Asus RT-AX88U Pro - Traffic Analyzer Causing limits in download speed

[The_Bishop]

This has been something I've been beating my head against for a long while.

I've got 2Gb service from Xfinity. My own modem (Arris S34) connected to the AX88U Pro on the 2.5Gb port, my PC is hard wired via a 2.5 switch connected to the 88U Pro. 2.5 network card in said PC.

If I run a cable directly to the modem from my PC, I get 2.1-2.2 very reliably. Through the previously configured router I get 1.4-1.5.

I just did a complete wipe of the router to install the latest 3006.102.5 firmware. Factory reset in the router web interface, install the new firmware, reboot router, WPS button reset, reboot router, factory reset via web interface. Yeah, it's probably overkill but I'm trying to eliminate any variables (been having strange wifi/router crashes on latest 3004, no additional addons just Merlin).

So, long way around to my point. I did a basic config of the router to get the Wifi up so family will quit complaining. Run a speed test from my PC, and I'm getting 2.1-2.2. Great! Apparently is was some prior firmware oddness.

I start adding in the services I previously used. First up is the AIProtection. (I have a teen that's not the brightest about staying away from sketchy sites despite numerous discussions) Since I'm curious, I run a speed test. All good. Next up is the traffic analyzer. I use this to see if my teen is staying up to 4am on her PC using discord. Another speed test. Suddenly down to 1.5gbps. Curious, I disable traffic analyzer and re-test... Speeds back to 2.1-2.2.

Well, now I know what's causing the slowdown and I'm assuming it's CPU bound in the router which is slightly disappointing. During the speed test Core 1 (of 4) hits 96% utilization. Surprised the load isn't spread/more balanced.

The tests were all done at the same server to avoid that variable.

Should I consider a newer router so I can use all the features I would like to without the slowdown?

Traffic Analyzer on:

Traffic Analyzer off:

 

[OzarkEdge]

Well, now I know what's causing the slowdown

Does anyone using the network complain about a slow down?

OE

 

[bbunge]

What do you get with Asus firmware?

 

[John Fitzgerald]

AiProtection speed tax. The extra features you use come at a cost.
Well documented.

 

[The_Bishop]

Does anyone using the network complain about a slow down?

OE

When the traffic is heavy (Multiple streams, gaming, etc) yes, the slowdowns and latency get pretty noticeable.

 

[The_Bishop]

AiProtection speed tax. The extra features you use come at a cost.
Well documented.

Funny thing is AiProtection doesn't cause it. The only thing that causes the slowdown is the Traffic Analyzer.

 

[The_Bishop]

What do you get with Asus firmware?

I was going to load up the Asus firmware, but opted to stick with the Merlin version for my jump to 3006.