Release ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro Firmware version 3.0.0.6.102_36998 (2025/08/13)

[visortgw]

ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro Firmware version 3.0.0.6.102_36998

63.17 MB, 2025/08/13
SHA-256 ：2E4012AE4E56EA59C9FD2218DCE530430449BB308CCF39F656FB593F885C2DD7

Important: After installing this firmware, we strongly recommend performing a factory-default reset to activate every new security adjustment.

Security Enhancements
- Password Policy Upgrade – Minimum 10 characters with at least 1 letter, 1 digit and 1 special symbol, and no consecutive identical characters; hardens defence against brute-force attacks.
- HTTPS on 8443 – Management interface now served over TLS by default.
- UPnP Disabled – Universal Plug and Play starts in the off state for reduced surface exposure.
- AiCloud Authentication Hardening (CWE-287) – Added layered verification.
- Authentication Logic Refactor – Removed redundant code paths for a lean sign-in flow.
- Memory Safety Guard (CWE-476) – Introduced null-reference protections across critical services.
- Enhanced IPsec Parameter Validation – The existing input checks have been hardened.
- Data Exposure Mitigation (CWE-200) – Reinforced controls on sensitive pathways.
- Detailed Audit Trails – Expanded logging within the authentication module.

System Improvements
- Connection Stability – Core algorithms refined for steadier links.
- Scheduling Accuracy – Timed tasks execute reliably under PPPoE, PPTP and L2TP WAN modes.
- Client List Maintenance – Resolved an issue that prevented offline devices from being removed from the client list

Download available here.

 

[jzchen]

As an AiMesh node to the GT-BE98 Pro, it is real easy to factory reset it using the Remove Node option under General -> AiMesh -> Topology (tab by default selected) -> select the node you want -> Management (tab option on the right of screen) -> Remove Node.

 

[Poppys33d]

This whole recommendation to reset to factory defaults is a bummer. Can you save a config file, update the firmware, and restore the config file?

 

[visortgw]

This whole recommendation to reset to factory defaults is a bummer. Can you save a config file, update the firmware, and restore the config file?

Review the change log, and adjust config as necessary without resetting to factory defaults.

 

[Poppys33d]

Review the change log, and adjust config as necessary without resetting to factory defaults.

I tried to update the other day and the nodes updated but the unit acting as router did not. Kept failing. Is this a known issue ever? I rolled back the nodes to the July firmware as to avoid a mismatch with the router.

*edit*

It was bugging me so I tried again from the app, - nodes updated but router failed. Tried from a system web browser and it failed again to update the router. Then manually downloaded the file from this thread and uploaded it manually and it installed successfully.

 

[Poppys33d]

So after using this firmware a month, still work to be done. What happens is that gradually, 2.4Ghz devices start having issues staying connected (Nest Protect, Tapo smart plugs, Simplisafe alarm system etc) requiring a reboot of the whole system to address. In fact, yesterday, after about 2 weeks (the amount of time before needing a reboot to fix disconnections of said 2.4Ghz devices), a software-triggered reboot of the setup caused all sorts of issues. A red light on the main AP, and the BQ16 Pro two satellite nodes to connect, work fine for a few minutes, and then go through a reboot, over, and over and over, automatically (flashing blue light, pulsing green light etc). This persisted till I physically powered off each of the 3 devices, and powered them back on. Then all my 2.4Ghz devices reconnected without issue, and the network is stable again. I expect this to remain stable for again, about 2 weeks, before needing another reboot/power cycle.

Sigh.