topic Wifi Extender in Networking

Wifi Extender

Cedrihar — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 18:48:43 GMT

Hi guys

I have a GT-BE98 router. We have a fairly large house and we'll soon be needing wifi outside that very house. I was thinking of buying an extender. Maybe the Asus RP-AX58

Does anyone know if this setup is any good ? any experience using that extender ?

Hope you can help

Re: Wifi Extender

Alex52 — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 19:30:38 GMT

That model is not rated for outdoor use. The BD5 is the model designed for outdoor use and is WiFi7 like your GT-BE98.

Re: Wifi Extender

jzchen — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 02:57:03 GMT

I have experience currently running the RP-AX58. I do not have it AiMeshed with the GT-BE98 Pro that they sell here in the US. As @Alex52 kindly notes the BD5 is rated for outdoor use.

Are you going to be able to wire them with Ethernet, (and unmanaged switches if necessary), or are you going to depend on WiFi backhaul?

ASUS also sells a more appropriate RP-BE58 but my recommendation depends on your answer to the backhaul method...

Re: Wifi Extender

Cedrihar — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 09:09:47 GMT

Hi Jzchen

I'm planning to use the RP-AX58 as an access point, rather than as an Aimesh. I was planning to wire the RP-AX58 from my switch, which is connected to the GT-BE98. Will this improve my wifi coverage at home?

Re: Wifi Extender

jzchen — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 09:24:27 GMT

Yes, definitely a good idea as AP, wired. It's nice that WiFi Agile Multiband is available in the settings as I have not found other manufacturers make the setting available. (I have not checked Netgear I confess)...

Re: Wifi Extender

Cedrihar — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 11:48:22 GMT

Do I need to change any settings on the router, after I hook up the RP-AX58 via Ethernet?

Re: Wifi Extender

jzchen — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 11:55:31 GMT

No you do not need to. But I do recommend turning on WAM on all channels (2.4, 5-1, 5-2, and 6). I can try to check if the RP-AX58 in AP mode has this also. (I'm afraid it is 5 am here and still dark, (also out of the house)...

Re: Wifi Extender

jzchen — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:13:46 GMT

I deleted the RP-AX58 as AiMesh node to my GT-AXE16000. I tried to set it up as an Access Point, (meaning specifically not an AiMesh node). Unfortunately, I was not successful. I was only able to add it back as an AiMesh node... (Going to have to create a post on my phone as I can't figure out how to transfer images to the PC I am using).

Re: Wifi Extender

jzchen — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:24:12 GMT

A picture of the RP, installed in a wall outlet, with a low profile plug to access the 2nd outlet. And failed to connect to RP on the ASUS Extender App...

Re: Wifi Extender

Alex52 — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 03:28:25 GMT

The BD5 Outdoor works as an access point and will also work with an optional wired POE switch - meaning it could require only one Ethernet cable with no other connections. The BD5 Outdoor also offers a number of mounting solutions.

Re: Wifi Extender

jzchen — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 11:20:30 GMT

I tried again last night. I'm afraid I could not figure out how to set it up as an Access Point with Ethernet backhaul/connection. I could set it up as a Repeater/Range Extender or as ASUS calls it Access Point Wireless, but once I connected the Ethernet cable it stopped functioning, even knocking out Ethernet network for a while until I added it back as an AiMesh node.

A WiFi 7 extender/repeater is advisable and should be acceptable with Ethernet backhaul. Whether you choose an outdoor rated model or indoor I suggest you turn on Ethernet Backhaul Mode, (only available for all wired AiMesh backhaul)...

Re: Wifi Extender

Cedrihar — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 11:53:57 GMT

Thanks for all your help, I really appreciate it 🙂 I bought the one you suggested and it works like a charm 🙂

Re: Wifi Extender

MitchG — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 17:40:07 GMT

Wired AP is definitely a solid connection. For me, i'll try to avoid placing network devices completely outdoors, there are damage risks during extreme weather.