This article will teach you how to set up AiMesh so that you can use any compatible Asus routers to build an AiMesh-powered mesh network.
What to Know
- Install the latest firmware on all routers you wish to use in the AiMesh network.
- Pick the highest spec router and set up its Wi-Fi network. Factory reset the nodes.
- Turn on the node routers and use the Asus web GUI to build your AiMesh network.
How Do I Set Up My Asus AiMesh Router?
Before setting up your Asus AiMesh network, you need to decide which of your compatible routers will act as the AiMesh router and which will act as nodes. Ideally, the router should be the most capable, with the most robust feature set. Once you have decided, update the firmware for each of them. Instructions for that will be different depending on the router, but you’ll be able to find the firmware and details on how to do so on the Asus support site.
Once you have an AiMesh capable router with fully updated firmware, here’s how to set up AiMesh on it.
- Set up the primary router: Power on and connect to the main router’s administrator settings. If necessary, run through the Setup Wizard for the initial router setup. Next to the Operation Mode setting at the top of the main page, ensure that Wireless router mode / AiMesh Router mode (Default) is selected.
- Factory reset nodes: For each router you wish to use as an AiMesh node, reset them to their factory defaults using the hardware reset button on each device. The specifics for how to do that will be a little different depending on the router, so be sure to check your Asus manual or support site if you’re unsure.
- Power on the nodes: Power on the nodes and place them within a few yards of the AiMesh router.
- Add a node: Connect to the AiMesh router’s admin settings again, and select the AiMesh menu on the left side, under the General heading. Then select + Add AiMesh Node at the top of the page.
- Select the node router(s): From the list of available AiMesh nodes, select the first one you wish to add as a node, then choose Connect. Wait for the network to connect to the node, then select another node and repeat, if necessary; when you’ve added each node, select Finish.
- Asus
- Confirm node connection: You should be able to see the various AiMesh nodes connected to your main AiMesh router visualized on the AiMesh settings page. Selecting them will give you information on each node’s connection, firmware, connected devices, and more.
- Asus
- Place your nodes: Move your nodes to the best physical location in your home to deliver the best signal coverage. You can use the AiMesh settings page to confirm connection quality and range.
How Do I Access AiMesh Node?
If you want to confirm information or change any details about your AiMesh nodes once you’ve set up the AiMesh network, all you need to do is open the AiMesh settings page in your AiMesh router’s admin settings. You can find it under the General tab on the left side of the screen after logging in.
Set up the primary router: Power on and connect to the main router’s administrator settings. If necessary, run through the Setup Wizard for the initial router setup. Next to the Operation Mode setting at the top of the main page, ensure that Wireless router mode / AiMesh Router mode (Default) is selected.
Factory reset nodes: For each router you wish to use as an AiMesh node, reset them to their factory defaults using the hardware reset button on each device. The specifics for how to do that will be a little different depending on the router, so be sure to check your Asus manual or support site if you’re unsure.
Power on the nodes: Power on the nodes and place them within a few yards of the AiMesh router.
Add a node: Connect to the AiMesh router’s admin settings again, and select the AiMesh menu on the left side, under the General heading. Then select + Add AiMesh Node at the top of the page.
Select the node router(s): From the list of available AiMesh nodes, select the first one you wish to add as a node, then choose Connect. Wait for the network to connect to the node, then select another node and repeat, if necessary; when you’ve added each node, select Finish.
Confirm node connection: You should be able to see the various AiMesh nodes connected to your main AiMesh router visualized on the AiMesh settings page. Selecting them will give you information on each node’s connection, firmware, connected devices, and more.
Place your nodes: Move your nodes to the best physical location in your home to deliver the best signal coverage. You can use the AiMesh settings page to confirm connection quality and range.
There you’ll find the main AiMesh router, with nested nodes underneath it. Selecting any of the individual nodes will allow you to check their signal integrity and firmware version, among other information. You also can perform maintenance tasks like firmware updates directly from that menu.
Is AiMesh Better Than Mesh?
AiMesh isn’t inherently better than mesh because it is mesh. However, Asus routers can offer a more comprehensive array of advanced performance features due to their typical high-performance gaming design. They typically also provide more USB and Ethernet ports than most mesh network nodes and have a broader spectrum of indicator LEDs since they are designed as standalone routers.
That said, AiMesh networks can be a little more complicated to set up and maintain, with endless potential for firmware upgrades to break compatibility. Asus maintains a list of AiMesh supporting hardware, however, and firmware updates for each of those should continue to make them compatible with one another.
- Does ASUS AiMesh work with wired connection?
- The AiMesh system does support a wired connection between an AiMesh router and node. To set it up, follow the steps to establish a connection between the AiMesh router and node via Wi-Fi, then run Ethernet cables from the router’s LAN port to the WAN port of the node. The system will automatically select the best path for data transmission.
- How do I remove an ASUS AiMesh node?
- In the router admin settings, select the AiMesh icon. Then, in the AiMesh node list on the right side, select the - (Remove) icon on the node you want to remove and then select Apply.
The AiMesh system does support a wired connection between an AiMesh router and node. To set it up, follow the steps to establish a connection between the AiMesh router and node via Wi-Fi, then run Ethernet cables from the router’s LAN port to the WAN port of the node. The system will automatically select the best path for data transmission.
In the router admin settings, select the AiMesh icon. Then, in the AiMesh node list on the right side, select the - (Remove) icon on the node you want to remove and then select Apply.
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