Asus Mesh WiFi

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If you are looking for a "whole home" or "mesh" type WiFi system, LiteWire recommends the Asus ZenWiFi AX Mini System.

Unlike most of the mesh-type systems (such as the Nest/Google WiFi, Eero, Orbi, etc. - which we recommend avoiding), the Asus system has the ability to manually set the wifi channels it uses, which allows us to configure it to avoid interfering with your connection to the LiteWire tower and optimize connection performance. At this time, we recommend the ZenWiFi mini (XD4) system, rather than the larger ZenWiFi systems (XD8, XT8, or ET8), because it's a "dual-band," rather than a "tri-band," system, which simplifies configuration. We intend to provide instructions for configuring those systems as well at a later date, but we need to do additional testing before we're comfortable recommending them.

The configuration instructions provided below will also likely work with other Asus router models as well, but at this time, we have only verified them with the ZenWiFi Mini system.

Setting up your new Wi-Fi system

For this step, we will basically be following the standard setup procedure. If you have already done this, you can skip ahead to the "optimizing configuration" section below.

At this point, there are a couple of different methods we can use to proceed with the setup process. If you will be using a smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android) to complete the setup process, you can use the ASUS Router App and just follow the Quick Start Guide included with the ASUS ZenWiFi system. The only thing you will be asked during the initial setup that is specific to LiteWire service is, "Does your Internet connection require a username and password?" - Select "No".

If you need detailed instructions or are using a PC, Mac, laptop, Chromebook, or other device for setup, follow the "Detailed initial setup instructions" below.

After initial setup has been completed, proceed to "Optimizing Configuration".

Optimizing Configuration

1) Before starting this step, you will need to contact LiteWire support and ask for your Channel Group. Once you have that, you will need to set your WiFi channel according to which group you're in, as indicated below.
Group A - Your 5 GHz Wi-Fi channel should be set to Channel 36 (which may also be listed as 5180 MHz or 5.18 GHz on some routers). The 2.4 GHz channel can be left on "Auto".
Group B - Your 5 GHz Wi-Fi channel should be set to Channel 149 (which may also be listed as 5745 MHz or 5.745 GHz on some routers). The 2.4 GHz channel can be left on "Auto".
Group C - Your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi channel should be set to Channel 1, and set "Channel bandwidth" to "20 MHz." The 5 GHz channel can be left on "Auto".
Group D - Your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi channel should be set to Channel 11, and set "Channel bandwidth" to "20 MHz." The 5 GHz channel can be left on "Auto".
Group E - All Wi-Fi channel settings can be left on Auto. If you are in this group, the Wi-Fi signal will not interfere with the connection to the LiteWire tower, and you will not need to set it to a specific channel.

2) To set the WiFi channel on your ASUS ZenWiFi system, you will need to open up a web browser and go to http://192.168.50.1 and sign in with the username and password you set up during the initial setup process.
3) After you have logged in, click the "Wireless" button on the left side of the screen, under "Advanced Settings."
4) At the bottom of the screen, you should see the settings for "Control Channel" and "Channel Bandwidth" for both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi channels. Set them as indicated by your Channel Group, and click "Apply".

Detailed initial setup instructions

First off, get out all three ZenWiFi units and power them up. Find which unit is the router (this is the unit with a blue "WAN/LAN" port in addition to the "LAN" port that each unit has), and plug the "WAN/LAN" port into the "PC/Router" port on your LiteWire power supply, using the provided cable.

Next, we'll need to get your PC connected to the router - you can do this either with a hardwired connection or via Wi-Fi. If you will be connecting through a hardwired connection, go ahead and plug the device you'll be using for setup into the "LAN" port on the ZenWiFi router unit (it will need to be plugged into the main unit at this point, rather than one of the nodes). If you will be using WiFi, you'll need to scan for the new WiFi network and connect to it, following the normal procedure for the device you're using - in my case, that network was named "ASUS_20"; the specific name may vary with your system, but it should be something similar (probably ASUS_ followed by another number, but I haven't verified that). At this point, you may get a warning message indicating that the network is unsecure or that internet access is unavailable; if that happens, just confirm that you want to stay connected to the network.

Once you have the router connected, you'll need to open up a web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc.) and go to http://192.168.50.1

Click "Create A New Network".
Make sure your ZenWiFi nodes are within 3 meters (~10 feet) of the router, as instructed, and click "Next".

If you have not already connected the "WAN" port to the LiteWire power supply, you will be prompted to do so at this time (after connecting it, click "previous" and then "next" again, or alternatively, you can use "manual configuration").

Next, you'll be asked if your internet connection requires a username and password - select "No".

Now you will need to assign a network name (SSID) and wireless security key for your new Wi-Fi network. These can be anything you like, but keep in mind the wireless security key/password needs to be at least 8 characters in length - you will need to use this to connect your devices to the WiFi network, so use something easy to remember or be sure to write it down in a safe place. The network name will be visible to anyone within range of your Wi-Fi. When that's done, click "Apply".

You will be asked if you want to use 802.11ax/Wi-Fi 6 mode. In most cases, I recommend keeping this enabled, but if you have older Wi-Fi devices, it's possible you could experience compatibility issues, in which case you may want to uncheck that box; otherwise, just click "Next".

On this step, we are configuring the router login name and password. This can be anything you like, but be sure to write down whatever you enter here and keep it in a safe place. This information is typically only used if you need to change settings on the router, but we will need it later in the setup process.

Now you may be prompted to upgrade the firmware on your new router. It's not necessary to do this now, but I recommend that you go ahead and do it, so click the "Firmware Upgrade" button. This process will take a few minutes. Once it's complete, you can click "Next".

You should see a summary screen now, showing the network name and wireless security settings you entered earlier. If you are connected to the router via WiFi, you will need to reconnect your device to the new WiFi network now, using that information.

The initial setup process is now complete, and you can proceed to the "optimizing configuration" section above.

This system can be purchased through Amazon (HERE), Best Buy, or other retailers

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