ASUS - RT-AX68U

Buy used, get a AX68U or something similar for under $100. Use the rest of the money for NAS or switches.

Quick disclaimer: I know my setup is extremely niche and probably not relevant to most people, which is likely why there’s so little information about it online. 😅 So here’s my situation: I’m getting my internet wirelessly from my landlord’s network (long story), and unfortunately, running a physical cable is not an option anytime soon. Here’s the catch: I want to have my own subnet with separate DHCP, so I can assign my own IP addresses and keep my devices isolated — meaning my landlord shouldn’t be able to access my network. At first, I used a Fritz!Box 7490, which technically supports this setup (as far as I understand, that would be called WISP mode), but it only supports Wi-Fi 5, which made the connection very unstable. Then I bought a Fritz!Box 6690, not knowing that all newer Fritz!Boxes no longer support true router mode via Wi-Fi uplink. So I had to return it. Instead, I went with the Asus RT-AX68U due to its many configuration options. It technically supports using Wi-Fi as the internet source, but only in repeater mode, which is very limited — no DHCP server, and I can’t even disable Wi-Fi if I wanted to. My current workaround: I’m running the Asus router in repeater mode, then using its LAN port to connect to my old Fritz!Box, which creates its own subnet. This actually works great and the speed has improved massively (from 50 to 400–500 Mbit/s!) thanks to the Asus router’s better Wi-Fi performance and hardware. BUT: Since everything still passes through the Fritz!Box 7490, I’m still limited to Wi-Fi 5 speeds on my client devices. ⸻ So here’s what I’m asking: • Is there a way to configure the Asus RT-AX68U to work as a fully independent router while getting its internet via Wi-Fi uplink? • Or is there a different router that natively supports this kind of WISP setup with full routing, DHCP, and Wi-Fi 6? Thanks a lot in advance for any help or recommendations!

Unfortunately i'm unable to return the Asus Router but this looks really promising. I’m currently annoyed that I didn’t discover it during my research.

I bought a spool of cat5e cable before my house renovation thinking that 1 gigabit would be enough forever. The cable turned out to be utter crap and barely skirting the edge. Wont negotiate above 100 mbit. After many-MANY hours of making new jacks and trying all kinds of magic I just bought 3 ASUS wifi 6 routers and the AImesh is actually perfectly fine. 600 megs in my living room via mesh and my computer is the only device with a gigabit connection as the ONT is in my office. Spent 150 euros on a 3 pack of ASUS routers. Works just fine until I move on to some Ubiquiti wifi7 mesh.

Avoid tp-link and any other CCP networking equipment. Don't intentionally put stuff with backdoors in them just to save a few bucks. Unifi is great but it's expensive and you really should use it wired. If you're just looking for plug and play mesh Asus has good offerings. Their AI mesh system works well

I've had zero problems with M1 for many years. Only went down once, and that was for scheduled maintenance in the middle of the night. Also, it's not just your internet plan that could be the cause of any issues. If your router isn't good enough, or is in a terrible position, or is overheating, or the bomb shelter is between your laptop and the router, you are gonna have issues no matter what plan you have. I have a standard 1Gbps plan but an Asus gaming router with ethernet cables going to the 3 heaviest users in the home – PS5, living TV and bedroom TV. I also set up a second router using Asus AImesh to provide wifi signal to one of the further corners of the house.

I've been using AiMesh since the beginning, and it was rocky at first, but now I'm currently quite happy with it. One solid main router and two APs outside. What unifi did you get to replace your setup and do you think it was worth the cost?

Asus AiMesh - Yea TP-Link Deco - Yes TP-Link Easy Mesh - Not sure

ASUS aimesh is the best option besides true ap based systems.

I've been using Asus Aimesh for years. 3 nodes and seamless switching when walking around. There does seem to be a client limit at about 75-80 wifi devices whiche forced me to move iot devices to a separate wifi network. Asus is great to start with but unifi likely my next system

I use Asus routers in my Ai mesh network and it gives me complete control over everything and I've loved it. I use that coupled with family link from Google and I feel like I've done my job as a parent blocking as much bullshit as I can for my kids.  But don't worry, their friends who's parents don't care about a single thing they consume will come along and ruin your hard work. Or your kids will be kids and find loop holes, which they always do. But you still tried. 

Asus AiMesh can be configured without an app and uses local credentials for management.

For gaming use cable, for wifi coverage of this size, you can do well with asus aimesh, you can pick two routers of your choice, cheaper than ismesh system and many settings available.

I went from DD-WRT for years to ASUS AiMesh and have been on Unifi equipment for a good four years now. I never have any issues with roaming (3600+ home) and I can fine tune whenever necessary (rare). I love the Unifi and don't plan on moving away any time soon. If you want peace of mind, I definitely also recommend Unifi.

As has been said, plug in everything you can. For a basic option, the Asus routers with AiMesh are a pretty simple solution. Start with one on the second floor centrally located and see if you need more. Use inSSIDer to see how your signal strength is as what kind of interference you have and set settings accordingly. If you’re not reaching all corners, add another compatible Asus and put them on floors 1 and 3 (both wired connection to WAN jack)

ASUS AIMESH Stable and cheap.