[RT-N66U] - 5Ghz drops

[DaaT]

Hi everyone. I've had this router for maybe 3 years now and though drops were always present, they were never this bad, as it's now happening several times every day.

It's set to 40Mhz, channel (not auto) 136. There's no 5Ghz congestion, only one other AP in a different channel.

The router's running the latest firmware from Nov 1st and even tried the Merlin firmware, but no changes. I've searched online and found others with similar issues in the past, but am wondering if there's a way to sort it or is a new router the best way to go.

Thanks.

Edit: just to add there are no USB drives attached and the 2.4 network is stable.

 

[MichaelCG]

Multiple very long threads regarding this issue. Not sure anyone has for sure identified the culprit. I gave up, disabled WiFi, and just use it as a router.

 

[DaaT]

Thanks Michael, guess it's time to get a new router. Any suggestions? Don't need a top of the line, latest & greatest, just some nice speeds (though no ac devices atm, but will have) and stability.

 

[MichaelCG]

If the N66 was serving your needs just fine, just keep looking at the newer Asus line and pick one in your price range. Personally, I can't give any specific recommendations since I don't use any of them. There are gobs of threads on here that give 20 million opinions for replacements. Pick a budget, research on the reviews, and go buy one. If the N66 was fine for you, it won't be hard to find something affordable to replace it.

My vote...keep the N66 as your router and go buy a dedicated AP to serve your WiFi needs. That is what my problematic N66 is doing...handling router duties at my in-laws house while Ubiquiti APs handle WiFi duties.

 

[mgeoffriau]

Just to test, try sticking a fan behind it to see if the problem is related to overheating.

 

[DaaT]

Thanks for the suggestion mgeoffriau, checked and it doesn't overheat.

Michael, decided to go for the Netgear X4S (R7800p), seems like a solid router.