Rt-ac68r with next to nonexistent wifi

[Pierino]

Like the title says. I can only pick up wifi on either band from no more than 1 foot away.
Any other uses for the router or should I junk it?

 

[tim]

that does seem unusually bad, maybe a hardware fault. Try getting it replaced.

 

[Pierino]

It's not under warranty anymore.

 

[hggomes]

Another refurbished device?

 

[Pierino]

You got it. So toss it?

 

[hggomes]

It seems faulty HW by the description.

 

[Pierino]

I agree but is it good for anything else or should I throw it away?

 

[hggomes]

It can always be used as a wired router, but you can open it and look inside first, you will not loose anything, take a look at antenna connectors or any other visible issues.

I had a client reporting the same on a Linksys WRT54G and the connector soldering was broken inside, i have solder it again and it works like new.

 

[netwrks]

I agree but is it good for anything else or should I throw it away?

You can always disable the radios and use the switch ports. (router mode , or not).

 

[Pierino]

I had already opened it. Nothing loose or disconnected.
Use it as as a switch ports, router mode or not?
You mean like adding ports to my existing router or something?

 

[netwrks]

I had already opened it. Nothing loose or disconnected.
Use it as as a switch ports, router mode or not?
You mean like adding ports to my existing router or something?

Yes, If you require switch ports in your network (equivalent to a switch) you could use the device for that. Run a cable from your good router, to this device) Just remember to turn off DHCP etc.. Use it as a layer two switch..

 

[RMerlin]

I had a client reporting the same on a Linksys WRT54G and the connector soldering was broken inside, i have solder it again and it works like new.

You realize that your hourly rate is probably enough to make it more affordable to upgrade to even a cheap RT-N10, and triple the router's speed in the process, not mentionning this router is probably on its last leg due to its age?

 

[hggomes]

Sure but that decision was not mine, the client is the boss.

Btw, that happened maybe 4-5 years ago, no RT-N10 existed at that time LOL

 

[RMerlin]

Sure but that decision was not mine, the client is the boss.

Btw, that happened maybe 4-5 years ago, no RT-N10 existed at that time LOL

Gotcha, that makes more sense now. Because between a diag + solder job on a 5-7 years old router and a 29$ RT-N10, I couldn't understand the customer's reasoning