AC66U broken?

[odiovidio]

I've been using an Asus AC66U since November 2013. I've always used the newest merlin firmware as soon as it came available.

Lately, the wireless signal has gone very weak (I have not tweaked any wireless power settings).

If I stand right beside the router, I can only get a max of -75dB on 2.4GHz and max of -85dB on 5GHz.

I've tried going back to the latest Stock Asus firmware, but it doesn't help.

Is my router toast? (it's out of warranty). What tests can I run to find out for sure?

 

[RMerlin]

Remove and put back the antennas in case one isn't properly screwed.

Try a full power cycle:

1) Turn off your router
2) Unplug its power
3) Turn it back on for 5 seconds, then turn it back off - this will drain any left over charge
4) Plug it back
5) Turn it back on normally

See if that helps.

Also, make sure you test with two different clients, in case the issue might be with the client and not the router itself.

Last resort, try a factory default reset in case your settings would be corrupted.

 

[Pierino]

If you bought it in November 2013, it's still under warranty. If it was new.

 

[odiovidio]

I tried the RMerlin's power down method - no change
I tried factory default settings - no change
I swapped the antennae with another AC66U from work - no change
I've tested with 3 different clients.


Actually, the 5GHz has signal has gotten worse. I can't even pick up the signal unless I'm right beside the router.

I took the router apart to see if anything was loose inside, but everything appears OK.

I bought this factory refurbished, so it only had a 3 month warranty.

I guess I'm in the market for a new router.

 

[RMerlin]

I tried the RMerlin's power down method - no change
I tried factory default settings - no change
I swapped the antennae with another AC66U from work - no change
I've tested with 3 different clients.


Actually, the 5GHz has signal has gotten worse. I can't even pick up the signal unless I'm right beside the router.

I took the router apart to see if anything was loose inside, but everything appears OK.

I bought this factory refurbished, so it only had a 3 month warranty.

I guess I'm in the market for a new router.

Might be worth contacting Asus's RMA department to see if maybe they would accept repairing it under warranty. I'm not sure if the 3 months warranty is from the manufacturer or the reseller. Be warned however that it can take a few weeks before they send back a replacement unit (if indeed they decide to fix/replace it), unless you can get what is called an Advanced Replacement (in which case they immediately send you the replacement, and you send yours back only after receiving it - but will reserve the value of the router on your credit card until they do receive the defective unit).