You have been using the same router for years and it is starting to show its age. You have read about mesh WiFi systems and how they can provide better coverage for your home, but you are not sure if you need a router with an ASUS Mesh system.
You may be wondering if a router is even necessary with an ASUS Mesh system. There are benefits and drawbacks to both options that you should consider before making your decision.
This guide will help you decide if a router is necessary for your ASUS Mesh system and recommend the best models for your needs.
Do you need a router for ASUS mesh?
Yes, you do need a router for ASUS mesh. This is because ASUS AiMesh is a technology that enables existing ASUS routers to create a Wi-Fi mesh network. You’ll need at least two ASUS routers, which must be compatible with the AiMesh technology and must have the latest firmware update installed.
Once the firmware is installed, you can use the AiMesh menu in the ASUSWRT web interface, or the ASUS Router App on your mobile device to set up the network. You can also utilize Ethernet connections for backhaul communication, which is the preferred way to set up any mesh network. Therefore, if you want to use ASUS AiMesh, you will need to buy compatible ASUS routers to create your own mesh network.
Does AiMesh work with non-ASUS routers?
No, AiMesh does not work with non-ASUS routers. AiMesh is an innovative feature that only works with ASUS routers, allowing multiple ASUS routers to be combined to create a mesh Wi-Fi network and extend the area they cover.
While other mesh networks use a standard for their nodes, AiMesh is unique in that it can comprise any number of different supporting routers. This makes it possible to extend high-end router features to the mesh network as a whole, but it only works with ASUS routers.
Top 3 Recommended Asus mesh wifi compatible routers with WiFi 6
RT-AX82U Gundam Edition
The ASUS RT-AX82U Gundam Edition is a great choice for mesh WiFi due to its impressive features. It comes with AiMesh technology that allows you to extend your wireless network as far as you wish, using additional ASUS routers and networking equipment.
Its tri-band Wi-Fi router also allows the third band to be used as a backhaul, providing improved stability and speed for the whole network. It can benefit from using two 1Gbps internet connections simultaneously through WAN aggregation for an impressive 2 Gbps internet connectivity.
To top it off, it has ASUS AiProtection, a commercial-grade network security system with powerful antivirus and firewall protection, as well as a game accelerator feature and prioritization for uninterrupted gaming sessions.
Notable Features
- Four antennas and RGB lighting
- Support for four simultaneous online gaming sessions
- Prioritize gaming devices or activity
- Mobile game mode
- Simple port forwarding and dedicated gaming port
- Two 2.5-Gbps ports (one WAN/LAN and a LAN), four gigabit LANs, one USB 3.2 Gen 1, and a USB 2.0
- Excellent mobile app
- AiProtection Pro and parental controls
- Instant Guard free with the router
- Secure public Wi-Fi connections when you are out
- Eight gigabit LAN ports
- Support for AiMesh
- WAN aggregation
- Powerful hardware (quad-core Broadcom BCM49408 processor running at 1.
Pros of ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000:
- Stable and consistent Wi-Fi connection throughout the home and garden
- Easy to prioritize gaming devices and activity
- Mobile game mode, port forwarding, and a dedicated gaming port
- 2.5-Gbps ports (1 WAN/LAN and 1 LAN)
- Four gigabit LANs, one USB 3.2 Gen 1, and one USB 2.0
- Excellent mobile app with all the features you need
- AiProtection Pro and parental controls for free for a lifetime
- Instant Guard for secure public Wi-Fi connections
Cons of ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000:
- Big and loud design with four antennas
- Expensive
Why you should buy this router:
You should buy this router because it offers a stable and consistent Wi-Fi connection throughout your home and garden and it has many features that make it an ideal router for gamers. It also has plenty of ports, an excellent mobile app, and AiProtection Pro and Parental Controls that are free for the lifetime of the device.
RT-AX86U ZAKU II Edition
The Asus RT-AX86U ZAKU II Edition mesh wifi router is a powerful, high-speed router that combines a simple setup and silky performance for a great Wi-Fi experience. It features an eye-catching red and black design with three rotatable antennas, and it can cover a large area of up to 5,500 square feet.
This router also has plenty of ports available, including two USB 3.2 ports, a 2.5-Gbps port that can be configured as WAN or LAN, and three gigabit LAN ports.
The router also offers plenty of customization options, including traffic prioritization and anti-malware protection. It supports AiMesh so you can add other Asus routers to create a mesh network and expand your coverage area. It is also compatible with WAN aggregation so you can get up to 2 Gbps internet speeds if your internet provider supports this feature.
Notable Features of Asus RT-AX86U ZAKU II Edition Mesh Wifi Router:
- 802.11ax WiFi 6 Technology: Delivers up to 4x greater network capacity and efficiency.
- Tri-band connection: A third 5GHz band can be used as a backhaul to provide improved stability and speed for the whole network.
- WAN aggregation: Allows for two 1Gbps internet connections simultaneously for up to 2Gbps internet connectivity.
- AiMesh: Allows for easy expansion of the network with other AiMesh-compatible devices.
- USB 3.2 ports: Connect external storage, printers, and other devices.
- Prioritization and customization options: For gaming and video streaming.
- Parental controls: Monitor and control internet access for children.
- Anti-malware protection: Blocks malicious websites and keeps your network safe.
Pros:
- Fast speeds: Delivers close to maximum speeds at close, mid, and long-range.
- Easy setup: Quick and easy setup with the Asus app.
- Comprehensive features: Plenty of features for tinkerers and everyday users.
- WAN aggregation: Get up to 2Gbps internet connectivity.
- Parental controls: Monitor and control internet access for children.
- Anti-malware protection: Blocks malicious websites and keeps your network safe.
Cons:
- It is expensive compared to other mesh Wi-Fi systems.
Why You Should Buy This Router:
The Asus RT-AX86U ZAKU II Edition mesh wifi router is an excellent choice for those looking for fast and reliable internet speeds. It is equipped with the latest 802.11ax WiFi 6 technology, which provides up to 4x greater network capacity and efficiency.
It also comes with WAN aggregation, allowing for two 1Gbps internet connections simultaneously for up to 2Gbps internet connectivity. Furthermore, it has plenty of customization options for gaming and video streaming, along with parental controls and anti-malware protection.
ASUS RT-AX55
The ASUS RT-AX55 is a great router for mesh WiFi due to its features such as a quad-core Broadcom BCM6755 processor running at 1.5 GHz, 256 MB of RAM, AiMesh support, comprehensive parental controls, traffic prioritization, and network security, two USB 3.2 ports, low latency optimizations, and AiProtection Pro (powered by Trend Micro). Additionally, it is compatible with other ASUS routers and networking equipment, allowing you to extend your wireless network as much as you wish.
ASUS RT-AX55 Notable Features:
- Quad-core Broadcom BCM6755 processor, running at 1.5 GHz
- 256 MB of RAM
- AiMesh support
- Compatible with other ASUS routers
Pros:
- Affordable
- Powerful
- Handles multiple devices
- Fast speeds
- Stable connection
Cons:
- Not suitable for large-scale offices
Why Buy the ASUS RT-AX55?
If you’re looking for an affordable router that can handle multiple devices, the ASUS RT-AX55 is a great choice. It has a powerful processor and plenty of RAM and it delivers fast, reliable speeds and a stable connection. It also has AiMesh support, so you can extend coverage over a larger area.
FAQ
Do I need a router if I have a mesh system?
Yes, you do need a router if you have a mesh system. Mesh systems are designed to replace your existing router, but you can also use your existing router with a mesh system if needed.
Mesh router systems are great for providing coverage across a large space, especially if you have a lot of devices that need to be connected, or if you need to be able to manage your home WiFi network using a mobile app. However, traditional routers are usually cheaper and still work for smaller spaces. At the end of the day, it really comes down to what your needs are and how much you want to spend.
Can I use a mesh router by itself?
No, you cannot use a mesh router by itself. Mesh networks work by placing “nodes” throughout your home. One node connects to your modem to serve as a router. This “router node” transmits the WiFi signal throughout your home by making “hops” from node to node. A mesh router needs to be part of a system, which consists of two or more devices. These devices communicate with each other to provide the best WiFi coverage throughout your home. Without the other devices, the router will not be able to provide optimal coverage.
Do you need a router and a modem for mesh WiFi?
Yes, you need both a router and a modem for mesh WiFi. Mesh networks work by placing “nodes” throughout your home. One node connects to your modem to serve as a router and transmits the WiFi signal throughout your home by making “hops” from node to node. While a traditional router is a single, centralized access point, mesh networking devices are decentralized. They are created from multiple Wi-Fi nodes that all provide web connectivity and allow for better coverage than a single router.
Is AiMesh Better Than Mesh?
AiMesh is a unique and versatile way of creating a mesh network of routers to ensure a more seamless and clear Wi-Fi signal throughout your home. While other mesh networks require a standard collection of mesh routers, AiMesh can be comprised of a variety of different supporting routers, giving it the ability to extend high-end router features to the entire network. However, the setup of an AiMesh network may be more complicated than a standard mesh network due to how it utilizes different kinds of hardware.
In terms of performance, AiMesh is a sure thing and can beat the performance of similarly-priced purpose-built systems. Real-life Wi-Fi dead spots can be solved with a Wi-Fi mesh system, but it can be expensive.
Overall, it comes down to a cost vs. benefit comparison. AiMesh is a great way to get the most out of your existing router, but it requires more initial setup and maintenance. On the other hand, other mesh networks can be more expensive but the setup is often simpler. Ultimately, it depends on your needs and the size and layout of your home.
What Is AiMesh System?
AiMesh is a free feature from Asus routers that allow users to build a home Wi-Fi mesh system. It can offer a lot more than virtually all other home mesh brands on the market and is available in most Asus Wi-Fi 6 (and later) routers, as well as most of its Wi-Fi 5 routers. The feature is self-healing, which means if one of the routers crashes or stalls for some reason, it will automatically be migrated to another router so users can maintain a steady connection while the original router reboots.
AiMesh is designed to provide users with a seamless Wi-Fi connection throughout their homes and is capable of switching between routers as users move around, providing the best signal possible. It also allows users to combine a wide range of routers into one single Wi-Fi network, making it a more versatile and customizable option.