How to best migrate from AX86U to BE86U?

[Jeje2]

Just got the Asus RT-BE86U to replace our RT-AX86U unit.

What would be the best / easiest way to move settings over to the new router?

 

[zer0bitz]

The best way is to add them manually. While the easiest method is to save the config file from the RT-AX86U and upload it to the RT-BE86U, but I think it would cause problems and really not recommend doing it.

 

[bbunge]

Just got the Asus RT-BE86U to replace our RT-AX86U unit.

What would be the best / easiest way to move settings over to the new router?

The best thing would be to save a buck and get an AX86U Pro. Then set it up manually. Using a settings file from another model router is a great way to brick a new router!

Be honest...do you really need WIFI 7?

 

[OzarkEdge]

Be honest...do you really need WIFI 7?

Confession: I just ordered a 2024, unlocked, 5G mobile phone with Wi-Fi 5/ac 2.4/5.0 and one antenna... max 5.0 link rate of 433Mbps with WPA2 security. Sort of goes against the grain around here!

I hemmed and hawed about it and finally decided I will get my usage out of it ($400, on sale for $237). The rest of its specs are plenty good for my usage, but it was not easy to overlook its lagging wireless support. I figure if it works near term, I'll get my money's worth out of it and then some; I intend to use it for years (ships with Android 14; will get Android 15).

It will have no cellular voice service... just a Google Fi data-only SIM off my wife's account and my choice of softphone and ITSP. Been doing this for years already with hand-me-down phones.

I suspect the 2025 model will update the wireless spec, but I could not wait... my current hand-me-down (Wi-Fi 3/g 2.4 only) is from 2016 and near its end.

Do I really need Wi-Fi 6/ax?

OE

 

[Tech9]

Be honest...do you really need WIFI 7?

I've got 6x brand new Wi-Fi 6 access points - planning to skip Wi-Fi 7.

Sort of goes against the grain around here!

I've got 2x brand new gateways with Gigabit ports - plenty for home use.

 

[tallytr]

The best thing would be to save a buck and get an AX86U Pro. Then set it up manually. Using a settings file from another model router is a great way to brick a new router!

Be honest...do you really need WIFI 7?

I'll get a Wi-Fi 7 router in 2025/2025, well, maybe, or when the RT-AX86U fails eventually after 6 years or so...
Can't be more than $200 though.

 

[Tech9]

Can't be more than $200 though.

Asus sells BE models in China under $100 right now. Competing with TP-Link and Xiaomi.

 

[jksmurf]

Asus sells BE models in China under $100 right now. Competing with TP-Link and Xiaomi.

I may be mistaken but often the China versions lack VPN capabilities.

 

[Tech9]

Asus firmware release is global. Many China region Asus routers actually have extra features not available in other regions plus many East Asia models have region change options in settings. All included in the firmware for your routers, but hidden in your region. While we are not allowed here to comment "illegal" firmware forks (and conversions not while ago), in China modified firmware is readily available for multiple Asus models with included app store in GUI. This firmware becomes available shortly after official release, much faster then our 3rd party firmware. Suspiciously fast... like Asus is helping in the process fast. Not surprised, quite possible - business interests, one of the largest markets just next door.

Entry-level RT-BE3600 is around $70 in China and $200 in the US.

 

[jksmurf]

…..This firmware becomes available shortly after official release, much faster then our 3rd party firmware. …

I’m going to have to take your word for that

Both versions are often offered here, with the China versions being cheaper, although nowhere in the proportions cheaper than your example above, with the limitations of the original FW understood to be the reason for the lower cost.

The average user, i.e. those who probably don’t bother with 3rd party FW but might consider a built in VPN, would probably be the target audience for my comment above about the lack of VPN.

 

[Tech9]

although nowhere in the proportions cheaper than your example above

Someone reported RT-BE6500 for ~$110 in China. At this time when I checked RT-BE3600 was around ~$70. This is a totally different market with many local players offering low price products. I far as I know 6GHz spectrum is allocated to telecom operators in China and unavailable for Wi-Fi at the moment. Whatever is marketed as Wi-Fi 7 is dual-band. I browse some Chinese places for tech info from time to time and the folks were discussing some Xiaomi/Huawei local models starting from ~$60. Searching for such models on global websites shows no results - local market only products.

New Asus GT-BE19000 and BE6500/BE3600 with KI

Asus is maybe releasing some new routers (ROG Ally Event 2024, on the 3.Juni) BE6500/BE3600 (TUF): Asus: Two new WiFi 7 routers are launching with AI functions and also fast Ethernet connectionsAsus launches two new routersAsus launches two new routersAsus is launching two new routers. The...

www.snbforums.com

Anyway, can't have it here in CA/US or in the EU at this price point.