Intermittent internet disconnects on AX86U

[elyl]

I am on Spectrum internet, using their provided router/modem in bridge mode with my AX86U. I am getting intermittent disconnects from the internet, a few times a day. While disconnected, the router normally reports that the ISP's DHCP is not functioning correctly. I have tried changing between Normal and Continuous mode for the DHCP, but I'm getting the disconnects with either selected. It normally reconnects itself within a few minutes. Can someone decode these logs and tell me what's going on, or if they have any suggestions?

Aug 22 17:52:45 dhcp6_client: bound address 2603:****/128, prefix 2603:****::/64
Aug 22 17:52:45 rc_service: dhcp6c 2928:notify_rc restart_ddns
Aug 22 17:52:45 dhcp_client: bound <My WAN IP>/255.255.192.0 via <My WAN Gateway> for 56264 seconds.
Aug 22 17:52:45 Samba_Server: daemon is started
Aug 22 17:52:49 kernel: CONSOLE: 247574.198 wl1: r0hole: tx_exp_seq 0x1, seq 0x2
Aug 22 17:52:49 kernel: CONSOLE: 247574.261 wl1.0: wlc_send_bar: for <Smart TV MAC> seq 0x2 tid 3
Aug 22 17:52:57 kernel: eth0 (Int switch port: 3) (Logical Port: 3) (phyId: c) Link DOWN.
Aug 22 17:52:57 kernel: ===> Activate Deep Green Mode
Aug 22 17:52:57 kernel: bcmswlpbk0 (Ext switch port: 8) (Logical Port: 8) Virtual link DOWN
Aug 22 17:52:58 WAN_Connection: ISP's DHCP did not function properly.
Aug 22 17:53:03 WAN_Connection: WAN(0) link down.
Aug 22 17:53:05 kernel: <=== Deactivate Deep Green Mode
Aug 22 17:53:05 kernel: bcmswlpbk0 (Ext switch port: 8) (Logical Port: 8) Virtual link UP
Aug 22 17:53:05 kernel: eth0 (Int switch port: 3) (Logical Port: 3) (phyId: c) Link Up at 1000 mbps full duplex
Aug 22 17:53:08 WAN_Connection: WAN(0) link up.
Aug 22 17:53:08 rc_service: wanduck 5231:notify_rc restart_wan_if 0
Aug 22 17:53:12 odhcp6c[2737]: Failed to send DHCPV6 message to ff02::1:2 (Network is unreachable)
Aug 22 17:53:12 rc_service: dhcp6c 4228:notify_rc restart_ddns
Aug 22 17:53:12 rc_service: waitting "restart_wan_if 0" via wanduck ...
Aug 22 17:53:12 wlceventd: wlceventd_proc_event(469): eth7: Deauth_ind <Smart TV MAC>, status: 0, reason: Deauthenticated because sending station is leaving (or has left) IBSS or ESS (3)
Aug 22 17:53:13 kernel: CONSOLE: 247597.557 wl1.0: wlc_ampdu_flush_scb_tid flushing 0 packets for <Smart TV MAC> AID 25 tid 0
Aug 22 17:53:13 kernel: CONSOLE: 247597.557 wl1.0: wlc_ampdu_flush_scb_tid flushing 0 packets for <Smart TV MAC> AID 25 tid 1
Aug 22 17:53:13 kernel: CONSOLE: 247597.557 wl1.0: wlc_ampdu_flush_scb_tid flushing 0 packets for <Smart TV MAC> AID 25 tid 3
Aug 22 17:53:13 kernel: CONSOLE: 247597.557 wl1.0: wlc_ampdu_flush_scb_tid flushing 0 packets for <Smart TV MAC> AID 25 tid 4
Aug 22 17:53:13 kernel: CONSOLE: 247597.557 wl1.0: wlc_ampdu_flush_scb_tid flushing 0 packets for <Smart TV MAC> AID 25 tid 5
Aug 22 17:53:13 kernel: CONSOLE: 247597.557 wl1.0: wlc_ampdu_flush_scb_tid flushing 0 packets for <Smart TV MAC> AID 25 tid 6
Aug 22 17:53:13 kernel: CONSOLE: 247597.557 wl1: random key value: 7730C6F7658EA8753589023E1807EBB2294F928D76A7043F8B2CA530638600FD
Aug 22 17:53:13 kernel: CONSOLE: 247597.557 wl1: wlc_txbf_delete_link_serve failed for <Smart TV MAC>
Aug 22 17:53:13 kernel: CONSOLE: 247597.694 iov:SCB_DEAUTH
Aug 22 17:53:13 kernel: CONSOLE: 247597.694 iov:SCB_DEAUTH
Aug 22 17:53:13 dnsmasq[3318]: interface br2 failed to join DHCPv6 multicast group: Address already in use
Aug 22 17:53:13 dnsmasq[3318]: interface br1 failed to join DHCPv6 multicast group: Address already in use
Aug 22 17:53:13 dnsmasq[3318]: interface br0 failed to join DHCPv6 multicast group: Address already in use
Aug 22 17:53:14 wsdd2[3338]: error: wsdd-mcast-v6: wsd_send_soap_msg: send
Aug 22 17:53:18 WAN_Connection: ISP's DHCP did not function properly.
Aug 22 17:53:21 kernel: CONSOLE: 247605.842 wl1: r0hole: tx_exp_seq 0x18f, seq 0x190
Aug 22 17:53:22 ddns: WAN IP is empty.
Aug 22 17:53:25 kernel: eth0 (Int switch port: 3) (Logical Port: 3) (phyId: c) Link DOWN.
Aug 22 17:53:25 kernel: ===> Activate Deep Green Mode
Aug 22 17:53:25 kernel: bcmswlpbk0 (Ext switch port: 8) (Logical Port: 8) Virtual link DOWN
Aug 22 17:53:32 kernel: <=== Deactivate Deep Green Mode
Aug 22 17:53:32 kernel: bcmswlpbk0 (Ext switch port: 8) (Logical Port: 8) Virtual link UP
Aug 22 17:53:32 kernel: eth0 (Int switch port: 3) (Logical Port: 3) (phyId: c) Link Up at 1000 mbps full duplex
Aug 22 17:53:33 rc_service: udhcpc 4745:notify_rc start_dhcp6c
Aug 22 17:53:34 wan: finish adding multi routes
Aug 22 17:53:34 WAN_Connection: WAN was restored.
Aug 22 17:53:34 miniupnpd[2834]: shutting down MiniUPnPd
Aug 22 17:53:34 start_ddns: update WWW.ASUS.COM update@asus.com, wan_unit 0
Aug 22 17:53:34 inadyn[4905]: In-a-dyn version 2.8.1 -- Dynamic DNS update client.
Aug 22 17:53:34 miniupnpd[4924]: HTTP listening on port 45994
Aug 22 17:53:34 miniupnpd[4924]: Listening for NAT-PMP/PCP traffic on port 5351
Aug 22 17:53:34 rc_service: udhcpc 4745:notify_rc start_vpnclient1
Aug 22 17:53:39 BWDPI: fun bitmap = 83
Aug 22 17:53:39 A.QoS: qos_count=0, qos_check=0
Aug 22 17:53:43 A.QoS: qos rule is less than 22
Aug 22 17:53:43 A.QoS: restart A.QoS because set_qos_conf / set_qos_on / setup rule fail
Aug 22 17:53:44 dhcp6_client: bound address 2603:***/128, prefix 2603:****::/64
Aug 22 17:53:44 rc_service: dhcp6c 4831:notify_rc restart_ddns
Aug 22 17:53:44 start_ddns: update WWW.ASUS.COM update@asus.com, wan_unit 0
Aug 22 17:53:44 inadyn[5403]: In-a-dyn version 2.8.1 -- Dynamic DNS update client.
Aug 22 17:53:44 rc_service: udhcpc 4745:notify_rc stop_samba
Aug 22 17:53:44 rc_service: udhcpc 4745:notify_rc start_samba
Aug 22 17:53:44 rc_service: waitting "stop_samba" via udhcpc ...
Aug 22 17:53:44 wsdd2[3338]: Terminated received.
Aug 22 17:53:44 Samba_Server: smb daemon is stopped
Aug 22 17:53:45 dhcp_client: bound <My WAN IP>/255.255.192.0 via <My WAN Gateway> for 56204 seconds.
Aug 22 17:53:45 Samba_Server: daemon is started
Aug 22 17:54:33 kernel: CONSOLE: 247676.527 wl1: r0hole: tx_exp_seq 0xa3c, seq 0xa3e
Aug 22 17:54:39 kernel: CONSOLE: 247681.627 wl1.0: wlc_send_bar: for 48:f1:7f:e7:ca:2a seq 0x1 tid 7

It seems to loop a few times with similar log entries with the WAN connection being restored, and it dropping/DHCP errors. Happens for a few minutes then it's back up for a while.

 

[SoCalReviews]

1) This is a special setting for Spectrum/Charter Internet that many Asus router owners use...

In the Asus router settings click on the WAN tab > Internet Connection tab > scroll near the bottom and click on Special Requirement for ISP > DHCP Query Frequency > and select Normal Mode > click on Apply button at the bottom of page.

Give it some time... at least an hour or hours or more and see if this change stabilizes your Spectrum Internet connection. If you want you can power off your modem and router for five minutes after you make this settings change and after the router fully rebooted with the changes. Power the modem on first for five minutes and then power on the router in that sequence.

2) Call Spectrum technical support. You can run their automated system test but you should try to talk to a Spectrum human technical representative to give you details of your service lately. They usually can see a record of your connection status from their end (I believe it is recorded and stored in their modem).

Also ask if there have been any outages for internet service in your area or region. Spectrum has been having a lot of problems lately with their service in various areas. Unfortunately it seems to be a common theme with them lately and I am speaking here from experience.

Even though the www.speedtest.net tests may show your throughput is good or normal it seems like the internet service will still sometimes experience problems. They could be having bandwidth saturation and over usage problems on their end. I know that their HDTV service has been having problems in my area in recent years with none functioning channels, etc... requiring the use of newer cable boxes to help remedy the problem.

The error message... Your ISP's DHCP did not function properly... is a known issue I have experienced off and on at times for years with Spectrum internet service. It can be perfect for weeks or months and then suddenly it can start having problems. You might need to have a tech come to your location and check the physical cable line signal as well.

 

[elyl]

Yeah, I have tried both the normal and continuous DHCP modes. I had to switch from Aggressive when I initially set it up. Normal dropped off, so I switch to Continuous, and it worked fine for a while, but it dropped off, too. I've tried switching between these modes a few times, but eventually there'll be a drop out.

It would be nice to be able to tell if it's definitely a Spectrum problem, because when I phone them I know they'll ask me to use their crappy router again. It's an Arris modem/router, and I don't think there are any end user-accessible logs... I can't get into the web interface when it's in bridge mode anyway.

 

[Tech9]

Use the ISP provided device as modem/router, connect yours in double NAT, place its IP in ISP router DMZ. There is no difference in performance and you won't have any issues. If the Internet stops or the modem disconnects again, call them to fix it. It's their own router now with their own service.

 

[elyl]

Use the ISP provided device as modem/router, connect yours in double NAT, place its IP in ISP router DMZ. There is no difference in performance and you won't have any issues. If the Internet stops or the modem disconnects again, call them to fix it. It's their own router now with their own service.

Does double NAT not affect UPnP and stuff like that? Always thought it was a bad idea.

 

[SoCalReviews]

I believe what @Tech9 is saying is that if you are using their equipment in the way they specify and you get the internet drops then Spectrum will be obligated to fix the problem without excuses.

I don't know what region you are located in with Spectrum service but I can assure you that due to their increase in customers and bandwidth over saturation their internet service in many areas has been a problem for them lately. They have been upgrading their capacity but it hasn't been fast enough. I would start with the assumption that it is a problem with their service and try to get them to fix it. After they fix the problem with new cable lines, non shared more direct line, an amplifier, new provided modem, etc.. then you can set things back up however you want.

As a last resort if you exhaust all these processes and you are still having problems you could try another router (older router or other equipment) with your service just to see if it also has the same disconnection related problems. I don't believe it's very likely but there could be another settings change or hardware issue to look at.

I looked at the logs you posted and there could be some things to look at. Note: Before posting I hope you tried hard resetting the Asus router after flashing to the latest firmware just to make sure there wasn't a firmware and settings corruption conflict.

 

[Tech9]

Does double NAT not affect UPnP and stuff like that?

No. When your router's IP address is in ISP router DMZ, all ports are open for your router. It saves you the manual port forwarding on two devices. Everything else is working properly in double NAT. You may have to edit your ovpn file, if you run OpenVPN server on your Asus router. Small details here and there, but not a concern. Let their own device establish the connection and they have nothing to say about your own equipment behind it.

I believe what Tech9 is saying is that if you are using their equipment in the way they specify and you get the internet drops then Spectrum will be obligated to fix the problem without excuses.

Exactly. As added benefit a separate Wi-Fi network on different channel running on this ISP router may be used as backup Wi-Fi when the Asus router is down for some reason - firmware upgrade, for example. Tell the family to switch Wi-Fi temporary, do your thing on your Asus router.

 

[elyl]

How do I set this up for double NAT?

Should I keep the modem's LAN DHCP on?
What should I set the WAN settings to on the AX86U? Static IP/DHCP?

 

[Tech9]

Switch the ISP device from modem only to modem/router. Keep its DHCP enabled. Leave the Wi-Fi enabled with SSID(s) of your choice (as a backup, channels 1 and 149), if you want to. You can leave 5GHz only enabled. On your Asus, WAN connection type - Automatic IP (default). Lets say your ISP router creates LAN network 192.168.0.1, set your Asus LAN network to something different - 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.50.1 (both default for Asus) or 192.168.2.1 (if your ISP router already uses 192.168.1.1). See what IP address your ISP router assigns to the Asus router, for example 192.168.0.12. Place this IP in ISP router DMZ. Configure your Asus router as usual, but with different Wi-Fi SSID(s) and channels (your main network, channels 11 and 36). If you use stock Asuswrt, set your DDNS service on the ISP router. If you use Asuswrt-Merlin, set DDNS service on the Asus router with External WAN IP retrieval.

 

[Centrifuge]

Aug 22 17:52:58 WAN_Connection: ISP's DHCP did not function properly.
Aug 22 17:53:03 WAN_Connection: WAN(0) link down.

I've got Spectrum and have had similar symptoms in the last week, turns out it is due to T3 and T4 timeouts between the modem and Spectrum, which I could clearly see in the modem's logs (Arris Surfboard). I'm pretty sure it's their maintenance and not the wiring coming into the house. I take "ISP's DHCP" to mean how they assign my dynamic IP to me, if the link is down of course the DHCP won't be "functioning" either. Just an fyi, I see you're considering it to be more setup related.

 

[elyl]

I've got Spectrum and have had similar symptoms in the last week, turns out it is due to T3 and T4 timeouts between the modem and Spectrum, which I could clearly see in the modem's logs (Arris Surfboard). I'm pretty sure it's their maintenance and not the wiring coming into the house. I take "ISP's DHCP" to mean how they assign my dynamic IP to me, if the link is down of course the DHCP won't be "functioning" either. Just an fyi, I see you're considering it to be more setup related.

I've spotted where the logs are in the Arris modem, and there are T3 timeouts (no T4). I just need to wait and see if those correspond to when my connection drops.

 

[elyl]

OK, managed to catch one of the disconnects as it happened. Internet went down, checked and cable modem was also showing no internet, so I think that rules out the ASUS and points to a line problem. I guess the annoying part is, after the modem shows with internet again, it takes a very long time for the ASUS to reconnect. It looks like it thinks the WAN is reconnected a few times, but doesn't actually show as connected. I feel like I have to go in to WAN settings and mess around with DHCP (switch between Normal/Continuous/Aggressive) for it to eventually pick up an IP address again. Next time, I'll wait and see if it manages this without me doing that, when it's not so pressing to get the internet back up and running!

Today's outage did not show up in the modem's logs, apart from a "TCS Partial Service" when it was reconnected. The one last night had a T3 error around about the time it went down. Not sure what the magic words are to say to Spectrum to get an engineer out to fix, but the phone line (connected to modem) also went down at the same time.

 

[hancox]

Same issue here - same combo, too - AX86U as main router, Spectrum as ISP.

Even worse, the model provided has no GUI. Can't change settings, can't view logs. Explicitly disabled by Spectrum. (E31N2V1)

 

[elyl]

Same issue here - same combo, too - AX86U as main router, Spectrum as ISP.

Even worse, the model provided has no GUI. Can't change settings, can't view logs. Explicitly disabled by Spectrum. (E31N2V1)

Turn off IPv6 on the ASUS, this is what "fixed" it for me. I think it's just the crappy modem they provide that doesn't support IPv6 properly, it's basically causing the modem to reboot a few times a day.

 

[hancox]

Turn off IPv6 on the ASUS, this is what "fixed" it for me. I think it's just the crappy modem they provide that doesn't support IPv6 properly, it's basically causing the modem to reboot a few times a day.

Never been enabled on my AX-86U. Merlin default and never changed.

 

[SoCalReviews]

Same issue here - same combo, too - AX86U as main router, Spectrum as ISP.

Even worse, the model provided has no GUI. Can't change settings, can't view logs. Explicitly disabled by Spectrum. (E31N2V1)

I explained in my the posts above (and have in other similar threads) that Spectrum internet services has a history of being unreliable due to over saturation of their bandwidth. It's a known problem that can only be corrected by Spectrum upgrading their capacity.

I too am having trouble right now with intermittent drops and unreliable service with Spectrum service. I talked to a technician from a Spectrum truck on our street this last week and they indicated everyone in our neighborhood is having internet problems and they are still looking for the source of the problem on the polls. I am using our backup internet service for the time being until Spectrum fixes the problem. The backup internet service with my same AX86U is working perfectly even though it's a much slower service.

Call their tech support and have them look up the connection logs in their modem then schedule an on site technician to come out to test their service on site. Also try setting your DHCP query frequency setting in the Asus router settings under WAN tab > Internet Connection to Normal instead of the default of Aggressive. This was the recommended setting for many of the older Charter internet services before it became Spectrum.