a lobang for 1, so just need another from retail. Still fits budget.

 

[xiaofan]

Huge thanks for the advice!

One last qn pls - based on your recommendation for triband mesh, how about 2 x ASUS BE92U? Got a lobang for 1, so just need another from retail. Still fits budget.

Yes, that is also an okay option if you got the lobang.

 

[xiaofan]

Asus WiFi 7 router: would you enable MLO on the main SSID?

I enable MLO with my Asus TUF-BE6500. Another IoT SSID will be created by default as well.

MLO SSID is also useful for wireless backhaul between two AImesh nodes.

 

[xiaofan]

Not so sure when this will come to Singapore.

 

[xiaofan]

Asus TUF-BE6500 (dual band WiFi 7 router), MLO SSID (2.4GHz+5GHz).
Wireless client: Acer Swift Go 14 2024 model, Intel Core Ultra 5 125H, 16GB/1TB, Intel BE200NGW based Killer BE1750 WiFi 7 adapter.

Close range at 50cm distance: the following results probably the best I can get so far.

 

[kenho_23]

I saw mention about FW issue on CN BE6500, wonder what exactly is the issue?

 

[xiaofan]

I saw mention about FW issue on CN BE6500, wonder what exactly is the issue?

Based on my own testing.

1) WiFi region settings --> only CN and AU, no Asia and other region. I have to use AU region. No such issue for my Asus RT-AX86U CN version and Asus RT-AX82U CN version. No such issues for other CN version Asus routers either based on all the reviews.

2) Some compatibility issues with my other up-stream network equipments (2.5G/10G switch, Intel N100 mini PCs): negotiate at 1Gbps and not 2.5Gbps. Just need to unplug and plug the WAN Ethernet cable.

Should not be a big problem for most of the users.

 

[kenho_23]

Thanks Xiao Fan, if I am buying this as second router and connecting wired backhaul for AI Mesh, will the regional setting affect at all?

 

[xiaofan]

Thanks Xiao Fan, if I am buying this as second router and connecting wired backhaul for AI Mesh, will the regional setting affect at all?

I believe not but I have not tried this myself.

 

[xonix]

New firmware for RT-BE92U

Firmware version 3.0.0.6_1 02_37526- g5772bd6_1099-ga930e
- Release note -

Improve system stability

 

[natyllek]

Hi guys, I have a 3gbps plan and am using TUF BE6500 (china version), usually all is good. But the signal dropped a bar when I am in my room, and if I enable MLO, the connection is practically 0, got disconnected and falls back to 5G. Any idea why?

I have a LAN port in my room, so am thinking to get the BE92U to replace TUF BE6500, then use the TUF BE6500 as an AP in the room for better coverage and speed.

Will this set up work? Will I have better signal and speed in this case? Will MLO works?

 

[xonix]

Hi guys, I have a 3gbps plan and am using TUF BE6500 (china version), usually all is good. But the signal dropped a bar when I am in my room, and if I enable MLO, the connection is practically 0, got disconnected and falls back to 5G. Any idea why?

I have a LAN port in my room, so am thinking to get the BE92U to replace TUF BE6500, then use the TUF BE6500 as an AP in the room for better coverage and speed.

Will this set up work? Will I have better signal and speed in this case? Will MLO works?

https://www.asus.com/sg/support/faq/1053342/

 

[snoopydoo]

Hi guys

Please advise which router performance is better, TP-Link Archer BE805 or ASUS RT-BE92U?

I am planning to subscribe M1 home broadband 6 Gpbs.

Thank you.

 

[xiaofan]

Hi guys

Please advise which router performance is better, TP-Link Archer BE805 or ASUS RT-BE92U?

I am planning to subscribe M1 home broadband 6 Gpbs.

Thank you.

My personal opinion below.
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/m1-fibre-broadband-discussion-part-2.5658375/page-792

That is an interesting development.

Personally I do not like RT-BE92U since Asus ZenWiFI BT10 is a bit better and will come to similar price in the end. Let's see how the price of RT-BE92U will drop once M1 users start to dump it. Asus listed price of RT-BE92U is at S$399. Asus ZenWiFi BT10 listed price for two pack is at S$1299 but the real resale price is at around S$660 to S$700. So maybe RT-BE92U will drop to S$200 after sometime. Let's see.

Eg: new user offer --> S$34.90 per month with free Archer BE805, free RT-BE92U, or top up S$12 for Asus ZenWiFi BT10.

Single router with better wireless coverage --> I will still recommend Archer BE805 (dual 10G port plus quad 1G ports) over Asus RT-BE92U (single 10G port and quad 2.5G ports).

Mesh solution --> I will still recommend Asus ZenWiFi BT10 two-pack over two units of RT-BE92U (2GB RAM vs 1GB RAM, dual 10G ports versus single 10G port).

On the other hand, RT-BE92U may be a good option for users who prefer Asus, or who have already a good Asus router like TUF-AX6000, TUF-AX4200, RT-AX86U and GT-AX6000, and can use Ethernet Backhaul.

 

[kenho_23]

I have a BE6500 from MyRepublic, but notice networks is weak in bedrooms, so planning to get a secondary router. As a secondary mesh node, is BE3600 good enough?

Understand that some WiFi 6 Router is also recommended, but I would like to try MLO and using WiFi 6 Router as node will disable that option correct?

 

[xiaofan]

I have a BE6500 from MyRepublic, but notice networks is weak in bedrooms, so planning to get a secondary router. As a secondary mesh node, is BE3600 good enough?

Understand that some WiFi 6 Router is also recommended, but I would like to try MLO and using WiFi 6 Router as node will disable that option correct?

Yes, RT-BE58U (or TUF-BE3600) is an okay option if you can use Etherner Backhaul.

If you want to use wireless backhaul, then that is not really a good idea as both are dual band. I also believe MLO backhaul will not work if you use RT-BE58U as the mesh node. You can use only another TUF-BE6500 as the backhaul.

Asus FAQ on MLO -- quite some limitations for MLO Backhaul.
https://www.asus.com/sg/support/faq/1053342/

2. The MLO Backhaul function can help your AiMesh routers and nodes achieve optimal connection bandwidth.

In an AiMesh system, if there are multiple WiFi 7 nodes, only the first node can use MLO Backhaul, and MLO Backhaul only supports the same model.

 

[kenho_23]

Yes, RT-BE58U (or TUF-BE3600) is an okay option if you can use Etherner Backhaul.

If you want to use wireless backhaul, then that is not really a good idea as both are dual band. I also believe MLO backhaul will not work if you use RT-BE58U as the mesh node. You can use only another TUF-BE6500 as the backhaul.

Asus FAQ on MLO -- quite some limitations for MLO Backhaul.
https://www.asus.com/sg/support/faq/1053342/

2. The MLO Backhaul function can help your AiMesh routers and nodes achieve optimal connection bandwidth.

In an AiMesh system, if there are multiple WiFi 7 nodes, only the first node can use MLO Backhaul, and MLO Backhaul only supports the same model.

Yes I am using wired backhaul, so in this case will BE3600 still enable me to use MLO features? Or it will be saver to just get another BE6500 from CN. Since I am using it as a AI Mesh node I think language and region thing will not be an issue?

 

[xiaofan]

Yes I am using wired backhaul, so in this case will BE3600 still enable me to use MLO features? Or it will be saver to just get another BE6500 from CN. Since I am using it as a AI Mesh node I think language and region thing will not be an issue?

I am not so sure in this case if you can use TUF-BE3600's MLO feature yet have seamless roaming. I tend to believe MLO will not work well in the mesh node. You may want to confirm with Asus.

If you use another TUF-BE6500 from China, I tend to think MLO will work on the mesh node, but some 5GHz channels may not be available since CN version of TUF-BE6500 has one major FW limitation that only China/AU regions are available. I was hoping Asus to release new FW updates to fix this issue but so far no FW updates from Asus.

CN version of TUF-BE6500 --> 5GHz band:
CH36/40/44/48/52/56/60/64, CH149/153/157/161, CH165

What are the 5GHz channels available in your global version of TUF-BE6500?
I believe it will be CH36/40/44/48/52/56/60/64, CH100/104/108/112/116/120/124/128, CH132/136/140/144, CH149/153/157/161, CH165

All in all, if you want to play safe, just forget about MLO. It is not that usefual after all since you can use Ethernet Backhaul.

 

[xiaofan]

Unfortunately it is not possible to change the regdom to SG as it will cause reset, after the reset it will go back to the region setting (CN or AU).

xiaofan@TUF_6500-5020:/tmp/home/root# iwlist ath1 channel
ath1      13 channels in total; available frequencies :
          Channel 36 : 5.18 GHz
          Channel 40 : 5.2 GHz
          Channel 44 : 5.22 GHz
          Channel 48 : 5.24 GHz
          Channel 52 : 5.26 GHz
          Channel 56 : 5.28 GHz
          Channel 60 : 5.3 GHz
          Channel 64 : 5.32 GHz
          Channel 149 : 5.745 GHz
          Channel 153 : 5.765 GHz
          Channel 157 : 5.785 GHz
          Channel 161 : 5.805 GHz
          Channel 165 : 5.825 GHz
          Current Frequency:5.3 GHz (Channel 60)

xiaofan@TUF_6500-5020:/tmp/home/root# iwlist ath0 channel
ath0      13 channels in total; available frequencies :
          Channel 01 : 2.412 GHz
          Channel 02 : 2.417 GHz
          Channel 03 : 2.422 GHz
          Channel 04 : 2.427 GHz
          Channel 05 : 2.432 GHz
          Channel 06 : 2.437 GHz
          Channel 07 : 2.442 GHz
          Channel 08 : 2.447 GHz
          Channel 09 : 2.452 GHz
          Channel 10 : 2.457 GHz
          Channel 11 : 2.462 GHz
          Channel 12 : 2.467 GHz
          Channel 13 : 2.472 GHz
          Current Frequency:2.462 GHz (Channel 11)

xiaofan@TUF_6500-5020:/tmp/home/root# iw reg get
global
country 00: DFS-UNSET
        (2402 - 2472 @ 40), (6, 20), (N/A)
        (2457 - 2482 @ 20), (6, 20), (N/A), AUTO-BW, PASSIVE-SCAN
        (2474 - 2494 @ 20), (6, 20), (N/A), NO-OFDM, PASSIVE-SCAN
        (5170 - 5250 @ 80), (6, 20), (N/A), AUTO-BW, PASSIVE-SCAN
        (5250 - 5330 @ 80), (6, 20), (0 ms), DFS, AUTO-BW, PASSIVE-SCAN
        (5490 - 5730 @ 160), (6, 20), (0 ms), DFS, PASSIVE-SCAN
        (5735 - 5835 @ 80), (6, 20), (N/A), PASSIVE-SCAN
        (57240 - 63720 @ 2160), (N/A, 0), (N/A)

phy#2 (self-managed)
country AU: DFS-FCC
        (2402 - 2482 @ 40), (N/A, 30), (N/A), AUTO-BW
        (5170 - 5330 @ 160), (N/A, 30), (N/A), AUTO-BW
        (5735 - 5835 @ 80), (N/A, 30), (N/A), AUTO-BW

phy#1 (self-managed)
country AU: DFS-UNSET
        (2402 - 2482 @ 40), (N/A, 30), (N/A), AUTO-BW
        (5170 - 5330 @ 160), (N/A, 30), (N/A), NO-OUTDOOR, AUTO-BW
        (5735 - 5835 @ 80), (N/A, 36), (N/A), AUTO-BW

xiaofan@TUF_6500-5020:/tmp/home/root# iw reg set SG

client_loop: send disconnect: Connection reset [[B]Note: router reboot[/B]].

PS C:\work> ssh xiaofan@192.168.50.1 -p 2222
xiaofan@192.168.50.1's password:
xiaofan@TUF_6500-5020:/tmp/home/root# iw reg get
global
country 00: DFS-UNSET
        (2402 - 2472 @ 40), (6, 20), (N/A)
        (2457 - 2482 @ 20), (6, 20), (N/A), AUTO-BW, PASSIVE-SCAN
        (2474 - 2494 @ 20), (6, 20), (N/A), NO-OFDM, PASSIVE-SCAN
        (5170 - 5250 @ 80), (6, 20), (N/A), AUTO-BW, PASSIVE-SCAN
        (5250 - 5330 @ 80), (6, 20), (0 ms), DFS, AUTO-BW, PASSIVE-SCAN
        (5490 - 5730 @ 160), (6, 20), (0 ms), DFS, PASSIVE-SCAN
        (5735 - 5835 @ 80), (6, 20), (N/A), PASSIVE-SCAN
        (57240 - 63720 @ 2160), (N/A, 0), (N/A)

phy#2 (self-managed)
country SG: DFS-ETSI
        (2402 - 2482 @ 40), (N/A, 20), (N/A), AUTO-BW
        (5170 - 5330 @ 160), (N/A, 30), (N/A), AUTO-BW
        (5490 - 5730 @ 240), (N/A, 30), (N/A), AUTO-BW
        (5735 - 5835 @ 80), (N/A, 33), (N/A), AUTO-BW

phy#1 (self-managed)
country SG: DFS-ETSI
        (2402 - 2482 @ 40), (N/A, 20), (N/A), AUTO-BW
        (5170 - 5330 @ 160), (N/A, 30), (N/A), NO-OUTDOOR, AUTO-BW
        (5490 - 5730 @ 240), (N/A, 30), (N/A), AUTO-BW
        (5735 - 5835 @ 80), (N/A, 33), (N/A), AUTO-BW