ASUS - RT-AX89X

I think what people are referring to here is the fact that these all-in-one router / gateways / WiFi APs / NAS servers are prone to bottlenecking due to all that the work they’ve got to do (if you so choose to use all the features included with such devices). From a pure network speed point of view, a device such as the AX89X, BE96U, BE98U etc can easily deliver close to full 10Gbps speed over short periods. Tools like iPerf3 prove this. But if you try to use the hw as a NAS server while also maxing out WiFi antenna power and other features of the router, those periods of sustained performance will greatly shorten. There’s only so much the underlying CPU and networking chips on those AIO devices can handle. With that said, what’s the real-world expectation one can reasonably have going the AIO route? (AX89X owner here, so the following is based on my own experience.) Pure networking, as rated by tools such as iPerf3, is indeed very close to 10Gbps. I’ve got 4 additional 10Gbps switches on my network. The AX89X feeds a Ubiquity EdgeSwitch 16 that is the backbone switch to my network. I don’t use the router for any service sharing besides internet and WiFi. A 10Gbps computer and a 10Gbps 12x-bay SSD NAS connected to this switch can see real-world transfers typically between 6-8Gbps. A 10Gbps computer connected to another 10Gbps switch at the far end of my network that piggy backs off the Ubiquity only sees around 4-6Gbps transfers (not that I’m really complaining — I also don’t chalk this up purely to the switches, as the computer I’m referencing here is rather old). Another 8x HDD-based 10Gbps NAS sees less than 6Gbps storage transfer speeds, but that’s more due to the aging hw in the NAS itself than it is anything with the network. In terms of internet routing: unfortunately, I only have access to 1Gbps in my area, so I can’t speak much there. All wired devices on my network receive 900Mbps+ at least. I also recently purchased the BE96U to replace the AX89X, but it came to me DoA and I’m waiting on a replacement from Asus. If I were looking to buy new hw and was thinking of a network design as OP alluded to, I’d definitely go with something like the BE series of routers simply due to the better CPU on offer. TL:DR: YMMV. There’s a lot of factors that go into play when it comes to maxing out performance of any network. Bottlenecks will exist. It just depends on what you’re comfortable with. Single purpose-built devices are likely to perform better than multi-function devices. But the question then is the cost, maintenance, and power required to go that route really going to be worth it in the real world for just a home network (even a very demanding one)? For most people, I think the answer is obvious

Understood. People are suggesting purpose-built devices/hw because those should in fact offer superior performance – there should be little doubt about that. But the real question I'd suggest asking yourself is "what is an acceptable level of performance?". If you're just looking for >1Gbps reliability+speeds, any cheap 10Gbps or multi-gig device should suffice. If you want to take advantage of >5Gbps connections, then better hw such as the AX89X and above will be a good starting point. For true enterprise 10Gbps performance however, yeah, enterprise-level gear at all touchpoints is going to be required. Do you truly need that level of performance? I'd suggest if your network consists of mostly just a one or two 'power' users, then it likely does not. You also have to remember that once you're connecting to outside networks (such as the internet), then that 10Gbps speed is going to be theoretical at best. While you might see near-10Gbps speed tests with certain servers, you're highly unlikely to see those level of speeds when trying to pull down anything of significance. For instance, I can go into my office and get 9+Gbps speeds with [speedtest.net](http://speedtest.net) or [fast.com](http://fast.com) using my MacBook Pro with 10Gbps TB3 SFP+ adapter, but downloading to a TB4 NVMe drive from my GCS or S3 cloud storage accounts will not result in 9+Gbps downloads or uploads. So there's a lot to consider when trying to design your network and what you're willing to commit to or believe will ultimately be worth it.

hi, got the Asus AX6000,really great performance and not so expensive.

I have this same router and it has been an absolute nightmare. It is constantly changing device IP addresses and assigning them incorrectly, causing repeated IP conflicts and kicking devices off of the network. I have tried every single config you can imagine, same issue so I have to RMA this device. Third one in a year. SMH

I bought one and but its slower than my Asus ax6000 😢

Asus ax 6000 had the most powerful range I found way back when. It is limited by the fcc (what ever determines radio broadcasting power) for routers. Like others are saying, putting down fiber or a cable 100ft would not be too bad. Ubiquiti has a long range outdoor extender but is very expensive. Starlink could be another option if you don’t want spectrum.

Just recently ordered this. 4x4 router with usb port at a reasonable price and cheaper than the 4 year old RT-AX86u pro

No problems so far. Everything works.

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

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.

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)

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