Transferring settings from old router to new router is it possible? Router suggestions?

[JOE.G]

Hi,
I currently have a ASUS RT-AC5300 and a RT-AC88U as a node, I am thinking about replacing the the 5300 as my Main with something newer and then maybe using the 5300 as a node. Can I do a back up and then restore that to the New router? will I have to do anything else? Or is it better to start from scratch. The issue with starting over I know there were some settings changed to allow my DVR camera system to connect so could view it remotely.
As you can tell I am not the most tech type person.

Any suggestions to get a up to date router that can handle all types of use in fairly large home? Mostly WiFi not much hard wired and I do Like to stick with ASUS unless there are reasons not to.

Thank you for the help.

 

[ColinTaylor]

It's much better to start from scratch. Your new router will have completely different hardware and is likely to have more advanced Wi-Fi features, e.g. 802.11ax or 802.11be. Starting from scratch will give you the best settings for your new router. Additionally, if your new router is one of the most recent models it's likely to be running the new firmware (3.0.0.6.102_x) branch which is completely different than you current router's.

 

[bennor]

Can I do a back up and then restore that to the New router?

If you search these subforms you'll see this question (using different model router.cfg file on a newer router) gets asked frequently. The answer is always the same. It is NOT recommended to import the router settings from a different model of Asus router, especially where there is a major difference between router models (AC to AX or AX to BE) or between firmware tracks (3004.386 to 3004.388 or 3004.388 to 3004.102). Importing between different routers may work, or it may not due to various differences between the router models. Strange issues may crop up leading to waisted time troubleshooting if one does so. The general suggestion is to write down/record your existing router's settings then manually configure the new router without importing a saved router.cfg file. There are various methods of recording the existing router settings, from manually writing them down to screen capturing each page (to PDF). Yes it is a hassle to manual reconfigure but in the end it is the best way to avoid issues. And often doesn't take as long as people think it does.

For DHCP manual reservations there are various methods to backup those reservations for use on a new router. One popular way, if using Asus Merlin firmware, is to use YazDHCP.

YazDHCP - YazDHCP v1.0.9 [2025-Jul-21] - Feature expansion of DHCP assignments (increasing limit on the number of DHCP reservations)

Release Notes for YazDHCP v1.0.8 production version now available [2025-May-29] The fork from @Jack Yaz's repository is now hosted on the AMTM-OSR GitHub repo: https://github.com/AMTM-OSR/YazDHCP 1) FIXED: Errors when loading the webGUI page on the 3006.102.x F/W version. 2) FIXED: Some...

www.snbforums.com

 

[JOE.G]

Are there certain settings I want to make sure I write down, Certain address and what not? I figured it would be better for fresh install, But I did a google search and people were recommending back up from old router.

Could I log into old router while setting up new and to get the info?

 

[ColinTaylor]

Are there certain settings I want to make sure I write down, Certain address and what not?

Not really. It's down to you to tell us what customisations you've made. We can't guess what they are.

Could I log into old router while setting up new and to get the info?

Sure, no problem doing that. Personally I just use my phone to take a picture of the settings from the old router I'm interested in.

 

[bennor]

Are there certain settings I want to make sure I write down, Certain address and what not?

If you have made any changes from default router settings, you'll want to record those.

Could I log into old router while setting up new and to get the info?

OF course. If you are swapping out routers just keep the other one powered up and connect a computer or device to it that is then logged into the router's GUI so you can refer to it. Just note that depending on the firmware on the new router it may have different screens and settings compared to the old router.

Typically what people do is screen shot (with their web browser or a web browser plugin/extension) the old router's settings and save them as either image files or all the files to a single PDF or Word (or similar) document that they can refer to later when setting up the new router. Or just write down the old router settings on a pad of paper.

 

[Tech9]

Any suggestions to get a up to date router that can handle all types of use in fairly large home?

What happened to the barn and the shop?

3,000 SQ FT 2 story with a 1,000 SQ DT 2 story shop 100 FT from main house, Internet/WI-FI options

Hi, I only have basic knowledge of Wi/Fi set up. For the last few years I have been running ASUS 5300 Main with another 5300 as a node in the house. I have a Nano station 2.4 at the house and another at the shop with a ASUS RT AC88U set up maybe in Bridge mode ( Not 100 % sure ) what ever mode...

www.snbforums.com

You may want to describe better all your existing devices and needs. Not everyone is tracking old posts. You have 2x RT-AC5300 in AiMesh in the house, 1x RT-AC88U as AP Mode in the shop, some old 2.4GHz Ubiquiti NanoStation PtP bridges, a bunch of wireless cameras in the barn further away... You need to change more than one router for some real user experience improvement. Asus inside the house is okay, but they don't make the devices you need outside of the house.

 

[JOE.G]

I am leaning towards the Nano station 5 AC Loco to update the bridge, Figured I would update main router in the house and maybe use the RT-AC 5300 as node in house and shop or maybe just the shop and no node in the house. In the house really isn't needed I only use it as it seems to maybe help the barn cameras a little.

I 'll make a post at some point asking about the routers I am looking at . Tech9 thank you for all the help. I was thinking about trying a repeater outside as they can be had fairly cheap, I am just not 100 % sure how they work.

 

[degrub]

Repeaters = bandwidth < 1/2 stated plus shared. At least half goes to upstream/downsteam, half to clients roughly. If you don't need much, then ok.
AP = bandwidth as stated but time division multiplexing ( radio is shared among all clients). Clients get fastest link rate possible. Radio time is shared.

 

[Tech9]

Figured I would update main router

No new router will replace 2x RT-AC5300 for coverage and no new router will improve significantly your barn situation. I told you what you need and it’s not a new router. You kind of insist on making experiments. It will cost you time and money without any guaranteed improvements.

 

[JOE.G]

I understand that Tech9, Upgrading the router would be for the WiFi 6E channel as I have a few devices now that are capable of this, as well as just a general upgrade.

 

[Tech9]

This 6GHz band has even shorter range, your current routers can do full ISP line speed and your wired infrastructure is Gigabit. This is going to be router specs upgrade only with no much user experience improvement.

 

[JOE.G]

That was going to be a question I had, Is my ISP plan going to hold back any gains for the 6E channel. At what point is a router upgrade really worth it then? I am unsure of the life span of the router as well. Mine is in a good clean environment.

On a side note this is the modem I use, Is this holding me back at all for anything I might be doing?

Amazon.com

 

[degrub]

What does the ISP show as approved modem for your available service bandwidths ?

 

[JOE.G]

I am not sure, At the time I don't believe this was on the official list but they said they could make it work and it has since 2020 when I installed it. My ISP offers faster plans and I may upgrade at some point but honestly I am not sure if I really need it for what I do.

Here is their list.

Spectrum.net

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