Intermittent connection problems with my RT-AX86U Pro

[Jafang]

For the past few months, I have been having intermittent connection problems with my RT-AX86U Pro where the Wifi stays connected on all devices, but the WAN suddenly just stops and this can last anywhere from one to three minutes. Every single device connected to the network just loses access, and if it lasts long enough, the webpage would say no internet or address can't be found. My internet connection has up to 100 MBs and from my traffic logs, we aren't using nearly enough to reach the data limit. On average, there are around 14 devices connected to the wifi, with half being on the 2.4 GHz network and the other 5 on the 5 GHz network. In the picture below, there is a point where the speed is almost nonexistent despite the internet being in use.

I have Merlin on my Asus and the temperatures stay around the same values: 70 degrees for the CPU, 50 degrees for the 2.4Ghz, and 49 degrees for the 5 Ghz.

In a recent disconnect, I pulled the following from the router logs, and the internet stopped once at 7:29, again at 7:34, and a third time at 7:38:
un 17 19:29:21 wlceventd: wlceventd_proc_event(685): eth6: Auth C2:04:40:F8:CA:AB, status: Successful (0), rssi:0
Jun 17 19:29:42 wlceventd: wlceventd_proc_event(645): eth6: Deauth_ind C2:04:40:F8:CA:AB, status: 0, reason: Unspecified reason (1), rssi:0
Jun 17 19:29:42 wlceventd: wlceventd_proc_event(685): eth6: Auth C2:04:40:F8:CA:AB, status: Successful (0), rssi:0
Jun 17 19:29:42 wlceventd: wlceventd_proc_event(645): eth6: Deauth_ind C2:04:40:F8:CA:AB, status: 0, reason: Unspecified reason (1), rssi:-84
Jun 17 19:29:42 wlceventd: wlceventd_proc_event(685): eth6: Auth C2:04:40:F8:CA:AB, status: Successful (0), rssi:-84
Jun 17 19:29:42 wlceventd: wlceventd_proc_event(722): eth6: Assoc C2:04:40:F8:CA:AB, status: Successful (0), rssi:-83
Jun 17 19:29:42 hostapd: eth6: STA c2:04:40:f8:ca:ab IEEE 802.11: associated
Jun 17 19:29:46 wlceventd: wlceventd_proc_event(645): eth6: Deauth_ind C2:04:40:F8:CA:AB, status: 0, reason: 4-way handshake timeout (f), rssi:-83
Jun 17 19:29:46 wlceventd: wlceventd_proc_event(645): eth6: Deauth_ind C2:04:40:F8:CA:AB, status: 0, reason: Disassociated due to inactivity (4), rssi:-83
Jun 17 19:29:46 hostapd: eth6: STA c2:04:40:f8:ca:ab IEEE 802.11: disassociated
Jun 17 19:34:25 wlceventd: wlceventd_proc_event(685): eth6: Auth C2:04:40:F8:CA:AB, status: Successful (0), rssi:0
Jun 17 19:34:25 wlceventd: wlceventd_proc_event(722): eth6: Assoc C2:04:40:F8:CA:AB, status: Successful (0), rssi:-83
Jun 17 19:34:25 hostapd: eth6: STA c2:04:40:f8:ca:ab IEEE 802.11: associated
Jun 17 19:34:25 hostapd: eth6: STA c2:04:40:f8:ca:ab RADIUS: starting accounting session 52BDD6B6918F9D69
Jun 17 19:34:25 hostapd: eth6: STA c2:04:40:f8:ca:ab WPA: pairwise key handshake completed (RSN)
Jun 17 19:34:25 dnsmasq-dhcp[6012]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.50.187 c2:04:40:f8:ca:ab
Jun 17 19:34:25 dnsmasq-dhcp[6012]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.50.187 c2:04:40:f8:ca:ab
Jun 17 19:38:25 hostapd: eth6: STA 3c:8d:20:27:75:de WPA: group key handshake completed (RSN)
Jun 17 19:38:25 hostapd: eth6: STA c2:04:40:f8:ca:ab WPA: group key handshake completed (RSN)
Jun 17 19:38:25 hostapd: eth6: STA 4c:32:75:99:f9:d1 WPA: group key handshake completed (RSN)
Jun 17 19:38:25 hostapd: eth6: STA ae:fe:94:9b:48:81 WPA: group key handshake completed (RSN)
Jun 17 19:38:26 hostapd: eth6: STA 6c:70:9f:80:78:3c WPA: group key handshake completed (RSN)
Jun 17 19:38:26 hostapd: eth6: STA a2:2a:ae:7a:5d:6d WPA: group key handshake completed (RSN)
Jun 17 19:38:26 hostapd: eth6: STA 02:29:f4:29:e6:53 WPA: group key handshake completed (RSN)
Jun 17 19:38:26 hostapd: eth6: STA 4e:98:8b:83:61:63 WPA: group key handshake completed (RSN)
Jun 17 19:38:27 hostapd: eth7: STA 34:6f:24:e3:83:a9 WPA: group key handshake completed (RSN)
Jun 17 19:38:27 hostapd: eth7: STA 6c:94:66:7d:98:5d WPA: group key handshake completed (RSN)
Jun 17 19:38:27 hostapd: eth7: STA ee:7b:56:b6:d3:87 WPA: group key handshake completed (RSN)
Jun 17 19:38:27 hostapd: eth7: STA e6:c8:75:54:9a:f1 WPA: group key handshake completed (RSN)
Jun 17 19:38:27 hostapd: eth7: STA e6:3f:98:9e:3f:99 WPA: group key handshake completed (RSN)
Jun 17 19:38:27 hostapd: eth6: STA 82:15:5f:eb:07:ad WPA: group key handshake completed (RSN)

Before I added in things like debug information, there were parts where there was no information on log.

What I have done, and this did not solve the issue:
- Try modifying wireless settings.
- Update stockfirmware. My version was behind and I updated it to the stock firmware out there.
- Factory Reset. Manually configure a few things such as channels.
- Disable more things on the wireless channels that could conflict based on what I could find online (some of which were posts on this forum)
- Change to Merlin firmware.
- Factory Reset. Manually configure a few items such as channels to be fixed

Besides this, I have called my ISP. They said their signal is good. I am not sure if its the ISP having issues or if the router is having issues. They said they would only send a technician out there after I would test a new router as they blamed the router. I have also talked to ASUS customer service, and they said it was a potential hardware issue. So I could still RMA this as it is still under warranty. I don't have a spare working router at home. So I was wondering if I could get some advice on what to do. Should I buy a new router and see if the issues go away? Or if there are any other potential solutions without getting a new router or doing the RMA?

 

[bennor]

I may have missed it but what is the Asus router's WAN port connected to up stream? In other words what is the broadband/ISP provided equipment the Asus router is connected to? Have you checked that ISP equipment to see if it indicates why there may be internet connection issues? Does that ISP equipment have a log file and have you checked it to see if it indicates anything?

Stupid question time but have you replaced the Ethernet cable between the router and upstream ISP equipment?

 

[degrub]

Definitely replace the ethernet lan cable between the ISP equipment and the WAN port on the router. Try alternate WAN port on the ASUS if available if changing the cable does not help. You can also try a different ISP LAN port (not DMZ or passthrough) .

If the ASUS has external antennas, make sure they are screwed on firmly and not loose.

Do you have the same issues if you use only the ISP wireless router ? Turn off the ASUS for a while. If Yes, have the ISP tech replace the ISP gear and check the install.
If not , factory reset and load stock firmware and leave the ASUS at defaults ( other than password, SSID, WAN, etc. Don't change anything else) and turn off ISP wifi . Issue still there ? If yes, RMA the router and go back to the ISP equipment for a while.

Other possibility might be power to the router. Is the power adapter, when plugged in, warm or cold or hot to touch ? Is it plugged into the wall / plug bar / surge arrestor / or UPS ?

 

[Jafang]

I may have missed it but what is the Asus router's WAN port connected to up stream? In other words what is the broadband/ISP provided equipment the Asus router is connected to? Have you checked that ISP equipment to see if it indicates why there may be internet connection issues? Does that ISP equipment have a log file and have you checked it to see if it indicates anything?

Stupid question time but have you replaced the Ethernet cable between the router and upstream ISP equipment?

My router's WAN port is connected to the ISP modem. I have had this issue for a while, so my ISP did send me a replacement modem last month. I replaced everything and used the cables provided with that modem. I don't know how to see the log file for Spectrum. From what I have gotten from the people on customer service, they said the signal is strong on their end and that there are no issues. I don't know if that is true, but the modem does stay on with a signal when the WAN cuts out. However, I don't know if that is accurate.

 

[Jafang]

Definitely replace the ethernet lan cable between the ISP equipment and the WAN port on the router. Try alternate WAN port on the ASUS if available if changing the cable does not help. You can also try a different ISP LAN port (not DMZ or passthrough) .

If the ASUS has external antennas, make sure they are screwed on firmly and not loose.

Do you have the same issues if you use only the ISP wireless router ? Turn off the ASUS for a while. If Yes, have the ISP tech replace the ISP gear and check the install.
If not , factory reset and load stock firmware and leave the ASUS at defaults ( other than password, SSID, WAN, etc. Don't change anything else) and turn off ISP wifi . Issue still there ? If yes, RMA the router and go back to the ISP equipment for a while.

Other possibility might be power to the router. Is the power adapter, when plugged in, warm or cold or hot to touch ? Is it plugged into the wall / plug bar / surge arrestor / or UPS ?

I did replace that LAN cable. By alternative WAN port, are you talking about the 2.5G port on the ASUS router? I have never tried that. Unfortunately, my Modem only has one LAN port.

I have made sure that the antennas are screwed on firmly.

My ISP did not give me a wireless router.

I can try changing the outlet where the router is plugged in. It is connected to a fairly old plug bar. The power adapter is warm to touch.

 

[degrub]

I did replace that LAN cable. By alternative WAN port, are you talking about the 2.5G port on the ASUS router? I have never tried that. Unfortunately, my Modem only has one LAN port.

I have made sure that the antennas are screwed on firmly.

My ISP did not give me a wireless router.

If you can get a cheap wifi router, AX class, you might try that as a backup and to rule out the current ASUS. Maybe a current TP-Link or cheap ASUS supported by Merlin. Or do you have a friend that can loan you an AC or AX router ?

I can try changing the outlet where the router is plugged in. It is connected to a fairly old plug bar. The power adapter is warm to touch.

Warm to touch is about right. Worth a try anyway.

 

[bennor]

My router's WAN port is connected to the ISP modem.

Is it really a ISP "modem" or is it a ISP router or gateway? Sometimes what the IPS claims is a modem is really a router. Might help if you provide the specific make and model of the "ISP modem". Its possible the "ISP modem" may have an administration page/GUI where it's log may be available. Check the ISP provided device for a access information sticker.

If you connect a PC, with a strong firewall, directly to the "ISP modem" does the issue you are experiencing persist?

 

[Jafang]

Is it really a ISP "modem" or is it a ISP router or gateway? Sometimes what the IPS claims is a modem is really a router. Might help if you provide the specific make and model of the "ISP modem". Its possible the "ISP modem" may have an administration page/GUI where it's log may be available. Check the ISP provided device for a access information sticker.

If you connect a PC, with a strong firewall, directly to the "ISP modem" does the issue you are experiencing persist?

It is a Spectrum ES2251 Modem, and from what I have seen online, its just a modem without router capabilities. I don't see anyway online to access the logs.

As for direct connection, I don't have any devices with an ethernet port at home, and I am not the only one using the internet. I will consider debugging this after I get a connector if the issue persists after changing the WAN port from the internet to 2.5 Ghz port.

 

[bbunge]

You may want to go back to the Asus firmware. My RT-AX86U Pro works very well on Asus version 3.0.0.6.102_34349. I recommend using the Dual Band SmartConnect, set the 2.4 GHz to 20 MHz on Auto channel, the 5 GHz to 80 MHz on Auto Channel no DFS and the default WPA2-Personal Authentication Method. Using the 80 MHz will give you better range and stability on the 5 GHz. Using 160 MHz can cause issues with the 5 GHz band dropping off if the router detects RADAR. And, always do a factory reset and manual reconfigure when going from Merlin to Asus or Asus to Merlin firmware.