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If you're confused between ZenWiFi Pro XT12 vs. ZenWiFi Pro ET12, you're not alone. Differentiated by a single letter, their model names seem to be a mean trick Asus plays on us all.
While there are a lot more similarities between these two than their monikers, they are also very different mesh systems.
This ZenWiFi Pro XT12 vs. ET12 matchupโintended to be the supplement to their in-depth reviewsโwill help you walk away knowing exactly which to buy.
And that's important because while each can be excellent in its own way, getting the wrong one for your situation will prove problematic, to say the least, considering they are expensive hardware to boot.
ZenWiFi Pro XT12 vs. ET12: More than just a letter apart
These two mesh sets have just one letter in their name that sets them apart: XT12 vs. ET12.
Per Asus' naming convention, X is short for Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and E is for Wi-Fi 6E (802.11axe). The letter T signifies that these are Tri-band broadcastersโthey both have three Wi-Fi bands.
Physically, the two look identical. You can only tell them apart when you turn them on. Now the light on their "fronts"โit's hard to know which side is the frontโwill show their full name. You can also check their undersides where their models are printed.
And there are even more similarities, as you'll note in the hardware specifications below.
Hardware specifications: ZenWiFi Pro XT12 vs. ZenWiFi Pro ET12
| ZenWiFi Pro XT12 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router | ZenWiFi Pro ET12 Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router | |
| Model | XT12 | ET12 |
| Mesh Support | AiMesh | |
| Pre-Synced Hardware | Yes | |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 4.53 x 4.53 x 9.45 in (11.5 x 24.1 x 11.5 cm) | |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) | |
| Wi-Fi Designation | Tri-band AX11000 | Tri-band AXE11000 |
| 1st Band (2.4GHz) | 4x4 AX Up to 1,148Mbps (20/40MHz) | |
| 2nd Band (5GHz) | 4x4 AX Up to 4800Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz) | |
| 3rd Band | 5GHz-2 4x4 AX Up to 4800Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz) | 6GHz 4ร4 AXE Up to 4800Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz) |
| UNII-4 Support | Yes | No |
| Dedicated Backhaul | 5GHz-2 (optional) | No |
| Wired Backhaul | Gigabit or Multi-Gig (No switch needed) | |
| Backward Compatibility | 802.11ac/n/g/a/b | |
| Firmware | AsusWRT: - Comprehensive web interface - Optional Asus Router mobile app - Lots of features - No login required | |
| AP Mode | Yes (as a router or a mesh) | |
| Gigabit Port | 2x LAN | |
| Multi-Gig Port | 1x 2.5Gbps WAN 1x 2.5Gbps LAN | |
| Link Aggregation | Yes (WAN and LAN) | |
| Dual-WAN | Yes | |
| USB Port | None | |
| Processing Power | 2.0GHz quad-core CPU, 256 MB Flash, 1GB RAM | |
| Firmware Version (at review) | 3.0.0.4.386_49723 | 3.0.0.4.386_47636 |
| Power Consumption (over 24 hours) | โ 335 Wh | โ 310 Wh |
| Power Adapter | DC 100-240V | |
| Release Date (in the US) | August 2022 | February 2022 |
| US Retail Price (at launch) | $799.99 (2-pack) | $899.99 (2-pack) |
ZenWiFi Pro XT12 vs. ET12: The third Wi-Fi band changes everything
While both are tri-band hardware, they are of two different types.
The ZenWiFi Pro XT12 is a traditional Tri-band with an additional 5GHz band (the 5GHz-2). So it has 2.4GHz and two 5GHz bands (5GHz-1 and 5GHz-2).
On the other hand, as a Wi-Fi 6E device, the Zen Wi-Fi Pro ET12 has a 2.4GHz band, a 5GHz band, and a 6GHz band.
Additionally, on the 5GHz-2, the XT12 supports the latest UNII-4 portion to have a third 160MHz band which is free for DFS channels. By default, the ET12's 6GHz band doesn't have to deal with DFS.
The way they are, the ET12 must use all of its three bands for clients; it can't dedicate any of them solely for the backhauling job. Consequently, in a wireless backhaul setup, whichever band works a the backhaul will lose 50% of its bandwidthโit's the inherent signal loss.
In the case of the XT12, the 5GHz-2 band can work solely as the backhaul, allowing all bands to work at their full capacity. And the support for UNII-4 means the backhaul can consistently deliver the best possible performance.
While you can use both mesh systems with wired- or wireless backhauling, the XT12 is designed for a wireless setup, and the ET12 works best in a wired environment.
And that's the most significant difference between the two. One more thing: the ET12 is $100 more expensive.
ZenWiFi Pro XT12 vs. ET12: Can I use both together?
Technically, we're supposed to be able to use the XT12 and ET12 hardware together in a single mesh system, per the way AiMesh works. And eventually, that likely will be the case.
For now, in my trial, that was not possible yet. No matter how much I tried, I couldn't link them together. The AiMesh setup process would just fail every single time. And I tried many times.
And I couldn't add the XT12 to my GT-AXE16000, either, which has worked very well with my ET12 setโas mentioned in this post on AiMesh combo with Multi-Gig backhauling.
While all this will likely change via firmware upgrades, mixing Wi-Fi standards is never a good idea in a mesh setup, and you should only do so, which you shouldn't, with wired backhauling. Else the management of different Wi-Fi "banding" can get too complicated.
ZenWiFi Pro XT12 vs. ET12: Performance and ratings
Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12's Rating
Pros
Wi-Fi 6E-ready, extensive Wi-Fi coverage with top performance in specific setups with possible fast Wi-Fi performance in certain setups
Dual Multi-Gig ports with multi-Gigabit wired backhauling, flexible port configurations
Excellent performance and coverage as a standalone router
Tons of useful features and settings, flexible Wi-Fi customization
Helpful mobile app; no login account required
Cool design
Cons
Bulky, no USB, only four network ports
Fluctuating performance as a fully wireless mesh due to the lack of a dedicated backhaul band
Short 6GHz range
Expensive, not wall-mountable
In my trial, the XT12 and the ET12 delivered similar real-world performances. However, in a mesh setup, the XT12 is better because its backhaul bandโthe 5GHz-2โis dedicated and has a much better range than the ET12's default 6GHz band.
With wired backhaulingโnot shown hereโthey were very similar. And the support for the 6GHz band is the ET12's advantage.
Asus ZenWiFi Pro XT12's Rating
Pros
Excellent Wi-Fi performance and coverage, UNII-4 support
Dual Multi-Gig ports with multi-Gigabit wired backhaul, flexible port configurations
Tons of useful features and settings, flexible Wi-Fi customization
AiMesh 2.0 full support, helpful mobile app, no login account required
Cool design with pretty lighting
Cons
No 5Gbps or 10Gbps Multi-Gig, bulky, no USB, only four network ports
Buggy Dual-WAN, not wall-mountable
ZenWiFi Pro XT12 vs. ET12: Which you should buy
You can buy either or none, no matter your situation, and the world will keep spinning for the foreseeable future.
But in case you're contemplating between the two, here's the recap for a smart purchase:
The ZenWiFi Pro XT12 is traditional tri-band hardware. As such, it works great in a fully wireless mesh setup. You should get it if you live in a large home and are too lazy to run network cables.
The Zen Wi-Fi Pro ET12 is a new tri-band hardwareโit works best with wired backhauling. Get it if you intend to use a network cable to link the hardware.
If you use them in reversed situations, they will still work. It's just a matter of degrees, of which the satisfaction level depends on how carefully you've read this post and the hardware's in-depth reviews.
If you only need a single unit, my take is the ET12's support for the 6GHz band is more valuable than the XT12's support for UNII-4 (or the fact it has a second 5GHz band). But either will do just fine and you'll save some dough going with the XT12.
And, like always, the call is yours.
Need to save even more, consider the choice between the ZenWiFi XT8 vs. ET8.
Want to see more Wi-Fi solutions compared against each other? Check them all out here.
Hi Dong
Having used your useful reviews and advice previously I come with my question begging bowl again!
I currently have a mesh with two Asus RT-AX92U running, one at each end of the house. Wireless connection because, for various reasons, I can’t run cables between them. I’m actually able to connect the couple of WiFI6 devices I have to the 5GHz-2 WiFi band
Property is only around 700 square feet, on one floor. Has some concrete interior walls (but for comparison, assuming it is at all useful, a Bluetooth signal from my Audeze Maxwell headphone dongle connected to my Xbox Series X can reach the headphones almost the entire way from one end of the house to the other).
Looking to upgrade to router with 2.5gbps socket in preparation for ISP upgrading to 2gbps symmetrical from current 1gbps down / 100.
I was wondering whether a single one of either of these units (likely the ET12 if I’m only going to need one) would provide enough coverage, or if, in your opinion, I would be better off with a pair in mesh.
Cheers
You can turn off the current 92U satellite unit to find out if a single broadcaster is enough, Lindsey. More here.
Cheers Dong. I’m a complete idiot, don’t know why I didn’t think of just doing that to start with. I’m blaming it on getting old!
That happens. Sometimes, you just need to move the broadcaster near the center. Less is more in Wi-Fi.
Hello Dong
I read your article comparing the ASUS ET12 versus XT12 and i have a question for you.
Presently in my home in I use a GT-AX11000 as primary node (ACCESS POINT mode) with two wired backhaul Aimesh nodes (GT-AC5300 and RT-AC5300). The performance is not the best with dead zones. I wanted to upgraded to ET12 pair in wired backhaul and use the older Gt and RT nodes in other spots in the home connected with wireless backhaul. Would it be prefereable to use the XT12 pair instead since my primary node is GT-AX11000 which does not have a WIFI 6 band.
Thanks
Bose
Check out this post, Saby, and put two and two together yourself. It’s impossible for me to address all possibilities.
Many thanks for this comparison, I live in a large apartment where the big walls tends to challenge the capacity for my wifi to be available in all rooms, this is why I am looking into the XT. My goal will be to plug the first one to my Router, and the second one in a room with my TV and PS5, and plug my PS5 directly on the XT. I have no Ethernet cable/connection available in my apartment.
Is the XT the good choice (compared to the ET) to extend my Wifi in all my apartment ?
Thanks for your help !
The ET is not suitable for your case, Bertrand. Only you would know if the XT is a good choice or not. More about which to pick in this post. And this post includes all options and their alternatives.
Thanks for your reply, I wanted to make sure that ruling out the ET was correct. Thanks for all again !!!
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Hi Dong
Awesome review as always as I have followed you for couple of years.
Do you have any idea if Asus is planning to launch the canned wifimesh series with 1 (or 2) 10 Gbps WAN port anytime soon (like the Netgear Nighthawk RS700)?
The reason for my question is that I am currently using ASUS XD6 wired mesh setup (and very happy with it) and in my country my ISPs are starting to offer 10Gbps internet speeds. I have not jumped on it yet is because I am still waiting for a canned/toaster version of ASUS that supports 10Gbps as I just don’t have space (nor financial means) to accommodate multiple bulky routers.
I am staying in a house of ~5000sf across 3 levels, using wired connection (Cat 6a) right now.
Was contemplating getting the ET12 (best for wired vs XT12) if i do get the 10Gbps internet plan but was wondering if it is an overkill given that I wont be able to get the maximum speeds available.
Should I wait (and hold my breath) for ASUS to deliver some good news soon?
Happy to hear your thoughts!
It will likely have that for you next year, Bing. You might hear something during CES 2024.
Sure thing thanks Dong!
On a separate note, Aruba Instant On has also started to catch some popularity in my country in recent months as HP looks to target the consumer market.
Not sure if it is in your radar but will definitely look forward to any reviews you will have on this brand in the future!
I’m aware of Aruba, Bing. Reviewed its hardware once or twice in my past life. It’s a fully business-oriented vendor, so it’s not my priority presently.
Good day to you. I am debating between xt12 and et12.
My set up is 4100 sf house on 3 levels. I have a large patio that I utilize regularly off the back of the house and is about 800 sf.
I can connect via ethernet for the backhaul.
Currently have about 50 cameras, lights, small appliances, fans…etc. Have 3 computers that connect at various times. I also have audio/video stack with 6 different video sources that stream routinely. Also 3-4 phones connected at any one time. Plus guests that drop by.
I need extended wifi coverage in the side yards of the house that extend about 100 feet on either side of the house
Which direction would you recommend going?
Thanks
Between the two, Robert, go with the ET12 since you have wired backhauling.
However, you might also want to go with another among the DIY routes some with outdoor AP options. More here.
By the way, don’t abuse “smart” Wi-Fi devices — more here.
I need to have a completely wireless setup, was going to spring for the xt12 but feel it may be overkill. I have 1.5gb to the house and 3 level home total 2500 sqft, with the routers set up on opposite sides of the main floor. Perhaps the XT9 is more suitable for me?
Nothing wireless is even close to enough for your case, JP. Get the place wired. Else, lower your expectations a great deal, else even the most expensive hardware will stil be disappointing.
Hey Dong,
thx for your famous tests and reviews. Ive a question to you. In my house I use 3 ax89x in an ethernet meshsystem. In most times Iam Happy, but the routers has a huges power consumption (24/7) and a poor updateintervall. Do you think the xt12 will be an Upgrade for me or mit a downgrade?
For your case with wired backhauling, the ET12 makes more sense, and it’ll be a clear upgrade thanks to the 6GHz support.
Hello. I am very new to this wi-fi set up system. I live in Japan and my house has one modem-router that has 3 hardwired cat6e LAN ports going into in each room. I want to use either the XT12 or ET12 in my living room and run a LAN cable to the XT12 or ET12 and then run direct LAN cables from that to my PS5, LG TV, and SONOS Soundbar and use the wifi from the XT12 or ET12 to set up a network that my other devices can connect to. If I decide to put a mesh system in, I will connect each of the satellites to the LAN cable in the other 2 rooms. I hope that isn’t to hard to understand as it seems complicated even when I write it. My question is: in my situation, which one should I get? the ET12 because I will be connecting each node/satellite by direct LAN cable? Is my assumption correct? Thank you
The ET12 makes more sense, Aiden. Also, you might want to put your gateway in the bridge mode. More here.
Thank you for the review! It looks like, based on your note that in mesh mode, we can only have 2 SSIDs in the XT12 when operated as a mesh (planning on 4 XT12s) -> main and guest. My current set up has 3 SSIDs (main -> which is 2.4+5 Ghz, iot which is 2.4Ghz only and Guest->2.4+5Ghz). I suppose I’ll have to reconfigure to have two SSIDs correct?
You first need to understand about SSID first — more is not better. After that, with either system you can get up to six system-wide SSIDs if you separate the band. You don’t need an SSID for IoT, that’s a bullshit idea to begin with — more here.
Thank you. I did not say more is better, I said it’s configured this way at the moment.
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Great review and very informative.
I have the GT AX11000 router and am looking for some AIMesh nodes. I have 1Gb fibre and having read your review think that the XT12 proโs are probably the best option for my villa which is approx 6,000 sq ft.
It’s prolly so until you get the place wired. Good luck, Shaun!
Dong,
Thank you for your reply. My villa is a concrete shell and is fully wired but I donโt have many devices, if any that use 6Ghz
In that case,you might want to try using access points, cheaper and more effective.
Dear Dong, thank you for your awesome reviews and advice, very helpful! Currently, I’m contemplating some options:
1) ASUS ZenWiFi Pro XT12
2) ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12
3) ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 PRO
4) ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000
Are you saying that the AXE16000 will only work with ET12 and AX11000 PRO will only work with XT12? I just don’t want to get it wrong…
Thanks!
They all work together (supposedly) but what I mention are combos that make sense, Jin. More in this post.
Thanks SO very much. I checked your link above, and this explained it perfectly: “The best performance option: GT-AXE16000 as primary router + ZenWiFi Pro ET12 as satellite(s)”. I’ve done quite a bit of research and nothing explains it anywhere near as well as yours. Thanks again, Dong!
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Hi Dong, love the site and great info you provide! I’d like to move away from renting equipment from my two ISPs and would like your input. ISP1 is fiber with Ethernet handoff (1gbps/1gbps) and ISP2 is cable (1.2gbps/40mbps). I’m thinking of getting a Dual-WAN router/mesh like Asus XT12 or ET12 and using MoCA for wiring or getting something more robust like a UDMP SE with 2x U6 in -wall APs and enabling load balancing. What would you recommend, including any other hardware that I haven’t mentioned? For simplicity’s sake, please assume all clients are WiFi 6 enabled. Thank you.
For your case, I’d go with the ET12, Dayv.
Hi to all.
I don’t know what is a better choice for the single-unit setup.
I have several devices that work on wifi AC and only two devices that support AX. At this moment I don’t have any device that supports 6e.
Am I better off getting an xt12 configured like 5G-1 – AC, and 5G-2 – AX?
Or ET12 single 5G band will work fine with all of my AC and AX devices? Plus I will obtain an additional 6Hz for future devices.
Either is fine, Ihor — more on that in this post on Dual-band vs Tri-band, etc. The ET12 has a 6GHz band, you only need a 6GHz upgrade if you use the XT12.
Great review!
After reading a lot of your reviews, I think the et12 pro is the best wifi6e mesh system when wired. The orbi wifi6e is definitely worse wired in my opinion because it has worse range and speed, and the other 5ghz band isnโt even useable so whatโs the point. Itโs also more expensive and has worse software. So do you agree that the et12 pro is the best wifi6e mesh system wired? Out of all mesh systems?
Yes, it’s one of the best, if not the best, for sure, among these.
Hello Dong-
I have a ASUS XT8 Mesh system (6 nodes total). I am about to the main router to either an XT12 or an ET12 and want your input.
I have 2gbps internet service, and have cat5e drops throughout the home. 3 of the NODES are using wired backhaul and 3 are using the dedicated wireless backhaul.
I am uncertain whether I should purchase the ASUS XT12 or the ASUS ET12.
Why do I have so many nodes – the home is large and the zones are compartmentalized throughout . . .
The Router is in a “Networking” closet with a networking patch panel (so not great for transmitting via WIFI.
The Nodes are strategically placed to maintain coverage throughout the various sections of the house (interior bedrooms, living room, family room, dining room, interior courtyard, backyard, and garage).
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
If you have the XT8s then the XT12 is more suitable, Marco. And you can use up to 10 nodes (the primary router included.) So you’re fine.
Thank you for the prompt response and the feedback!
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Hi Dong, thanks again for the illuminating comparison.
I am considering to buy two XT12/ET12 units as well.
I live in a rural, three-floor house (about 300m2), so there is little issue of channel congestion. The nearest airport/weather station is about 20 km away so I hope that keeps DFS events at a minimum (I don’t know if I can get this info from the router logs). I do not have many wireless devices (<10).
Do I understand correctly that in my case the 6GHz band would be more or less useless and I would benefit more from the 2nd 5Ghz band when I use the wireless backhaul? I do want a wired backhaul in the future (but not in this house).
Thanks a million,
Francois
You can use 80MHz channel width and turn off DFS completely, Francois. If you have wired backhaul, the ET12 is the best, if not the XT12 will do. In the latter case, you can use UNII-4 160MHz as the backhaul link if that’s available in your area, (it might not.)
And no, I’d not count on the 6GHz as the backhaul.
Hi Dong,
Thank you very much for your answers. About the availability of the UNII-4 bands; in the EU I was not able to find conclusive documentation about that. Some sources (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_WLAN_channels#5_GHz_(802.11a/h/j/n/ac/ax)) seem to suggest that anything higher than channel 173 (5865 MHz) is unsupported, but lower channels are (but at a lower power).
ASUS itself does not indicate what is actually supported on the XT12, only that ‘some frequencies might not be available in your area’, which is extremely difficult to figure out.
It would be very nice if someone living in the EU (preferably France) could confirm what channels are available on the XT12. If it cannot be cleared up, my preference would also be the ET12 since at least the 6GHz band is only unavailable for the top half.
Then I’d go with the ET12, Francois. It works quite well as a fully wireless system — as you can see in the performance charts. Then run a network cable to link the hardware units at some point. Network cables work the same everywhere. Good luck!
Hi from Italy Dong, I really love your website! Please, can help me in the choice for upgrade my WiFi?
Now I’m with Fritzbox 7590 connected via wan to Ont on 1st floor. I also have Fritz repeater 3000 via ethernet backaul on 2nd floor. Ftth 1 gigabit, maybe one day I will have 2,5 gigabit. It works well…
but I would increase network with WiFi 6 or 6e. i love xt12 but I suppose in my scenario you would suggest et12…
Or… maintain actual configuration and wait for WiFi 7?
thanks!
I’d go with the ET12, Marco. There’s no point in waiting but that doesn’t hurt, either. ๐
Thank you so very much for the response.
I will do further reading.
Thank you thank you.
First.
Thank you so much for these extremely informative reviews. Fantastic work!! Thank you-
I have a smart home with ~150+ wired devices from lights to oven,etc.
Iโm planning on getting the XT12 based off my research and your reviews.
Question:
Wireless bachauling. For all the smart home devices do I connect them specifically to the 5g network? Is there anything I need to do for things like light switches that do not use a lot of bandwidth but will always be connected? Or do I just connect everything to the Wi-Fi and Asus software will set up as needed?
Thanks so much for everything you do.
Sincerely-
~150+ โwireless devices!โ Not wired. My apologies.
A couple of things, Banks.
1. 150 are a lot of devices. A system can handle about 250 but due to the standard 24-hour IP reserving, one device might occupy two or more addresses for a period so 150 is pushing it. To avoid issues, it’s best to use IP reservation in your case.
2. Wi-Fi smart home devices tend to use only the 2.4GHz band and are generally terrible for your network. Most of the time, you can’t connect these to the 5GHz.
So in your case, it’s hard to say. The linked posts above you help you figure out what to do. If you have 100 or so of those dumb “smart” devices, no Wi-Fi router or mesh system will work well.
Hi, awesome review. One question, and it might also be a stupid one๐. I already own the ASUS ax xt8 (https://www.asus.com/se/networking-iot-servers/whole-home-mesh-wifi-system/zenwifi-wifi-systems/asus-zenwifi-ax-xt8/) would it be possible to create a mesh network with the ax xt8 and the xt12, and if itโs possible, is it a good or bad idea?๐
Check out this post, Anders. And follow the related ones on the subject, too.
Thank you for this great article! I have two XT12 with wired backhaul and I was considering adding a ET12 unit with wired backhaul as additional satellite, did I understand correctly that currently it wonโt work? Thank you
That didn’t work in my trial but that might change with new firmware, Andrea. It’s best that you go full ET12 in your case, though. It’s best not to mix Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 6 in a mesh.
Hello from France !
Many thanks for your fabulous website that I love! you are a king.
I have to install wifi at a client who is lucky enough to have a very large domain.
I explain his situation:
his house is atypical.
it has a very large plot, on which several houses are located. (5)
they are all wired together. (ethernet)
area: 200m2 (2100) per house.
the houses form a circle and are all about 50m (164 ft) apart.
He wants internet in all the houses (5 houses)
Please what would be the best solution?
I was thinking of installing 5 ZenWifiPro XT12 (E12 not currently available in France)
Or XT12 and XT8 combo?
I read that E12s were recommended when everything was wired.
In any case, only one XT12 per house will suffice and I think that in wifi links, they will also see each other even at 50m (164ft) from each other
Thank you very much, I hope I was clear!
You’re welcome and no I’m not a king. ๐
But even if I was, I generally don’t comment on the specific situation… Read this post carefully, including the reviews of the hardware involved, and follow the other posts in the related box at the top of the page, such as this one on mesh systems, and you’ll be able to figure things out. Again, make sure you read them from the top to the bottom, and don’t skip around.
Bonne chance!
thank you very much !
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Thanks for the comparison Dong. I am leaning towards ET12 with wired backhaul but I will need 2-3 additional units in my house. Buying another ET12 pack will be expensive or so which other model do you recommend I use with it?
ET8
Many thanks for this comparison, I found it very helpful. Since I intend to configure using a wired backhaul, I am leaning toward the ET12 (per your recommendation). However, several of the computers I will be connecting wirelessly are likely too far away to benefit from the 6GHz band due to its limited range. Additionally, I live in the heart of the city (with neighbors in close proximity with their own wireless setups). In such a case, am I better off with the XT12 (in a wired backhaul configuration) because of Unii-4? Either way, I think it’ll be a huge improvement over my current setup. Many thanks again.
UNII-4 is generally useless on the client side, at least for now, Joe. It’s only good for wireless backhaul which you don’t need. I’d go with the ET12, which I use by the way. It’s been great. But the XT12 will work, in that case, don’t use UNII-4. Either way, you’re fine. ๐
Many thanks, Dong. I really appreciate your input.
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Iโve been using 4 x XT12 for the last 4 months via wireless backhaul and very happy so far – they have native Merlin firmware support and have been much more stable in my environment than a combo of 2 x AX11000 and 2 x XT8 I used before.
Excellent! Thanks for sharing the XP!
Thank you for correcting me! Up until reading your article I thought they were the same, except one was a 1 pack and the other was a 2 pack!
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Very useful comparison, thanks. Even with a wired backhaul setup however, given there really aren’t very many 6GHz clients out there and that 6GHz has substantially worse performance at distance that 5GHz, don’t you think there is an argument for an XT12 based mesh in that you are gaining a lot more 5GHz capacity in an environment where one has a lot of wireless clients all operating at the same time so you spread them across both 5GHz bands?
In theory, what you proposed makes sense, Randall. But in reality, splitting the 5GHz band has its own issue. More in this post on Wi-Fi “banding”. So, your mileage will vary and I’d not count on the extra band.
So I read just re-read what you wrote on using two 5GHz bands and my situation may be somewhat not unique but not common, but I live in an area where there is very little contention for 5GHz wavelength (I live in the outskirts of a not very big city which also means that while I can still get Xfinity Gbps service the number of homes serviced by a neighborhood node is pretty small so even busy times don’t have much Internet contention) so pretty much all of the 5Ghz channels are free and clear. In this case, where I assign different SSIDs to the two 5GHz bands and I’m prepared to manually load balance the clients by only giving them access to one or the other 5GHz band, doesn’t my argument hold water?
It does, Randall. But like I said, your mileage will vary since Wi-Fi is invisible. Chances are you’ll experience no difference one way or the other. But generally, it doesn’t hurt to have that “extra” band. Having an entire 6GHz band is better, though. So get the GT-AXE16000 if you want to have both. ๐