What's new

Seeking advice on Asus RTAX88U Pro setup of 5G wifi

  • SNBForums Code of Conduct

    SNBForums is a community for everyone, no matter what their level of experience.

    Please be tolerant and patient of others, especially newcomers. We are all here to share and learn!

    The rules are simple: Be patient, be nice, be helpful or be gone!

e_identity

New Around Here
I purchased a new Asus RTAX88U Pro to replace my failed RTAX86U (see separate thread https://www.snbforums.com/threads/asus-rt-ax86u-no-start-seek-troubleshooting-help.90540/). I installed the Merlin software, set it up with separate SSIDs for 2.4 and 5.0 wifi, and had some problems with WiFi cutting out. So, I fully redid the install. [I re-downloaded the latest Merlin firmware (RT-AX88U_PRO_3004_388.7_0), and verified that the downloaded file matched the hash (the prior version also matched the hash). I installed the firmware, and then reset the router by hard factory reset.] Starting from the welcome screen, I set up the wifi network with my two separate SSIDs (2.4 and 5.0). I did not change any other wifi settings. At first, the wifi worked as expected, and on a wireless devices (my phone) I could see both SSIDs listed. I went about setting up other options (I have about five devices that need specific IP numbers, and there was a lot of restarting involved in that process). I noticed that the router configuration page accessed via my browser showed info about IP numbers that did not update to current information until I restarted the router, but did update once I restarted. Partway through the process of setting up the IP numbers for these devices, the 5g SSID disappeared and the web page showed that the 5g network had a control channel of “0” (the 2.4 network worked fine). Following some advice on this forum, I set the “channel bandwidth” to 80mHz and the control channel to 36. The 5G network still did not work (control channel "0" and no 5G SSID on my phone). I then tried selecting alternate control channels, and eventually the list of available channels became became truncated to “Auto” only. Restarting the router has no effect. So, I uninstalled Merlin, installed the stock firmware, and went through all the steps above, with the same result (see screenshot-I could not capture an image showing the truncated list of control channels, but if the down arrow is selected, "Auto" is the only option).
Capture.JPG

I contacted Asus tech support via live chat. I did not ask about how to fix the problem, but did state that I had a router on which the 5G network was defective and asked whether the problem with the 5G network was present on the entire product line or if I could expect a the 5G network to function on a new router. I was told that I could expect the 5G network to function on a new router.

So, I am returning the router to the vendor as defective, and have a replacement coming (same model). Is there anything I should do differently when setting up the new router?
Thanks for any advice!!
 
Unfortunate event, you didn't do anything wrong. Your 5GHz radio @80MHz wide and control Ch.36 must be working properly everywhere. It's a common non-DFS range. When you get the replacement run it on stock Asuswrt firmware for some time to make sure it's working properly. You may also want to see the new features in Asuswrt 5.0 (3.0.0.6). Current Asuswrt-Merlin is Asuswrt 4.0 based (3.0.0.4).
 
Thanks very much for your response. Replacement router arrived. I set it up on Asuswrt without changing any settings except SSID and WPA-PSK key for the 2.4 and 5.0 wifi networks. Firmware updated to 5.0 on setup (3.0.0.6.102_33308). Both wifi networks are currently working on stock settings. I will look into at the 4.0 vs. 5.0 issue. I appreciate your looking at this! e
 
Using separate SSID'S is old school and not needed with newer routers. Dual Band SmartConnect does work.
 
I will look into at the 4.0 vs. 5.0 issue

Not an issue, just Asuswrt-Merlin on 3.0.0.6 base is not available yet. Keep the bands separate for more control and better performance.
 
I will look into at the 4.0 vs. 5.0 issue.
If you are asking about the Asus-Merlin 3006.x firmware support for your router. It doesn't exist. Note what RMerlin explains in the the very first post to start the following thread:
Do not ask about support for other models. 3006.102.1 will only support these two models (plus the GT-BE98 by Gnuton), and we will re-evaluate things after that realease is finalized on any other potential device to support. These must be picked in collaboration with Asus as GPL code and device samples (in the case of new devices) are necessary for each individual model.
RMerlin made a similar statement in a earlier thread:
Just to reiterate: don't ask for any ETA on availability, or for support for other models. 3006.102.1 will only support these three models, and we will re-evaluate things after that realease is finalized on any other potential device to support. These must be picked in collaboration with Asus as GPL code and device samples (in the case of new devices) are necessary for each individual model.
 
You will just have to be patient waiting for the 3.0.0.6 based firmware from RMerlin for your new RT-AX88U Pro router. Stock firmware should work just fine in the meantime.
 

Latest threads

Support SNBForums w/ Amazon

If you'd like to support SNBForums, just use this link and buy anything on Amazon. Thanks!

Sign Up For SNBForums Daily Digest

Get an update of what's new every day delivered to your mailbox. Sign up here!
Top