AC86U after a few days has no 5ghz clients.

[jrmtz85]

One year. You pay to ship it to them in California. In a couple of weeks you get what they say is a refurbished and "tested unit" assuming that they found a problem if no problem they send your unit back. I went through five RMAs before I got an AC86 that seems to run better but it certainly isn't as dependable as my AC1900P.

So you're supposed to make do without a router while the test and fix? That's some BS...

 

[Val D.]

I went through five RMAs before I got an AC86 that seems to run better but it certainly isn't as dependable as my AC1900P.

With exception of ones with a hardware defect (non working 2.4GHz band, as per your findings), all the rest shouldn't be going back at all. You had configuration issues thinking the router is not working properly, as far as I can remember. Network restrictions, custom firmware, custom scripts (some affecting other firmware options), etc. You were basically paying shipping costs and waiting for ASUS to reset your routers to ASUS official firmware and default settings. The new one you received lately runs better because you don't repeat the same mistakes you did with the ones before.

So you're supposed to make do without a router while the test and fix? That's some BS...

What you expect? ASUS technicians come to your place, replace the router and configure it for you as per your requirements? Any electronic equipment may fail at some point. If it's a critical equipment for you, make sure you have a backup plan.

 

[jrmtz85]

With exception of ones with a hardware defect (non working 2.4GHz band, as per your findings), all the rest shouldn't be going back at all. You had configuration issues thinking the router is not working properly, as far as I can remember. Network restrictions, custom firmware, custom scripts (some affecting other firmware options), etc. You were basically paying shipping costs and waiting for ASUS to reset your routers to ASUS official firmware and default settings. The new one you received lately runs better because you don't repeat the same mistakes you did with the ones before.



What you expect? ASUS technicians come to your place, replace the router and configure it for you as per your requirements? Any electronic equipment may fail at some point. If it's a critical equipment for you, make sure you have a backup plan.

No, but I'm open to placing a hold on my credit card and them sending me a new one beforehand. Did the same thing with Seagate and WD when I RMA-ed some HDDs. There are better alternatives than just making do til they see fit.

 

[Val D.]

No, but I'm open to placing a hold on my credit card and them sending me a new one beforehand.

Not an option in ASUS RMA process, unfortunately.

If your parents live relatively close to your place, this what you can (have to) do:

- get to Walmart and buy a cheap AC router for $50
- replace your parents router ASAP so they have Internet
- RMA the ASUS router and wait for its replacement
- restore the setup when ASUS sends back the router
- keep the cheap AC router configured and running as a backup

I live far from my parents. I mean... on another continent... far. There are two WiFi routers running in their house, both with WiFi configured the same way. One has WiFi enabled (the one they currently use, the better one), the other is on stand-by with WiFi disabled (the cheap one). I have access to both over Internet.

 

[CaptainSTX]

With exception of ones with a hardware defect (non working 2.4GHz band, as per your findings), all the rest shouldn't be going back at all. You had configuration issues thinking the router is not working properly, as far as I can remember. Network restrictions, custom firmware, custom scripts (some affecting other firmware options), etc. You were basically paying shipping costs and waiting for ASUS to reset your routers to ASUS official firmware and default settings. The new one you received lately runs better because you don't repeat the same mistakes you did with the ones before.

Why would most people on this forum purchase an AC86 if they didn't want to run advanced settings and scripts? On the other hand an ASUS AC68 works fine for most people in most setups as long as they don't need a processor that handles AES-NI

The settings I use on my AC86 work perfectly on both a six year old N66 and a more current AC1900P. Nothing wrong with the settings or my setup. It is/was a hardware issue. The only reason I upgraded to the AC86 was because I want to run two VPN clients and a VPN server at close to line speed.

The reason the last AC86 I got on my last RMA worked better (not perfectly reliable ) was that it wasn't someone else s reject it was a 2019 manufactured unit. The units that ASUS sends out as exchanges are just factory reset and wiped off and any testing is just for a few minutes at best. A couple of the units I received didn't run correctly out of the box even before adding any settings so I'm not sure that that test consists of checking that all the LEDs come on. ASUS doesn't even flash the RMA units with their latest firmware version.

I'm glad your such a fan boy of the ASUS86 but look at the number of questions issues raised about the AC86 on this forum if you choose to ignore the fact that the negative reviews of the AC86 on Amazon run 2x - 3x higher as a percentage than for other routers.

If all you need your AC86 to be is a glorified paper weight then it is five star performer. If you need a router to run for days at a time with no intervention and/or no dropped clients it is something less.

 

[Val D.]

...negative reviews of the AC86 on Amazon

Oh, yes... reviews on Amazon! The best source to get information about wireless equipment from highly trained professionals.

You are the only person here on SNB to go through 5 units and still not happy with the results. All 5 units have hardware issues, right? I have personally installed 12 units RT-AC86U, including some re-manufactured from Newegg and all 12 work as expected, including my own for >1.5 years. Fan boy... seriously? No, magician! I do cast a spell on every unit, a special one. I did offer you to buy your paperweight, test it and post the results here on SNB... but you refused. Feel free to continue wasting your time with ASUS customer support, they will be glad to reset to default the routers for you. Up to 1 year after the purchase though, so hurry.

 

[GuruGuy]

Oh, yes... reviews on Amazon! The best source to get information about wireless equipment from highly trained professionals.

You are the only person here on SNB to go through 5 units and still not happy with the results. All 5 units have hardware issues, right? I have personally installed 12 units RT-AC86U, including some re-manufactured from Newegg and all 12 work as expected, including my own for >1.5 years. Fan boy... seriously? No, magician! I do cast a spell on every unit, a special one. I did offer you to buy your paperweight, test it and post the results here on SNB... but you refused. Feel free to continue wasting your time with ASUS customer support, they will be glad to reset to default the routers for you. Up to 1 year after the purchase though, so hurry.

I have one ac86u and have setup several going back about two years. ALL are running today without issue. Albeit I have kept them all on the May firmware since it's more stable, but again all have no issues.

 

[CaptainSTX]

Oh, yes... reviews on Amazon! The best source to get information about wireless equipment from highly trained professionals.

You are the only person here on SNB to go through 5 units and still not happy with the results. All 5 units have hardware issues, right? I have personally installed 12 units RT-AC86U, including some re-manufactured from Newegg and all 12 work as expected, including my own for >1.5 years. Fan boy... seriously? No, magician! I do cast a spell on every unit, a special one. I did offer you to buy your paperweight, test it and post the results here on SNB... but you refused. Feel free to continue wasting your time with ASUS customer support, they will be glad to reset to default the routers for you. Up to 1 year after the purchase though, so hurry.

First I haven't had five different ASUS86s. More than once ASUS returned a unit claiming that it was OK when even s simple test would have shown one of the radios wasn't transmitting. Because of their failure to fully test units ASUS paid for shipping both ways on RMAs 3-5.

Secondly after the first RMA I unfortunately knew how the RMA system worked and could obtain the RMA number very quickly. Because I had the time and patience I continued to work their system until I got a working unit. Most people gave up and just junked their defective AC86 and bought another brand of router. Read the Amazon reviews and you will see that some long term ASUS users just swore off buying anything ASUS again after having an experience like mine. I never spent anytime on the phone with ASUS support after the first failure.

Thirdly while I'm sure the ASUS firmware is OK it doesn't have the features I need for my specific requirements. While I could run the setup I want on my N66 or AC1900, I purchased the AC86 for its AES-NI processor because multiple VPNs running at near line speed was something I wanted along with the fact that it is supported by Merlin.

While many AC86 purchasers have had no issues to date with their AC86s one other complaint about the AC86 is its short life span with some of the units failing in year two so time will tell how many of currently happy AC86 purchasers will be happy when they need to replace their AC86 before its second anniversary.

I have no problem with happy AC86 owners recommending the AC86 to others but in the interest of full disclosure they should at least mention that 30% of the buyers are not satisfied which is a significantly higher percentage than other routers.

 

[jsmiddleton4]

Liking mine. Been around for some time too so know a bad router when I see it. Wouldn't spend a dime for any of the AX routers out there. This thing is a great price/performance router.

 

[Val D.]

Read the Amazon reviews

Oh, yes... the Amazon reviews... almost forgot about the Amazon reviews.

Did you manage to configure your two VPN clients or still fighting with the router with all kind of Alpha and Beta firmwares on your test bench? I know you run a highly secured network and asking for help about configuration in a public space is strictly prohibited, but before you decide to return the router for the 6th time take a look at VPN and Asuswrt-Merlin sections of this forum. Register a new user, in case you decide to ask something. Nobody will know it's you... as long as you don't mention Amazon reviews.

Did you at least remove the script causing low memory conditions and kicking out your VPN Clients or it's still there?

If all you need your AC86 to be is a glorified paper weight then it is five star performer.

I'm paying $50 for this paperweight, remember? Pretty god price for something you can't put in use.
I told you the conditions though - if I manage to run on it everything you can't, you leave SNB and never come back.

 

[jrmtz85]

So, nice turn to this story. Bought a "renewed" 68u off Amazon to install while I'm here for Christmas, and then RMA the 86u. I open the box, and there's a 68u, and about half a dead roach colony in the bag... all in little pieces. Antenas just covered in stuck roach legs. If I shake the router, i can hear the pieces rolling around inside and pieces fall out. After avoiding gagging, I call Amazon and will send that crap back.

So now, i'm back where I started... have tried 2 more wipes, full nvram wipes, and the latest 384.14 install. Here's my latest attempt. The failures are with my OnePlus5 attempting to connect on 5.0, and then it gives up, and I try 2.4, and it works:

May 5 00:19:04 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(420): eth6: Auth 94:65:2D:6C:E8:A6, status: 0, reason: d11 RC reserved (0)
May 5 00:19:06 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(386): eth6: Deauth_ind 94:65:2D:6C:E8:A6, status: 0, reason: Unspecified reason (1)
May 5 00:19:11 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(420): eth6: Auth 94:65:2D:6C:E8:A6, status: 0, reason: d11 RC reserved (0)
May 5 00:19:13 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(386): eth6: Deauth_ind 94:65:2D:6C:E8:A6, status: 0, reason: Unspecified reason (1)
May 5 00:19:16 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(420): eth6: Auth 94:65:2D:6C:E8:A6, status: 0, reason: d11 RC reserved (0)
May 5 00:19:18 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(386): eth6: Deauth_ind 94:65:2D:6C:E8:A6, status: 0, reason: Unspecified reason (1)
May 5 00:19:30 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(420): eth6: Auth 94:65:2D:6C:E8:A6, status: 0, reason: d11 RC reserved (0)
May 5 00:19:32 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(386): eth6: Deauth_ind 94:65:2D:6C:E8:A6, status: 0, reason: Unspecified reason (1)
May 5 00:19:53 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(420): eth6: Auth 94:65:2D:6C:E8:A6, status: 0, reason: d11 RC reserved (0)
May 5 00:19:53 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(449): eth6: Assoc 94:65:2D:6C:E8:A6, status: 0, reason: d11 RC reserved (0)
May 5 00:19:54 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(386): eth6: Deauth_ind 94:65:2D:6C:E8:A6, status: 0, reason: Deauthenticated because sending station is leaving (or has left) IBSS or ESS (3)
May 5 00:19:54 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(401): eth6: Disassoc 94:65:2D:6C:E8:A6, status: 0, reason: Disassociated because sending station is leaving (or has left) BSS (8)
May 5 00:19:54 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(420): eth5: Auth 94:65:2D:6C:E8:A6, status: 0, reason: d11 RC reserved (0)
May 5 00:19:54 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(449): eth5: Assoc 94:65:2D:6C:E8:A6, status: 0, reason: d11 RC reserved (0)
May 5 05:19:54 dnsmasq-dhcp[3275]: DHCPDISCOVER(br0) 94:65:2d:6c:e8:a6
May 5 05:19:54 dnsmasq-dhcp[3275]: DHCPOFFER(br0) 192.168.50.134 94:65:2d:6c:e8:a6
May 5 05:19:56 dnsmasq-dhcp[3275]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.50.134 94:65:2d:6c:e8:a6
May 5 05:19:56 dnsmasq-dhcp[3275]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.50.134 94:65:2d:6c:e8:a6 OnePlus5



Thoughts?

 

[CaptainSTX]

Roaches are a problem with many electronic devices that get warm. Why do you think when you return a CATV converter they immediately bag it? The office then sends the converters to their shop where step one of getting them ready to be reissued is to place all the returned converters in a sealed room and fumigate them.

As for your 5 Ghz connectivity issue try a lower channel. I found that 44 worked better for me than 149 on my AC86. Also follow the other standard tips on this forum such as turning smart connect off.

 

[jrmtz85]

Tried changing channel (and i always split the Wifi's so no smart connect). Tried with my laptop now. saw some funny log entries:

Dec 23 11:53:44 kernel: device eth6 left promiscuous mode
Dec 23 11:53:44 kernel: br0: port 6(eth6) entered disabled state
Dec 23 11:53:45 kernel: device eth5 entered promiscuous mode
Dec 23 11:53:45 kernel: br0: port 5(eth5) entered listening state
Dec 23 11:53:45 kernel: br0: port 5(eth5) entered listening state
Dec 23 11:53:45 kernel: device eth6 entered promiscuous mode
Dec 23 11:53:45 kernel: br0: port 6(eth6) entered listening state
Dec 23 11:53:45 kernel: br0: port 6(eth6) entered listening state
Dec 23 11:53:46 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(386): eth5: Deauth_ind 00:9E:C8:B5:29:0C, status: 0, reason: Class 3 frame received from nonassociated station (7)
Dec 23 11:53:46 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(386): eth5: Deauth_ind 00:9E:C8:B5:29:0C, status: 0, reason: Class 3 frame received from nonassociated station (7)
Dec 23 11:53:46 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(386): eth5: Deauth_ind 00:9E:C8:B5:29:0C, status: 0, reason: Class 3 frame received from nonassociated station (7)
Dec 23 11:53:47 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(386): eth5: Deauth_ind 00:9E:C8:B5:29:0C, status: 0, reason: Class 3 frame received from nonassociated station (7)
Dec 23 11:53:47 kernel: br0: port 5(eth5) entered learning state
Dec 23 11:53:47 kernel: br0: port 6(eth6) entered learning state
Dec 23 11:53:47 acsd: selected channel spec: 0x1002 (2)
Dec 23 11:53:47 acsd: Adjusted channel spec: 0x1002 (2)
Dec 23 11:53:47 acsd: selected channel spec: 0x1002 (2)
Dec 23 11:53:47 acsd: acs_set_chspec: 0x1002 (2) for reason APCS_INIT
Dec 23 11:53:48 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(386): eth5: Deauth_ind 00:9E:C8:B5:29:0C, status: 0, reason: Class 3 frame received from nonassociated station (7)
Dec 23 11:53:48 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(401): eth5: Disassoc 9CA:3E:F2:1B:A6, status: 0, reason: Disassociated because sending station is leaving (or has left) BSS (8)
Dec 23 11:53:48 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(420): eth5: Auth 9CA:3E:F2:1B:A6, status: 0, reason: d11 RC reserved (0)
Dec 23 11:53:48 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(430): eth5: ReAssoc 9CA:3E:F2:1B:A6, status: 0, reason: d11 RC reserved (0)
Dec 23 11:53:49 kernel: br0: topology change detected, propagating
Dec 23 11:53:49 kernel: br0: port 5(eth5) entered forwarding state
Dec 23 11:53:49 kernel: br0: topology change detected, propagating
Dec 23 11:53:49 kernel: br0: port 6(eth6) entered forwarding state
Dec 23 11:53:50 dnsmasq-dhcp[947]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.50.149 9c:da:3e:f2:1b:a6
Dec 23 11:53:50 dnsmasq-dhcp[947]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.50.149 9c:da:3e:f2:1b:a6 jrmtzAero
Dec 23 11:53:52 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(420): eth5: Auth 00:9E:C8:B5:29:0C, status: 0, reason: d11 RC reserved (0)
Dec 23 11:53:52 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(449): eth5: Assoc 00:9E:C8:B5:29:0C, status: 0, reason: d11 RC reserved (0)
Dec 23 11:53:53 dnsmasq-dhcp[947]: DHCPDISCOVER(br0) 00:9e:c8:b5:29:0c
Dec 23 11:53:53 dnsmasq-dhcp[947]: DHCPOFFER(br0) 192.168.50.190 00:9e:c8:b5:29:0c
Dec 23 11:53:53 dnsmasq-dhcp[947]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.50.190 00:9e:c8:b5:29:0c
Dec 23 11:53:53 dnsmasq-dhcp[947]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.50.190 00:9e:c8:b5:29:0c
Dec 23 11:53:54 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(420): eth5: Auth D0:4D:2C:1B:1D:87, status: 0, reason: d11 RC reserved (0)
Dec 23 11:53:54 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(449): eth5: Assoc D0:4D:2C:1B:1D:87, status: 0, reason: d11 RC reserved (0)
Dec 23 11:53:55 dnsmasq-dhcp[947]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.50.32 d0:4d:2c:1b:1d:87
Dec 23 11:53:55 dnsmasq-dhcp[947]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.50.32 d0:4d:2c:1b:1d:87
Dec 23 11:53:55 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(420): eth5: Auth 78:FD:94:7B:10:6A, status: 0, reason: d11 RC reserved (0)
Dec 23 11:53:55 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(430): eth5: ReAssoc 78:FD:94:7B:10:6A, status: 0, reason: d11 RC reserved (0)
Dec 23 11:53:58 dnsmasq-dhcp[947]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.50.32 d0:4d:2c:1b:1d:87
Dec 23 11:53:58 dnsmasq-dhcp[947]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.50.32 d0:4d:2c:1b:1d:87
Dec 23 11:55:39 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(386): eth5: Deauth_ind 9CA:3E:F2:1B:A6, status: 0, reason: Unspecified reason (1)
Dec 23 11:55:39 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(401): eth5: Disassoc 9CA:3E:F2:1B:A6, status: 0, reason: Disassociated because sending station is leaving (or has left) BSS (8)
Dec 23 11:55:40 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(420): eth6: Auth 9CA:3E:F2:1B:A6, status: 0, reason: d11 RC reserved (0)
Dec 23 11:55:40 wlceventd: WLCEVENTD wlceventd_proc_event(449): eth6: Assoc 9CA:3E:F2:1B:A6, status: 0, reason: d11 RC reserved (0)
Dec 23 11:55:40 dnsmasq-dhcp[947]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.50.149 9c:da:3e:f2:1b:a6
Dec 23 11:55:40 dnsmasq-dhcp[947]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.50.149 9c:da:3e:f2:1b:a6 jrmtzAero

 

[CaptainSTX]

While waiting for a solution an interim fix would be to add the scMerlin script using amtm. It has an option to let you toggle the WiFi among other handy things it can do.

 

[jrmtz85]

Well, finally started the RMA and sending in today. One thing I can't figure out is if I should send in the detachable atennas and power chord. Anyone know if I should or shouldn't? Thanks!

 

[Grisu]

usually you have to send them everything part of original box (except CDs or manuals).

 

[OzarkEdge]

Well, finally started the RMA and sending in today. One thing I can't figure out is if I should send in the detachable atennas and power chord. Anyone know if I should or shouldn't? Thanks!

If you are returning the product, return all of it.

OE

 

[jrmtz85]

Got it. Will do. Will reply here once/if it gets fixed with final resolution.

 

[CaptainSTX]

Well, finally started the RMA and sending in today. One thing I can't figure out is if I should send in the detachable atennas and power chord. Anyone know if I should or shouldn't? Thanks!

The instruction say not to return the power supply unless you are having a power issue. ASUS will include a NEW power supply with the returned unit. Having been through the RMA process with ASUS more than once I now have five power supplies that will work on either my AC86 or AC1900P. Always good to have a spare on hand but I have excess spares so I offered for sale on this site but no takers.

 

[jrmtz85]

Just wanted to update this. Sent in the device. They got it January 6, and shipped it back out January 8. Got it yesterday. Did a quick and dirty setup with base firmware and let that run for about 2 hours. 5Ghz worked fine. Installed Merlin and did a more exhaustive setup before bed and let it run all night; everything still looks good. Not a single connection break on 5.0, and even seeing some sweet 560 Mbps on speed tests. Not sure what they did, or how they did it so fast (known problem?) but it seems to have done the trick. Will keep testing today and tomorrow, and give it to my parents on Friday for install. Hooray RMAs!