ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 AXE11000 Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6E System User Manual

1. Introduction

The ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 AXE11000 is a whole-home tri-band mesh WiFi 6E system designed to provide extensive and reliable wireless coverage. This system combines advanced performance with a streamlined design, enhancing the capabilities of your home network for various applications, including productivity and entertainment. This manual provides instructions for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your ZenWiFi Pro ET12 system.

2. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in your package:

• Two (2) ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 Mesh WiFi units
• Two (2) Power Adapters
• One (1) Ethernet Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card

Note: Power adapter types may vary by region. Ensure you have the correct adapters for your location.

3. Product Overview

The ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 system consists of two identical units that work together to create a seamless mesh network. Each unit features multiple antennas, advanced cooling, and a clear top panel. The units are designed for vertical placement to optimize signal dispersion.

Image: Two ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 mesh WiFi units, showcasing their sleek black design and transparent top panels.

3.1. Front and Side Views

Image: Front view of a single ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 unit, highlighting the ASUS logo and vertical ventilation.

Image: Side view of a single ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 unit, showing the ribbed design for heat dissipation.

3.2. Rear Panel and Ports

The rear panel of each ZenWiFi Pro ET12 unit provides essential connectivity options:

Image: Rear panel of an ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 unit, displaying LAN 1, LAN 2, 2.5G/10G WAN, 2.5G/10G LAN ports, WPS button, Reset button, On/Off switch, and DC-in port.

• LAN Ports (LAN 1, LAN 2): Standard Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired devices.
• 2.5G/10G WAN Port: Connects to your modem or existing router for internet access.
• 2.5G/10G LAN Port: High-speed Ethernet port for connecting devices requiring faster wired connections.
• WPS Button: For easy connection of WPS-compatible devices.
• Reset Button: Resets the unit to factory default settings.
• On/Off Switch: Powers the unit on or off.
• DC-in Port: Connects to the power adapter.

4. Setup Instructions

Setting up your ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 system involves a few key steps to establish your whole-home mesh network. It is recommended to update the firmware on both units before connecting them in an AiMesh configuration.

4.1. Initial Placement

Place your primary ZenWiFi Pro ET12 unit near your modem or internet service provider's connection point. Position the secondary unit(s) in areas requiring extended WiFi coverage, ensuring they are within range of the primary unit for optimal signal strength.

Image: A diagram illustrating the placement of two ZenWiFi Pro ET12 units to achieve seamless whole-home WiFi coverage up to 6000 sq. ft. across multiple rooms and floors.

4.2. Powering On and Initial Configuration

1. Connect one ZenWiFi Pro ET12 unit to your modem using the provided Ethernet cable. Plug the other end into the 2.5G/10G WAN port of the ZenWiFi unit.
2. Connect the power adapter to the DC-in port of the unit and plug it into a power outlet. Turn the unit on.
3. Wait for the LED indicator on the unit to show a solid blue or white light, indicating it is ready for setup.
4. Download the ASUS Router app on your smartphone or tablet.
5. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your primary router. This includes creating a WiFi network name (SSID) and password.
6. Repeat steps 2-3 for the second ZenWiFi Pro ET12 unit.

Image: A smartphone displaying the ASUS Router app interface, confirming a successful system setup with a 'Good Connection!' message and basic WiFi network details.

4.3. Firmware Update (Recommended)

Before establishing the mesh connection, ensure both units have the latest firmware. This can be done through the ASUS Router app or by accessing the router's web interface (usually router.asus.com) and navigating to the Firmware Upgrade section.

4.4. Establishing AiMesh Connection

Once both units are powered on and have updated firmware:

1. In the ASUS Router app, select 'Add AiMesh Node' or similar option.
2. The app will search for available ZenWiFi units. Select your secondary unit when it appears.
3. Follow the prompts to complete the mesh pairing process. The LED indicator on the secondary unit will change to a solid white or blue once successfully connected to the mesh network.
4. For optimal performance, especially in larger homes or with many obstacles, consider connecting the primary and secondary units via an Ethernet cable (Ethernet backhaul) using their 2.5G/10G LAN ports.

Image: A visual representation of the WiFi 6E Mesh System, highlighting the utilization of the new 6 GHz band for a stable and dedicated wireless backhaul connection between mesh nodes.

5. Operating Instructions

After setup, your ZenWiFi Pro ET12 system operates as a unified network. You can manage its settings and monitor its status using the ASUS Router app or the web interface.

5.1. Network Management

• ASUS Router App: Provides a user-friendly interface for managing your network, including device monitoring, guest network setup, and basic settings adjustments.
• Web Interface: Access router.asus.com from a web browser on a connected device for advanced configurations, such as port forwarding, VPN setup, and detailed network diagnostics.

5.2. Key Features

• Tri-Band WiFi 6E: Utilizes 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands for high-speed, low-latency connections. The 6 GHz band can serve as a dedicated backhaul for mesh communication.
• AiProtection Pro: Integrated network security powered by Trend Micro, offering malicious site blocking, two-way IPS (Intrusion Prevention System), and infected device prevention.

Image: A split image illustrating the benefits of AiProtection Pro, with one side showing advanced parental controls for managing screen time and content, and the other side depicting internet security features.

• Advanced Parental Controls: Manage internet access schedules, content filtering, and application usage for connected devices.
• Dual 2.5G/10G Ports: High-speed wired connectivity for devices like NAS, gaming PCs, or for a fast internet uplink.

6. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your ZenWiFi Pro ET12 system.

• Firmware Updates: Periodically check for and install the latest firmware updates through the ASUS Router app or web interface. Updates often include performance improvements, security patches, and new features.
• Physical Cleaning: Keep the units free from dust. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior. Ensure ventilation grilles are not obstructed.
• Restarting: If you experience network issues, a simple restart of both ZenWiFi units and your modem can often resolve temporary glitches.
• Optimal Placement: Avoid placing units near large metal objects, concrete walls, or interference sources like microwaves and cordless phones.

7. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your ZenWiFi Pro ET12 system.

7.1. No Internet Connection

• Check Cables: Ensure the Ethernet cable from your modem is securely connected to the WAN port of your primary ZenWiFi unit.
• Modem Status: Verify that your modem is working correctly and has an active internet connection.
• Restart Devices: Power cycle your modem, then your primary ZenWiFi unit, and finally any secondary units.
• ISP Issue: Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) if the issue persists.

7.2. Poor WiFi Signal or Slow Speeds

• Unit Placement: Adjust the placement of your secondary ZenWiFi units to ensure they are within optimal range of the primary unit and each other. Avoid physical obstructions.
• Interference: Move units away from other electronic devices that might cause interference.
• Firmware: Ensure all units have the latest firmware installed.
• Ethernet Backhaul: If possible, connect your ZenWiFi units with an Ethernet cable for a more stable and faster backhaul connection.

7.3. Secondary Unit Not Connecting to AiMesh

• Firmware Mismatch: Ensure both primary and secondary units have the same, updated firmware version.
• Reset Secondary Unit: Perform a factory reset on the secondary unit before attempting to add it to the AiMesh network again.
• Proximity: During the pairing process, place the secondary unit closer to the primary unit. You can move it to its final location after successful pairing.

7.4. Power Adapter Issues

Some users have reported receiving power cables incompatible with their region's power outlets or with the power supply units. Ensure that the power adapters and cables provided are suitable for your electrical standards. If not, contact ASUS support or your retailer for assistance.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

ASUS provides a limited warranty for the ZenWiFi Pro ET12 system. The specific terms and duration of the warranty may vary by region and retailer. Please refer to the warranty card included in your package or visit the official ASUS support website for detailed information.

For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or to inquire about warranty services, please contact ASUS customer support through their official website or the contact information provided in your product documentation.

Always ensure you are using official ASUS support channels for assistance.