ASUS XT12 -> Smart Hub Pro = upgrade?

[Will_UK]

My current network setup is several ASUS Zen WiFi Pro XT12 routers in a mesh. I’ve recently joined EE and have been sent a Smart Hub Pro with a Smart WiFi Pro.

Would switching to the EE devices likely be an “upgrade”? WiFi 6 to WiFi 7 would presumably be beneficial but I can’t find much out about the specs of the EE gear and I’m concerned it may struggle with the data throughput eg I have quite a few 4k security cameras that stream 24/7 to Scrypted NVR plus all the usual streaming/gaming stuff going on in the house. 

I get that I’d need to get hold of another couple of Smart WiFi Pro devices to get the coverage which is fine (my ASUS mesh is 5 routers due to the house being very large and with very thick walls). 

Any thoughts welcome. 

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[JimM11]

@Will_UK Whatever you do the EE Smarthub Pro/smart Wireless, is just NEVER going to be as good as your Asus especially when it is the XT12 you are using, i am a lowly XT8 user, so unless you really need to have a landline with DV Digital Voice from EE just DO NOT do the change over for the EE Hardware you will regret doing it and get very upset! Landline number go find a VOIP provider for that!

The Asus AI mesh is a 1000% better than anything that EE has, and you have zero control over anything, unlike Asus if you have chain linked your device to the mesh! Wired/wireless backhaul and AI mesh on a Asus is a dream compared to EE that gives you nothing!

Go for it if you wish, just keep a note on how it all goes so you have a like/like comparison between both!

[JimM11]

@Will_UK And as the XT12 has 2.5Gb/s wan and lan, the EE Pro will match speed like for like, so unless every device that you have is wifi7 capable which is going to be the question, your wifi 6 Asus will outstrip the EE by a country mile, and then you also need to find out if MLO is working on the EE but who cares, your Internet speed package is not there on a EE connection!

One off the links from EE that will help hardware wise, not sure if they have a smart wireless link, but you home may just not like the 6Ghz band, you need to be sitting on top off the device to gain that!

https://ee.co.uk/help/broadband/getting-started/compare-our-range-of-broadband-hubs

[Will_UK]

Thanks both, that’s really helpful. I’ll stick with the ASUS!

[bobpullen]

@Will_UK - I have a slightly more optimistic view but utimately it depends on your circumstances/environment.

From memory, those XT12's segment part of the 5GHz spectrum for dedicated backhaul (assuming you're using them wirelessly rather than wired). They also carry no support for the 6GHz spectrum whereas the Smart Hub Pro does. XT12 is WiFi 6, Pro is WiFi 7. Some implications: -

• 6GHz is far less congested compared to 2.4GHz/5GHz so that's a plus point for the Pro. It has lesser range though and would definitely struggle through thick/stone walls which sounds like it could present you problems in terms of extender <> hub connectivity/coverage. EE will only typically provide you with 3 extenders.
• The wireless backhaul (extender to hub) link on the XT12 is 4x4/160MHz 5GHz WiFi 6 and on the Pro 4x4/320MHz/ 6GHz WiFi 7. On paper this is the difference between a max theoretical link speed of ~4.8Gbps versus 10Gbps+ (although you are unlikely to see anything close to these figures in 'real life').
• Whilst the XT12 has dedicated backhaul, it presumably prevents that spectrum from being used by connecting clients. Not the case with the Pro which will give you the whole gamut of 5GHz spectrum for connected devices. Possibly some congestion/speed benefit to be had here.
• If you do have any WiFi 7 devices, then their max theoretical link speed goes from ~2.4Gbps on the XT12 to > 5Gbps on the Pro (although more likely ~2.9Gbps as few clients support 320MHz).

In terms of features/configuration, the XT12 will be the clear winner.

In short: there are defintely some benefit in the right environment - but if you've no complaints with your current setup, then why rock the boat? 🤷

[JimM11]

@bobpullen Tri band on the 5Ghz band separate high speed backhaul on one off the 5Ghz at the 160Mhz band width once the Main Asus works out the DFS is clear to do so, and Asus AP's can share and work in it at the same time depending on the mesh arrangement! Mine has two RP-AX58's different ssid name but operating up with the secondary 160Mhz channel width and one is also wired backhaul as well at the same time!

Also was my main with the Pro possible 6Ghz not doing well with the smart wireless nodes!