Multi-Gigabit AiMesh Combos: 2026’s Best Options

This post, the last in my series on ASUS-based Wi-Fi systems, helps you pick the best AiMesh combo to build a network with multi-Gigabit bandwidth, either the entry-level 2.5Gbps or the top-tier 10Gbps.

Before continuing, though, consider getting your home wired first—we’re mostly talking about wired networking here, especially if you live on a sprawling property.

Dong’s note: I first published this post on October 29, 2021, and last updated it on February 20, 2026, with the latest information.

AiMesh with multi-Gigabit bandwidth: Everything you need to know

The head says it. We’re talking about building a robust Wi-Fi system, capable of delivering multi-Gigabit bandwidth, using ASUS’ AiMesh-enabled routers, which is the case with virtually all ASUS routers since the RT-AC86U, which came out eight years ago.

The first thing to note is that you’ll likely need wired backhauling in this case. If you’re not familiar with “backhaul”, the cabinet below will help.

Now, if you’re still wondering, “Why wired backhauling? Ain’t Wi-Fi 7 already faster than Gigabit?” you’re likely not alone. You’re slightly off the mark, though.

Multi-Gigabit AiMesh via wired backhauling: The why

While Wi-Fi 7 can deliver multi-Gigabit wireless performance in certain cases, especially via an MLO link, wireless bandwidth is generally temperamental due to signal loss and degradation, not to mention Wi-Fi is always half-duplex.

That said, achieving multi-Gigabit speeds consistently across a large area is the only sure solution when using wired backhauling via Multi-Gig network ports.

Now, if you’re thinking you don’t need multi-Gigabit speeds, you’re probably not wrong. However, the only way to really experience or take advantage of faster-than-Gigabit broadband is via multi-Gigabit connections. On top of that, faster is always better, and hardware with Multi-Gig ports has been the norm in the past few years at relatively low costs. So, why not?

With that, let’s move on to how to pick the best AiMesh hardware combo with multi-Gigabit performance.

Multi-Gigabit AiMesh combo: The how

Picking an AiMesh hardware combination for multi-Gigabit performance follows the same rules as for other AiMesh combos.

First, keep the following in mind in terms of ports and wired connections:

1. The router unit (the primary AiMesh node) must have at least two Multi-Gig ports: one for the WAN side and the other for the backhaul downlink to the satellite node.
2. The satellite node unit only needs one Multi-Gig port, preferably of the same grade as the router’s, for the uplink connection. In most cases, this port is the WAN port. However, in a daisy-chain setup—that’s when it hosts another satellite node—it also needs a second Multi-Gig port for the downlink.

In any case, keep in mind that a satellite node’s uplink determines the bandwidth available to all its connected devices. That said, while you can have a system with mixed Gigabit and Multi-Gig backhauls, pick the port grade based on the bandwidth you need at a particular area.

Secondly, in terms of Wi-Fi specs, note the following:

• Avoid using routers of different numbers of bands (dual-band vs. tri-band vs. quad-band) or frequencies (5GHz vs. 6GHz). If you have to mix, use those with the most bands as the primary router.
• Avoid using hardware with a significantly different Wi-Fi standard, tier, or specs. If you have to mix, make sure you use the default (Auto) values for the Wi-Fi settings and avoid using specific virtual SSIDs such as Guest, IoT, etc.
• When you use Wi-Fi 7 hardware, it’s best to use the same routers throughout. That is the only way to have MLO for the front end. If you mix routers, it’s best to use those of the same Wi-Fi specs. If you mix a Wi-Fi 7 router with older Wi-Fi standards, make sure the Wi-Fi 7 unit is the primary router.

With that, let’s move on to the current viable hardware options.

Multi-Gigabit AiMesh: The available hardware and recommended combos

Below is the (almost) complete list of AiMesh-enabled routers that are capable of offering Multi-Gig backhaul uplink. Again, it’s safest to use multiple units of the same model, but the recommended satellites will likely work well with the specific router. Most of these combos have been tested for an extended period in real-world trials.

Once you’ve picked the router and satellite(s) combo, follow the detailed setup guide linked below to build your system.

AiMesh setup: A step-by-step guide

The takeaway

There you have it. Above all, practically all the possible options for true multi-Gigabit AiMesh systems have proven to work well in my extensive hands-on trials.

As time passes, there will be more hardware options—including the upcoming Wi-Fi 8 hardware—and I’ll update this post then. However, the principle remains: you generally want to use the same hardware model throughout, or mix them smartly so that the result won’t cause subsequent issues.