Trouble adding a 2nd XT8 Node to my home mesh system, connects briefly then goes offline

[mkvien]

Trying to add the node pictured to my system at home to cover some more area towards the front of the house.  I have 2 XT8 (same, other than the originals are white) units already that have been up and running well for a month or so, using a wired backhaul from where my modem/main unit are in the utility room to the node in my office.  I put this new node (pictured) near either of those units, it gets detected, seems to connect and then almost immediately goes offline and never comes back.  I am trying to use a wireless backhaul on this unit.  This has happened both when I've connected to the primary unit, or to the existing node.  I have reset via the reset button and tried about 10 times over the last week with the same results.  I did connect this unit to the router via ethernet and that seemed to work and connect, but I don't know what to do after that, if I disconnect the cable I lose connection and can't get it to connect via wireless.  I do not have an ethernet cable run to where this unit needs to go.  Do I need to do a different type of reset, I think there is a hard reset, or factory reset or something that involves the WPS button and power cycling?

Anyway, set-up seems to work like it should and then just drops and won't reconnect.  Light is solid red shortly after setup 

[Aureliannn_ASUS]

Hi @mkvien ,

thank you for explaining in detail the issue you’re facing when trying to add a third ASUS ZenWiFi XT8 node to your existing AiMesh network.

Regarding the issue you’re experiencing while adding a third ASUS ZenWiFi XT8 node to your existing AiMesh network, we understand you want to ensure it connects reliably in wireless backhaul mode.

We suggest trying the following steps to help verify and address potential issues:

1. Make sure all XT8 nodes are running the same, latest firmware version to avoid compatibility problems that can cause pairing failures or instability.
2. Factory-reset all XT8 nodes to clear any old settings. Please refer to the FAQ link below for guidance on restoring them to factory defaults. [Wireless Router] When Standard Reset Isn’t Working: Hard Factory Reset - Models list | Official Sup...
3. Rebuild the entire AiMesh network by first setting up the main router alone. Once you confirm that the main router’s wireless network is stable, add the other nodes one at a time. It’s best to place new nodes right next to the main router during pairing to avoid issues from being too far away during the initial connection.
4. After successfully adding all nodes, verify that they maintain a stable wireless connection before moving them to their final planned locations. Then observe if they can automatically switch to and maintain wireless backhaul.

If you continue to experience the same issue after completing these steps, we suggest sending the router to official service center for further assistance.

Thank you.