ASUS RT-N66U intermittent poor 'net connection after "ancient" firmware is updated

[cyaford]

Wasn't sure if this should go here or the Merlin section, but here goes. About a week ago, I decided to fix something that wasn't broken. I've had the N66U for about 2 years or so. I've been running the same firmware ever since just because it's been super reliable. The firmware I've been running was 3.0.0.3.90. So last week I thought I'd be smart and hook a 4TB external drive to the router to perform an easier time machine backup on a MBP. Obviously, I didn't get anywhere. Instead of searching to see if it was even possible, I decided to update the firmware. So I went from my ancient firmware directly to 3.0.0.4.376.1071. I manually configured everything and still couldn't get the router to recognize the attached drive, or at least get the MBP to recognize it. I then found out I would have to take the router apart and manually reflash the router with some other program to get it to recognize the HFS+ format of the drive. I'm not even worried about making time machine work anymore. I now have sporadic internet and after a full week of reading numerous suggestions from this board and many other places, I'm at a complete loss. I'm now on Merlin's 374.43 firmware. I used telnet to erase VRAM and also did a few power cycles just in case. I have full signal strength on 80mw, but my 35-40Mbps 'net connection, when hooked straight to the cable modem, has been 1.0-6.0Mbps. That's just when it's working somewhat ok. There's been many times when web pages time out. There's also times when it works fine, but those times are rare. The poor speeds are primarily on 2.4Ghz, but the faster speeds on 5Ghz will also drop out on occasion. I've changed numerous settings based on suggestions in other threads of users having similar problems and still have the same result after every change. I'm starting to think I jumped over too many firmware revisions. Is this possible? I "assumed" that the latest firmware would have all of the fixes of the older firmwares. I'm now to the point of finding my old firmware and flashing that over the current firmware. Before doing so, I thought I'd ask here to make sure that's not going to give me more issues than I currently have. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I'm now the bad guy in the house. Netflix and online gaming have been rendered nearly useless after a flawless 2 year period. I think the pitchforks are about to come out soon.

 

[KevTech]

What command did you enter in telnet?

Wondering as wrong command would not erase the nvram.

Correct is: mtd-erase -d nvram

You can also erase the nvram by powering off the router and then holding down the wps button while powering on the router. Continue to hold the wps button for 10-15 seconds then release.

Have you tried uploading the new firmware through the recovery utility?

Here is a copy of the utility: RTN66U Rescue

To put the router into recovery mode to use the utility: hold down the reset button while powering on the router and continue to hold the reset button until the power button starts blinking.

 

[cyaford]

What command did you enter in telnet?

Wondering as wrong command would not erase the nvram.

Correct is: mtd-erase -d nvram

You can also erase the nvram by powering off the router and then holding down the wps button while powering on the router. Continue to hold the wps button for 10-15 seconds then release.

Have you tried uploading the new firmware through the recovery utility?

Here is a copy of the utility: RTN66U Rescue

To put the router into recovery mode to use the utility: hold down the reset button while powering on the router and continue to hold the reset button until the power button starts blinking.

I was originally erasing nvram by holding down the wps button. It seemed to be clearing everything, but then I came across a few threads that said to use telnet, so I gave that a shot as well. I believe I used the command you mentioned. I have it written down at home. I know the first time it didn't work because the person giving the instructions failed to include the "-d" in the command. Another poster corrected it and then I was able to get it to work.

I have not tried uploading the firmware through the recovery utility. Thank you very much for the link. I'll give that a try later tonight when I get home and will report back my findings.

 

[KevTech]

Don't worry if the utility says it did not complete at the end of the recovery part. Rescue has two parts upload and then recovery.

Watch when it is uploading the firmware and if the upload part completes and the utility goes into the recovery part (1%, 2%, etc.) then firmware was most likely uploaded without error.

 

[cyaford]

The power button is slowly blinking, but the firmware recovery tool just says "Searching for an available IP address. Please wait." I even left it there for 10 minutes. I'm wired into the router, so I can access the router when it's not in recovery mode. I also tried with the router powered on as normal. Same thing. Just says Searching for available IP....

Edit: Scratch that. I was using an old Dell laptop with XP from work. I was able to get it working using a toshiba W7 laptop. I didn't have admin privileges on the Dell.

2nd edit: I'm throwing in the towel for tonight. Right at 61% firmware upload, it says: Failed to upload the firmware file. Transfer cancelled. I've tried different firmwares and even tried downloading the restoration utility directly from ASUS, which took much longer than the link you provided. Still no luck. I'll try a few more things tomorrow and then may have a good excuse to look into the RT-AC68U, although it seems like major overkill for a basic home wife router. lol

 

[jlake]

Why did you put your router in recovery mode?

Search the forum using the forum search function. The forum google usually works best.

 

[cyaford]

Why did you put your router in recovery mode?

Search the forum using the forum search function. The forum google usually works best.

As previously mentioned, I've spent a week reading and trying numerous suggestions from posts made on this site and in other forums. When it comes to issues like this, I normally never make a post because I can usually find people who are having the same exact issue as I am and then I find the fix in their thread. Google has fixed 99% of my troubleshooting problems over the years. This one falls in the 1%.

I put the router in recovery mode to get the utility to work, which it finally did. The recovery utility was something I haven't tried over the past 7 days.

 

[KevTech]

To use the rescue tool you have to set your network adapter to a static IP.

Network connections > select your NIC (network adapter) > right-click > Properties

Scroll down list to Internet protocol IPv4 and select it then click properties

change from auto to the following:

IP address: 192.168.1.2
Subnet: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 192.168.1.1

You want to change back to auto when finished flashing router.

 

[cyaford]

Got the rescue tool to work. Still having poor web speeds. Strangely, I had 38Mbps downloads after the flash, but within half an hour I noticed everything had gotten slow again. I was back to between 0.6-1.2 speeds. This is in the same area of the house. Standing right next to the router yields similar results.

My wife just called. She says that the web browser pulls up a Asus default page that says there is no web connection. It gives an option to go into the router's GUI, but no internet. So it's still doing what it's been doing over the past week.

I'm gonna try to use an older wifi router to make certain it's the router. It's unlikely, but there's the possibility of something happening to the actual cable line or modem on the night that I updated the firmware. I'm running a SB6121 cable modem, for those wondering.

 

[cyaford]

I replaced the SB6121 with a SB6141. Had a high of 38Mbps after the new MAC was activated by Charter. In the morning, the speeds were down to 25Mbps, but that's much better than the 0-5 I was getting previously. I left both the router and modem unplugged overnight previously, including the coax cable, to make 100% certain any potential setting conflicts were reset, but no luck. For now, it looks like this problem was solved by replacing the modem. I'll report back if other issues come up in the next few days to assist others that may run across this in the future after searching for the same issue.

 

[4Leaf]

What command did you enter in telnet?

Wondering as wrong command would not erase the nvram.

Correct is: mtd-erase -d nvram

You can also erase the nvram by powering off the router and then holding down the wps button while powering on the router. Continue to hold the wps button for 10-15 seconds then release.

Have you tried uploading the new firmware through the recovery utility?

Here is a copy of the utility: RTN66U Rescue

To put the router into recovery mode to use the utility: hold down the reset button while powering on the router and continue to hold the reset button until the power button starts blinking.

Is there any difference between using the rescue mode utility and using the asus cfe mini web server page to upload firmware from recovery mode?

 

[cyaford]

Spoke too soon. Speeds are again down to 0-3Gbps over both wifi channels, although the 5Ghz has longer periods of sustained 30Gbps speeds. Still seeing around 40Gbps when plugged directly into the modem when these issues are occurring. Since this has gone on for more around 3 weeks, with no resolution and multiple firmware and setting changes, I just ordered the AC68U to replace the NT66U. A little overkill never hurts, right?

 

[Gapmn]

do you want to sell the Rt-N66U ? I am looking for a 66U I can use for parts and testing.

 

[cyaford]

do you want to sell the Rt-N66U ? I am looking for a 66U I can use for parts and testing.

I was going to use it as a backup, since the 5Ghz works enough to be useful. That being said, feel free to make me an offer here, or via pm if you prefer. Thanks.

 

[cyaford]

My issue was caused by one of two events. Either I skipped too many firmware revisions which caused the issue, or it was just a one in a million chance that something failed at the same time I updated the firmware. I've been running the AC-68U for nearly a week now with no problems. At random times of the day, including morning, afternoon, and night, I'm averaging 36Mbps/4Mbps. The great thing is that this is measured at the opposite corner of the house. The router is upstairs in the bonus room where the entertainment/gaming systems are. I measured the speeds in my son's room, which is downstairs. So the signal is passing multiple walls. Looking back, the N66U was just as good when it was working properly, with downloads maybe 2-3Gbps slower, but definitely nothing noticeable when streaming HD vids to a tablet or TV via wifi.

On a positive note, I hooked up the external drive to the router, enabled Time Machine, and now have Time Machine running flawlessly, which was what caused this whole mess to begin with. lol

 

[4Leaf]

My issue was caused by one of two events. Either I skipped too many firmware revisions which caused the issue, or it was just a one in a million chance that something failed at the same time I updated the firmware. I've been running the AC-68U for nearly a week now with no problems. At random times of the day, including morning, afternoon, and night, I'm averaging 36Mbps/4Mbps. The great thing is that this is measured at the opposite corner of the house. The router is upstairs in the bonus room where the entertainment/gaming systems are. I measured the speeds in my son's room, which is downstairs. So the signal is passing multiple walls. Looking back, the N66U was just as good when it was working properly, with downloads maybe 2-3Gbps slower, but definitely nothing noticeable when streaming HD vids to a tablet or TV via wifi.

On a positive note, I hooked up the external drive to the router, enabled Time Machine, and now have Time Machine running flawlessly, which was what caused this whole mess to begin with. lol

It's always a good idea to erase nvram after updating or changing firmware. I would try that before assuming there is something else wrong

 

[cyaford]

It's always a good idea to erase nvram after updating or changing firmware. I would try that before assuming there is something else wrong

As previously stated, I erased nvram by both the wps method and also by using the telnet command. Telnet confirmed that nvram was cleared. I also did several power cycles after clearing nvram, "just in case."

 

[4Leaf]

As previously stated, I erased nvram by both the wps method and also by using the telnet command. Telnet confirmed that nvram was cleared. I also did several power cycles after clearing nvram, "just in case."

I was having speed problems for a while myself. This is what I did that has helped my rt-n66r stay at full speed.

Manually set the 2.4ghz and 5ghz to the best channel. usually the auto picks the best channel, so u can probably just use the channel that it picks for both of the ghz bands. and on the 5ghz, I set it to 40mhz. That seem to make a difference for both bands, not sure why though.

The thing I believed that helped the most is going to the wireless professional tab and clicking apply for both ghz bands even though u haven't changed anything. It seems to help the router set everything with settings the way it is supposed to be.

I also went to the wireless general tab and clicked apply after that again without making any changes on both ghz bands.

 

[wouterv]

I was having speed problems for a while myself. This is what I did that has helped my rt-n66r stay at full speed.

Manually set the 2.4ghz and 5ghz to the best channel. usually the auto picks the best channel, so u can probably just use the channel that it picks for both of the ghz bands. and on the 5ghz, I set it to 40mhz. That seem to make a difference for both bands, not sure why though.

The thing I believed that helped the most is going to the wireless professional tab and clicking apply for both ghz bands even though u haven't changed anything. It seems to help the router set everything with settings the way it is supposed to be.

I also went to the wireless general tab and clicked apply after that again without making any changes on both ghz bands.

I have heard that it is the best to make your settings at midnight with full moon
Assuming the router has no hardware defects.
Just hit apply without making changes really makes no sense.
Also the Auto channel selection if often wrong.
The general rules for wireless settings are:

• Use InSSIDer around your house to find the least occupied channel out of 1, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz (and maybe 5 GHz).
• Unless you live in a rural, deserted area, set 2.4 GHz to Channel Bandwidth = 20 MHz.
• Unless you really still have old 802.11b devices, at the 2.4 GHz settings: uncheck b/g Protection.
• Select the least occupied channel out of 1, 6 or 11 as found with InSSIDer.
• The 5 GHz settings can usually be left all default.
• Select Authentication Mode = WPA2-Personal for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

Reverting to factory defaults or hard reset of the router is only for specific firmware upgrades (e.g. those with a changes from SDK5 drivers to SDK6 or visa versa).
It is also wise to revert to factory defaults to wipe out any strange forgotten setting you made and make a fresh start.

Wireless communication is affected by local and environmental conditions.
The best is:

• A short distance, but more then 3 meters / 10 feet.
• Free line of sight.
• The router or access point at least 1 meter / 3 feet away from obstacles.
• Keep an eye on the router temperature.

Situations that make things worse are:

• Neigbor disturbance.
• Long distance.
• Walls and floors in between the connection.
• Router or accesspoint inside a closet or cabinet.
• Router or accesspoint close to concrete, steel, massive- or water filled objects.
• Router or accesspoint close to other transmitting or radiating electronic devices such as microwave.
• Weather conditions (temperature, humidity).
• Bad powersupply.

A situation is hardly ever ideal, so you may need to experiment with router location and antenna orientation.
Also keep in mind that the situation can easily change, in your house or with the neighbors.

 

[4Leaf]

I have heard that it is the best to make your settings at midnight with full moon
Assuming the router has no hardware defects.
Just hit apply without making changes really makes no sense.
Also the Auto channel selection if often wrong.
The general rules for wireless settings are:

• Use InSSIDer around your house to find the least occupied channel out of 1, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz (and maybe 5 GHz).
• Unless you live in a rural, deserted area, set 2.4 GHz to Channel Bandwidth = 20 MHz.
• Unless you really still have old 802.11b devices, at the 2.4 GHz settings: uncheck b/g Protection.
• Select the least occupied channel out of 1, 6 or 11 as found with InSSIDer.
• The 5 GHz settings can usually be left all default.
• Select Authentication Mode = WPA2-Personal for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

Reverting to factory defaults or hard reset of the router is only for specific firmware upgrades (e.g. those with a changes from SDK5 drivers to SDK6 or visa versa).
It is also wise to revert to factory defaults to wipe out any strange forgotten setting you made and make a fresh start.

Wireless communication is affected by local and environmental conditions.
The best is:

• A short distance, but more then 3 meters / 10 feet.
• Free line of sight.
• The router or access point at least 1 meter / 3 feet away from obstacles.
• Keep an eye on the router temperature.

Situations that make things worse are:

• Neigbor disturbance.
• Long distance.
• Walls and floors in between the connection.
• Router or accesspoint inside a closet or cabinet.
• Router or accesspoint close to concrete, steel, massive- or water filled objects.
• Router or accesspoint close to other transmitting or radiating electronic devices such as microwave.
• Weather conditions (temperature, humidity).
• Bad powersupply.

A situation is hardly ever ideal, so you may need to experiment with router location and antenna orientation.
Also keep in mind that the situation can easily change, in your house or with the neighbors.

Dude, everything u just said I've already done before and none of it has solved my problem. None of the above worked. I'm still dealing with the problem. I told that other guy that because everytime I would do a apply on the wireless professional page my speed would go back up temporarily. I've read other people saying that it worked for them doing an apply just to reset the wireless driver and kind of sink the settings in after u switch builds and erase nvram.

...and i've tried experimenting with the 374.35_4 build and that seems to help a little. I don't really want to use that firmware build though because for me the 5 ghz wasn't worth a crap on it. and it is missing A LOT from what the most recent sdk 6 builds by Merlin have now.