Hi Tony,

Looks like you got it with the idea of privacy and security. It’s always about the degrees.

1. Yes. More here.
2. You can get another ET12 unit, or the GT-AXE11000, or any other similarly specced Asus AiMesh router. More here. Since you have wired backhauling, the ET8 and RT-AXE7800 which maxes out at Gigabit but will save you some $$.

Good luck!

Unless I’ve missed it in other reviews, you are the only person to point out privacy issues in managing a home network via a 3rd party. Maybe some don’t think this a a big deal, but as a former prosecutor, I am well aware that anyone can break into anything if so motivated, but it would be foolish to intentionally and figuratively leave a door open with cash on the table.

Until I found your site, I was all set to go with the TP Link XE75 3 pack to replace a rented Spectrum router, with fiber coming soon to our neighborhood from other providers.

To avoid 3rd party management, the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 seems to be an alternative, albeit more pricey especially as I would have to purchase an additional node as this only comes as a 2-pack. Two dumb questions:

1. When hardwiring between the two units, can the ethernet cable go to a switch first, then to the second unit, or must the two units be directly linked (I have hardwired most things in house).

2. I need 3 units so as the ET12 only has two, you have mentioned a few Asus routers to use, but in one table, you recommended using the only the ET12. So this would mean purchasing two 2-packs – am I missing something?

While you’ve responded to many that you don’t advise on anyone’s given situation, I’ve included what I’m doing for reference. At 67 yrs old and not very technically literate, I am simply trying to improve my abysmal WiFi in a 100 yr old 3 story 5400 sq ft house with plaster walls backed by both metal (expanded sheet and mesh) and wood lath. (I’ve hard wired, using switches all TVs and desktops (iOS and windows) at various locations. Thank you.

Check out the mentioned alternatives, Kevin. Pay some attention!

Thank you very much for the advice. It seems like the asus XT12 would be a great choice. Would the asus ROG rapture GT6 work as well…it looks like the performance is very close. One last thing…can either of these work with a 3rd node? Thanks again

I’d recommend the ZenWifi Pro XT12, you might need a 3-pack. But there are other options. More here.

Give this sometime and really read, if you don’t have time to read, hire a processional. It’s business expense, after all.

I’m currently trying to decide on the best mesh system for my situation. I am wanting to put a mesh system in a log cabin. The cabin is approximately 1400 sqft, it has reg drywall for the internal walls, but there is a stone fireplace in the living rm, and I will also have a TV on the rear deck which you would have to go through very thick wooden walls. Please forgive me for my ignorance and possibly asking the wrong questions. I am in the infant stages of learning this stuff, and I’m just trying not to buy the wrong thing. I will have 500 Mbps internet speed. I will have the first router hardwired, and the other node or two would be wireless. I am wanting to run 4 TVs streaming Youtube TV or Netflix etc. I will also have a few smart cameras, smart doorbell, lights and a Nest thermostat that will be connected…not to mention people’s cell phones, laptops, ipads etc that would be connected. This will be an AirBnB, so I would like to have the least amount of hiccups as possible. Would you recommend something like the TP-link AXE11000, Netgear Orbi 960 or the ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12. Or would it just be better getting a great Tri-Band Router like the TP-Link Archer AXE11000? My major concerns are movies/TV freezing up, the blockage of signal because of the large stone fireplace and going through the thick wood walls to reach the TV on the rear deck. Thank you in advance for any and all advice.

I don’t comment on stuff you read elsewhere, Luke.

generally if you use UniFi APs, you should use an UniFi controller (router) like the UDM-SE. But your current AP is old and should be replaced anyway. Considering you have fiber and wiring, check out one of these (and their alternatives).

Would you recommend one of your Wifi 6 Mesh setups over something like a Linksys Velop Pro 6E Mesh System or TP-Link Deco AX5000 Mesh System? I ask because those are Consumer Reports top picks and I’m still traumatized from my early adopter attempt at mesh systems from the first Google Wifi days with constant disconnect/reconnects.

I’m upgrading my single access point setup with a Ubiquity UAP-AC-LR. It’s never been perfectly reliable with internet connection or covered as far as I would prefer. It’s being used as the Access Point connected to my ATT Fiber router rather than using that for wifi. I’m setup for wired backhaul for up to 3 spots (assuming they work with distance), but I fear that positioning could cause things to bounce from node to node in the house. I also have a back house that I could extend to for a tenant if I so desired.

Since you have wired backhauling, Andrew, it’s probably OK to use all three as you described. A floor generally blocks a lot of signals anyway.