ZenWiFi BD5 Outdoor

I like Asus since you don't have to go all-in with mesh on day one. Wireless backhaul is an issue with every mesh system. I started with an AiMesh Extendable Router and I can add anything from the Asus line-up if I need better coverage. And, yeah, that RT-AX86U Pro is pretty nice with its 2.5 Gbps port connecting to my Arris cable modem. This computer is wired to a LAN port and works very well, and the wi-fi around the house is very reliable.

I like the ASUS AiMesh line. I've got the RT-AX86U Pro & it meets similar needs at my house. If I buy another ASUS AiMesh product, it would likely be the ASUS ZenWiFi BD5 Outdoor - wired or wireless backhaul.

I’ve have good luck with ASUS. I upgrade my main router every couple years and turn the old one into a wired node. I now run one one each floor and a BD5 outdoor in my backyard

I have always used Asus for as long as I can remember but I just got a TP Link system because I recently tried upgrading my Asus mesh with newer models (2 different ones) and one had constant rebooting issues which they can't fix and the other has 2.4 GHz WiFi issues which they also can't fix. Both are their WiFi 7 models.

Asus Expert Router EBG19P seems to have some benefits over Ubiquiti Cloud Gateway, such as more ports. But it's hard to argue the awesomeness of Ubiquiti UI - I love my UDM Pro. Props to ASUS WRT (Merlin) too. Like others said, just turn off DHCP and WiFi on the ATT Gateway and let your router do the lifting. Couple with Asus Zen Wifi or TP-Link Deco mesh system in access point model for expandable, upgradeable wireless. Eero won't support this setup (no AP mode).

I've got that TP-Link and am about to sell it off. Let me know if you want it for a discount, I upgraded to an Asus ZenWifi system for my house now.

Hello! I have an asus zen WiFi mesh net with two of the three nodes set up. I have Ethernet over coax and have the downstairs node connected via Ethernet. I should (based on the range of these routers) have excellent coverage in the house. I have noticed however my devices sometimes get confused which node it should connect to, resulting in sub par speeds. The nodes are very far apart. When I did add the third node I felt I was getting crazy interference. Any suggestions?

asus zen wifi. with a house you should have it wired for ethernet anyway. the zen wifi can handle both and 2.5gb in the wifi 7 model.

This is the best of the less optimal situations imho. Optimal would be wired to the first unit like I have with my Zenwifi. But the wireless backhaul on mine is quite good and seems stable. Not sure if it doesn’t drop like wifi sometimes because I typically don’t game on that one.

If you want an easy setup, nice user interface and ability to tweak options/configurations down the road, ASUS ZenWiFi is a good option. Another bonus with ASUS is you can use a mobile phone app \*or\* a web interface on a laptop/computer to manage the system. Many other mesh systems from TP-Link, Netgear, Eero only let you manage them with a mobile phone app. That is fine if you have basic needs but if you want to get more control over settings, often not an option. For example TP-Link may not let you select WiFi channels for its wireless networks. With ASUS you have control over a multitude of settings. Or just leave it on the defaults and if you ever wish to dive into the config, it will be ready and waiting for you. I asked Google Gemini for some thoughts too (another poster used Ai so I gave it a try too). I see ASUS ZenWiFi is in the list along with others. Since your needs don't seem very complex any of these should work pretty well. Unfamiliar with Eero, but you stated they are "difficult" to move into AP mode, no idea why but if you know that to be true then I suppose you could remove Eero from your consideration list. Have fun! Click below image to make it larger... https://preview.redd.it/q9mu50skxxrf1.png?width=925&format=png&auto=webp&s=1fb6721ce7d5fb1ded5fee09f45ed12ce365b752

Yeah, extenders don't work in big houses. For 3500 sq ft, get a mesh system like TP-Link Deco or ASUS ZenWiFi.Covers everything, no dead zones, no 5G or 2.4GHz.