Link Aggregation on RT-AC86U

[jontalk]

I recently came across someone selling an RT-AC86U which was set up using link aggregation with the objective of pushing the speed envelope beyond 1 gbps. With a large number of demanding devices in the network, he noticed significant speed drops on 5 gHz which was remedied with a restart. His theories for the slower speeds are: A) pushing the router beyond its capabilities, or B) the number and type of devices in the network. At first it was OK but over the course of a months he'd have to restart every few weeks which then became nearly every day so he replaced it with a different brand. He claims it worked fine prior to setting up the link aggregation.

Being unfamiliar with this model or link aggregation, I'm wondering if its worth taking a shot at since the price is extremely attractive. Having seen photos, it appears to be in decent condition, though appearances mean nothing when it comes to function. Is there ANY chance he somehow damaged the ports or motherboard? Regardless of the low price, I have no interest in buying it if it will need to be repaired.

Any and all advice is welcome. Thank so much.

 

[Tech Junky]

link aggregation

Or LACP doesn't hit the CPU.

If it's not performing well it's likely all the other junk Asus has turned on by default. Either way though it should be a red flag mentioning the reboots.

 

[Darkje]

Ac86u don't have LA. The GT2900 dos

 

[Darkje]

Wow, I never seen someone advice a Netgear. If you do, read up on update policy's

 

[jontalk]

Or LACP doesn't hit the CPU.

If it's not performing well it's likely all the other junk Asus has turned on by default. Either way though it should be a red flag mentioning the reboots.

Thanks..so you're saying this model is incapable of link aggregation?

 

[ColinTaylor]

Thanks..so you're saying this model is incapable of link aggregation?

Check the specs on the Asus website: https://www.asus.com/Networking-IoT-Servers/WiFi-Routers/ASUS-WiFi-Routers/RT-AC86U/techspec/

LAN Link Aggregation : No

(No mention of WAN aggregation either, which there would be if it were supported: https://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1039053)
Correction: It does mention WAN aggregation:

WAN Aggregation : No

The only way to do link aggregation on this model is to use an unsupported software "hack" which would hammer the CPU.

 

[jontalk]

Check the specs on the Asus website: https://www.asus.com/Networking-IoT-Servers/WiFi-Routers/ASUS-WiFi-Routers/RT-AC86U/techspec/

(No mention of WAN aggregation either, which there would be if it were supported: https://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1039053)

The only way to do link aggregation on this model is to use an unsupported software "hack" which would hammer the CPU.

Thanks..I didn't see anything about link aggregation on the spec page. So you're saying he's damaged the CPU by using LACP? Sorry but I'm not nearly as technically savvy as you folks

 

[ColinTaylor]

Thanks..I didn't see anything about link aggregation on the spec page.

It's right there in black and white.

So you're saying he's damaged the CPU by using LACP?

I'm not saying anything about the state of his router. I'm only saying that model doesn't officially support link aggregation. Using a software hack (if that's what he's doing) would likely limit his speeds to <1Gb because of the CPU overheads incurred.

Unless he can demonstrate this router works normally I wouldn't touch it. Not unless it was free.

 

[jontalk]

It's right there in black and white.


I'm not saying anything about the state of his router. I'm only saying that model doesn't officially support link aggregation.

OK thanks..sorry for my confusion.

 

[ColinTaylor]

Are you still using the RT-AC56U that you've been saying you're going to replace for the last 3 years?

There's been no security updates for that model for over two years. Time to bite the bullet and buy something new.

 

[Darkje]

No, it's brother the gt2900 can.