Answer By Chatgpt

Got it — you’ve already got an ASUS RT-AX58U running and you’ve bought a second AX58U to use as an AiMesh node. Here’s a clean, reliable way to set it up.

1) What you’ll need

• Main router: your existing RT-AX58U (already on the internet).
• New router: another RT-AX58U to become the AiMesh node.
• Phone with the ASUS Router app (recommended) or a computer for the web UI.
• (Optional) One Ethernet cable if you want a wired/Ethernet backhaul.

Tip: Update firmware on the main router first (Administration ▸ Firmware Upgrade). Do the node’s update after it joins the mesh.

2) Prep the new AX58U (factory default)

1. Plug in the new AX58U near the main router (same room).
2. With the new unit powered on, press-and-hold the Reset button \~10 seconds until the power light blinks, then release.
3. Leave it powered on. Don’t connect its WAN port to anything.

This ensures the node is in “ready to pair” state.

3) Pair using the ASUS Router app (easiest)

1. Connect your phone to the main AX58U’s Wi-Fi.
2. Open ASUS Router app → AiMesh → Add AiMesh Node (wording may be “Add Node/Extend Network”).
3. The app will scan. When it shows your second AX58U, tap it to add.
4. When asked about backhaul, choose Auto for now (you can switch to Ethernet later).
5. Wait while it links, copies your SSID/password, and reboots the node.

Once it shows “Connected” in the app, the mesh is up.

4) Alternative: Pair in the web UI

1. On a browser connected to your main router: go to http://router.asus.com and sign in.
2. Left sidebar → AiMesh.
3. Click Search. Select the new AX58U when it appears → Apply.
4. Let it complete the join process.

5) Place the node

• Move the node to a spot roughly halfway between the main router and the weak-signal area.
• In the app, open the node details. Aim for a Good/Great connection quality (generally 2–3 bars or better). If it drops to “Poor,” move it closer to the main router.

6) (Optional) Use Ethernet backhaul (best performance)

Plug in the cable first, then confirm settings:

1. Run an Ethernet cable LAN (main router) → LAN (node). (Do not use the node’s WAN port.)
2. The mesh will automatically prefer wired backhaul when detected.
3. If you want to force wired only: in the web UI go to AiMesh → System settings (or node settings) → enable Ethernet Backhaul Mode.

7) Nice-to-have tweaks (after it’s working)

• One SSID or two? Keeping a single SSID (Smart Connect) is simplest for roaming; if you split 2.4/5 GHz, devices might cling to one band longer.
• Roaming Assist: In Wireless → Professional, you can enable Roaming Assistant and set a threshold (e.g., -70 dBm) to encourage sticky devices to hand off sooner.
• IoT stability: If older IoT devices struggle, leave 2.4 GHz on, use WPA2/WPA3-Personal (not WPA3-only), and consider a separate IoT SSID.
• Channels: Start on Auto. If the node has trouble joining during setup, temporarily set 5 GHz to a non-DFS channel (36/40/44/48) and try again.

8) Quick troubleshooting

• Node not found during scan

  • Ensure it was freshly factory reset and is powered on within 1–3 meters of the main router.
  • Temporarily disable DFS channels (set 5 GHz to 36–48) and make sure 2.4 GHz is enabled.
  • Reboot both routers; try the app and the web UI.

• Joins but shows “Poor” link

  • Move the node closer; avoid thick walls/metal/appliances between units.
  • Prefer Ethernet backhaul if feasible.

• Random drops

  • Update firmware on both units.
  • If using many 5 GHz neighbors, try a fixed clean channel or enable “Auto” with “Preferred DFS” off.

• Speed looks low on Wi-Fi

  • Verify the client is on 5 GHz (not 2.4).
  • Turn off any VPN/QoS/bandwidth limiter temporarily to test raw throughput.
  • For wired clients on the node, confirm the node’s LAN link is 1 Gbps (check app → node → clients).

You’re done

From now on, manage everything from the app or the router’s AiMesh page: you can rename the node, update firmware, and check link quality. If you like, tell me your floor plan (roughly), and I can suggest ideal node placement.