Firmware Options

[bman]

So I just bought the RT-AC66U of course and I am having issues.

I was running the latest update for the original ASUS firmware without much issue, but thought I'd try Merlin builds to see performance.

Merlin seems to be broken for me, WiFi does not reach places it used to, its basically worse then before. I have a 3 story house.

The WiFi used to reach up stairs with more then 2 bars, now it does not. Same with out on the deck, now its 1 or 2.

So is Tomato or DDWRT any better, what's my best option?


Also, I might be having LAN issues as well in terms of speed, any tests I can do to know if it's the router (maybe a dud?)

Also, I have the router standing up as they suggest, is that really the best way to have it setup? Anyone got a picture to how the antenas should be? I know how they say, but they never really show a picture of them.

 

[bman]

Well then, thats much help.

I thought I would get a bunch of replies offering their opinions. I read the poll, but I am having issues with Merlin, so thought I'd get other suggestions.

 

[cmillar6]

Merlin's build uses the same drivers that the stock Asus firmware uses for the AC66u and retains the same core code and functionality. Your wireless issues therefore have nothing to do with his specific firmware. Switching to DDWRT or the like will actually decrease your performance. Try changing wireless channels to see if it improves signal strength.

 

[DaveMishSr]

Merlin's firmware uses the same wireless drives as Asus so if you have having issues the cause lies elsewhere. Try clearing your NVRAM and manually reconfiguring your setup. If that doesn't work then use a program like inSSIDer to see what the WiFi traffic is like in your area and select a channel with the lowest interference. If you go over to DD-WRT and USBTomato you will see a performance decrease. I use Merlin's stuff exclusively and I can stream HD video to any of my DirecTV receivers faster than I can view it. No more video buffering for me!

 

[mikeg]

I am going to try rhe DD-WRT f/w because I am having issues with the 5 GHz band and as the wireless drivers seems to take it's time to arrive in Asus f/w, I will in the near future try the DD-WRT f/w.....

Well then, thats much help.

I thought I would get a bunch of replies offering their opinions. I read the poll, but I am having issues with Merlin, so thought I'd get other suggestions.

 

[jlake]

So I just bought the RT-AC66U of course and I am having issues.

I was running the latest update for the original ASUS firmware without much issue, but thought I'd try Merlin builds to see performance.

Merlin seems to be broken for me, WiFi does not reach places it used to, its basically worse then before. I have a 3 story house.

The WiFi used to reach up stairs with more then 2 bars, now it does not. Same with out on the deck, now its 1 or 2.

So is Tomato or DDWRT any better, what's my best option?


Also, I might be having LAN issues as well in terms of speed, any tests I can do to know if it's the router (maybe a dud?)

Also, I have the router standing up as they suggest, is that really the best way to have it setup? Anyone got a picture to how the antenas should be? I know how they say, but they never really show a picture of them.

Try resetting the router to factory defaults and then reconfigure from scratch. Then remove your old wireless profiles from you computers and/or "forget" the network on your phone/tablet.

Use inSSIDer.

Read your PDF manual for antenna position.

 

[zOlid]

It feels so strange that this router have been out for like 1 year now.
And still there are huge issues with the drivers.
Is this really driver related? Or is it some other issues?
It makes me worried :/

 

[mikeg]

Some users have no problem others have , so it is just to see for yourself if you are among those lucky ones without issues. In my case it is driver related so
Asus and Broadcom has worked to get the new drivers to work but till now I have not seen any solution yet.....

It feels so strange that this router have been out for like 1 year now.
And still there are huge issues with the drivers.
Is this really driver related? Or is it some other issues?
It makes me worried :/