AX-86U: Internet LED Solid Red Light - Cannot login router

[azuza]

Last week, I was trying to factory reset and configure my home network. But I did it so much because for some hare-brained reason, I couldn't keep up with the passwords I was changing. So after a couple hours, I get a solid red light on my Internet LED (the globe with a ring icon).

I was worried a bit; because at one point, I found an unwanted computer connected to my network. I thought my network could have been compromised while I was in one of my attempts of setting my network. (I was in a rush. I thought it would be easy because I thought I had the steps written down.)

But then I call my ISP. And the tech support told me I had a red LED because the router couldn't find an Internet connection.

So the next day, I had a ISP tech service check out my house. They concluded that the line from the street plant to my house was slow. So they wrote a ticket for further work on the node plant.

At the same time, I bought another AX-86U with overnight delivery. I'm so desperate to get my network running, not only because of web browsing, but smart home and cameras. So nerve-wrecking.

I'm still waiting on whether ISP has fixed their end of the problem. If not, then I probably have to set up my new AX-86U and install my Merlin firmware.

======

Anyone else ever had a problem similar to mine?

AZUZA

 

[OzarkEdge]

Last week, I was trying to factory reset and configure my home network. But I did it so much because for some hare-brained reason, I couldn't keep up with the passwords I was changing. So after a couple hours, I get a solid red light on my Internet LED (the globe with a ring icon).

I was worried a bit; because at one point, I found an unwanted computer connected to my network. I thought my network could have been compromised while I was in one of my attempts of setting my network. (I was in a rush. I thought it would be easy because I thought I had the steps written down.)

But then I call my ISP. And the tech support told me I had a red LED because the router couldn't find an Internet connection.

So the next day, I had a ISP tech service check out my house. They concluded that the line from the street plant to my house was slow. So they wrote a ticket for further work on the node plant.

At the same time, I bought another AX-86U with overnight delivery. I'm so desperate to get my network running, not only because of web browsing, but smart home and cameras. So nerve-wrecking.

I'm still waiting on whether ISP has fixed their end of the problem. If not, then I probably have to set up my new AX-86U and install my Merlin firmware.

======

Anyone else ever had a problem similar to mine?

AZUZA

All three... anxious, last mile ISP issue, and router needs to be configured.

Relax!

What is your ISP type and what are you connecting the RT-AX86U WAN port to... box and port? Use the new cable that came with the router. Did you reboot the ISP box after getting 'no Internet'?

If you wire a PC directly to that box and port, does it connect to the Internet? Don't leave it connected!

Install the firmware on your router, Hard Reset that firmware to its default settings, and configure it from scratch minimally to get going. Configure the Wireless security/settings first to secure your network from neighbors. If no Internet connection, investigate upstream, cabling and box.

And make notes as you go to stay on track, to dispell the uncertainty, and to record credentials.

My notes, in configuration order... your non-Pro model has the old Guest Network feature... use GN2,3 for a standalone router.

OE

 

[azuza]

ISP: SPECTRUM
MODEM: NETGEAR CM600

Other than my router, I can confirm certain devices can connect to the Internet through direct ethernet cable connection to the modem.

Usually, my modem directly connected to router's WAN. Cannot login router to install latest firmware. (Last firmware was installed 2024 April 28.)

Currently, my MacBook (fresh clean) is directly connected to my modem via ethernet adapter. I immediately downloaded my vpn and firewall app.

I have not tried a new cable. (What's the typical CAT cable used these days? I haven't had new ones for 20 years.)

Types of hard reset I've tried:

• Power reset (first modem, then router)
• Hard reset button (first modem, then router)
• Hard reset, plus disconnecting power plug, ethernet cables, and coaxial (?) cable. Then power reset.
• (Here's a new one for me) While the AX86U is powered on, hold down WPS until the power LED turns off. Then power off the router; and power it back on. (Supposedly, it's an alternative to the reset button, if the hard reset doesn't work. -- according to ASUS website video.)

 

[OzarkEdge]

ISP: SPECTRUM
MODEM: NETGEAR CM600

Other than my router, I can confirm certain devices can connect to the Internet through direct ethernet cable connection to the modem.

Usually, my modem directly connected to router's WAN. Cannot login router to install latest firmware. (Last firmware was installed 2024 April 28.)

Currently, my MacBook (fresh clean) is directly connected to my modem via ethernet adapter. I immediately downloaded my vpn and firewall app.

I have not tried a new cable. (What's the typical CAT cable used these days? I haven't had new ones for 20 years.)

Types of hard reset I've tried:

• Power reset (first modem, then router)
• Hard reset button (first modem, then router)
• Hard reset, plus disconnecting power plug, ethernet cables, and coaxial (?) cable. Then power reset.
• (Here's a new one for me) While the AX86U is powered on, hold down WPS until the power LED turns off. Then power off the router; and power it back on. (Supposedly, it's an alternative to the reset button, if the hard reset doesn't work. -- according to ASUS website video.)

So, cable Internet with standalone cable modem... and it seems to be working. That's good... Spectrum has been reliable in my area.

That's a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem... not sure of your area, but here Spectrum will loan you a free, up-to-date DOCSIS3.1 modem with a 2.5G port... might be worth getting that upgrade, if possible.

If you can't login to the router webUI to admin, next step is to start over... Hard Reset and re-commisssion the router... the network.

A CAT5e Ethernet cable is common and sufficient for your WAN connection... I always use the new one that comes (and stays) with the router... to confirm it works before I adopt it as a 'good' cable.

FW Reset FAQ

Reset button/webUI Restore/node removal clears settings in NVRAM; reboot restores fw defaults from CFE

Hard Reset via WPS button/webUI Restore+Initialize also clears data logged in /jffs partition

If you can login to the router webUI, the firmware Restore+Initialize will Hard Reset the firmware to its default settings. Otherwise, use the WPS Hard Reset method for your model (see link above). Given you can't login for some reason, also disconnect everything from the router except your admin PC in case something external is messing with the electronics.

Is your ISP coax directly and only connected to the cable modem?

With cable Internet, it's worth confirming that the coax shield is properly bonded (grounding block) to the building electric Earth at the demarc to ensure a common ground for all equipment. This connection often falls into disrepair and then weirdness/noise happens when 0 VDC is not the same all over.

OE

 

[Tech9]

I found an unwanted computer connected to my network.

Perhaps one of your own devices connected with randomized MAC after SSID/password change.

Careful with the ports at the back, the default WAN port is the blue one, the green one is a LAN port.

 

[azuza]

So, cable Internet with standalone cable modem... and it seems to be working. That's good... Spectrum has been reliable in my area.

That's a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem... not sure of your area, but here Spectrum will loan you a free, up-to-date DOCSIS3.1 modem with a 2.5G port... might be worth getting that upgrade, if possible.

If you can't login to the router webUI to admin, next step is to start over... Hard Reset and re-commisssion the router... the network.

A CAT5e Ethernet cable is common and sufficient for your WAN connection... I always use the new one that comes (and stays) with the router... to confirm it works before I adopt it as a 'good' cable.

FW Reset FAQ

Reset button/webUI Restore/node removal clears settings in NVRAM; reboot restores fw defaults from CFE

Hard Reset via WPS button/webUI Restore+Initialize also clears data logged in /jffs partition

If you can login to the router webUI, the firmware Restore+Initialize will Hard Reset the firmware to its default settings. Otherwise, use the WPS Hard Reset method for your model (see link above). Given you can't login for some reason, also disconnect everything from the router except your admin PC in case something external is messing with the electronics.

Is your ISP coax directly and only connected to the cable modem?

With cable Internet, it's worth confirming that the coax shield is properly bonded (grounding block) to the building electric Earth at the demarc to ensure a common ground for all equipment. This connection often falls into disrepair and then weirdness/noise happens when 0 VDC is not the same all over.

OE

Thanks

I started on my newly purchased router. I set it up with the app. So far so good(?) ... Except--

I can't login router through browser, update/install Merlin, etc.

Yeah, the ISP coax is directly and only connected to the cable modem.

I'll look into those weblink you provided later.

AzuzA

 

[azuza]

Perhaps one of your own devices connected with randomized MAC after SSID/password change.

Careful with the ports at the back, the default WAN port is the blue one, the green one is a LAN port.

Yeah, I was in a rush, thinking I could do this in my sleep. So I wouldn't notice the LAN port; but I don't think my muscle memory even recognizes a LAN port.

As for randomized MAC, I have MAC filtering, which doesn't do randomized MAC (I think). Randomized MACs on devices always change when rejoining other networks, right?

 

[Tech9]

Randomized MACs on devices always change when rejoining other networks, right?

If you have changed SSID/password the device sees it as new network and activates randomized MAC automatically. You have to disable it again.

As for randomized MAC, I have MAC filtering, which doesn't do randomized MAC (I think).

Don't bother with this MAC filtering unless you use it to prevent specific devices from connecting to "wrong" band with SmartConnect enabled.

 

[azuza]

If you have changed SSID/password the device sees it as new network and activates randomized MAC automatically. You have to disable it again.



Don't bother with this MAC filtering unless you use it to prevent specific devices from connecting to "wrong" band with SmartConnect enabled.

I'm just OCD about some bad actor sneaking on my network. (Which has seemed to happen. Last week--same event-- I saw an unfamiliar computer while I was configuring my old router.)

 

[azuza]

Think my last step is to login the router via web gui.

But I am at a loss about how to do so.

help?

 

[L&LD]

I'm just OCD about some bad actor sneaking on my network. (Which has seemed to happen. Last week--same event-- I saw an unfamiliar computer while I was configuring my old router.)

If security is what you crave, don't use an 'app' to configure your network. May as well post your settings on Facebook.

 

[Tech9]

But I am at a loss about how to do so.

You may want to check your connections first, reset your router after and start over with setting it up?

 

[bennor]

Think my last step is to login the router via web gui.

But I am at a loss about how to do so.

[Wireless Router] How do I enter my ASUS router's setting page using Web GUI? | Official Support | ASUS Global

Note that it is generally strongly recommended by most here to disable (set to No) the Enable Web Access from WAN option in the router GUI > Administration > Remote Access Config section.

 

[azuza]

If security is what you crave, don't use an 'app' to configure your network. May as well post your settings on Facebook.

OBVIOUSLY, I didn't mean to.

It was the easiest way to access right out of the box.

 

[azuza]

Yeah, I pushed reset button on the router and power cycled the modem. Red Internet LED light.

I had to set up the router with the app again.

 

[Tech9]

I pushed reset button on the router

Red Internet LED light.

Obviously.

I had to set up the router with the app again.

Is it working as expected now?

 

[azuza]

Obviously.



Is it working as expected now?

Yes. But how do I switch to web gui?

 

[Tech9]

Yes. But how do I switch to web gui?

WebGUI is at the router's LAN IP address, default is 192.168.50.1, use a Web Browser to access.

Click here:

http://192.168.50.1

Or here:

http://www.asusrouter.com/

 

[azuza]

Thanks. I know that. I'll show you a screenshot of what I got/get.

 

[L&LD]

Try another browser, try clearing the cache on Safari.

Or, reset the router once more, and don't use the app to set it up.