WiFi drops Internet rt-ac86u on 386.14_2

[psychbiz]

My RT-AC86U (on Merlin 386.14_2) works fine for days, but will then drop access over wifi to the internet via a bridged ISP modem/router. Both the modem and the Asus report that WLAN is connected and specify WLAN IP address correctly, even though connected devices report connection to the router, but no internet. If I connect to the Asus via Ethernet internet works, but over wifi doesn't (??)

I have tried rebooting all devices affected including the modem and Asus router. Nothing seems to re-establish internet service, but it does eventually return.... until the next time.

Does anyone have any ideas what might be causing this, or how I might troubleshoot. I've been using Merlin's firmware for years, but don't consider myself an advanced user.

I know the RT-AC86U is considered old now and so have been looking to upgrade to the BE92U but many report flaky performance on some WiFi, and it's not readily available in the local market yet.

 

[Tech9]

This RT-AC86U model router is unfortunately known for multiple hardware issues including deteriorating over time radios. Above average failure rate. Plan replacement, but based on user feedback better choose something different and more popular than RT-BE92U.

 

[psychbiz]

This RT-AC86U model router is unfortunately known for multiple hardware issues including deteriorating over time radios. Above average failure rate. Plan replacement, but based on user feedback better choose something different and more popular than RT-BE92U.

Thanks for the feedback on my router model. Hardware issues makes sense of when all was well in the past, but now seems to be getting worse randomly.

I was wanting to purchase a replacement router that would have the longest firmware support as for me, the replacement cost is very substantial. The BE92U seemed to be very new and thus would have the longest software support compared to earlier AX routers. But unstable firmware seems to plague it as well. Right now, I don't know what the wise choice is that will have the longest firmware support, so any suggestions appreciated.

 

[Tech9]

for me, the replacement cost is very substantial

GL.iNet GL-MT6000 is currently $127 (Amazon US) and runs OpenWrt. May be supported for a very, very long time.

 

[psychbiz]

GL.iNet GL-MT6000 is currently $127 (Amazon US) and runs OpenWrt. May be supported for a very, very long time.

Thanks. I'll have a look at that as I've now discovered after a hard reset of the RT-AC86U that the WLAN port doesn't work any more.

 

[ColinTaylor]

Thanks. I'll have a look at that as I've now discovered after a hard reset of the RT-AC86U that the WLAN port doesn't work any more.

The WLAN (wireless LAN) doesn't have a port, it's wireless.

 

[Tech9]

WLAN port doesn't work any more

WAN port perhaps... definitely look for replacement, but don't overpay for hardware with futureproofing ideas. A good reasonable price replacement from Asus for your RT-AC86U is very popular around RT-AX86U Pro. Not the latest and greatest, but similar vertical small footprint design and since it runs the new 3006 firmware the expected support is in years from now. Good luck!

 

[psychbiz]

WAN port perhaps... definitely look for replacement, but don't overpay for hardware with futureproofing ideas. A good reasonable price replacement from Asus for your RT-AC86U is very popular around RT-AX86U Pro. Not the latest and greatest, but similar vertical small footprint design and since it runs the new 3006 firmware the expected support is in years from now. Good luck!

Duh! WAN port of course. Not sure why I typed otherwise. And thanks for the device recommendation and the advice not to future proof, which has been my underlying principle and causing the struggle with choices.

 

[Tech9]

The business model is different now. You perhaps have noticed everything new on the consumer market is made cheaper and more disposable. The additional features you pay extra for with futureproofing ideas may remain unused for the life of the device. Of course, purchase decisions are entirely yours and you know best what eventual needs you may have in near future.