To close the loop on these three issues that I described in a previous post in this thread, I think they are resolved -- (non-issues). I retested flashing the firmware, using both the router's web GUI and the Firmware Restoration utility, and I restored the configuration settings from a backup file without any problems. I was satisfied that these processes worked effectively:
Flashing and Backup Issues. a. Reliability of settings configuration file is questionable. (I don't like to think of having to manually re-enter all of the settings that make my network flow correctly.)
I couldn't duplicate the problem I experienced previously when it appeared that the settings were only partially restored. I can only conclude that something went wrong when I flashed back up to a 64KB NVRAM firmware from 32KB and the backed up 64KB NVRAM settings weren't compatible. Anyway, subsequent flashing of latest firmware and restoration of settings was accomplished without trouble.
b. Reliability of Firmware Restoration utility operation is questionable. (Assuming the router is bullet proof -- here's hoping -- other flashing methods might work.)
I used the Firmware Restoration utility several times without problems to load firmware onto the router. I think that previously I didn't watch the screen at the time the restoration completed. The utility program doesn't have a clear process completion message. After the firmware is restored, the window almost immediately states that the router is not in the rescue mode. Instead of that being a problem though, it means that the router has booted with the firmware just restored, so of course it's not in the rescue mode.
c. Duplicate web GUI login-blocking enigma ("You cannot Login unless logout another user first") complicates and frustrates resolution of problems. (When router is fully functioning, I've been able to log in simultaneously from different computers, both HTTP and HTTPS -- maybe that's just the Merlin build? -- and I haven't had that problem with Linksys or DD-WRT GUIs. Duplicate login restrictions should be removed. Remote access might be needed but wouldn't be available if the web GUI was left open on the LAN.)
While the restriction on duplicate logins to this router is an unnecessary nuisance if more than one device is active on the LAN, it's easily dealt with by attaching only one computer to the router when setting it up or upgrading it, as RMerlin pointed out. Or if you forget to do that like I did, just unplug the others from the router and refresh the browser window to the web GUI.
I think, by now, it's pretty clear that the RT-N66R is the same device as the RT-N66U and uses the same firmware. (That's probably the case with the RT-AC66R and RT-AC66U, too.)
and 2 research difference if any?
