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Author Topic: Asus RT-AC86U - feedback  (Read 1041 times)

jimmyca69

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Asus RT-AC86U - feedback
« on: October 12, 2020, 09:56:40 PM »

As per title, I am looking at this wireless router as a potential purchase to go along with a VMG8924-B10A modem on my Sky BB setup.

It seems to fit the bill, as long as i stick the merlin f/w on it, but i have noticed a few reviews mentioning troubles with 2.4GHz wireless on them? How bad is this problem? Is the RT-AC68u any better?
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Chunkers

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Re: Asus RT-AC86U - feedback
« Reply #1 on: October 14, 2020, 10:48:07 AM »

Hi!

I can't comment on the RT-AC86U but I do own an RT-AC68U and I documented my issues with it in this thread.  I recognise that a lot of people rate the RT-AC68U highly and I also really like the WebUI and its support for other firmwares, but personally I have not found it to be a reliable device as a router, or indeed as a WAP.  I fully appreciate mine might have been a lemon and will leave others to share their experience.

No idea about the RT-AC86U  :)

C
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tiffy

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Re: Asus RT-AC86U - feedback
« Reply #2 on: October 14, 2020, 11:34:53 AM »

As per Chunkers post, I have no experience with the Asus RT-AC86U.
Did have a short "romance" with a RT-AC68U a few months ago which did not end well, details in this post:
https://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,24720.msg415781.html#msg415781

Again, as per Chunkers comments, I reall liked the Asus GUI especially with the Merlin 3rd party firmware implemented, would have very much liked to have kept the unit in service but could not resolve the frequent, random PPP session drop outs.

Yes, I may well have received a faulty unit which was advertised and bought in good faith as new from Amazon.
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BT FTTP 150/30, BT Smart Hub 2

dambuilder

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Re: Asus RT-AC86U - feedback
« Reply #3 on: October 14, 2020, 11:38:59 AM »

As per title, I am looking at this wireless router as a potential purchase to go along with a VMG8924-B10A modem on my Sky BB setup.

It seems to fit the bill, as long as i stick the merlin f/w on it, but i have noticed a few reviews mentioning troubles with 2.4GHz wireless on them? How bad is this problem? Is the RT-AC68u any better?
I have no experience of the 86 but I have the RT-AC88U and have no issues with it in my 3 story house. Router is front downstairs window area and I get both a strong 2.4 and 5GHz signal top floor rear.
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j0hn

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Re: Asus RT-AC86U - feedback
« Reply #4 on: October 14, 2020, 01:03:21 PM »

I've been using an RT-AC68U running Merlin firmware for a good few years with zero issues.
Never drops PPP, never drops 2.4GHz clients either.

My brother runs the RT-AC86U which i set up for him. No issues there either.
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Talktalk FTTP 550/75 - Speedtest - BQM

banger

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Re: Asus RT-AC86U - feedback
« Reply #5 on: October 14, 2020, 09:37:52 PM »

Cant comment on the AC86U but I have had the AC68U for a good few months running Asus Beta firmware and its stable with no wireless drops this is the 386 branch of firmware.
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Tim
talktalkbusiness.net & freenetname
Asus RT-AC68U and ZyXEL VMG1312-B10A Bridge on 80 Meg TTB Fibre

https://www.thinkbroadband.com/speedtest/1502566996147131655

psychopomp1

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Re: Asus RT-AC86U - feedback
« Reply #6 on: October 15, 2020, 08:31:00 AM »

Have tried a RT-AC86U and its a great router for the money. Only stopped using it as I needed a tri-band router d/t having tonnes (50+) of wifi clients.

Only thing to be aware of: on smallnetbuilder there's been quite a few reports of the 2.4ghz radio on the AC86U going kaput after a while. Obviously not a huge issue if the router is within the warranty period but nevertheless something to keep in mind.

The other alternative I would suggest is the Netgear R7800. This supports DHCP Option 60/61 and is the best wifi 5 router out there for wifi range and coverage (sits on the top of the SNB router charts). Amazon have this on special offer for around £120 every now and again so this might the best value for money router.

https://kb.netgear.com/000062426/Which-NETGEAR-routers-support-DHCP-option-60-and-61
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