RT-AC66U poor performance/dropping connections

[searay268]

Hello, I'm new to the forum and wish to apologize if this is a repeat question, I did a search and didn't see anything that seemed to apply.

We have an RT-AC66U at our office and I'm getting reports of either very poor performance and connections dropping.

The current firmware version is 3.0.0.4.270.

My boss is wanting to just go out and buy a different router but I wanted to make sure there isn't something that can be done with this one.

I am not a wireless expert by any stretch of the imagination. What is the best way to go about troubleshooting these things?

Thanks

 

[jlake]

Basic troubleshooting steps are:

1. Update the firmware
2. After the firmware update, reset the router to factory defaults
3. Reconfigure the router from scratch
4. Remove all of your old wireless profiles from computers, phones, etc
5. Make sure 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz have unique SSIDs
6. For 2.4 Ghz, change the channel width to "20 Mhz"
7. Change the 2.4 Ghz channel with the help of inSSIDer
8. If you have cascaded your Asus router to another router, make sure it is not double natting on the same subnet. (Change the Asus IP address to something like 192.168.9.1) or use AP mode instead.

http://kb.linksys.com/Linksys/GetAr...less_Network_Profiles_.xml&pid=80&converted=0

http://www.cultofmac.com/143029/how-to-forget-a-wi-fi-network-on-your-ios-device-ios-tip/

http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/

 

[searay268]

Thanks for the info. I'll be back in the office on Monday so I'll try your steps then.

One thing I didn't think of is both ranges have the same SSID at the moment. I'll change that for sure. I can probably do that remotely today.

A quick question regarding the two ranges. Which one is more commonly used, 2.4 or 5 Ghz?

 

[Igb]

Allmost all actual devices still work on 2.4Ghz band, some newer smartphones and adapters are the only devices that will use the 5Ghz frequency.

However, 2.4 band is absolutely saturated and overused in some urban areas, that makes 5ghz band sometimes faster with 11n in both cases (even with worse penetration due to higher frequency)

And of course, if you want 802.11ac, 5ghz is the only option

 

[RMerlin]

However 5 GHz has a shorter range than 2.4 GHz, so it's a tradeoff. I use my laptop on the 5 GHz band (since I never far from the router), but mobile devices such as my Nexus 7 use the 2.4 GHz band so they work anywhere in the house, and they don't need a very high wireless speed.

 

[GTvert90]

Do you have vpn active? If so shutting off network share under vpn settings

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2

 

[ichon]

Hello, I'm new to the forum and wish to apologize if this is a repeat question, I did a search and didn't see anything that seemed to apply.

We have an RT-AC66U at our office and I'm getting reports of either very poor performance and connections dropping.

The current firmware version is 3.0.0.4.270.

My boss is wanting to just go out and buy a different router but I wanted to make sure there isn't something that can be done with this one.

I am not a wireless expert by any stretch of the imagination. What is the best way to go about troubleshooting these things?

Thanks

Basic troubleshooting steps are:

1. Update the firmware
2. After the firmware update, reset the router to factory defaults
3. Reconfigure the router from scratch
4. Remove all of your old wireless profiles from computers, phones, etc
5. Make sure 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz have unique SSIDs
6. For 2.4 Ghz, change the channel width to "20 Mhz"
7. Change the 2.4 Ghz channel with the help of inSSIDer
8. If you have cascaded your Asus router to another router, make sure it is not double natting on the same subnet. (Change the Asus IP address to something like 192.168.9.1) or use AP mode instead.

http://kb.linksys.com/Linksys/GetAr...less_Network_Profiles_.xml&pid=80&converted=0

http://www.cultofmac.com/143029/how-to-forget-a-wi-fi-network-on-your-ios-device-ios-tip/

http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/

I would also like to point out, that physically moving the AC66U is worth a shot. Even just half a meter, can in some cases do worlds of difference.

Wireless signals are tricky that way, and can easily be interfered with by common appliances like: Transformers, wall insulation, heavy-duty motors, fluorescent lights, microwave ovens, refrigerators, and other industrial equipment (ASUS also writes this on page 9 http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-AC66U/E7891_RT_AC66U_Manual.pdf)

 

[rljames]

Basic troubleshooting steps are:

6. For 2.4 Ghz, change the channel width to "20 Mhz"

Nice summary, Thanks.

Would you please explain why you recommend setting the 2.4 Ghz channel to "20 Mhz" over the other choices? I've experimented and seem to get better performance using "40 Mhz"...

Also, would you add to the summary a word or two about clearing NVRAM? When and how?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[klamb55]

This is helpful thanks!

 

[ckitchen]

Thank you jlake. Was having the same problem (I'm a home user, definitely not an expert). Switching the channel width to "20Mhz" did the trick. Saved me a big headache!

 

[Rafmat]

Hi,

I think you may be interested by my experience, first I used my Asus RT-AC66U for a year without any problem, manly in 2.4G, but at that time he was located close to ADSL router and in horizontal position, then I decided to extend my wifi networl and moved my Asus RT-AC66U in the garage with a CPL link to the router, but this time in vertical position (just because it was easier to fix it on the wall), and since then I experienced many disconnexion, and very poor connexion with 2.4G network, but not in 5G !
Thought, the router was having problem and tried to update firmware but with no luck. This lasted during two weeks, until I realized that I was having still the amazing 2.4G speed, but only when I was in the garage !!!
Suddenly I realized that may be my antennas may not be set in the right direction (remember the asus was put on the wall, but kept the antennas horizontal) ... I changed the two external antennas back to verical (like the router), and now I can enjoy same amazing speed in my entire house !!!

It was just an antenna position issue, so if any of you are facing the same problem ? Check first what is the speed close to the router, then check far away with different antenna position !

Good luck