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AX86U and Merlin fw 386.5 - basic questions

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DTS

Regular Contributor
A few weeks ago I upgraded my AX86U to Merlin fw 386.5 and switched it to AP mode. I have no custom scripts and my settings are super simple for AP mode. In the weeks since that change, the AP has been functional for wireless clients, but I have not been able to ssh into my AX86U nor access the GUI via http. Today I decided to investigate further and also upgrade to the latest Merlin firmware. Still being unable to access the device via GUI or ssh, I performed the Hard Factory Reset (twice) using these steps:

1. Turn the router off.
2. Press and hold the WP button and turn the router on.
3. Power light is on (keep holding the WPS button).
4. Release the WPS button after the power light is off.
5. Turn off power, then power back on by manually flipping the power toggle switch off then on.

NOTE: the steps I have seen (including those published by Asus) all mention a power button. The AX86U has a toggle switch. That makes my steps above just slightly different from those stated elsewhere.

Afterwards, I'm not able to connect via http or ssh.

I am not able to connect at any of these addresses:

- http://192.168.50.1
- https://192.168.50.1
- https://192.168.50.1:8443
- http://router.asus.com/Advanced_SettingBackup_Content.asp
- http://router.asus.com/
- https://192.168.X.X:8443 (my previously defined https address, before the factory reset. This worked up until a couple weeks ago - ssh to this IP address also worked)

Although the device's lights are on, an nmap scan doesn't identify the device on my network, and the SSID is not broadcast. I assume it is now non-functional. What are my next steps?

I reviewed https://www.snbforums.com/threads/ax88-packet-loss.62891/#post-563326
The L&LD page suggests "When the router boots up, it should be in the Setup Wizard. If it isn't, repeat the steps above until it is." So did the hard reset for a 3rd and 4th time and I still cannot connect. The SSID is not broadcast. The device seems non-functional still.

Also, I lack clarity on these questions (below). It would help me troubleshoot if I knew exactly what to expect. Appreciate any feedback.

General questions:

- Will the device still be in AP mode after this reset?
- Will my previously defined ssh key still be enabled?
- Will the static IP address I assigned still be applied? (I assume not)
- Will it retain the https-only config I had previously set (with port 8443)? (I assume not)
- Also, in AP mode, does it matter which port I connect the Ethernet cable to? This video
says it does not matter, but I don't trust YouTube. My AX86U manual doesn't even mention this topic (afaict). I have the Ethernet cable connected to a LAN port.
- In AP mode, what should be the status of the WAN LED light on the front of the device? Mine is red, even if the cable is plugged into the WAN port. Is that expected?

BTW, I'm not very happy with this AX86U. Also, still not happy with my AC86U either. Nothing but trouble from all of them.
 
Are the WiFi LEDs illuminated on the front of the router?

If you have successfully performed a hard factory reset all your previous changes will be gone. The router will not be in AP mode, it will be in setup mode.

Remove all USB devices and Ethernet cables from the router.
Perform another hard factory reset.
Make sure your PC's network adapter is configured for DHCP (i.e. not statically configured).
Connect an Ethernet cable between your PC and one of the router's LAN ports.
Check your PC's network adapter status. It should have obtained an IP address in the 192.168.50.x range.
Open a browser and go to http://192.168.50.1
 
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Are the WiFi LEDs illuminated on the front of the router?

If you have successfully performed a hard factory reset all your previous changes will be gone. The router will not be in AP mode, it will be in setup mode.

Remove all USB devices and Ethernet cables from the router.
Perform another hard factory reset.
Make sure your PC's network adapter is configured for DHCP (i.e. not statically configured).
Connect an Ethernet cable between your PC and one of the router's LAN ports.
Check your PC's network adapter status. It should have obtained an IP address in the 192.168.50.x range.
Open a browser and go to http://192.168.50.1

> If you have successfully performed a hard factory reset all your previous changes will be gone. The router will not be in AP mode, it will be in setup mode.

Thanks.

I got it going again. I've never had a router require so many hard resets.

> Remove all USB devices
Never had any attached.

> Remove Ethernet cables from the router.
This is the only step I wasn't doing previously. Not sure if it was that or just doing the hard reset a few more times that made the difference.

> Are the WiFi LEDs illuminated on the front of the router?
Yes.
 

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