Setting up the ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 mesh system is pretty straightforward. The manufacturer claims it covers up to 6000 square feet, so it's great for larger spaces. According to our research, a lot of folks have found the setup process quick and intuitive, even if they aren't tech experts. Here's a simple guide and some tips to get the most out of your mesh system.

Easy Step-by-Step Setup

1. Unboxing and Placement: Start by unboxing everything and putting your primary node in a central spot. This main unit hooks up to your modem. Asus recommends a central, open area without heavy obstructions for optimal coverage.

2. Connecting to the Modem: Plug the primary node into your modem with the Ethernet cable provided. Power it on, and it will start booting up automatically.

3. Using the ASUS Router App: Download the ASUS Router App (available on both iOS and Android). Open the app and follow the simple instructions to pair your primary node. You'll set up a network name and password along the way.

4. Adding Additional Nodes: Once the primary node is good to go, you can add more nodes to extend coverage. Place them where the signal starts to weaken from the primary node. The app helps you find the best spots for these additional nodes.

Tips for Optimal Performance

• Strategic Placement: According to our research, placing nodes in open spaces and avoiding spots like cabinets or behind thick walls can really boost coverage. Make sure the nodes can see each other.

• Firmware Updates: Keep your firmware updated. These updates can include performance tweaks and bug fixes that make the network run smoother.

• Network Optimization: The ASUS Router App has tools for optimizing the network, like channel selection and bandwidth management, to get the best performance.

User Experiences

Most people report strong, consistent signals, even across multiple floors and through thick walls, which matches the manufacturer's claims. That said, some mentioned needing to move nodes around a bit to get the best performance.

If you have a really tricky layout, adding more nodes can help.

In a nutshell, the ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 mesh system is designed to be easy to set up. Just follow the guidelines and positioning tips, and you should get solid WiFi coverage throughout your space.

The ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 has a few different Ethernet ports that can help you boost your network performance—especially if you’re looking into Ethernet backhaul. Here’s the rundown based on how the manufacturer describes it:

1. 2.5Gbps WAN Port: This one’s for your main internet connection. If you’ve got a super fast internet plan, this port will help you make the most of that speed.

2. 2.5Gbps LAN Port: Perfect for high-speed wired connections to key devices like your gaming console, desktop, or even a high-speed storage setup. Also crucial for Ethernet backhaul.

3. 1Gbps LAN Ports: These are your standard ports for other wired devices. They’re not as fast as the 2.5Gbps ports but still reliable and speedy.

For setting up Ethernet backhaul, our research suggests starting with a wireless setup first, then switching to wired. Connect an Ethernet cable from the main router to the 2.5Gbps LAN port and from the remote node to the 2.5Gbps WAN port. This reduces wireless interference and keeps your network consistently high-speed all over your home.

Many folks, according to our research, noticed better stability and speed with this setup. For example, someone with a 3300 sq. ft. house saw much better connectivity throughout the place.

Another person pointed out that it’s better to use the WAN port on the nodes for backhaul to avoid any connectivity issues.

So, if you’re using the Ethernet ports on the ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 for backhaul, you’re likely to see a big boost in performance and reliability—especially in larger homes or places with lots of walls and obstacles that mess with wireless signals.

Yep, the ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 does support WiFi 6E.

One of the cool things about this mesh system is that it's tri-band, which means it includes the latest 6 GHz band. This helps boost performance and cut down on network congestion, especially when you have a bunch of high-speed devices connected at the same time. So, it's kind of like opening a new lane on a crowded highway—everything just flows better.

It also has dual 2.5Gbps ports (one for WAN and one for LAN), which are pretty speed-friendly. According to our research, these ports are great if you have a gigabit internet connection or if you're using wired backhaul to link multiple mesh nodes.

These higher speeds can be a real game changer for things like gaming or 4K streaming.

A lot of folks like using these high-speed ports for hooking up important devices like media servers or NAS (Network Attached Storage). This way, those devices get the fastest and most stable connections possible.

So, if you're in the market for a mesh system that supports WiFi 6E and offers some seriously high-speed wired options, the ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is definitely worth considering.