Want to add new RT-AC86U to existing network as AIMesh node

[fisherman]

I have a working RT-AC86U router and want to add a NIB 86U as an AIMesh node, but am a bit confused as to how to start, since I know the first thing I need to do is to get the new router firmware to update. Do I have to disconnect my Primary router and plug the new one's WAN port to my ISP modem, setting it up from scratch as a primary router so I can connect to the 'net and upgrade the firmware?

Or can I more simply connect the new router to a LAN switch, and not disturb my working setup? If Yes, do I connect the new router to my LAN via its WAN port, or just LAN-to-LAN?

I apologize for the newbie question, but honestly I had a heckuva time getting the first AC86U set-up to replace my old RT-N66U--finally got it working and it's been great, but time to add the 2nd 86U...

 

[Tech9]

Power up the new router, reset it to factory default just in case, look for AiMesh node on the main router. If you can add it as AiMesh node successfully, update the firmware from the main router.

If the firmware is very old and you can't add it as AiMesh node, connect the new AC86U WAN port to your existing router LAN port, do minimal configuration as router and update the firmware. Disconnect it, do factory reset and add it to AiMesh from the main router.

 

[fisherman]

Many thanks Tech9. I will post again after I am done!!!

 

[fisherman]

Yikes it was not easy, but I seem to have gotten it to work. Firstly, the "easy route" of just turning-on and adding didn't work because as it happens the NIB 86U fw was ancient 384_32799 and not 386_48260 (or anywhere close). Then I struggled a bit connecting to my existing LAN, probably cuz the NIB 86U was 192.168.50.1 and my LAN is 192.168.1.x. But ultimately I downloaded the latest firmware and connected my laptop to the NIB 86U and got it upgraded.

But then, after of course doing the reset, adding as a node kept failing. Ultimately after some surfing I turned on WPS, and also changed my routers WiFi to Smart Connect, and it finally worked. Dunno which was the culprit--possibly the Smart Connect.

Anyway thanks again Tech9 for the advice--I was at a loss as to how to go about this!

 

[jontalk]

If you don't mind me asking, has the AC86U been reliable? Many in this forum seem to feel its poorly designed and often fails from overheating. And yet owners I've messaged on other sites all say they're rock solid. My AC68P has been foolproof though though it doesn't have the range I'd prefer. Thanks

 

[L&LD]

Do some find the RT-AC86U hardware faulty? Yes.

That is not the majority of the cases though (those people don't post their happy/expected experiences).

Even on this forum, it's not the 'many'. It's the rare few.

 

[Tech9]

I turned on WPS, and also changed my routers WiFi to Smart Connect

WPS has to be ON for node wireless discovery.

Many in this forum seem to feel its poorly designed

It fails for various reasons, not only overheating.

 

[fisherman]

I have not had my two AC86U units long enough to comment on longevity. Suffice to say they are working perfectly for me AFAICT and since both are in well-ventilated open areas I at least don't expect overheating to be a problem, though I haven't noticed any particular warmth from either of them.

There are all manner of possibilities I suppose regarding failures, including of course manufacturing defects. No clue about internals or "design issues". All I know is that I surfed & surfed on upgrading from my RT-N66U and found good reviews (no I didn't look in here, my bad I suppose) and haven't looked back.

I had not visited here in years until I posted this thread and Tech9 helped me.

 

[Tech9]

My post on SNB Forums to sound the alarm about failing in big numbers router model:

Router temperatures

yes, and even the slightest bit helps. I had wired a 120mm 12v fan to a usb plug and taped it on my 86U and got 66C temperatures. This last time, I just set it standing on its edge about 4 to 5 inches away, not "pointed" at the chip, just towards the router, and that got me the same 66C temps...

www.snbforums.com

What is failing more often inside, the first alarm/information came from a Chinese forum:

Router temperatures

this is when I truly wish I had CAD skills. I have been imagining designing a manifold/duct that attaches to the bottom of our AC86 routers where the stand "leg" hides the bottom air vents. place a fan blowing into it, and thus, bringing cool air into the bottom, and allowing it to escape...

www.snbforums.com

It also has software issues, discussed in this thread:

My experience with the RT-AC86U

Decided I'd setup a sort of online diary about my user experience with the Asus RT-AC86U, a.k.a. Wireless-AC2900. It has dual-core 1.8 GHz CPU, 512 MB RAM and for what I can tell, good throughput and good WiFi radios. (If looking for a router in 2022, turns out there are better options for a...

www.snbforums.com

 

[fisherman]

There are as many usage scenarios as there are owners of this router, and in my case I have some 38 clients on the 2-unit mesh. Whenever I've looked at the CPUs they run less than 5% typically, and with a temp sensing gun I can find noplace inside or out that exceeds 40C. The cooling vents at the bottom look open enough to me. I do have the LEDs turned-off FWIW, not for reducing heat but more for security.

The 3td thread you cited starts-off with a bogus "19v PSU has to be massaged to 5v" and that's wrong--it's a 12v supply not 19. What else did he get wrong? Maybe too the merlin fw is adding cycles.

YMMV but until I find something to complain about, I ain't worrying about my AC86Us.

 

[Tech9]

It's not guaranteed to fail. It just fails more often than others. The software bug is perhaps affecting mostly custom scripts users in Asuswrt-Merlin. There is a partial solution to it as well in the same thread. You're safe because you have two. If one fails, the other one can provide Internet until you find a replacement.

 

[OzarkEdge]

My AC86Us did not run hot... they just burned out circuit-wise.

OE