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.

 

[Jafang]

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.

I have tried both options. I have also tried to a new TP-Link router and the issue persists, so I believe that this is an ISP issue. Spectrum sent a senior technician out, and they were there when packets were loss. They said there would need to be some maintenance done on the lines outside, but that might take a few weeks. Thanks for all the advice so far. I'll update everyone here later with what happens.

Also, a question for anyone who might know. They mentioned that my bandwidth was being used up to 90% at some points and that I was using around 60-70MB/s, but Merlin never showed close to that. Is there a difference between what is show in the traffic monitor versus bandwidth actually used?

 

[Jafang]

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 ?


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

I have gotten a new cheap TP-Link router and the issue still persists. In a reply to another person, I just mentioned how a technician by the ISP noticed packet loss, and there were problems outside the line. So thank you for helping me to narrow down the problem.

 

[degrub]

could be packet losses between the modem and the ISP upstream equipment resulting in a lot of re-transmits. The ISP should be able to tell you.

 

[maxbraketorque]

Since you've already tried two modems, seems very likely to be a signal quality issue somewhere in the Spectrum lines. Unfortunately, I don't think its possible for end-users to log into that modem to see signal status information, so you are stuck with whatever the Spectrum techs tell you. That aside, you definitely need to push the issue with Spectrum. You may need to purchase your own modem so that you can observe signal quality info yourself. If you decide to purchase, I suggest the Coda56 modem. It seems to be reasonably priced and work well.

 

[Tech9]

I suggest the Coda56 modem

I have 2x CODA56 in use on Rogers Cable. They are ISP provided devices after DOCSIS 3.0 to 3.1 upgrade. Confirming no issues.

 

[maxbraketorque]

I guess I'll add that periodic dropped internet connections is commonly associated with poor cable signal quality. What typically happens is that the modem is unable to maintain a connection to the plant, so the modem has to renegotiate a connection. Thus, you may see the status lights on your modem change when internet drops out. If you see this happen, its a sure sign that there are cable signal quality issues.

 

[TedW]

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.

Very interesting... I'm working through very similar symptoms with Spectrum with my ET2251 modem connected to my RT AX88U Pro running 3006.102.4. Generally run fine, but - intermittently losing WAN connection between the modem and router. Modem and cable were replaced a few days ago by a tech - who indicated the line looks good. But - the issue persists. Spectrum is in the - well, it must be your router mode, since all their data (that I can't see & they won't share) indicates no problem on their side. I may switch back to my older AC88U temporarily to try and 1/2 split the issue. Wondering if the router has any additional logging that may provide clues.... Have you made any progress with your situation? Since it's persisted across different routers with you - I presume an ISP issue.

 

[BooBox]

Very interesting... I'm working through very similar symptoms with Spectrum with my ET2251 modem connected to my RT AX88U Pro running 3006.102.4. Generally run fine, but - intermittently losing WAN connection between the modem and router. Modem and cable were replaced a few days ago by a tech - who indicated the line looks good. But - the issue persists. Spectrum is in the - well, it must be your router mode, since all their data (that I can't see & they won't share) indicates no problem on their side. I may switch back to my older AC88U temporarily to try and 1/2 split the issue. Wondering if the router has any additional logging that may provide clues.... Have you made any progress with your situation? Since it's persisted across different routers with you - I presume an ISP issue.

Are you sure this is just a wan connection problem? I noticed all your logs are wireless logs. Does this problem affect wired connections too?

 

[BooBox]

That's weird. It seems if my post is too long it gets flagged for moderation review. Is there some kind of post limit? Or is it because I'm new? Thought maybe it was because I was replying to comment instead of op but that doesn't fix it either.

 

[BooBox]

First, if you're using a spectrum modem, you can't see the signal levels or logs. I think spectrum either loads a custom firmware or configuration file that blocks access. If you want to diagnose the modem connection, you would need to buy your own modem. If you want to do that, let me know and I can research what the best modem is for you. The Arris s33 is the gold standard but there may be better or cheaper options depending. If you don't want to buy your own modem or can't because you need that one for phone service, then just try connecting a computer directly to the modem and see if it still has a problem. Remember to power cycle the modem each time you change what is connected to it. It is a moderate security vulnerability to leave Windows device connected directly to a modem without a hard firewall so if you have anything Linux or even Apple that would probably be better. But as long as your Windows firewall is turned on and everything is up to date, you should be relatively safe. You're basically just trying to see if the router is causing the problem or Your internet from spectrum. If you find is something with your internet, the first thing I would do is check how the coaxial gets from the street or Pole to the room the modem is in. Check for any splitters you can replace or get rid of any loose connections you can tighten and any bad or long wires you can shorten or replace. This becomes easier. If you have a modem you can see signal levels with or even a DOCSIS meter, but those are really expensive.

Spectrum does rent routers but they don't push a modem router gateway like other isps like Comcast. They give you a stand-alone modem or phone modem for free with service. The only catch is they lock down the diagnostics probably to keep people from calling in because they don't understand what they're looking at. The manual for the modem tells you how to get to the diagnostics but there's not a whole lot of information online about what it means. Some white papers and some old general stuff but not a really good simple outline especially when it comes to DOCSIS 3.1 in mid-Split.

I'm guessing this has something to do with ingress. It almost always ingress. Ingress is outside signal leaking into the coaxial line which disrupts the signal that the internet provider is sending to your modem for internet. Usually it's cellular but it can be anything from ham to a baby radio to someone having an old VCR hooked up. This ingress will usually manifest as t3 timeout errors in the event logs on the motive, but you can't see those either unless you get your own modem with Spectrum. Imagine short little micro disruptions of the connection that if you get enough of them, the whole process has to reboot to re-establish. Kind of like internet brownouts. Brownouts or electrical problems can actually cause the problem too. So make sure that the electricity that is powering the modem is good and that the power supply for the modem isn't overheating or old.

 

[TedW]

Are you sure this is just a wan connection problem? I noticed all your logs are wireless logs. Does this problem affect wired connections too?

In my case (I'm not the OP)... ALL connectivity is impacted. On the router UI, in the Network map under "Internet Status", the Router indicates it has lost internet connection. Spectrum in my area provides the modem free, though I have owned my own in the past. Their techs have come out, checked lines, re-terminated several connections (even though everything tested ok). When your ISP won't share any of the data they have.. leaves one rather blind. Their suggestion.. call Asus... who I fully expect will be rather limited in what they can suggest. For now - I'm trying some tweaks to the router. May fall back to my old modem, and/or my old router - just to 1/2 split a bit. Or.. maybe this is the excuse to drop the coin on a new WiFi 7 router!