Asus GT-AX11000 router

[Terrance Curry]

Hi all,

I would like to know if the Merlin Firmware or some form of it
would be applicable to the GT-AX11000 router as I am considering
upgrading from the RT-AC88U I have currently. The only thing
I would like is the doubling of the DHCP IP reserves and naming
of each device by its MAC address from the stock 64 to Merlin's
128 devices.

I had read that Merlin firmware is not compatible with the
triple band type of Asus routers or routers with AX or wi-fi 6
capabilities?

Well I may not be an expert with certain compatibility of merlin
firmware and newer , more powerful Asus routers lately, so
my concern or focus would be for this particular model I have
an interest or another similarly type of Asus router.

Is there a third party firmware from Merlin that is compatible with
these and if not, what is the future of this, will it or can it ever happen
that your firmware can be applied to that (or those type of ) router(s).

I want to do this research before I invest in this more expensive , but
more powerful router. I have to weigh in if the Merlin tweaks I depend
on in the RT-AC88U are more important... I really do need that 128
IP address reservation and device labeling feature. I do not think 64 limit
in the stock firmware will do for my purposes.

I notice that there are no GT routers in the support page or firmware page
but I do see RT-AX88U and the RT-AC5300... but that is not a tri-band router?
I was hoping to see one of the tri-band routers (two 5GHz bands and one 2.4GHz
band). I wonder if I could improvise with what I have and just
introduce the X88U or 5300 instead of investing in the GT 11000 one?
Decisions...


Thank you.

 

[Hawk]

RT-AX88U does support up to 128, allowing you to assign by mac address. Also it is wifi 6 ready and certified by wifi alliance.

 

[Sanna1967]

Is there a third party firmware from Merlin that is compatible with
these

RT-AX88U ,RT-AC5300 = Yes
GT 11000 = No

 

[Terrance Curry]

RT-AX88U does support up to 128, allowing you to assign by mac address. Also it is wifi 6 ready and certified by wifi alliance.

That is with Merlin Firmware... With stock Firmware Asus only allows 64. I am aware of this
unless you meant to tell me stock firmware also supports 128 clients' mac - ip address labeling
associations?

So the consensus would probably to get the RT-AX88U (but it does not have the
dual 5GHz bands wireless)
unless I can convince
Asus to support 128 Ip address reservations on its GT-11000 one day.
I will call Asus again to ask this request.
Thank you.

 

[AndreiV]

I had read that Merlin firmware is not compatible with the
triple band type of Asus routers or routers with AX or wi-fi 6
capabilities?

You read wrong . To be clear , Merlin does not support firmware for any "GT" models.

The list of supported devices can be found here >>

https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/about

 

[Terrance Curry]

Oops, maybe I should have said I had heard ...
You know with all of these models, it can get confusing which router is which
but I get it, the firmware is not supported on the GT models, however
RT- Models are supported even if tri-band.

My mistake or misspoken comment.

In the end I guess I will not upgrade and just stick to the RT-AC88U
for now.

I just read that the GT-AX11000 router was the best or fastest one (Dong Ngo's
report or from Cnet) and had
hoped the firmware could be used on or in it just for the 128 Ip address
reservations... I will continue to work with Asus to get them to change
something from 64 to 128 here.
Meanwhile, I will just have to assess if the RT-AX88U (not tri band)
is ideal for me or even the RT-AC5300 one...*
Forgive me if I do not get the model numbers correct here, I am tired
doing all of these comparisons and wish things were simpler here.
If I am going to spend about $300 or so on an upgraded router,
I want to make sure I get the best value and benefit (with firmware
application in it and features e.g. 128 and/or tri-band) for my investment
or I guess I just won't do it at all
as it is becoming too complicated (headache) juggling all of these models
and which one is or is not compatible with merlin firmware....

* It seemed as if the GT-AX11000 router was rated better&faster than the
RT-AC5300 or GT-??5300 ones so my focus was to get the 11000
but no merlin support and no 128 IP reservations due to that.
So that leads me back to the dual band RT-AX88U but I really
wanted to try out a tri-band. Or I could improvise by using
the AX88U with the AC88U to simulate a tri-band situation focusing
on the two separate 5GHz bands and not use mesh?
I am tired of this. I will save money by just being happy with what I have.

Thank you.

You read wrong . To be clear , Merlin does not support firmware for any "GT" models.

The list of supported devices can be found here >>

https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/about

 

[Tech Focus]

Oops, maybe I should have said I had heard ...
You know with all of these models, it can get confusing which router is which
but I get it, the firmware is not supported on the GT models, however
RT- Models are supported even if tri-band.

My mistake or misspoken comment.

In the end I guess I will not upgrade and just stick to the RT-AC88U
for now.

I just read that the GT-AX11000 router was the best or fastest one (Dong Ngo's
report or from Cnet) and had
hoped the firmware could be used on or in it just for the 128 Ip address
reservations... I will continue to work with Asus to get them to change
something from 64 to 128 here.
Meanwhile, I will just have to assess if the RT-AX88U (not tri band)
is ideal for me or even the RT-AC5300 one...*
Forgive me if I do not get the model numbers correct here, I am tired
doing all of these comparisons and wish things were simpler here.
If I am going to spend about $300 or so on an upgraded router,
I want to make sure I get the best value and benefit (with firmware
application in it and features e.g. 128 and/or tri-band) for my investment
or I guess I just won't do it at all
as it is becoming too complicated (headache) juggling all of these models
and which one is or is not compatible with merlin firmware....

* It seemed as if the GT-AX11000 router was rated better&faster than the
RT-AC5300 or GT-??5300 ones so my focus was to get the 11000
but no merlin support and no 128 IP reservations due to that.
So that leads me back to the dual band RT-AX88U but I really
wanted to try out a tri-band. Or I could improvise by using
the AX88U with the AC88U to simulate a tri-band situation focusing
on the two separate 5GHz bands and not use mesh?
I am tired of this. I will save money by just being happy with what I have.

Thank you.

I've actually bought into AiMesh because I read Dong's website, and eventually end up owning 2 x Ax11000, 2 x Ax92U, which I recently sold. He really likes Asus products. Somehow I could never get his numbers. But it's because his test are I believe generally assessing REAL capability of the system but not necessary practical experience. For instance, most client devices are 2x2 MIMO, I don't think most have over 1 Gbps ethernet service most don't use 160 MHz channel etc. So seeing over 1000 Mbps speed with 2x2 client is really hard to almost impossible in many practical settings. In fact, I don't think we can even get over 800 Mbps based on 1200 Mbps PHY on Wireless link for 2x2 MIMO WiFi 6 @ 80MHz. That's with really efficient WiFi 6 system (70%), which I am not sure exists. My personal experience (far less value than Dong's) is more concordant with SNB's result which is 600 Mbps range for WiFi 6 system. So I'd be cautious about some of the numbers you see on internet especially if it's higher than PHY's capability with 40% inefficiency, or ones that maxing out internet speed e.g. 300 Mbps because bottle neck is then internet connection. I got burned myself.

 

[K-2SO]

I've actually bought into AiMesh because I read Dong's website

Low trust website with questionable testing procedures.

 

[Tech Focus]

Low trust website with questionable testing procedures.

I did not know better, and Google drives what we see!! But in regarding to his speed test result (at least), I agree would be very careful.

 

[Terrance Curry]

Okay then, I guess I will wait it out and just use what I have.
RT-AC88U in mesh mode with nodes of RT-AC68R and RT-AC86U
in a kind of triangulation set up.
I also am using legacy Asus routers as wireless bridges:
RT-AC66R and RT-N66R ... too many wireless signals perhaps.

I was hoping to upgrade the RT-AC88U to something better, more
powerful and faster router that can handle all the wired and
wireless clients I have accumulated, but they
are too expensive (RT-AX88U or whatever the other ones are ).
I had thought to upgrade and link it with the 88U with an ethernet cable
perhaps to simulate a tri-band router with the focus on the two 5GHz bands
and with the ethernet/gigabit as back haul?.
I still may do that or perhaps get another more affordable RT-AC88U for that
purpose.

Anyway, what is this RT-AX89X router and which merlin firmware would be
compatible in that one? Asus does not seem to show it in its main line of
routers. I only saw it in Dong Ngo's blog Dong Knows .
It looked interesting despite not having detachable antennae.

So I guess there is no point buying a $300+ router if there will be little
benefit as far as speed, connectivity... I find myself streaming more
lossless, uncompressed audio for my stereo systems set up . I also
am doing more viewing of video using FireStick TV (Amazon), Slingbox,
Roku devices. For Audio I am using Yamaha N803 streaming receiver,
Audiocast, ChromeCast audio, Linksys RE6500 (Range Extender) with 3.5mm audio port,
I just added a NAXA NHS-5002 soundbar with wifi audio connection, etc.,
and I wanted to get the best router in the Asus line to benefit from
the AiMesh and keep some loyalty to Asus for the next upgrade and also
benefit from using the Merlin firmware as needed on the master router to
get the 128 IP Reservations across DHCP to associate MAC and IP address and
labeling of each device. I have amassed too many networked devices
using ethernet and wireless adapters , some with both like computers and
video streaming devices, TVs, etc. I need to keep better track of all the
MAC addresses and associations with specific IP addresses and labeling
of such things. The asus stock firmware only limits to 64 and with all
the devices I have , I need more than that to keep track of all these
devices and perhaps be able to ping the right IP address to see if
it is online with the router and all and even to add more security
as I can only allow those MAC addresses in my network and block
others and limit the number of DHCP clients as all or most of
my devices will have seemingly static or predictable IP addresses as determined
by the main router.
I am not sure if it is economically feasible at this point.

Well thank you for your assistance here.

 

[Terrance Curry]

It is final, IF I should upgrade , I guess I will settle with
the RT-AX88U.
It will be ready for possible Merlin firmware installation which will
allow the 128 IP reservations and easy labeling and matching MAC
with IP and naming each device attached to the network (LAN)
and it will be hopefully full-proof for the future. The cost should be
more reasonable compared to the other GT models or gaming Asus
routers. Also, this router (AX88U) is not too much an eyesore
or is not a spider monster like those other huge, bulky gaming routers
(5300 ones) or have 8 antennae. This one can be wall-mounted
easier too.

I can consider linking the RT-AC88U using a gigabit LAN cable to it
perhaps to simulate a "Tri-band" router situation if that makes sense
and using separate SSIDs for the 5GHz band and not use AiMesh
but instead use AiMesh individually with the other routers in the
network if that will work.
Maybe RT-AC68R meshed with the RT-AX88U and
the RT-AC86U meshed with the RT-AC88U and instead
of having 2 nodes meshed with the 1 master router.
I am not sure if that will improve any load balancing with the
many wireless and wired clients I have running in my network.
I just want to have flawless audio (uncompressed .wav) streaming
and really I have few problems now with my current set up but
there are those few moments of dropped connection in the middle
of a song or toward the end. That is just the nature of wireless I guess
as I beam the audio (FLAC) from a handheld device to the big stereo
systems in the network.

Maybe it gives me something more to play with as well.

Thank you & I am sorry I wasted your time.

 

[Terrance Curry]

Well Dong Ngo likes all types of routers not just Asus ones. He liked the Netgear and Linksys ones
and so much, he gets two of them...
Well that is I noticed when he was commentator for Cnet.

I based my decisions on how a few of them were rated on the CNet site
and the best routers or highest rated ones at that time were the
RT-AC68R/U --that one was a buyer's choice there
RT-AC88U
RT-AC86U

When I first moved from Linksys routers to Asus back in 2014,
the other well-rated routers in the Asus line that I had bought when I got the
68R were the RT-AC66R and the RT-N66R and for a while used those three
in a kind of triangulation network of routers linked by bridge mode until the
AiMesh came out ... Once AiMesh came out, I focused on the 68R and the
86U and the 88U as the master router. I am pretty happy with this set up
but I thought I could consider upgrading the 88U router to something
better, newer, updated and that could be the RT-AX88U ... or those 5300 ones
or that 11000 one which cost more than $350.

I might add that I wanted to explore the tri-band routers as well but also
I may want to stick to routers where I can benefit from using the Merlin firmware
with the 128 IP reservations feature (over the stock 64 devices limit) and with
the ability to label each MAC -- IP association. So that means avoiding GT- routers
and sticking to the RT- line.
I think I will just consider the cheaper AX88U which may be just under $300
IF I do it...

Well all the best with your routers set up situation.
Good luck.

I've actually bought into AiMesh because I read Dong's website, and eventually end up owning 2 x Ax11000, 2 x Ax92U, which I recently sold. He really likes Asus products. Somehow I could never get his numbers. But it's because his test are I believe generally assessing REAL capability of the system but not necessary practical experience. For instance, most client devices are 2x2 MIMO, I don't think most have over 1 Gbps ethernet service most don't use 160 MHz channel etc. So seeing over 1000 Mbps speed with 2x2 client is really hard to almost impossible in many practical settings. In fact, I don't think we can even get over 800 Mbps based on 1200 Mbps PHY on Wireless link for 2x2 MIMO WiFi 6 @ 80MHz. That's with really efficient WiFi 6 system (70%), which I am not sure exists. My personal experience (far less value than Dong's) is more concordant with SNB's result which is 600 Mbps range for WiFi 6 system. So I'd be cautious about some of the numbers you see on internet especially if it's higher than PHY's capability with 40% inefficiency, or ones that maxing out internet speed e.g. 300 Mbps because bottle neck is then internet connection. I got burned myself.

 

[RMerlin]

Asus to support 128 Ip address reservations on its GT-11000 one day.
I will call Asus again to ask this request.

It's not possible due to limitation on how much data can be stored in nvram, and this limitation comes from Broadcom.

Even with my firmware you won't be able to enter so many reservations through the webui, and will have to use a custom config file to provide them to the DHCP server.

 

[Terrance Curry]

To clarify, this is regarding the GT-AX11000?
So are there 128 IP clients or IP reservations for the RT- routers namely the
RT-AC88U or even the RT-AX88U?
I have the AC88U and it indicates that up to 128 IP reservations using Merlin firmware.
Asus stock firmware limits this to 64. This is why I chose to use Merlin firmware
for the theoretical 128 and it allows labeling each MAC -- IP association.

Let me know if these limitations you mention apply to the RT models listed.
I thought there was no Merlin firmware for the GT-model of Asus routers?

If there is false advertising of this feature in the RT-AC88U, Please clarify
as I may go back to stock Asus firmware if there is not benefit to having
the 128 potential IP reservations.

It's not possible due to limitation on how much data can be stored in nvram, and this limitation comes from Broadcom.

Even with my firmware you won't be able to enter so many reservations through the webui, and will have to use a custom config file to provide them to the DHCP server.

 

[RMerlin]

To clarify, this is regarding the GT-AX11000?

This applies to every Broadcom-based router from Asus.

I thought there was no Merlin firmware for the GT-model of Asus routers?

There isn't. My point was just to indicate it's not just an arbitrary limitation that can be increased, it's a platform limitation tied to storage space.

If there is false advertising of this feature in the RT-AC88U,

It's not false advertising. It's "up to". How many will fit will depend on the length of your reservations, whether you also specify a custom DNS, etc... The limitation isn't about the number of entries, it's about the space it takes to store them. Just like on your PC the number of applications or games you can install isn't limited by a specific number, but by the amount of disk space.

 

[Terrance Curry]

So does this mean that as I approach nearly 100 or so if not close to 128 IP reservations
that I will have problems in the router using your firmware?
The only reason why I am using your firmware is that I want to approach
100 or so IP reservations and associations and labeling benefits. Otherwise, I think
there are going to be problems due to memory limitations due to the hardware,
then I could be better off using Asus' stock firmware and just live comfortably with
their limitation of 64 .

I guess I will go back to stock firmware soon as for me there could be no other
benefit using Merlin than for what I thought would 128 and the labeling features.
This also means I could explore getting the GT-AX11000 since I won't worry about
Merlin firmware...which is not for this model...
Or I could get the RT-AX88U and just use Asus firmware if merlin firmware
may cause issues as one adds more and more IP reservations nearing 128.
I am not sure if Merlin Firmware could cause problems with this described
memory limitations and that is why Asus has limited this feature to just 64
entries.
Here, if one adds 128 or so entries and with labeling information, will this
cause problems with the memory of these types of RT model routers
and using Merlin Firmware? Would the added entries corrupt something
in the router because one is adding double the amount of entries the stock
firmware allows and the stock firmware does not allow for a labeling or naming
section other than what it gets from the hardware attached to the router.

If there are risks, memory corruption potentially, I do not have time for this and will just
go back to safer Asus stock firmware!
Thank you for your time.

This applies to every Broadcom-based router from Asus.



There isn't. My point was just to indicate it's not just an arbitrary limitation that can be increased, it's a platform limitation tied to storage space.



It's not false advertising. It's "up to". How many will fit will depend on the length of your reservations, whether you also specify a custom DNS, etc... The limitation isn't about the number of entries, it's about the space it takes to store them. Just like on your PC the number of applications or games you can install isn't limited by a specific number, but by the amount of disk space.

 

[RMerlin]

Again, it depends on the data you insert, not the number of entries, and the same potential issue will also exist on the stock firmware.

The dhcp_staticlist variable allows up to 2500 characters. A single entry will look like these.

Best case scenario: length of 29 character.

<80:86:11:22:33:44>10.0.0.1>

2500 / 29 = 86 entries max

Worst case scenario (longer IP, and filling the optional DNS field): length of 52 characters

<80:86:11:22:33:44>192.168.100.100>192.168.100.254

2500 / 51 = 49 entries max

As for stock firmware being safer, that's not the case. My firmware actually validates the max length when you click on Apply, while the stock firmware doesn't validate the length at that moment, and your entries will simply be silently rejected by the web server after you click on Apply, losing any change you have done.

And also, that limit can easily be bypassed with my firmware by entering them directly in a dnsmasq config file, where you could even have 254 static entries if you wished so.

However, I would rethink your network management. I don't see why a home network would require all these static leases. Static leases are generally required for things that have a particular reason for it, for instance a server to which you have port forwards configured in a firewall. LAN access should simply be done by hostnames instead of by IP.

 

[Trip]

I presume you're partiality to AsusWRT prevents you from using an SMB or community grade firewall instead? Any one of them would be able to handle as many static reservations and/or levels of DHCP and subnetting that you'd desire. It seems you've got the budget; I would guess it's just the willingness or know-how that would need a bit of brushing up. You could even keep the Asus gear and just re-purpose it all as APs to lower some of the technical debt. Just a thought, before you go committing to the all-in-one paradigm yet again.

 

[Terrance Curry]

I guess I was thinking hypothetically.
It just seems I have too many devices that are connected or can
be potentially connected to my router and those devices
keeps increasing.
Some devices such as computers and a few video streamers like Roku
(I have 2 of these) that have both wireless and wired connections.
I may only use one of those to connect (either wired or wireless or both
in case of computers).
I guess I would want some predictable IP address assignment to whatever
device connects so if I determine it is not connected, have problems
connecting or even is connected, I can ping its assigned, predictable
IP address rather than try to research what DHCP assigned IP address
is for that device.

It is my attempt to make things more manageable .

So if I connect the smartphone obviously wirelessly, when its MAC hits
the router, I can be guaranteed it is gets a predictable IP address in case
I have to do some diagnosis later.

I guess this is what my focus would be for this feature if the device's MAC
is or is not (but maybe in the future) connected to the router.
I also would like to use the IP reservations section to organize ALL the
devices a bit better or maybe I will just make a spreadsheet
Device, Type, MAC address, predicted IP address, LABEL...
Also in the future maybe I can even consider locking in place all the MACs
connected to or should be connected to my network so I can block out
any strange devices. At times I have noticed a strange cellphone brand
I did not recognize connected or had connected to my network in the logs
(some Alcatel phone... I do not have an alcatel phone.
So I had to block that MAC out. And even I used encryption for security,
I changed it again anyway... (AES whatever)... Maybe someone
cracked my encryption key given some amount of time? And I have
to watch those suspicious cars that seem to park in front of house
for a long long period of time ...

Once I get ALL the MACs in my household organized , I can only allow
those into my network by allowing only those. But I will have to
be disciplined to get a comprehensive list and once I do and have
organized all those, I would just like each device to be a predictable IP address
using IP reservations list and it would be nice to have up to 128 entries as I believe
I have about 80 or 90 devices I have accumulated-- I lost count and that may
included some devices have 2 ways to connect like Sony & Samsung TVs have ethernet and
wireless adapters.
(media streamers, security cameras, computers, Roku TVs, Roku devices,
Firestick devices, cellphones, tablets, Music Fiio , thermostat Wi Fi, printers (laser/inkjet),
range extenders, Chromecast devices, Wemo devices, TVs, wifi bulbs,
networked hard drives (wired,wireless), wifi electrical outlets, etc.
) I got a headache!!
. and some devices can connect via wireless and/or ethernet wired
like Apple Airport Express, or the printers, or the TVs or the computers, etc......
So in summary, when these myriad of devices connect actually or potentially,
I would just like some predictable IP address to be assigned to each one
either wired or wireless so in the event of problems of a disconnection or loss
of connection, I can ping the appropriate IP address . Also there is a security
issue in the future to lock in all these known MACs and block all others by
only allowing the known MACs with predictable IP addresses assigned
in my network and not guess or have to find the DHCP or random
IP address assignment.

addendum: Also I want to get to a point where I categorize
all the different types of devices and assign predictable IP addresses
to them based on MAC and IP reservation.
For instance. for printers... maybe those IP addresses
can be 192.168.1.70 to 79 depending on the number of devices I have...
there can be a category for TVs maybe 192.168.1.120 to 125
category for smartphones 192.168.1.20 to 29
and so forth and I can troubleshoot easier if a device is or isn't connected
by pinging a predictable IP address as assigned conveniently by the router.
Even if all of these devices may not be active , at least I will know when it
does connect, I will know the exact IP address it will get by my memory
or by what I write down or put in the spreadsheet keeping things organized.

Thank you.

Again, it depends on the data you insert, not the number of entries, and the same potential issue will also exist on the stock firmware.

The dhcp_staticlist variable allows up to 2500 characters. A single entry will look like these.

Best case scenario: length of 29 character.

<80:86:11:22:33:44>10.0.0.1>

2500 / 29 = 86 entries max

Worst case scenario (longer IP, and filling the optional DNS field): length of 52 characters

<80:86:11:22:33:44>192.168.100.100>192.168.100.254

2500 / 51 = 49 entries max

As for stock firmware being safer, that's not the case. My firmware actually validates the max length when you click on Apply, while the stock firmware doesn't validate the length at that moment, and your entries will simply be silently rejected by the web server after you click on Apply, losing any change you have done.

And also, that limit can easily be bypassed with my firmware by entering them directly in a dnsmasq config file, where you could even have 254 static entries if you wished so.

However, I would rethink your network management. I don't see why a home network would require all these static leases. Static leases are generally required for things that have a particular reason for it, for instance a server to which you have port forwards configured in a firewall. LAN access should simply be done by hostnames instead of by IP.

 

[Trip]

@Terrance Curry - Your posts are filled with fixed-width carriage returns, making them extremely hard to read. Please use a modern web browser/device to post from, or adjust the one you're using to allow for text-wrapping, so that you're posts will flow naturally like the rest of ours.

It just seems I have too many devices that are connected or can be potentially connected to my router and those devices keeps increasing.

All the more reason for a firewall OS that isn't bound by such reservation limits; aka. most any SMB or community-grade firewall OS.

It is my attempt to make things more manageable [sorting/listing/exporting the MAC table]

Understood. All the more reason to move from AsusWRT to an OS that would allow for just that, with no limits.

Also in the future maybe I can even consider locking in place all the MACs connected to or should be connected to my network so I can block out any strange devices.

The functionality you're speaking of is called Access Control Lists, or ACLs for short, and would be available, again, in almost any modern SMB or community grade firewall OS, to allow for precisely what you're describing.

Also I want to get to a point where I categorize all the different types of device [...] For instance. for printers... maybe those IP addresses can be 192.168.1.70 to 79

Doable manually within your reservations list, on most any router OS, with certain OS's having better sorting and/or sub-grouping functionality than others (mostly SMB/community and enterprise OS's).

All in all, I think you'd find it very beneficial to look beyond AsusWRT, at least for your main wired router/gateway needs.