ASUS - RT-BE96U

The 10Gb backhaul worth the trouble? I’m running a RT-BE96U main with two ET12’s as nodes on 1Gb backhaul. Only have a 1 gig fiber plan so think my 1Gb backhaul is fine but I can just move the ports around and get 10Gb I’m thinking

Pickup 3x Ausus BE96u and spread them around the house with AI Mesh. Connect one to the WAN and then the remainder to each other with CAT 6. You will have an amazing network. They are on sale for $399 each now. Run Merlin firmware...

Never had a problem. But, use wired vs wireless to connect.

Having 10GbE ports and actually being able to provide 10gbps throughput are very different things. I refuse to recommend TP-Link Deco. The system relies on TP-Link servers for management, has a dumbed-down admin interface with only basic config options, frequently fails to deliver advertised features or function reliably, and overstates their performance capabilities (of course the latter isn't unusual in the market). I have no experience with Netgear Orbi, but note they have only a single 10GbE port, so you can't do wireless backhaul at 10gbps across nodes or to wired devices (don't expect above 3-4gbps via WiFi). Asus has the BE996U meshable router with a pair of 10GBE ports and BE19000 support, so could support 10gbps wired backhaul and (with a 10GbE switch) wired devices. I'd rank Asus above TP-Link Deco but nowhere near a system like UniFi. Do you really want 10gbps or even 5gbps throughput? Do you even have any devices that could support 10GbE, or even 2.5GbE? Run lots of CAT6A cable and get a UniFi UCG-Fiber (5gbps), UDM-Pro-Max (5gbps), or EFG (12.5gbps), or a Firewalla Gold Pro (10gbps), or a TP-Link Omada ER8411 (5gbps) router and add a 10GbE switch. Use UniFi U7-Pro-XG or TP-Link Omada EAP773 access points connected via 10GbE to the switch. I could design you a network that, on paper, would be expected to provide up to 10gbps across the wire and probably around 3-4gbps via WiFi (to devices that support WiFi 7 and 6GHz). But you'll have to spend around $5K in equipment, at least $2K for professional cable installation, and my time to do the up-front site assessment and planing for a project this size wouldn't be free. And even then, at the end of the project you'll be able to run speed tests and smile at your network throughput, but it will make very little difference in your day-to-day experience vs 1gbps.

I have an ASUS Mesh. Primary node/router is a RT-BE96U. The satellite remote node is a RT-BE86U. I am linking the two on a 10Gb wired backbone. So far so good.

Backhaul is how the routers talk to each other. It's best to do it wired. But, if you can't they will use one of the channels on the router that becomes a dedicated circuit (band) where they talk to each other. That's why you need at least three bands. If you want Wi-Fi, 7 I would recommend the bt-10 or the expensive BE98 pro. If you just want Wi-Fi 6e, any of the routers I mentioned before would work.. et8, et9,xt9,xt12,et12. Additionally, avoid the BQ 16 and the be96u, the firmware on the routers is buggy and has not been updated. I have personally used the et8, xt9 and the be98 pro. They have all been fantastic.

I've been using Google Nest WiFi Pro (6E) for several weeks now and found it having zero issues. Paid $220 for Open Box deal with three units. A coworker, who has been heavily using Nest WiFi for four years, recommended the system, My house is a two-storey one, with an attached garage and several Ring cameras outside. Once I've installed the three Nest WiFi Pros -- all connectivity issues are gone. My Rings are up and running, with streaming starting right after opening a live view. It takes a couple of seconds to see up-to-date snapshot in Ring app's dashboard -- I've never had that kind of performance with any of below mentioned setups. I'd had TP-Link AX5400 Pro (wifi 6) with three extenders and briefly Asus BE92u (wifi 7) with BE8s as mesh nodes. I'd tried Asus BE8 (wifi 7) mesh (of three) as a sole system too -- second and distant second to the Google's. I'd tried Asus BE10 (wifi 7) mesh (of three) -- complete mess with Verizon's Fios. Unreliable and super-slow upload speeds. No fix. The Nest WiFi Pro is better in every respect, expect it has very basic feature set. Tried Verizon Fios (wifi 6E) router. They do not even offer wireless backhaul for their extenders! As a separate router it is exceptional, with the best coverage area, but won't cover all I need without extenders -- a no-go for me. IMO the best option is Google Nest WiFi Pro (6E). Do not pay more than $250 for three units. Last but not least -- Netflix 4K (and others) streaming is instantaneous, WFH is stellar too.

Go for a WIFI 7 Mesh system. I Love ASUS, excellent software,frequent firmware updates. Good Luck!

When my Nest wifi was finally on its last life, I purchased a much more expensive Asus mesh router setup that supported wifi 7. For whatever reason the more advanced features of MLO didn't work with my TV. So basically I had to cripple my expensive setup to work with the device I use all the time. I ended up returning that and switched to the Nest Pro and have had no issues. Been about a year now. Solid connectivity and speed. I bought the 2 pack for 250, not on sale.

Asus with Ethernet back haul. Router + 2 APs. Works great, gigabit access all over the house!

my asus tri-band does really well. i get hardwired speeds on 5G using the dedicated 6G backhaul but the 6G band does not penetrate well, so it's important to not put too much distance or material between the main router and the mesh units