2 Different ASUS routers need constant reboots

[Tempus]

So I’ve had an ASUS RT-AC68U at home for the past ~2.5 years. Suddenly a couple weeks ago it started to need constant rebooting because the WiFi kept dropping. I updated the firmware, blew it out with compressed air, messed with a few settings to no avail. Finally I came to the conclusion that the router had just reached the end of its lifespan.

I did a little research and found that the 68U is still considered a solid router and managed to find a new one for under $80 US Great, I thought. Basically just plug and play!

So I set it up, updated the firmware (ASUS, not Merlin - I know, I know, but their firmware has worked fine for me for the past 2+ years) changed the bandwidths to 20MHz for 2.4 and 40MHz for 5 and set the 2.4 to channel 1.

Same problem. I messed with some more settings per various forum posts I saw, but no joy.

What the heck is going on that 2 different routers are suddenly doing this?

Thanks!

 

[ColinTaylor]

... changed the bandwidths to 20MHz for 2.4 and 40MHz for 5 and set the 2.4 to channel 1.

So the obvious question is did you try any channels other than 1?

Is the "dropping" just on the 2.4GHz band, 5GHz band or both?

 

[Tempus]

So the obvious question is did you try any channels other than 1?

Is the "dropping" just on the 2.4GHz band, 5GHz band or both?

I tried 6 also, thinking maybe there was interference from a neighbor or something, but it’s both the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz bands so that shouldn’t be the issue anyway. I left the 5GHz on auto, per a recommendation I read so it should be switching to whatever is clearest

 

[ColinTaylor]

Can you describe the symptoms of the dropping a bit more? When WiFi connections drop they usually just reconnect a few seconds later. Does it effect all devices simultaneously?

Are there any clues in the router's syslog?

 

[RMerlin]

Look at what hasn't changed between the two routers as possible source of issues:

- Power issue? If there's a device that can draw a lot of surge current on the same outlet such as a fridge or a large printer, it might be affecting the router when it starts. Try a different power outlet or surge protector
- Look for large electromagnetic interference sources that may be nearby. For instance, a microwave oven will mess up with 2.4 GHz connectivity.
- Could be a wireless device that's misbehaving, throwing noise into the air, etc...

The RT-AC68U is indeed a generally quite reliable device, so I would be surprised to see two of them have wifi stability issues coming from the router itself.

 

[Val D.]

Suddenly a couple weeks ago it started to need constant rebooting

Any new WiFi devices in last couple of weeks? I had one of those rogue clients, it was a USB Airlink101 150N adapter. It was causing WiFi lock-up on RT-N66U router every single time it was trying to connect. It was years ago, but I remember it clearly. Took some time to find the problem.