configuring and upgrading to a new ASUS router

[bertilak]

I have an ASUS RT-AC86U and, since it is now on Merlin's "No longer supported" list (https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/), I plan to upgrade to a newer ASUS RT-AX86U. (Is there a reason to pick the RT-BE86U instead?)

I dread going through a reconfiguration process! Is there a way to expedite/simplify this process? I recall reading that it is not advised to save/upload settings between two different models.

If there is already an answer to this somewhere, and I suspect there probably is, I will be happy if someone can point me to it.

 

[bbunge]

I have an ASUS RT-AC86U and, since it is now on Merlin's "No longer supported" list (https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/), I plan to upgrade to a newer ASUS RT-AX86U. (Is there a reason to pick the RT-BE86U instead?)

I dread going through a reconfiguration process! Is there a way to expedite/simplify this process? I recall reading that it is not advised to save/upload settings between two different models.

If there is already an answer to this somewhere, and I suspect there probably is, I will be happy if someone can point me to it.

The AX86U Pro is a better choice than an AX86U. The AX86U Pro has been on sale for around $156.00 lately. If you do not need WIFI 7, don't get one!
There is no safe way to use the settings file from your current router. Manual setup is the best and safest way whether you you use Merlin or Asus firmware.

 

[bennor]

Not recommended to import a router's saved (.cfg) file to a newer router, particularly if its an entirely different model running different firmware. Number of past discussions covering it available via the forum search. For example from this past Tuesday:

Transferring settings from old router to new router is it possible? Router suggestions?

Hi, I currently have a ASUS RT-AC5300 and a RT-AC88U as a node, I am thinking about replacing the the 5300 as my Main with something newer and then maybe using the 5300 as a node. Can I do a back up and then restore that to the New router? will I have to do anything else? Or is it better to...

www.snbforums.com

 

[bertilak]

I have an ASUS RT-AC86U and, since it is now on Merlin's "No longer supported" list (https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/), I plan to upgrade to a newer ASUS RT-AX86U. (Is there a reason to pick the RT-BE86U instead?)

I dread going through a reconfiguration process! Is there a way to expedite/simplify this process? I recall reading that it is not advised to save/upload settings between two different models.

If there is already an answer to this somewhere, and I suspect there probably is, I will be happy if someone can point me to it.

Well, I see a thread that pretty much answers my question (https://www.snbforums.com/threads/migrating-from-rt-ac86u-to-rt-be86u-need-advice.95134/). It is specifically about the BE86U but the answer seems to apply to my situation as well.

 

[bertilak]

Thanks for the replies. I will probably get the AX86U Pro off of Amazon.

 

[bertilak]

Well I got the AX86U Pro but failed to configure it so returned it to Amazon.

1. First attempt, the WAN light was red, not green. re-Plugged in my existing router (AC86U) and it all worked.
2. Second attempt, got a green light. Scanned the QR code and followed instructions but the router crashed before completing the setup. Perhaps this was the root cause of my troubles,
3. Third attempt with manual configuration via cat5 cable. Could not get internet connection. Also, wireless did not let me through to the router.
4. Again, my AC86U worked fine.
5. Tried lots of stuff (made sure the AC86U was unplugged, made sure I was using a different SSID, and more). Still not able to get things to work.

I expected it to be a drop-in replacement with some reconfiguration, but no.

Not sure what I will do now.

 

[degrub]

Try another unit if you want to stay with ASUS. Maybe there is V2 hardware out. QC is what it is and shipping small box doesn't help. Maybe not from Amazon ? Assuming you are in the US, do you have a Microcenter nearby ? Verify the return policy though. They were less of a pita than BestBuy.

If you don't need the "pro" features, a GT-AX6000 might do if you can tolerate the look. i don't know off hand if Merlin supports that model though.

 

[bertilak]

Try another unit if you want to stay with ASUS. Maybe there is V2 hardware out. QC is what it is and shipping small box doesn't help. Maybe not from Amazon ? Assuming you are in the US, do you have a Microcenter nearby ? Verify the return policy though. They were less of a pita than BestBuy.

If you don't need the "pro" features, a GT-AX6000 might do if you can tolerate the look. i don't know off hand if Merlin supports that model though.

"Maybe there is V2 hardware out."

Mine says H/W Ver.: 1.0
MFG Year: 2025

Can you tell anything by the serial number?
Mine is T5IG5Q203645WFY
It also SAYS 90IG07N0-MA1B0V
Check Number 1RBG

 

[degrub]

It was a speculative question. i would check the asus site. Sometimes they will list it.

 

[jzchen]

2025 is a good sign it is new/the latest. What is the ISP? May have something to do with that. (Just read through the thread)...