Couldn't get RT BE92U to link to CODA56

[JimTheo]

Not a pro or very talented, but I was in the process of wanting to upgrade my network. Currently have CODA (will replace with a CODA56 modem), AC86U as gateway, wired mesh with AC68p with 2.5g Brostrend switch. Comcast/Xfinity upgraded my access to Gigabit x2 plan in January. I figured why not utilize the speed I'm paying for so...
My AC86U is generally ok except every couple of months it "locks up" and doesn't allow remote access from the IOS app. Whatever is connected and working at the time can't change unless I reboot the modem. Problem is that I snowbird to Florida and can't get to power cycle the box so as an interim fix I setup a manual timer and once a week at 3am on wednesday it powercycles both the modem and the AC86u. The built in schedule reboot does not work to fix this at all. Tried but ng. This is the backstory reason for the upgrade.
Bought a BE92u, tried to configure it. The opening script to configure would NOT recognize the CODA56 modem, would just spin away and time out. I then plugged my 86U back in and working and plugged the wan port 92U into the Lan of the 86U and viola! The script woul complete with full connection and usability. I could configure it the way I wanted. However, even with this configured this way I could not swap out the 92u for the 86u. I did make the change on the 92U to match the 86U WAN setup but the 92 simply would not recognize the modem.
I returned that 92U for a refund then purchased another 92U from a different retailer on amazon. SAME RESULTS. Returned this for a refund.

Am I nuts or does the BE92U have/has a problem with CODA56 modems? Should I wait till the spring for things to sort out and repurchase?

 

[ColinTaylor]

To clarify; are you saying that your AC86U works with the CODA56 modem but the BE92U does not? If so:

Take the WAN MAC address of the working AC86U and clone it on the BE92U. WAN - Internet Connection > Special Requirement from ISP > MAC Address

 

[JimTheo]

That's all it takes, just masquerade as another device? Kool.
Appreciate the help.

 

[ColinTaylor]

That's all it takes, just masquerade as another device?

I don't know whether it will solve your problem or not (it is sometimes necessary, depending on the ISP). It was just a suggestion for something you can try.

 

[RMerlin]

Another thing to try: with cablemodems, ISPs tend to cache the MAC for a given period of time to ensure that you only query one single DHCP lease. Here, we have Videotron that requires you to power down their modem for 7-10 minutes whenever changing router. Try powering down your modem for 20 minutes, then power it back on. See if that helps.

Otherwise, MAC cloning would be the next step to try.

 

[JimTheo]

I don't know whether it will solve your problem or not (it is sometimes necessary, depending on the ISP). It was just a suggestion for something you can try.

Thanks for this at least. I returned the unit so as to not miss the refund window but I guess I’ll reorder it. I was wondering if this was a known issue as I have upgraded gateway over the years with never any issues.

I’d heard this router had lots of software and build issues but taking a chance anyway as I like the ecosystem serves me well.

 

[JimTheo]

Another thing to try: with cablemodems, ISPs tend to cache the MAC for a given period of time to ensure that you only query one single DHCP lease. Here, we have Videotron that requires you to power down their modem for 7-10 minutes whenever changing router. Try powering down your modem for 20 minutes, then power it back on. See if that helps.

Otherwise, MAC cloning would be the next step to try.

Thanks for this. I have to reorder the unit shortly so I can try it.

 

[CaptainSTX]

Not a pro or very talented, but I was in the process of wanting to upgrade my network. Currently have CODA (will replace with a CODA56 modem), AC86U as gateway, wired mesh with AC68p with 2.5g Brostrend switch. Comcast/Xfinity upgraded my access to Gigabit x2 plan in January. I figured why not utilize the speed I'm paying for so...
My AC86U is generally ok except every couple of months it "locks up" and doesn't allow remote access from the IOS app. Whatever is connected and working at the time can't change unless I reboot the modem. Problem is that I snowbird to Florida and can't get to power cycle the box so as an interim fix I setup a manual timer and once a week at 3am on wednesday it powercycles both the modem and the AC86u. The built in schedule reboot does not work to fix this at all. Tried but ng. This is the backstory reason for the upgrade.
Bought a BE92u, tried to configure it. The opening script to configure would NOT recognize the CODA56 modem, would just spin away and time out. I then plugged my 86U back in and working and plugged the wan port 92U into the Lan of the 86U and viola! The script woul complete with full connection and usability. I could configure it the way I wanted. However, even with this configured this way I could not swap out the 92u for the 86u. I did make the change on the 92U to match the 86U WAN setup but the 92 simply would not recognize the modem.
I returned that 92U for a refund then purchased another 92U from a different retailer on amazon. SAME RESULTS. Returned this for a refund.

Am I nuts or does the BE92U have/has a problem with CODA56 modems? Should I wait till the spring for things to sort out and repurchase?

Did you register the new modem with Comcast using the phone App? If yes then reboot modem and when it is fully on line power cycle your router and see if you get on line.

 

[JimTheo]

Did you register the new modem with Comcast using the phone App? If yes then reboot modem and when it is fully on line power cycle your router and see if you get on line.

I screwed up the original description in that I have and continue to have the CODA modem (1g) installed but I want to eventually swap out to the CODA56 which is a 2.5g lan modem, so as far as Comcast is concerned I have the same setup. I'm just upgrading in stages.

 

[Tech9]

I have to reorder the unit shortly so I can try it.

Based on user feedback around - you may want to order different model. Except for some performance inconsistencies this model is from the budget category with Smart Home Master and no user VLAN support. It is more true Wi-Fi 7 device with 6GHz band support, but the cheapest one available. Don't be surprised if you find your old RT-AC86U had more consistent performance and better range.

 

[Tech9]

I want to eventually swap out to the CODA56

If it helps - I have 2x CODA56 ISP provided modems on Rogers Cable network in Canada. No complaints.

 

[JimTheo]

If it helps - I have 2x CODA56 ISP provided modems on Rogers Cable network in Canada. No complaints.

thanks for your input. What would you suggest as an alternate or just "let sleeping dogs lay".
I need to have a wired mesh otherwise 1/2 the house is dark (1931 house with expanded metal lath in walls- essentially a faraday cage). Currently, Aimesh works great after a little tweaking, and my coverage is pretty good between 80mbs (worst spot) to 350mbs.

 

[Tech9]

I don't have any good suggestions with Asus hardware for you at the moment. BE-class devices still have issues, they are relatively expensive, 6GHz band has shorter range, your existing routers are EoL... The entire system has to be replaced. Your chances to utilize >Gigabit with AiMesh on the same channels are slim. May happen to some devices wired if they have 2.5GbE ports or as aggregate throughput wired + wireless.

I feel you are not after latest and greatest and would like to stay with something familiar and within reasonable budget. From what I read above you are likely in the US. In your situation I would prefer something known working well. This something is 2 x GT-AX6000 routers from Amazon, currently on sale for $180/each. Entire system upgrade to AX-class for $360 with best price/performance gain. This duo will work well for you for years.

 

[JimTheo]

I don't have any good suggestions with Asus hardware for you at the moment. BE-class devices still have issues, they are relatively expensive, 6GHz band has shorter range, your existing routers are EoL... The entire system has to be replaced. Your chances to utilize >Gigabit with AiMesh on the same channels are slim. May happen to some devices wired if they have 2.5GbE ports or as aggregate throughput wired + wireless.

I feel you are not after latest and greatest and would like to stay with something familiar and within reasonable budget. From what I read above you are likely in the US. In your situation I would prefer something known working well. This something is 2 x GT-AX6000 routers from Amazon, currently on sale for $180/each. Entire system upgrade to AX-class for $360 with best price/performance gain. This duo will work well for you for years.

Yes I am US based. You are also correct in that I am not looking for leading edge tech as my connected devices can’t utilize all the new stuff. But 6 years in my network gear is starting to get creaky so I have to start planning changes that will at least improve capabilities as I swap devices out.
At 71 y/o, I’m not looking to fight my tech but to get the best for my buck.

Thank you for your advice. Looks promising.

 

[Tech9]

I believe 2x RT-AX5400 routers will also work well for you. They are mid-tier devices, currently $100/each at Amazon. But you have to give up on the idea to chase the ISP speed. Gigabit is more than enough for home use. Don't invest in speed tests.