Asus Products Bridge-Mode Problem (maybe all models)

From all the reading through multiple threads, on different products, it seems like lots of people are having problems with running these routers in "bridge-mode". Similar problems are also seen in AP mode, but am not sure if the two problems may be related.

I seen mention of RT-AC66U, (RT-AC67U?), RT-AC68U, RT-AC87U, and now RT-AC88U

It seems like this problem has been going on since at least 2013 (according to some threads)
I've owned the AC67 (maybe not), AC68, and AC87

It's like it doesn't matter what firmware version, but problems with connecting and then dropping connection after idle, or slow speeds. No internet access, but can see local network folders.

I had a rock-solid bridge for three months, then "Bang!" it just started happening, over the course of a few days, before it finally died and would not recover. New firmware had no effect (Merlin 380.57), but the AC68 was not dead, as the other functions/modes worked fine. Even after a factory reset.

I've also seen and personally experienced problems, or poor performance when running it as an AP only, connected to the router via , hard-wire.

I'm tempted to go and buy the RT-AC88U, and try it with the AC87U, but there's no guarantee that my bridge problem will be fixed, and I'm desperate at this point to get it working correctly. I love ASUS products, but may try another brand, just to set-up as a bridge. It's a gamble though, that's costing me lots of money.

Are you talking about using these devices as a media-bridge/extender, or using them as a PPPoE client through a modem in bridge-mode?

If you are referring to modem bridge-mode, I would look at the modem itself as the cause. Have you tried using the ISP-supplied hardware to see if there are disconnects even with stock hardware?


PS - There is no RT-AC67U.

PS - There is no RT-AC67U

Click to expand...

I never owned the RT-AC66, and could swear I had a predecessor to the AC68. I did at one time own two of the Rt-AC68's, and gave one away to my Dad. I thought there was one that got discontinued somewhere in the mix. I'm probably mistaken. I do buy and "throw away" lots of equipment, because when I tend to give it away, I always get a million questions, and don't have time to be doing FREE network support for others. (I'm sure some of you guys know how that goes)


My set-up consists of...
Comcast ISP (150 Mbps), Motorola Surfboard modem (DOCSIS 3.0), RT-AC87U (Primary Router) serves all wireless, NAT'ing, etc... (DHCP disabled)

I don't use ISP supplied hardware (It's junk!).

DHCP is handled by my domain server, hard-wired to the primary router (RT-AC87U). Everything works fine here... No problems.

In another part of the house, I have an RT-AC68U configured in media-bridge/extender mode, serving another office work area that has a laptop docking station, and a massive printer, both hardwired to the RT-AC68U. Wireless signal is fine. As a matter of fact, I can even connect from the laptop via wireless.

I need the bridge, because my super awesome printer (HP- M775dn), that does everything, only connects via hardwire Ethernet (No wireless), and I sometimes have clients that come over and need printer access. Running more Ethernet between floors is not an option.

If clients come over, they are connecting to the primary router wirelessly, that in turn, can communicate back to the printer, via the bridge.

Last year, I had the same RT-AC68U outside in my workshop, configured as an AP, where I would also notice problems. Yes, there is a single Ethenet cable that drops into my "second" garage (it was a new addition). I would stream Pandora, on my iPAD, while doing woodworking, but noticed at times, the signal would drop, and Pandora would hang-up. Just weird things and connectivity would come and go. Outside, I also have a Powered Speaker (like a DJ) that would connect to my iPAD via blue-tooth. iPAD would connect to the (RT-AC68U), in AP mode.

Hi Guys!

I have noticed this problem with 2x AC66U, 2x AC87U, 1x AC3200 (Router) + 1x AC68U (Bridge) and 2x AC88U.

My actual setup and problem: Asus AC88U @ Router Mode 192.168.1.1 ---- 2,4GHz CH 13 ---- Asus AC88U @ Media Bridge Mode 192.168.1.2 ---- Asus AC68U @ AP Mode 192.168.1.3
After 1-3 hours the AC88U @ Bridge Mode and the AC68U @ AP Mode are no longer reachable on the network, but some devices like an ipad/iphone/firetv on the bridge side are still connected through the AC68U and can use the internet connection.
The Bridge AC88U stays always connected in the wireless protocol, but sometimes its shown with another client ip (from ipad or iphone). When i reboot the main router or the bridge, the devices can be accessed through there ip, but not for a long time.

I dont know if Asus has a bug in its firmware or there is something else going on. The only sure thing i know is, that in 2015 with my setup of 2x AC87U the Problem was gone and only came back after a specific firmware release last summer. After this release all of the Firmware releases (inlcuding Merlin) where not usable for Bridge Mode in my case.

I tried so much (change the DHCP range, static ips, Merlin/Asus FW, soft reset, hard reset..) but i never got a stable media bridge setting since summer 2015. From 11/2015 - 01/2016 i used an AC3200 @ Router Mode and the AC68U @ Media Bridge Mode which turned out to be OK with a daily reboot (they where always reachable within 24 hours, the daily reboot was a "safe" shedule).

[btw. sorry for my bad english, its not my native language]

creative2k said:

in 2015 with my setup of 2x AC87U the Problem was gone and only came back after a specific firmware release last summer.

Click to expand...

Do you remember please the firmware version where the problem was gone, and the version where the problem came back?

I think 4950 or 5134 where the last ones that worked for me in bridge mode with the AC87U.

thank you, that's useful information

A little bit late, but a response to the media bridge problems on my AC88Us.

Since i flashed the 9.0.0.4.380.2697 Beta, the Media Bridge Problem seems solved for the client connections. I still cant reach my media bridge from the main router, but the connections for the clients work now. It seems the bridge connection "resets" after about an hour so it could keep the connection alive (i see the media bridge and clients only connected up to an hour in the wireless log, so i guess it must reconnect after some time). Not a perfect solution but its better then before.