ASUS - ZenWiFi XD6

Asus XD6 with wired backhaul between two units.

I have the Asus AC56U and AX5400 I use for Spectrum. Great about Asus is the free parental controls (no subscription needed). Speeds are decent. We use it for COD/Rivals.

Wi-Fi 7 isn’t automatically “better” than Wi-Fi 6 in every case. Right now, Wi-Fi 7 routers at the low end (like the BE3600) are basically entry-level devices with the new label slapped on. They’ll support the Wi-Fi 7 standard, but with fewer streams, weaker hardware, and lower real-world performance than some of the more mature Wi-Fi 6/6E models you listed. For your use case (WFH, PS5, Quest 2): * AX5400 / AX6600 / AXE75 will likely give you better range and consistency because they have stronger radios and more streams, even if they’re “only” Wi-Fi 6/6E. * The BE3600 will work fine for basic tasks, but don’t expect it to outperform a higher-end Wi-Fi 6 router just because it says Wi-Fi 7. So at \~$140 CAD, the BE3600 is more of a budget router with future branding. If you can stretch a bit, the AX5400 or AXE75 are safer picks for stability and gaming.

I have the same RT-AX86U Pro and an Aimesh (Asus 5400). And I'm not planning on changing them for now.

counterpoint: I've had both the AX5400 and currently using the BE3600. The only noticeable difference is that the Ring Chime modules stay connected now that I'm using the BE3600 while they would disconnect randomly with the AX5400 I upgraded to the BE3600 because Xfinity/Comcast offered 1.2Gbps service (was at 800Mbps when using the AX5400) for $15/mo less (thank goodness for competition from fiber). To take advantage of the upgraded service, I upgraded the router and modem Either way, I'm a fan of ASUS networking products, especially the web admin

Asus ZenWiFi mesh system (2pk)... Thread closed... 😉

I bought an Asus zenwifi system but eventually hardwired the satellites to a switch plugged into the main unit. Works great.

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.

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

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?

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.

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.