Wired Backend with ASUS GT-AXE16000 and GT-AX11000 Routers

[Computer_Candy]

Hello. I'm dizzy reading so much unclear or conflicting information and I'm hoping someone can help.

I just got the Asus GT-AXE16000 but I'd like to use my older Asus GT-AX11000 to extend the range of our WiFi.

They'll be wired together on the backend. I'd like to avoid using the GT-AX11000 as a typical standard Access Point (unless there's a real advantage) because I want to manage all devices on the network from the same UI list. And some other disadvantages I've read about that I really just don't remember right now.

I'll wire the backend to avoid the big disadvantage of mesh networks, WiFi signal loss on the backend. From what I've read I THINK I still want to set it up as an AiMesh network but with Ethernet Backhaul Mode turned on. Is that correct? Am I missing a step or setting?

The GT-AXE16000 has one 2.4GHz channel, two 5GHz channels, and one 6GHz. The GT-AX11000 is the same minus the 6GHz.

Is it correct that the GT-AX11000 will work to expand the range of the 3 channels that both routers have in common, and that the 6GHz will still work fine but only from the GT-AXE16000?

If this is all correct (and I'm not sure that itl is), are there any disadvantages I'm missing in this configuration? Thank you!

Edit: In case it matters, I don't use Smart Connect. I have each channel setup with their own SSID names to separate a few things. For example, I use the 2.4 channel as basically a dedicated smart home device band.

[Saltgrass]

The E in AXE means they do 6 GHz.  The difference may be how many 5 GHz radios they have.  But it should be fine.

[Computer_Candy]

Oh no, sorry. That was a typo. And I made the same typo several times. It's the GT-AX11000. I can't figure how to edit my post and fix it.

[Saltgrass]

Click on the down arrow top right.  It still should be fine, except if you are out of range of the primary router you won't get the 6 GHz, but 5 GHz is pretty fast also.

[Computer_Candy]

Thank you. I fixed it.

[jzchen]

There's only one concern that I've noticed with Ethernet Backhaul Mode turned ON, and it's that on the rare occasion connection the two routers are disconnected from each other, sometimes when the connection is reestablished the node doesn't come back online, requiring deleting it, hard resetting, and re-adding.  Not sure why this seems to be the case...

• You've selected a good match as they both have 5 GHz-2, which as you learned can be reserved for backhaul.  Connected via Ethernet you also have the option to set it as "fronthaul and backhaul".  Just in case Ethernet Backhaul Mode seems a little unstable you can turn it OFF then still enable 5 GHz-2 for clients, (but with part reserved for AiMesh self healing).

Just to be clear this Ethernet Backhaul Mode instability is just an observation I've noticed of what seems to be some kind of bug...

[Computer_Candy]

Thank you jzchen. That's great information. Now if If the node goes offline, I won't be totally clueless.

I I'm hoping not to reserve 5GHz-2 for backhaul so I'll start with Ethernet Backhaul Mode and see how It all goes.

[Bakhus]

I had the "Ethernet Backhaul Mode" enabled bug on my 2 GT-AX6000 routers as well.
If you encounter this, the trick is to leave the setting off, but in the backhaul setting set Ethernet as preferred.
That way, if they get fuzzy over wire, they will still be connected via the extra 5Ghz wifi and self-heal the wired part as well, with 0 input from user.
Did this with 0 problems for 1yr+ and never had any issues again, while getting full 2,5G bandwidth on Ethernet.

More to your original questions, I would say yes to everything, I have mine set up the same way and they work great. Can't verify the 6Ghz part as mine don't have that, but considering what others are saying and the fact that I can turn off 5ghz or 2Ghz on node while leaving it on in the main router, I am inclined to say 99% yes.

[patch]

Hi all, from running my AXE16000 for a few weeks now i find that using ethernet backhaul seemed to cause a few speed issues. I only used a cat6e cable (30m run) but i noticed that speeds were slightly lower than using the wireless backhaul mode iirc its on auto using 6ghz BH and the upstairs devices struggled a bit which i thought strange as surely using ethernet would free up some radio power?? another strange thing happened (might of been coincedence) but the router decided it only wanted to give out 2.5gbps down and 1gbps up even on my 10gb pcie card, a factory reset fixed this and since ive not bothered using ethernet BH and my network seems much smoother and decent speeds from the zen upstairs.

My connection: Youfiber 8000 (7gbps down /7.4gbps up)

[chenc03]

I have an issue with the same hardware. AXE16000 router and AX11000 ai mesh node. 

I try using smart connect. However when switching to the AX11000 i lose wifi 6 conneciton.

I use wired backhaul on the 2.5gbe port of the AXE16000 and the AX11000 2.5gbe port. (my Wan is set on LAN1 on the AXE16000.

Any help?