Release ASUS ZenWiFi XT8 Firmware version 3.0.0.4.388_24684

[Dodgydrains]

Version 3.0.0.4.388_24684
V1 - 49.7 MB
V2 - 50.32 MB

2024/11/05

1. Strengthened input validation and data processing workflows to further protect information security.
2. Enhanced AiCloud password protection mechanisms, safeguarding against unauthorized access attempts.
3. Enhanced device security through improved buffer handling in connection features.
4. Refined data handling processes, ensuring secure and accurate information management.
5. Enhanced file access control mechanisms, promoting a more secure operating environment.
6. Strengthened certificate protection, providing enhanced data security.

V1 - https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/ZenWiFi_XT8/FW_ZENWIFI_XT8_300438824684.zip?model=ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8)

Please unzip the firmware file, and then verify the checksum.
SHA256: ffbae9dc6c9a1b0364d8d7b1c96b999c3be3c5610457312721621c12aba2bba1

V2 - https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/ZenWiFi_XT8/FW_XT8_V2_300438824684.zip?model=ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8)

Please unzip the firmware file, and then verify the checksum.
SHA256: 3b504fb01fb135ca590c90c459ab0f85bbead5135f681d2c8e5fbd4ab90142dd

 

[kaktus]

Flashed this version on my (secondary) AiMesh node and until now it is working fine with my primary router (with latest Merlin).

 

[Dodgydrains]

I have been on the latest FW for over 7 days now. Rock solid so far for my use case.

 

[FreddyP]

I have been on the latest FW for over 7 days now. Rock solid so far for my use case.

Do you have V1 or V2 units? Glad to hear it's rock solid in your use case

 

[Dodgydrains]

Do you have V1 or V2 units? Glad to hear it's rock solid in your use case

I have 4x V1 units

 

[kaktus]

This release is stable for 3 days now on both nodes (with wireless backhaul). However the RX rate of the wireless backhaul is not as steady as with Merlin 3.0.0.4.388.8_2-gnuton1 (TX rate level is the same).
But better safe than sorry in regards of the current AiCloud malware issues.

 

[RioBlanco]

I can't remember which update it was but this has happened to me in the past where only the primary router and not the nodes were updated, so I manually upgraded the firmware on each of the nodes (ethernet cable from computer to node) and since then the updates have occurred across all the devices.

 

[cdmackay]

Thanks! I manually updated my three secondary nodes to 24668.

The the auto-update offered 24684 for all four nodes, which installed fine automatically, just as you said; thanks again.

 

[majika]

Hi all,
Its definitely a Strange one this is.. OK, I have Two XT8's (Ver 1.0)

When I try to get the download for the latest version, it brings up a iframe type popup titled Release Notes and says: "Loading release note, please wait…" (and just hangs there, 30mins+)
Current Version : 3.0.0.4.388_24684-g1e332b0
Manual firmware update : Upload
The latest version : 3.0.0.4.388_24688-gf94212b

If I head over to the Asus website and look for the direct link for the latest firmware here: (https://www.asus.com/networking-iot.../helpdesk_bios?model2Name=ASUS-ZenWiFi-AX-XT8)
It shows as the latest F/W being not the same as what is showing up in my GUI (as above: 3.0.0.4.388_24688-gf94212b)
> ASUS ZenWiFi XT8 Firmware version 3.0.0.4.388_24684
> Version 3.0.0.4.388_24684
> 49.7 MB
> 2024/11/05
> This version of firmware is only applicable to ZenWiFi XT8 of HW Ver: 1.0, please check the product label before utilizing. You can check the hardware version from the product SN label or box label.

When I try to get the F/W from inside my UI, it just isn't happening.. I cant even find the same version anywhere online to match the build and version stated in the UI (3.0.0.4.388_24688-gf94212b)

- when I updated using the latest *Official* Asus website support firmware (3.0.0.4.388_24684) on one of my XT8 nodes the GUI dose not reflect this updated change.
Something weird is going on.. I dont fancy bricking it just before XMAS either.. I mean, I could do with an upgrade just not yet

The question is how to get my hands on the same F/W as is considered the Latest under my GUI (3.0.0.4.388_24688-gf94212b) which, then I can manually upgrade myself?

[EDIT]
So now update now shows:
Current Version : 3.0.0.4.388_24684-g1e332b0
Manual firmware update : Upload
<nothing shown for latest firmware>

So, my thinking is maybe they pushed out the "beta" firmware (3.0.0.4.388_24688-gf94212b) to the update servers and the GUI was (incorrectly or correctly depending on point of view) expecting a later version than what was actually "Officially" released..? [Version 3.0.0.4.388_24684]
At least, Now, everything looks stable. The UI for some reason feels like really snappy on page loads, and the bell notification icon has stopped flashing!
FYI: I would have thought this FW release may have prioritized fixing the AiMesh Wireless backhaul (5Ghz_2 channel) WiFi to not be running as Open/unencrypted would have been fixed? Its still Open and unencrypted which is pretty bonkers!

 

[jmpr]

Hi all,
Its definitely a Strange one this is.. OK, I have Two XT8's (Ver 1.0)

When I try to get the download for the latest version, it brings up a iframe type popup titled Release Notes and says: "Loading release note, please wait…" (and just hangs there, 30mins+)
Current Version : 3.0.0.4.388_24684-g1e332b0
Manual firmware update : Upload
The latest version : 3.0.0.4.388_24688-gf94212b

If I head over to the Asus website and look for the direct link for the latest firmware here: (https://www.asus.com/networking-iot.../helpdesk_bios?model2Name=ASUS-ZenWiFi-AX-XT8)
It shows as the latest F/W being not the same as what is showing up in my GUI (as above: 3.0.0.4.388_24688-gf94212b)
> ASUS ZenWiFi XT8 Firmware version 3.0.0.4.388_24684
> Version 3.0.0.4.388_24684
> 49.7 MB
> 2024/11/05
> This version of firmware is only applicable to ZenWiFi XT8 of HW Ver: 1.0, please check the product label before utilizing. You can check the hardware version from the product SN label or box label.

When I try to get the F/W from inside my UI, it just isn't happening.. I cant even find the same version anywhere online to match the build and version stated in the UI (3.0.0.4.388_24688-gf94212b)

- when I updated using the latest *Official* Asus website support firmware (3.0.0.4.388_24684) on one of my XT8 nodes the GUI dose not reflect this updated change.
Something weird is going on.. I dont fancy bricking it just before XMAS either.. I mean, I could do with an upgrade just not yet

The question is how to get my hands on the same F/W as is considered the Latest under my GUI (3.0.0.4.388_24688-gf94212b) which, then I can manually upgrade myself?

[EDIT]
So now update now shows:
Current Version : 3.0.0.4.388_24684-g1e332b0
Manual firmware update : Upload
<nothing shown for latest firmware>

So, my thinking is maybe they pushed out the "beta" firmware (3.0.0.4.388_24688-gf94212b) to the update servers and the GUI was (incorrectly or correctly depending on point of view) expecting a later version than what was actually "Officially" released..? [Version 3.0.0.4.388_24684]
At least, Now, everything looks stable. The UI for some reason feels like really snappy on page loads, and the bell notification icon has stopped flashing!
FYI: I would have thought this FW release may have prioritized fixing the AiMesh Wireless backhaul (5Ghz_2 channel) WiFi to not be running as Open/unencrypted would have been fixed? Its still Open and unencrypted which is pretty bonkers!

Is 24688 a beta? Mine is updated to that version this morning.

 

[jmpr]

Getting the Sonos to work on a ZenWiFi AX XT8 mesh setup | Sonos Community

After dozens of annoying trial and error sessions (with mostly errors :) I want to briefly share what finally worked.Long ago the issues arose when installing my new ZenWiFi AX XT8 mesh system, when the Sonos system wouldn’t connect at all to the system. By trouble shooting turning things like...

en.community.sonos.com

24688 was mentioned here one month ago. Perhaps you are right and it is a beta released as stable by mistake

 

[RioBlanco]

Looks like an official release -This from Asus Website/Bios & Firmware for Asus ZenWiFiAX(XT8)

 

[jmpr]

Looks like an official release -This from Asus Website/Bios & Firmware for Asus ZenWiFiAX(XT8)View attachment 62763

Yes, it appeared some hours after.

 

[Hozz]

This update seems to be the best yet. WiFi definitely seems to be faster and works better.

 

[RioBlanco]

Hozz, are you referring to 3.0.0.4.388_24684 or the latest 3.0.0.4.388_24688

 

[Hozz]

Sorry my mistake I meant the latest 3.0.0.4.388_24688.
I will put my comment there.

 

[Seven Up]

Hozz, are you referring to 3.0.0.4.388_24684 or the latest 3.0.0.4.388_24688

There are two versions, 1 for v1 firmware and another for v2 firmware

I am running 3 XT8v2 and the main is a GT-AX11000, system has been solid for 10 days now, in the past it was steady on average for 120 plus days without having to reboot the GT-AX11000, this systems works great because they all support the 5gh-2 backhaul channel, I know Asus says it can mesh different units but I found that to be very unstable. I just purchased another used XT8v2 off ebay, be sure before you buy to see a picture of the year and firmware showing that it's a v2, I paid $70 delivered, long live the XT8v2 that my kids on the second floor both average 750Mbps download, I have 1.5GB download speed and have the GT-AX11000 connected to the cable modem at 2.5GB. This is the best setup I have ever had and the most stable.

 

[naitkris]

There are two versions, 1 for v1 firmware and another for v2 firmware

I am running 3 XT8v2 and the main is a GT-AX11000, system has been solid for 10 days now, in the past it was steady on average for 120 plus days without having to reboot the GT-AX11000, this systems works great because they all support the 5gh-2 backhaul channel, I know Asus says it can mesh different units but I found that to be very unstable. I just purchased another used XT8v2 off ebay, be sure before you buy to see a picture of the year and firmware showing that it's a v2, I paid $70 delivered, long live the XT8v2 that my kids on the second floor both average 750Mbps download, I have 1.5GB download speed and have the GT-AX11000 connected to the cable modem at 2.5GB. This is the best setup I have ever had and the most stable.

I am running a similar setup - but six XT8v1's (running official stock firmware) spread around as the Nodes and a GT-AX11000 Pro (running Asuswrt-Merlin) as the main Router and it performs great, no issues with the latest firmware. For example after random power outages (which happens sometimes where I have deployed this setup) all the XT8 nodes come back online and in to the mesh without any manual intervention (that was not always the case with previous firmware). I also ordered some XT8's off eBay but I do the opposite to you and always make sure to get the XT8v1's for a number of reasons:
1) My first ASUS XT8's are v1's so figured it is best to keep all the same
2) XT8v1 is supported by gnuton, so while I run official stock firmware on them as they are all nodes, I like to have a choice in case I change the setup in future
3) There seems to be many more XT8v1's out in the wild and there has been more firmware revisions for it indicating it has been fine tuned over many years now
4) For myself and I think most users the slightly faster 1.7GHz Quad-Core CPU of the XT8v2 does not offer much of a performance boost over the 1.5GHz Quad-Core CPU of the XT8v1. I get similar download speeds of around 720-760Mbps via the XT8v1 nodes and I rarely see the average CPU across all 4 cores go above 30% or so - that's with roughly 12 connected clients and speed test running on 1 of the clients.
5) Someone posted earlier this year at https://www.snbforums.com/threads/x...re-is-this-the-source-of-all-my-issues.88312/ about the XT8 that they "replaced the v2 nodes with v1 nodes, and now everything is working perfectly". Hopefully now at the end of 2024 with the newer firmware the XT8v2 issues are all fixed and it works as well if not better than the XT8v1.

Overall the XT8 is a great piece of equipment that performs very well with latest firmware and some configuration tuning.