Asus releases FW update for RT-AC68P that is older than current FW

[Poseidon]

Asus just released a new firmware for the RT-AC68P router (3.0.0.4.376.1663).

However the router came with firmware version 3.0.0.4.376.2104 already installed on it upon purchase.

Can someone explain to me why Asus released an "older" fw version as un "update" to the existing newer fw version?

Am I missing something here?

 

[L&LD]

Do you have a newer hardware revision?

Is Asus retracting the 2104 firmware for other reasons?

 

[Poseidon]

I believe the 68P comes with the newer hardware.

This is the first firmware release from Asus for the 68P. There are no other versions on their site. 2104 was never made available. It's just odd they would release what seems to be an older version as a "firmware update" when they shipped out the router with a newer FW.

I'm hesitant to updating because the current 2104 FW is not available to fall back on in case if there is a problem with the FW on their site.

I called Asus support and I couldn't get an answer from them. They seem stumped by this as well.

Very reassuring.

 

[Mario64]

It's quite obvious Asus has no clue what they're doing. Their most recent AC68U firmware is bricking routers.

 

[RMerlin]

Their most recent AC68U firmware is bricking routers.

No it's not. Please let's not start spreading incorrect FUD.

 

[neil0311]

I bought the router last Friday and flashed to Merlin's 376.48_1 build immediately upon unpacking. Turned out that I cannot get IPv6 to work at all with Merlin's build. Looked for the stock firmware on Asus' support site and as of yesterday the RT-AC86P wasn't even showing up.

I opened a ticket with support and asked for a copy of 376 2104 which shipped on the router, and was told to just download the latest rev for the 68U. I pushed back and said that I want the same rev as is listed on the box. The guy responding to me essentially told me NO...in broken English.

 

[DaveMishSr]

It's quite obvious Asus has no clue what they're doing. Their most recent AC68U firmware is bricking routers.

If I were you I would retract that statement as it is not true for one thing. Secondly, Asus does watch these board and they will see your post. There are also workarounds that help some and a fix will no doubt be issued soon. Also, firmware updates are always at the risk of the end user. That is why I now wait a minimum of 48 hours before installing any firmware to see what, if any, bugs might be present.

 

[Poseidon]

If I were you I would retract that statement as it is not true for one thing. Secondly, Asus does watch these board and they will see your post. There are also workarounds that help some and a fix will no doubt be issued soon. Also, firmware updates are always at the risk of the end user. That is why I now wait a minimum of 48 hours before installing any firmware to see what, if any, bugs might be present.

His statement is definitely TRUE and no retraction is needed. Also who cares if Asus staff reads these boards? They have dropped the ball recently when it comes to FW and addressing all these bugs that are being reported. Someone at Asus is asleep at the switch.

We are paying top dollar for these routers, so there is no reason to keep our mouths shut and turn a blind eye and ignore the issues just so no one at Asus get their feelings hurt.

Even their CS staff are clueless about these FW releases and could not offer an explanation. Pathetic.

 

[IAAI]

If I were you I would retract that statement as it is not true for one thing. Secondly, Asus does watch these board and they will see your post. There are also workarounds that help some and a fix will no doubt be issued soon. Also, firmware updates are always at the risk of the end user. That is why I now wait a minimum of 48 hours before installing any firmware to see what, if any, bugs might be present.

Welcome To The Internet My Friend

1- Offended by his post. No matter what he writes, its his opinion and no one can control it . Unless he accused a specific PERSON.

2- Technical Bugs may be everywhere in every product we use ,But not everyone may observe it... As soon as you a launch a service/products you must be ready to accept any feedback including the bad ones.

3- His definition of router bricking might be different than others.

4- It might be his way of motivating someone to provide him with good service/product.

 

[RMerlin]

I bought the router last Friday and flashed to Merlin's 376.48_1 build immediately upon unpacking. Turned out that I cannot get IPv6 to work at all with Merlin's build. Looked for the stock firmware on Asus' support site and as of yesterday the RT-AC86P wasn't even showing up.

I opened a ticket with support and asked for a copy of 376 2104 which shipped on the router, and was told to just download the latest rev for the 68U. I pushed back and said that I want the same rev as is listed on the box. The guy responding to me essentially told me NO...in broken English.

Asus probably didn't actually prepare a release based on this specific version, it was only sent to manufacturing. That's why tech support is unable to provide you with a copy of this very specific build.

This isn't uncommon. Sometimes, Asus will eventually upload the same version and label it as "First release" or something like that. Other times, they will issue an update soon after the product's GA, and this is the build that gets posted to the website (and made available to tech support reps).

The RT-AC68P is a particular case, since it uses the exact same firmware as the RT-AC68U. Which is why the support rep pointed you to the RT-AC68U firmwares.

 

[Poseidon]

Still no update for the 68P. What is it with Asus releasing NEW high-end routers and not releasing any FW to fix the countless bugs/glitches that come with the existing FW?

 

[RMerlin]

Still no update for the 68P. What is it with Asus releasing NEW high-end routers and not releasing any FW to fix the countless bugs/glitches that come with the existing FW?

As already pointed you, this is the exact same firmware as the RT-AC68U, which got updated less than a week ago to 376_3626.

The issue is with the website, not the lack of firmware updates.

 

[Poseidon]

As already pointed you, this is the exact same firmware as the RT-AC68U, which got updated less than a week ago to 376_3626.

The issue is with the website, not the lack of firmware updates.

Thanks Merlin. So Asus has confirmed that 68U firmwares works on the 68P - even though hardware versions are different between the two models?

 

[RMerlin]

Thanks Merlin. So Asus has confirmed that 68U firmwares works on the 68P - even though hardware versions are different between the two models?

Yes. I had initially confirmed it myself by looking at the firmware code, and I also double checked with my Asus contact - it's the exact same firmware. The CPU difference doesn't have any impact on the firmware code.

I would just avoid flashing any older firmware just in case it might not properly support it yet. Also, I admit that I'm having a doubt now specifically with the new 3626 release, as it does a CFE upgrade. I haven't looked the code closely enough to be 100% sure about that one, so just to be safe, I would avoid flashing 3626 until someone else can chime in about his own results. I _should_ be fine, seeing how they handle three different CFE versions in the code,

Can you see what CFE version your RT-AC68P currently has?

 

[Poseidon]

Can you see what CFE version your RT-AC68P currently has?

Version 1.0.2.5

Also not really comfortable with Asus "silently" injecting CFE updates with firmware releases nowadays.

 

[RMerlin]

Version 1.0.2.5

Also not really comfortable with Asus "silently" injecting CFE updates with firmware releases nowadays.

Then you'll be fine. The CFE update only occurs if the CFE is older than 1.0.2.0.

I'm removing the CFE update from my own firmware. People looking to upgrade their CFE will have to either use Asus's firmware, or I might release a special "upgrader" release - I haven't decided yet.