Enabling Guest temp stops all connections

[arjanvirdi]

Just got this router, GS-AX5400, and when you enable a guest network, it disconnects all devices on the network, and then reconnects them. Is that normal, are you supposed to leave guest network on all the time?
Also, some of my devices went from 5ghz to 2.4ghz, and then back, some stayed. Is that normal, for them to just switch around?

 

[ColinTaylor]

Yes, yes and yes.

Wired clients should stay connected but wireless clients will be disconnected when you make changes to the WiFi setup.

If you use different SSIDs for 2.4 and 5 GHz you can prevent clients roaming between bands.

 

[bbunge]

As Colin said: Yes x3

Whenever you change a WIFI setting or other networking settings the router radios will cycle off then back on with the new settings. My guess is you set the 5 GHz to 160 MHz to get the best performance? With this setting the router has to clear for RADAR before turning on the 5 GHz radio. You are better off setting the 5 GHz to Auto Channel at 20, 40, 80, 160 MHz. I recommend not turning on the DFS channel check box. With this setting the 5 GHz will start up right away most likely at 80 MHz in the lower channels. When a WIFI 6 client connects the router will switch up to 160 MHz if it is cleared for RADAR. Also set the 2.4 GHz at 20 MHz Auto channel. One of the techies in this form challenged me to use Auto channel settings and let the router choose which to use. I have not been disappointed with this! Also, use Dual Band Smart Connect and let your clients decide which band to connect to.

 

[Tech9]

Also, use Dual Band Smart Connect and let your clients decide which band to connect to.

I disagree. Separate SSID's allow more control - high speed devices on 5GHz, low speed on 2.4GHz. Switching between frequencies is equal to re-connecting and it breaks video/voice calls. In this work/learn from home World I wouldn't allow switching between frequencies for "convenience".

When a WIFI 6 client connects the router will switch up to 160 MHz if it is cleared for RADAR.

I don't think it works this way. The client can't tell the radio to switch to 160MHz, just because it's capable of 160MHz. 80MHz wide channel works in most places. For the reasons above, I would use 80MHz in non-DFS range instead of 20/40/80/160. The result is overall better Wi-Fi stability.

 

[bbunge]

I disagree. Separate SSID's allow more control - high speed devices on 5GHz, low speed on 2.4GHz. Switching between frequencies is equal to re-connecting and it breaks video/voice calls. In this work/learn from home World I wouldn't allow switching between frequencies for "convenience".



I don't think it works this way. The client can't tell the radio to switch to 160MHz, just because it's capable of 160MHz. 80MHz wide channel works in most places. For the reasons above, I would use 80MHz in non-DFS range instead of 20/40/80/160. The result is overall better Wi-Fi stability.

Well, it works for me! Dual band allows clients to connect to the 2.4 GHz band and keep working if the 5 GHz gets bounced. I run my guest WIFI on 2.4 GHz only and only one of those clients is 2.4 GHz only. I have a printer that is 2.4 GHz but who needs a fast connection on a printer. And yes, the router 5 GHz bandwidth will increase from 80 GHz to 160 GHz by itself.

 

[bbunge]

Here ya go..
1. with no WIFI 6 clients connected:

2. With WIFI 6 client connected:

3. WIFI settings:

 

[ColinTaylor]

And yes, the router 5 GHz bandwidth will increase from 80 GHz to 160 GHz by itself.

Check the syslog. I think you might find that it is acsd that is deciding to change the bandwidth rather than the presence of any particular client.

 

[Tech9]

Well, it works for me!

The reason is 2.4GHz to 2-stream client can do 90Mbps. Your ISP line is 100Mbps, so it doesn't matter much where your devices connect.

And yes, the router 5 GHz bandwidth will increase from 80 GHz to 160 GHz by itself.

Not because of the AX device. When the conditions are met, with or without this AX client. Not needed with single 160MHz capable device.

 

[Tech9]

Here ya go..

Yes, both of your radios change channel width for no reason. I would lock 2.4GHz @20MHz and 5GHz @80MHz and forget about it.

 

[bbunge]

Yes, both of your radios change channel width for no reason. I would lock 2.4GHz @20MHz and 5GHz @80MHz and forget about it.

No, the 2.4 GHz was not shown so you can't make the above statement. Only the 5 GHz changed bandwidth. Yes, I usually have the 2.4 at 20 MHz. Channel 1, 6 or 11 is still recommended but in my neighborhood and many others the 2.4 GHz band is a mess! So I let the router decide.

I believe you were the one who encouraged me to trust the router. I did nothing funny to cook the results of my test and I will continue to encourage the average user to trust the Asus WIFI defaults.

 

[Tech9]

No, the 2.4 GHz was not shown so you can't make the above statement.

Your 2.4GHz is set to 20/40 according to the screenshot.

Channel 1, 6 or 11 is still recommended

Only if you have control over all the AP's around. And you don't.

I believe you were the one who encouraged me to trust the router.

Probably, but not for everything. Trust the channel selection, lock the bandwidth.

I will continue to encourage the average user to trust the Asus WIFI defaults.

No issues with that, but there is an "easy" way and the "better" way. You just prefer the "easy" way.

 

[OzarkEdge]

Only if you have control over all the AP's around. And you don't.

I'm fixed on ch 11 and all of my neighbors use Auto... works great! It's a 40 MHz spaghetti mess down there on those low channels. I'm not giving up the high ground to Auto!

OE

 

[bbunge]

Check the syslog. I think you might find that it is acsd that is deciding to change the bandwidth rather than the presence of any particular client.

I do see in the syslog that acsd scans about every 20 minutes. However, that is not changing the 5 GHz bandwidth per my observations

Gathered more data but this time I started with the AX laptop connected. I've added the time in brackets.
In the stations list you can see the AX laptop connected at a good bandwidth and the router reporting Channel 44 at 160 MHz.

[time 0929]

SSID: "XXXX"
noise: -88 dBm    Channel: 44/160
BSSID: 3C:7C:3F:E1:EB:54    Capability: ESS RRM
Supported Rates: [ 6(b) 9 12 18 24(b) 36 48 54 ]
HE Capable:
    Chanspec: 5GHz channel 50 160MHz (0xea32)
    Primary channel: 44
    HT Capabilities: 40Mhz SGI20 SGI40

Interference Level: Acceptable
Mode    : AP Only

DFS status: state In-Service Monitoring(ISM) time elapsed 257100ms radar channel cleared by DFS channel 44/160 (0xEA32)

Stations List                           
----------------------------------------
idx MAC               Associated Authorized   RSSI PHY PSM SGI STBC MUBF NSS   BW Tx rate Rx rate Connect Time
    B4:0E:DE:6D:49:26 Yes        Yes        -52dBm ax  No  Yes Yes  Yes    2 160M 2268.5M 2401.9M     00:04:16
    08:AA:55:08:1E:F5 Yes        Yes        -68dBm ac  Yes Yes Yes  Yes    1  80M    390M      6M     05:52:41
    F8:62:14:A1:F7:41 Yes        Yes        -63dBm ac  Yes Yes No   No     1  80M    390M     24M     21:41:11
    38:81:D7:3D:3F:F0 Yes        Yes        -70dBm n   Yes Yes No   No     1  40M    120M      6M     24:13:08
    B8:3E:59:D8:91:EB Yes        Yes        -43dBm n   No  Yes Yes  No     2  20M  144.4M    130M     24:13:22
    0E:C5:AA:33:26:95 Yes        Yes        -71dBm n   Yes Yes Yes  No     1  40M    135M      6M     36:50:44
    84:EA:ED:11:B8:C3 Yes        Yes        -63dBm ac  No  Yes No   Yes    2  80M  866.7M      6M     37:12:52

Next the laptop was turned off. You can see the router reports channel 44 at 80 MHz bandwidth.

[time 0931]

SSID: "XXXX"
noise: -90 dBm    Channel: 44/80
BSSID: 3C:7C:3F:E1:EB:54    Capability: ESS RRM
Supported Rates: [ 6(b) 9 12 18 24(b) 36 48 54 ]
HE Capable:
    Chanspec: 5GHz channel 42 80MHz (0xe22a)
    Primary channel: 44
    HT Capabilities: 40Mhz SGI20 SGI40

Interference Level: Acceptable
Mode    : AP Only

DFS status: state IDLE time elapsed 0ms radar channel cleared by DFS channel 44/160 (0xEA32)

Stations List                           
----------------------------------------
idx MAC               Associated Authorized   RSSI PHY PSM SGI STBC MUBF NSS   BW Tx rate Rx rate Connect Time
    08:AA:55:08:1E:F5 Yes        Yes        -67dBm ac  Yes Yes Yes  Yes    1  80M    390M      6M     05:54:34
    F8:62:14:A1:F7:41 Yes        Yes        -62dBm ac  Yes Yes No   No     1  80M    390M     24M     21:43:04
    38:81:D7:3D:3F:F0 Yes        Yes        -68dBm n   No  Yes No   No     1  40M    135M    150M     24:15:01
    B8:3E:59:D8:91:EB Yes        Yes        -42dBm n   No  Yes Yes  No     2  20M  144.4M    130M     24:15:15
    0E:C5:AA:33:26:95 Yes        Yes        -71dBm n   Yes Yes Yes  No     1  40M    135M      6M     36:52:37
    84:EA:ED:11:B8:C3 Yes        Yes        -61dBm ac  No  Yes No   Yes    2  80M  866.7M      6M     37:14:45

Here is a snip of the syslog covering these times. No mention of acsd

[Log]

Feb 10 09:25:02 dnsmasq-dhcp[31056]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.50.129 b4:0e:de:6d:49:26
Feb 10 09:25:02 dnsmasq-dhcp[31056]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.50.129 b4:0e:de:6d:49:26 ThinkBook-BB
Feb 10 09:30:41 wlceventd: wlceventd_proc_event(491): eth7: Deauth_ind B4:0E:DE:6D:49:26, status: 0, reason: Unspecified reason (1), rssi:0
Feb 10 09:30:41 hostapd: eth7: STA b4:0e:de:6d:49:26 IEEE 802.11: disassociated
Feb 10 14:33:22 kernel: httpd (1370): drop_caches: 1
Feb 10 09:34:57 wlceventd: wlceventd_proc_event(527): wl0.1: Auth 2C:1F:23:E3:14:4A, status: Successful (0), rssi:0
Feb 10 09:34:57 wlceventd: wlceventd_proc_event(556): wl0.1: Assoc 2C:1F:23:E3:14:4A, status: Successful (0), rssi:-53
Feb 10 09:34:57 hostapd: wl0.1: STA 2c:1f:23:e3:14:4a IEEE 802.11: associated

You can draw your own conclusions but for me I am really impressed with the WIFI function on the 5 GHz band. I've had this AX86U for over six months and am still learning with it. I used to be a fixed channel/bandwidth person but with this router...no more. I do believe in continuous improvement not what some perceive as "best or better."

 

[Tech9]

I do believe in continuous improvement not what some perceive as "best or better."

The better way is fixed channel and bandwidth on a single radio. That prevents bouncing clients around. It may not be a problem for you, but as I said it makes work/learn from home process better. You are retired and perhaps don't care much about such things. You are okay on Auto.

 

[ColinTaylor]

I do see in the syslog that acsd scans about every 20 minutes. However, that is not changing the 5 GHz bandwidth per my observations

Gathered more data but this time I started with the AX laptop connected. I've added the time in brackets.
In the stations list you can see the AX laptop connected at a good bandwidth and the router reporting Channel 44 at 160 MHz.

[time 0929]

SSID: "XXXX"
noise: -88 dBm    Channel: 44/160
BSSID: 3C:7C:3F:E1:EB:54    Capability: ESS RRM
Supported Rates: [ 6(b) 9 12 18 24(b) 36 48 54 ]
HE Capable:
    Chanspec: 5GHz channel 50 160MHz (0xea32)
    Primary channel: 44
    HT Capabilities: 40Mhz SGI20 SGI40

Interference Level: Acceptable
Mode    : AP Only

DFS status: state In-Service Monitoring(ISM) time elapsed 257100ms radar channel cleared by DFS channel 44/160 (0xEA32)

Stations List                          
----------------------------------------
idx MAC               Associated Authorized   RSSI PHY PSM SGI STBC MUBF NSS   BW Tx rate Rx rate Connect Time
    B4:0E:DE:6D:49:26 Yes        Yes        -52dBm ax  No  Yes Yes  Yes    2 160M 2268.5M 2401.9M     00:04:16
    08:AA:55:08:1E:F5 Yes        Yes        -68dBm ac  Yes Yes Yes  Yes    1  80M    390M      6M     05:52:41
    F8:62:14:A1:F7:41 Yes        Yes        -63dBm ac  Yes Yes No   No     1  80M    390M     24M     21:41:11
    38:81:D7:3D:3F:F0 Yes        Yes        -70dBm n   Yes Yes No   No     1  40M    120M      6M     24:13:08
    B8:3E:59:D8:91:EB Yes        Yes        -43dBm n   No  Yes Yes  No     2  20M  144.4M    130M     24:13:22
    0E:C5:AA:33:26:95 Yes        Yes        -71dBm n   Yes Yes Yes  No     1  40M    135M      6M     36:50:44
    84:EA:ED:11:B8:C3 Yes        Yes        -63dBm ac  No  Yes No   Yes    2  80M  866.7M      6M     37:12:52

Next the laptop was turned off. You can see the router reports channel 44 at 80 MHz bandwidth.

[time 0931]

SSID: "XXXX"
noise: -90 dBm    Channel: 44/80
BSSID: 3C:7C:3F:E1:EB:54    Capability: ESS RRM
Supported Rates: [ 6(b) 9 12 18 24(b) 36 48 54 ]
HE Capable:
    Chanspec: 5GHz channel 42 80MHz (0xe22a)
    Primary channel: 44
    HT Capabilities: 40Mhz SGI20 SGI40

Interference Level: Acceptable
Mode    : AP Only

DFS status: state IDLE time elapsed 0ms radar channel cleared by DFS channel 44/160 (0xEA32)

Stations List                          
----------------------------------------
idx MAC               Associated Authorized   RSSI PHY PSM SGI STBC MUBF NSS   BW Tx rate Rx rate Connect Time
    08:AA:55:08:1E:F5 Yes        Yes        -67dBm ac  Yes Yes Yes  Yes    1  80M    390M      6M     05:54:34
    F8:62:14:A1:F7:41 Yes        Yes        -62dBm ac  Yes Yes No   No     1  80M    390M     24M     21:43:04
    38:81:D7:3D:3F:F0 Yes        Yes        -68dBm n   No  Yes No   No     1  40M    135M    150M     24:15:01
    B8:3E:59:D8:91:EB Yes        Yes        -42dBm n   No  Yes Yes  No     2  20M  144.4M    130M     24:15:15
    0E:C5:AA:33:26:95 Yes        Yes        -71dBm n   Yes Yes Yes  No     1  40M    135M      6M     36:52:37
    84:EA:ED:11:B8:C3 Yes        Yes        -61dBm ac  No  Yes No   Yes    2  80M  866.7M      6M     37:14:45

Here is a snip of the syslog covering these times. No mention of acsd

[Log]

Feb 10 09:25:02 dnsmasq-dhcp[31056]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.50.129 b4:0e:de:6d:49:26
Feb 10 09:25:02 dnsmasq-dhcp[31056]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.50.129 b4:0e:de:6d:49:26 ThinkBook-BB
Feb 10 09:30:41 wlceventd: wlceventd_proc_event(491): eth7: Deauth_ind B4:0E:DE:6D:49:26, status: 0, reason: Unspecified reason (1), rssi:0
Feb 10 09:30:41 hostapd: eth7: STA b4:0e:de:6d:49:26 IEEE 802.11: disassociated
Feb 10 14:33:22 kernel: httpd (1370): drop_caches: 1
Feb 10 09:34:57 wlceventd: wlceventd_proc_event(527): wl0.1: Auth 2C:1F:23:E3:14:4A, status: Successful (0), rssi:0
Feb 10 09:34:57 wlceventd: wlceventd_proc_event(556): wl0.1: Assoc 2C:1F:23:E3:14:4A, status: Successful (0), rssi:-53
Feb 10 09:34:57 hostapd: wl0.1: STA 2c:1f:23:e3:14:4a IEEE 802.11: associated

You can draw your own conclusions but for me I am really impressed with the WIFI function on the 5 GHz band. I've had this AX86U for over six months and am still learning with it. I used to be a fixed channel/bandwidth person but with this router...no more. I do believe in continuous improvement not what some perceive as "best or better."

Thanks for the info. This led me down a rabbit hole for the last couple of days. In short, acsd is broken in Merlin's firmware for the RT-AX86U. I have tried older versions and even the updated alpha binary that was posted a few hours ago and they're all the same. The most obvious indication is that unlike you I don't get the APCS_CSTIMER message appearing every 15 minutes in the log.

Is there some way you could you send me a copy of your version of /usr/sbin/acsd2 to try? Thanks.