Asus ET8 UK release

[Meshlou]

Hello all

I live in the UK and I was about to order the Asus XT8 Mesh system but then I read about the newer model ET8 that was released in the US and seems to be getting very good reviews.

I cant find any details for a UK release. Does anyone have an idea when it will be released here?

Is it worth waiting for the ET8 or should I just go for the XT8.

Thanks for you thoughts.

Lou

Share the knowledge

You need to login in order to vote

[UK Sentinel]

Welcome, newer is usually better but a couple of areas to consider.

The ET8 is not yet available in the UK (only US) and the firmware will take some time to mature.

The XT8 has issues currently with Node stability, but ASUS are working on this (I believe)

Have you looked at Netgears Orb or is price a consideration ?

 

 

Share the knowledge

In a completely sane world, madness is the only freedom (J.G.Ballard).

You need to login in order to vote

[Meshlou]

Hi

Thanks for your very quick response.

I actually have the Orbi 752 right now which was on offer at £330, when I bought it.

While I am happy with the performance, I don’t like the idea of  having to pay extra, via subscription,  for some features which are essential for me. The unit was advertised as coming with these features, (at least that’s what I understood)  and then I found out otherwise. I am guessing subscriptions will apply to the the 852 series as well.

So looks like ET8 wont be arriving anytime soon? How prevalent are the issues with XT8.

Any other suggestions for comparable systems that come with dedicated backhaul channels, similar range and offer security etc, without having to pay extra for subs.

Thanks again for your help.

Lou

 

Share the knowledge

You need to login in order to vote

[UK Sentinel]

TP-Link AX6600 has the ‘TP-Link HomeShield’ not used this myself but rates very well but is not totally free (I believe)

@Dodydrains and @raven are the resident expert on ZenWifi and hopefully he will see this post later ?

Share the knowledge

In a completely sane world, madness is the only freedom (J.G.Ballard).

You need to login in order to vote

[dodgydrains]

Meshlou wrote:

Hi Thanks for your very quick response. I actually have the Orbi 752 right now which was on offer at £330, when I bought it. While I am happy with the performance, I don’t like the idea of having to pay extra, via subscription, for some features which are essential for me. The unit was advertised as coming with these features, (at least that’s what I understood) and then I found out otherwise. I am guessing subscriptions will apply to the the 852 series as well. So looks like ET8 wont be arriving anytime soon? How prevalent are the issues with XT8. Any other suggestions for comparable systems that come with dedicated backhaul channels, similar range and offer security etc, without having to pay extra for subs. Thanks again for your help. Lou

I was in the same position as you and ended up going with my current setup consisting of 4x XT8, as I need the parental control features.  The issues for me seem to be with the latest firmware after 42095, where Microsoft teams keeps losing connection.  I am running 42095 which has been mostly stable for me apart from one unit dropping to 2.4GHz on the backhaul couple of days ago.  Powering down the unit and then factory reset resolved it for me after adding that node back to the mesh setup.  just had 14 days uptime without experiencing any visible issues (other than the one I mentioned with one node)

Your mileage may vary depending on your specific needs.  I just need ASUS to sort out their firmware issues after 42095.

Share the knowledge

You need to login in order to vote

[UK Sentinel]

I have asked again today for any update news regarding the ZenWifi XT8

Share the knowledge

In a completely sane world, madness is the only freedom (J.G.Ballard).

Liked by:

You need to login in order to vote

[Meshlou]

Thank you for your response dodgydrains.
Thank you for contacting ASUS UK Sentinel Can you please also ask them about UK release of ET8.

Assuming firmware is sorted out on ET8, what are your thoughts on ET8 based on the US reviews.

Lou

Share the knowledge

You need to login in order to vote

[UK Sentinel]

ASUS did not wish to confirm any release dates for the EU/UK – I will ask again incase they let anything slip

ASUS router firmware is always a case of finding a version that works best for yourself, the firmware is always evolving, so one issue is fixed, which then may cause issues in other modules.

The ASUS ET8 Uses the same CPU – RAM as the XT8 – just an changed or new wireless chip for wifi 6E

The main difference between the new ET8 and the XT8 is that the ET8 would use the 6GHz band as the backhaul by default. (The XT8 uses the 5GHz-2).

And to keep everyone in reality, just remember – To understand how the ET8 will work as a mesh in the real world, you first need to understand Wi-Fi 6E. The main point being is that is this new 6GHz band which has better speed but a shorter range. Keep that in mind.

Early days yet for ET8 reviews but one thread I did read is the XT8 reboots (maybe crashes) daily – but early days yet for the XT8 (probable RAM / Heat issues ) etc.

Share the knowledge

In a completely sane world, madness is the only freedom (J.G.Ballard).

You need to login in order to vote

[UK Sentinel]

Ok, so I had an interesting conversion with the Project Manager associated with the ET8 yesterday and this morning and alas for the UK we will not be receiving the ET8 in the EU/UK.

But early next year in the EU/UK, ASUS will be launching a new ZenWifi 6E model – but model name / specs etc. are still under wraps for now 

 

Share the knowledge

In a completely sane world, madness is the only freedom (J.G.Ballard).

You need to login in order to vote

[Meshlou]

Thanks UK Sentinel

Interestingly enough just noticed XT8 prices have dropped down to £308 for 2 pack on Scan computers and thought this may mean a new model is imminent.

Any update from Asus re firmware?

Lou

Share the knowledge

You need to login in order to vote

[UK Sentinel]

Interesting regarding the price drop ?

Alas still chasing news/update regarding new firmware for the XT8

Edit: forgot to say, forum member @dodydrains had a message from ASUS yesterday regarding testing a certain scenario with his XT8, so I can only assume , work is ongoing for the XT8.

Share the knowledge

In a completely sane world, madness is the only freedom (J.G.Ballard).

You need to login in order to vote

[UK Sentinel]

As a follow up, Just had an email from ASUS, alas no progress/update on resolution to the ZenWifi XT8 stability issues , they are still looking into the problems .

Share the knowledge

In a completely sane world, madness is the only freedom (J.G.Ballard).

You need to login in order to vote

[UK Sentinel]

Ok, so one of my contacts at ASUS has kindly sent me the link for their new ZenWifi (Wifi 6E) units that will be available early in the new year for the UK/EU so they (ASUS PM) tells me

ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and XT12

ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and XT12 wireless routers mesh with the best

Share the knowledge

In a completely sane world, madness is the only freedom (J.G.Ballard).

You need to login in order to vote

[Meshlou]

Thanks very much UK Sentinel.

Pity I cant wait till then, so looks like the XT8. At least price is down to £310.

Lou

Share the knowledge

Liked by:

You need to login in order to vote

[Meshlou]

I will be ordering the XT8 next week, should I updating the firmware. Which is the problematic version.

Thanks all

Lou

Share the knowledge

You need to login in order to vote

[Author]

Posts