ASUS ZenWifi AX XT8 initial setup

[Lewda]

Hello, I've read various discussions about the setup for this mesh system and understand the need to use both DHCP Option 61 and DHCPv6 PD (noticed many screenshots of the WAN page so will use these to assist). 

My question is more around the initial setup of the systems. I have three units - do I connect one via Ethernet to my Sky Hub and then turn on all three to create the connection between units? Then I believe I'll need to update the firmware - should I just update to the latest version, or a specific one?

At what point do I start looking at settings? Whilst still connected to the Sky Hub, or after the firmware updates should I connect direct to ONT and then apply the relevant settings? 

Any other hints or tips on setup? 

Thanks! 

[jamesn123]

@Lewda 

Update the firmware via the sky hub or via file transfer from a PC. Then connect the main unit to the ONT and get it setup with the internet then connect the other nodes

[Lewda]

@jamesn123 

Thanks (again!). Do I update the firmware of each unit initially, or just the main one to start with and then the others once I connect them as nodes later? 

I noticed a post by @mae-3 in another thread mentioning it depends on how many units to which firmware is needed. Would either of you be able to assist with that given that I have 3 units? 

[jamesn123]

@Lewda 

The other units can be updated after the fact. The important thing is getting the main one updated and setup, thats the hard part.

I wasnt aware of different firmware being needed for multiple units. Can you point to the post that suggests that?

[Lewda]

@jamesn123 

Ah great! 

It was mentioned in this thread:

https://helpforum.sky.com/t5/Broadband/DHCP-settings-for-Sky-FTTP-ONT-with-Asus-ZenWifi-AX-XT8/td-p/...

[jamesn123]

@Lewda 

Ah I see. I can only assume @mae-3 has personal experience with the latest firmware and it wasnt stable for the mesh units. Its probably worth asking him directly considering that thread is 4 months old. Its likely there is a newer firmware release with fixes.

I have an Asus AX88u running the latest firmware and dont have any issues

[TomThumb5ive]

@Lewda FW Version 3.0.0.4.386.42095 is still the most stable on the xt8's at the moment, 

there are some mixed reports regarding newer fw, most but not all issues relate to the nodes linking via wifi, 

your best bet is to run 42095 for a short time & tweak any settings that you need, that way you have a stable baseline to compare to any potential stability issues after updating to the more recent fw.

Tom...

[Neil+Stevens]

I'm still running the 42095 firmware on both nodes without any issues. From memory, I installed this manually on the main node first and when that was back up I manually installed on the 2nd node. I've removed the SR203 and just use the XT8 in the default wireless router mode with dhcp option 61 configured (I've never used my sky voip landline so don't need this). Runs like a dream to be honest