Asus RT-AC86U - connectivity and memory usage

[BlueOrbit]

Just got this new router to replace my trusty RT-AC68U which was just about flawless in 3 years I used it. I upgraded the firmware to the latest 3.0.0.4.384_20308 version and restored the settings from a backup file from AC68U.

I am noticing that this router is using a lot of RAM (85%) in comparison to my AC68U (about 65%), even though it has 512 MB vs 256 MB for AC68U. Also, noticing intermittent drops in connectivity on some clients for brief periods of time.

Anyone experiencing the same issues? Do I need to check any of the advanced settings?

 

[RMerlin]

Memory usage is normal for that model.

Also, you should NOT restore settings from a different model.

 

[john9527]

and restored the settings from a backup file from AC68U.

Can't do that.....you need to factory reset and configure manually.

 

[BlueOrbit]

Can't do that.....you need to factory reset and configure manually.

Hmm, I read somewhere that restoring settings from another model that is AC rated is not a problem. But, will follow your advice and configure manually.

I really want to like this router and need it to be stable.

Thanks!

 

[BlueOrbit]

Ok, factory reset the router and configured everything manually. Looks like the connectivity issues are resolved. Memory usage is at 79%.

 

[maxbraketorque]

Ok, factory reset the router and configured everything manually. Looks like the connectivity issues are resolved. Memory usage is at 79%.

My AC86U is sitting at 55% but with none of the options enabled (no QOS, no AiProtection, no Traffic Analyzer, no Game Boost, no USB). What options do you have enabled?

 

[iceorbital]

being an entirely new platform, uses more memory. merlin confirmed that in some other thread. No issues with your unit.

 

[BlueOrbit]

My AC86U is sitting at 55% but with none of the options enabled (no QOS, no AiProtection, no Traffic Analyzer, no Game Boost, no USB). What options do you have enabled?

I have everything enabled including Parental Controls, but no Game Boost. Looks like these options might use more RAM.

 

[VANT]

its normal

 

[BlueOrbit]

AiMesh and most other options turned on, except Game Boost. RAM usage is high, but as you guys mentioned, I will consider it normal

 

[vango44]

Ai Protection & QOS stuff enabled...

 

[arthurlien]

Ai Protection & QOS stuff enabled...

Could you provide Model, FW version or send feedback with system log, wifi log and cfg file by feedback function ? please add you SNB post URL and Nickname in suggestion field.

 

[lostindark]

I can't understand why is so hard to build Asus router and when you open the box, make settings and just to work without to read all the forums and to makes some tricks to work? I've order ac86u to replace my quantenna router ac87u with all issues of it and now understand that is another disappointment..

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

 

[VANT]

@lostindark
what problem do you have ? My 86u work ok, have some bugs, but is fast and stable with very good coverage.
For configurnig i not need read forums. If You want open the box and forget, then take router/modem from your isp without advanced features.

It's simlpy.

 

[Latzz]

Memory usage is normal for that model.

Seems that way.

The latest flash with 384.20308

1. Immediately after flash, initialise and setup, 115MB free
2. One day later free memory fluctuates between 30MB and 50MB
3. After formating the USB flashdrive attached, free memory went from 50MB to 141MB.


Update a day later. Free memory is down to 130MB. Not concerned even if the memory goes to zero given how the operating system handles it. Just curious why the flashdrive format free up the memory.

 

[mustafa803]

I just came across this thread now...

I noticed the same issue with the RAM with the AC86U....I even posted a thread looking for explanations...

https://www.snbforums.com/threads/asus-rt-ac86u-ram-issues.44813/

I read a post by Merlin somewhere in this forum where he mentioned that Broadcom reserves around 60MB of RAM....That is why we only have access to 430MB...

 

[lostindark]

@lostindark
what problem do you have ? My 86u work ok, have some bugs, but is fast and stable with very good coverage.
For configurnig i not need read forums. If You want open the box and forget, then take router/modem from your isp without advanced features.

It's simlpy.

Thanks but I speak generally.. that you buy router and after that show is on .. something goes wrong and you have to read some forums .. Thanks to Merlin that his magic is working and the routers works but I don't see the point to buy something new and to read why memory is full , why my wifi connection is dropping.. routers must working as the manufacturer is promised.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

 

[BlueOrbit]

Updated to version 3.0.0.4.384_20467. AiMesh is on, most everything else is on, except Game mode. Also, have USB2 and USB3 drives plugged in. RAM usage remains high, but I will consider it normal unless someone tells me otherwise.

 

[lostindark]

Updated to version 3.0.0.4.384_20467. AiMesh is on, most everything else is on, except Game mode. Also, have USB2 and USB3 drives plugged in. RAM usage remains high, but I will consider it normal unless someone tells me otherwise.

View attachment 12346

I've updated to latest version (3.0.0.4.384_20467) than reset the router and make all settings again.
With TrendMicro security On, OpenVPN , USB 3G as failover, DDNS service ON, guest network On at 2.4 G .. I have 70% used memory..

 

[BlueOrbit]

I've updated to latest version (3.0.0.4.384_20467) than reset the router and make all settings again.
With TrendMicro security On, OpenVPN , USB 3G as failover, DDNS service ON, guest network On at 2.4 G .. I have 70% used memory..

I had about the same RAM usage as you (around 70%), until I plugged in 2 USB drives. I suspect the USB drivers somehow use a lot of RAM. If you can try to plug in 2 USB drives and report back, it would be helpful.