Asus DSL-AC68U

[Cpt.Eagle]

Hi, I've an old Asus DSL-AC68U, and I've converted it to RT-AC68U-3.0.44715 firmware, and want to know if any guides to use as Wifi Repeater mode. Nothing I searched online works and I'm new to this. thanks

 

[wouterv]

Please be a little more specific of what you did to your DSL-AC68U to make it like a RT-AC68U.
In the RT-AC68U with ASUS firrmware there is this page: Advanced Settings > Administration > Operation Mode

In the above I clicked Repeater mode and it shows you what the selected mode does.
After you click Save, the router will boot and start as Wireless Repeater.
Your first check shall be if your DSL-AC68U shows the above page with the different modes.

 

[Cpt.Eagle]

I've downloaded the firmware from dd-wrt.com, I don't have this settings on it. I've also tried with Merlin which do not have Repeater mode on dsl-ac68U...

 

[Ripshod]

Hi, I've an old Asus DSL-AC68U, and I've converted it to RT-AC68U-3.0.44715 firmware, and want to know if any guides to use as Wifi Repeater mode. Nothing I searched online works and I'm new to this. thanks

It's well out of date (2021) but the last feature drop is :

Release Unstable: gnuton-snapshot-feature-repeater · gnuton/asuswrt-merlin.ng

GNUton's Asus Merlin changelog Date: October 19, 2021 Release: gnuton-snapshot-feature-repeater FIXED: regression in PPPoA for DSL-AX82U

github.com

Use at your own risk.

 

[u2n.snb]

Similar situation, I'm guessing. Running a Tmo hotspot converted to AC68U by flashing Asus FW (Merlin), latest 386.14.2, nearly a year old now. (Likely no further updates.)

Works great hosting an isolated LAN for security cams (w/ Chinese FW so no web access allowed).

Running Merlin, a separate hotspot plugged into a USB port provides occasional short-term Internet for the few minutes needed to do specific tasks. DD-WRT would not connect by USB (though updates may have fixed this by now),

Back when it ran DD-WRT, as both a gateway and a repeater (not at the same time lol), everything worked well. It remains a fine piece of hardware. Hated to see Merlin support dropped.

Merlin is MUCH easier to configure as a repeater, just do as @wouterv mentioned above.

To do in DD-WRT, there's a procedure to be followed. It starts with a reset, then goes to specific pages (Wireless Security, Mode, etc.) inputting configs and saving but NOT hitting Apply. When done, Apply is pressed and after a reboot, the unit comes up repeating.

It's been some years but I do remember if Apply was hit prematurely or, in some cases, input order not followed, it was necessary to reset and start over (big PITA).

So if staying w/ DD-WRT, it's best to find and follow that procedure. The web is clogged with posts on how to do it.

 

[Cpt.Eagle]

It's well out of date (2021) but the last feature drop is :

Release Unstable: gnuton-snapshot-feature-repeater · gnuton/asuswrt-merlin.ng

GNUton's Asus Merlin changelog Date: October 19, 2021 Release: gnuton-snapshot-feature-repeater FIXED: regression in PPPoA for DSL-AX82U

github.com

Use at your own risk.

Thanks you, I've tried it and works - just need to play around with some settings now

 

[Cpt.Eagle]

Similar situation, I'm guessing. Running a Tmo hotspot converted to AC68U by flashing Asus FW (Merlin), latest 386.14.2, nearly a year old now. (Likely no further updates.)

Works great hosting an isolated LAN for security cams (w/ Chinese FW so no web access allowed).

Running Merlin, a separate hotspot plugged into a USB port provides occasional short-term Internet for the few minutes needed to do specific tasks. DD-WRT would not connect by USB (though updates may have fixed this by now),

Back when it ran DD-WRT, as both a gateway and a repeater (not at the same time lol), everything worked well. It remains a fine piece of hardware. Hated to see Merlin support dropped.

Merlin is MUCH easier to configure as a repeater, just do as @wouterv mentioned above.

To do in DD-WRT, there's a procedure to be followed. It starts with a reset, then goes to specific pages (Wireless Security, Mode, etc.) inputting configs and saving but NOT hitting Apply. When done, Apply is pressed and after a reboot, the unit comes up repeating.

It's been some years but I do remember if Apply was hit prematurely or, in some cases, input order not followed, it was necessary to reset and start over (big PITA).

So if staying w/ DD-WRT, it's best to find and follow that procedure. The web is clogged with posts on how to do it.

So what the difference with Merlin 386.14.2 and Gnuton version? Does Merlin also have Repeater mode?

I've tried the DD-WRT and oivano which doesn't have Repeater mode...

 

[jksmurf]

So what the difference with Merlin 386.14.2 and Gnuton version? Does Merlin also have Repeater mode?

The way I understand it:

• Merlin never supported that DSL model. There is no Merlin 386.14.2 for the DSL-AC68U.
• Gnuton is a fork of Asus Merlin FW. It supports the DSL-AC68U. The Asus Merlin Gnuton GitHub links to both a stable and an unstable track for the DSL-AC68U, use the unstable track if you’re looking for the bleeding edge version from Jul 2024.

You’d need to actually install the latest compatible FW to check whether the repeater mode is present in the Gnuton FW or not, or maybe someone else knows. The fact that a special Gnuton repeater version (as linked by @Ripshod above) was provided in 2021 for that model suggests that at that time (at least), repeater mode was not present in the original or Gnuton FW. I am not sure if the Apr 2024 or Jul 2024 stable/unstable track Gnuton FW (respectively) subsequently added the repeater mode.

[EDIT] I believe what @u2n.snb refers to is flashing a TMobile DSL-AC68U with the Merlin FW for an RT-AC68U. IIRC this is not officially supported.

 

[u2n.snb]

The way I understand it:...

[EDIT] I believe what @u2n.snb refers to is flashing a TMobile DSL-AC68U with the Merlin FW for an RT-AC68U. IIRC this is not officially supported.

Yes, that was my reference. No research done (but strongly advised always) to see whether others who tried had success.

Reasons for thinking it will work:

• As one of Asus' most popular router models of all time, there were several "variants" created by simply flashing custom (incl branding) FW and painting a corresponding logo on the front. Hardware remained identical to standard production units so flashing standard FW made it a factory RT- device. (Except for the logo, that is. Removing it was optional and many had limited success w/o cosmetic damage. Those with bad feelings towards the company didn't care lol.)
  
  
• Hardware differences seem unlikely due to high setup costs and lower production numbers (limited demand for DSL).
  
  
• OP only wants a repeater, not a functional DSL device.

@Cpt.Eagle, whichever route you take, please post your results.

 

[ColinTaylor]

[EDIT] I believe what @u2n.snb refers to is flashing a TMobile DSL-AC68U with the Merlin FW for an RT-AC68U. IIRC this is not officially supported.

• As one of Asus' most popular router models of all time, there were several "variants" created by simply flashing custom (incl branding) FW and painting a corresponding logo on the front. Hardware remained identical to standard production units so flashing standard FW made it a factory RT- device. (Except for the logo, that is. Removing it was optional and many had limited success w/o cosmetic damage. Those with bad feelings towards the company didn't care lol.)

As far as I know there's never been a TMobile branded DSL-AC68U (but I could be wrong). The DSL- models have different hardware (an integrated modem) to the RT- models. You're probably thinking of the TM-AC1900 which was a rebranded RT-AC68U.

 

[u2n.snb]

As far as I know there's never been a TMobile branded DSL-AC68U (but I could be wrong). The DSL- models have different hardware (an integrated modem) to the RT- models. You're probably thinking of the TM-AC1900 which was a rebranded RT-AC68U.

Lol! No, no expectation of there being a Tmo DSL model. AT&T or a large regional carrier that also transitioned from landline infrastructure, maybe. Or could be Asus-branded.

As mentioned, I didn't check, incl hardware specs. Interesting to know there's a modem inside. Then likely an RJ11 WAN plug in lieu of the RJ45. So it seems the AC68U package was indeed produced with varying hardware. A revelation.

Well, that muddies the waters considerably. I'd definitely want to read of others doing the flash successfully to get a repeater before trying it myself.