ASUS MESH router setup Ethernet backbone - through switch?

[joecool]

Is it possible to connect 3-4 ASUS routers AC3100 for example in MESH configuration - with Ethernet as backbone, if the ethernet is connected through a switch that has other devices on it?

Normal setup is - Internet to WAN PORT on 1st router, from LAN port into 2nd router WAN port etc. BUT what if in between WAN -> LAN is a switch with multiple PC's ?
Will that work? Issues ?

 

[1freedude]

A couple things...

See if 2nd and other routers have AP, access point, mode. If so, it should turn off routing and DHCP on the other routers.

Unless the router lets you reassign WAN port to the switch, connect LAN <---> LAN.

Make sure the switch you put in is set to all defaults. You could put switch to switch to switch, etc, and connect APs, consoles, PCs, stereos, etc, and all the things should be on the same LAN, and be able to talk to each other and the internet.

 

[joecool]

Thanks - I was also looking at 4x TP-Link EAP225 - I understand I'll need the Omada controller connected to a switch. I understand it runs as discovery and configuration service for the APs on the network. I would want to connect all 4 via Ethernet to switches through the office. I was told by TP-link tech support that will work well to create seamless wifi handoff for mobile devices. They need 1 unified WIFI that is seamless.

 

[Solaris17]

Yeah I mean thats how access points work. If your routers can do it (go into AP mode) then physically there is nothing wrong with your idea.


EDIT:: FYI this isnt really /MESH/ though and its important to get that right. In wifi MESH networks the APs connect to one another. This is not what your plan is doing (being they all link back to the same switch)

It is very much a nitpick, but if you plan on going deeper into the field or want to make money off of it, it is an important distinction.

 

[joecool]

Yes, I understand the WIFI MESH is Wireless link between the routers / APs - but I always like the idea of using Ethernet as a backbone and utilizing the WIFI spectrum only for the actual devices I want to connect. Would that not be considered superior / more robust setup compared to wireless link?
Is there a functional difference in seamless WIFI handoff between APs if they are independent on Ethernet backbone vs wireless link? Will they handoff traffic based on signal strength seamlessly in both scenarios?

This is for a large office, lot of WIFI networks from neighboring offices crowding the spectrum as it is.

 

[Solaris17]

but I always like the idea of using Ethernet as a backbone and utilizing the WIFI spectrum only for the actual devices I want to connect. Would that not be considered superior / more robust setup compared to wireless link?

I dont understand the "but" what was argued? I simply pointed out that it wasnt mesh and it was the incorrect word. If its a hobby or local office space it probably doesn't matter what you call it. I was only pointing out if you were wanting to pursue it to break yourself of the habit.

 

[joecool]

Im debating the function difference of MESH vs ETHERNET - that is it and how it affects robustness and handoff reliability.

 

[Solaris17]

Im debating the function difference of MESH vs ETHERNET - that is it and how it affects robustness and handoff reliability.

oh for sure bro. I will explain it at some point. there is a LOT that goes into it. but the standard in any kind of pro setting is wired back to the switch 100%

 

[thewan]

Is it possible to connect 3-4 ASUS routers AC3100 for example in MESH configuration - with Ethernet as backbone, if the ethernet is connected through a switch that has other devices on it?

Normal setup is - Internet to WAN PORT on 1st router, from LAN port into 2nd router WAN port etc. BUT what if in between WAN -> LAN is a switch with multiple PC's ?
Will that work? Issues ?

Yes it does work automatically. I have an Asus AIMesh setup that is connected via a switch instead of direct router to router. It just works. The switch has my Entertainment setup connected to it, a TV and a Android Box.

Main router (AX86U) <-Cat6-> Switch <-Cat6-> Node (AC68U).