Guest Network Disables After Reboot

[skynet-js]

I have an ASUS RT-AX88U router that is running RT-AX88U_388.2_2 firmware. I have a Guest Network setup that I use to connect to every day when working from home. I had my router set so that every Monday night at 5am, my router would perform a scheduled reboot. However, when it does this, my Guest Network is then completely disabled. Is there a setting I can enable to prevent this from happening? If not, is this a feature I can request from the developers of Merlin? In the interim, I have disabled the scheduled reboot. Thanks all.

 

[L&LD]

Welcome to the forums @skynet-js.

What is the reason for rebooting weekly? A scheduled reboot is usually used to hide a problem. I would suggest you fix it instead if you're actually having one.

As for the fact that rebooting actually disables the GN, that points to the router not being in a good/known state on its own.

 

[skynet-js]

Thank you @L&LD for your reply, but you made a few incorrect statements that won't help me.

A scheduled reboot is usually used to hide a problem.

I schedule a reboot every week because years ago, routers were impacted by malware and security experts suggested that the routers be rebooted. Every since then, I've just scheduled a weekly reboot solely for peace of mind.

As for the fact that rebooting actually disables the GN, that points to the router not being in a good/known state on its own.

How would this indicate that my router is not in a good/known state? It literally works flawlessly and this is the only quirk I've dealt with in the 3 years I've owned it. If my router was defective, as you're implying, I would have other issues aside from a disappearing guest network after a reboot.

 

[L&LD]

Half a decade is a long time ago, I would hardly call it applicable today, given that the root cause has been addressed in recent firmware. The statements I've made are not incorrect, today.

I've never heard of a reboot disabling the GN. This is what leads me to my conclusion that your router is not in a good/known state.

We're observing the same thing and coming to different conclusions. Good luck following yours. I hope you're able to track it down quickly and efficiently.

If you don't, the following may be of use.

Flash the firmware to the latest available for the model that you want to use. But first, safely remove any USB devices and reboot the router via the GUI. Remove all LAN cables (at least from Ports 5-8. Do not use Ports 5-8 (at least, not until you've fully tested your router after following the process outlined here).

After flashing the firmware (and it's okay to flash the same version firmware), follow the link below to fully reset your router to factory defaults.

[Wireless Router] When Standard Reset Isn’t Working: Hard Factory Reset - Models list | Official Support | ASUS USA

For some models, resetting doesn't work fully with the above. If your router is exhibiting unexpected behaviors (as it is now), also perform a GUI reset too (make sure you select the button to 'Fully initialize all settings...' too.

Now, minimally and manually configure your router to secure it and connect to your ISP.

Note that toggling settings on/off are not the same as leaving those settings at defaults in the first place. In some cases, it may be necessary to perform the steps above once more to bring the router back to a good/known state.

The links below give more details to achieve the above.

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I have an ASUS AX86U and contemplating the installation of Merlin firmware. The DDNS settings on the AX86U are limited to select dns providers. If I install Merlin, will I have more flexability (choices) with the DDNS Settings? Thanks in advance!

www.snbforums.com

Am I all set to start fresh with the latest stable release? And a request for L&LD...

After creating the checklists two weeks ago to save the pages with settings, I've made all the screenshots (I think at least) of all the relevant guides written by @L&LD and the very useful tip by @netware5. The only thing is, those guides are great, except when you'll be offline at least for a...

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L&LD

www.snbforums.com

I'd like to emphasize that using ports 5-8 on Asus routers is a bit of a gamble for at least some users. I would recommend you buy a $30 switch and connect it to Ports 1-4 and simply ignore using Ports 5-8 on the router. If you want to have a stable, reliable, and dependable network.

 

[bh56]

I got lost in the noise responses. Ignoring why you reboot, did you ever figure out why the guest wireless is disabled after reboot? Mine is doing the same. I'm on Merlin 3004.388.6_2. It's a pain trying to remember to enable, when I do a reboot for whatever reasons. Curious if anyone knows why this would be occuring.

 

[skynet-js]

I got lost in the noise responses. Ignoring why you reboot, did you ever figure out why the guest wireless is disabled after reboot? Mine is doing the same. I'm on Merlin 3004.388.6_2. It's a pain trying to remember to enable, when I do a reboot for whatever reasons. Curious if anyone knows why this would be occuring.

No, unfortunately. It’s still doing it and I’m in the market to buy a non-Asus router because it’s so stupid that there’s no solution to fixing this disappearing Guest network crap. I might factory reset my router and flash it back to OEM software just to rule out that it’s not the Merlin software causing this.

 

[bennor]

No, unfortunately. It’s still doing it and I’m in the market to buy a non-Asus router because it’s so stupid that there’s no solution to fixing this disappearing Guest network crap. I might factory reset my router and flash it back to OEM software just to rule out that it’s not the Merlin software causing this.

It would help if you posted more information and what troubleshooting steps you have done.
What are your WiFi and Guest network settings (redact sensitive information)?
What does the system log show? Are there any issues or problems?
Are you running any add-on scripts or have a USB drive attached?
Have you done a hard factory reset and manual basic initial configuration (do not import a saved router.cfg file)?
Try the stock Asus firmware and see if the issue persists.

If it was a Asus-Merlin issue then logic suggests it would be more wide spread with more complaints about guest network not activating unless it is due to specific some some very specific setting you have made with your router. No issues having the guest network come up on power up or reboot across several Asus routers running various Asus-Merlin firmware.

 

[skynet-js]

I ended up going to Administration section and setting the router to factory default, but I did keep Merlin installed. Have enabled 5GHz Guest network on slot 2 and so far it's remaining there after several reboots. Will report back if that changes and try to figure out if it was happening due to any other settings changes. Wish I knew what directly causes this but am happy that it is working as it should for now.