LOOSE RJ45 jacks: TWO BRAND NEW RT N66U's

[megabyzus]

LOOSE RJ45 jacks: TWO BRAND NEW RT N66U's. RT N66U disconnects.

Here's the problem:
Here is a video of the problem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoQaQBpqgrI

Summary:
I bought an RT N66U a couple of weeks ago from Amazon. The wireless works fine. But I noticed my PC that was connected via ethernet kept disconnecting. After much headache i finally figured out that if I jiggle my ethernet cable just a little bit the connection returns. This happens to ALL 4 RJ 45s on that router.

So I ordered a replacement and I HAVE THE SAME exact problem. I have a youtube from someone else (above and below) who is showing the EXACT PROBLEM I have.

Does any one have any thoughts on this? I don't believe it is the cables because they're the same ones as my previous router.

Video of the problem:
Here is a video of the problem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoQaQBpqgrI

UPDATE 09-17-13: The new RT N66U wireless router I received from ASUS, albeit with considerable trouble and inconvenience, works and does not exhibit the same severe problem the previous three new ones did, where minor wiggling of the ethernet cables caused RT N66U disconnects. The latest unit behaves normally and like any other wireless router I've had in all these years. Additionally they also require me to go to a FedEx office to return the faulty router instead of leaving it at home for FedEx pickup. To make it worse, ASUS is also forcing me to return the faulty RT N66U via a remote FedEx office instead of leaving it at home for FedEx pickup. ASUS' is behavior is awful.

As a summary:

1. I bought an RT R66U from Amazon a few weeks ago and discovered the problem where minor bumps or wiggling to the ethernet cables on any of the 4 RJ 45 ports caused RT N66U disconnects(see video below).
2. I exchanged it with a second one from Amazon. Same problem. RT N66U disconnects. Returned it.
3. I bought one from Bestbuy (RT N66R=RT N66U). Same problem. RT N66U disconnects.
4. After considerable time spent with ASUS, they agreed to send me a new one manufactured Aug 2013. They claim the BestBuy model was manufactured May 2013. As if there weren't enough inconvenience for their customer, for some inexplicable reason, ASUS refused to send the item to my house by standard delivery, and required personal signature. This would have required me to stay home for the day until FedEx arrived. As a a result, I was forced to re-route it to a FedEx office and endure even more inconvenience to go there and pick it up.

So now I finally have an item I paid for. Which is only normal.

I'll be returning the faulty one Monday.

Here is a video of the problem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoQaQBpqgrI

 

[Deleted member 22229]

I have never wiggled mine but I have not noticed this issue with my RT-N66U and I hope I don't.

 

[TonyH]

Hi,
Did you try different cable as well? From the picture I see you can pull the cable slightly in/out. It should lock in when the tab is engaged. Make sure the rubber boot of the cable end does not interfere with the tab's up/down movement(quite common problem).

 

[megabyzus]

Hi,
Did you try different cable as well? From the picture I see you can pull the cable slightly in/out. It should lock in when the tab is engaged. Make sure the rubber boot of the cable end does not interfere with the tab's up/down movement(quite common problem).

No I haven't tried different cables? Why? These cables work fine with my previous router. And, yes, the cables are 'locked in' and there's no physical interference as you described.

Thanks!

 

[bluepoint]

No I haven't tried different cables? Why? These cables work fine with my previous router. And, yes, the cables are 'locked in' and there's no physical interference as you described.

Thanks!

All 4 ports are loose? If the answer is yes, your cable is defective.

 

[Pierino]

Why not try a different cable just to eliminate the possibility?

 

[TonyH]

[/QUOTE]yes, the cables are 'locked in' and there's no physical interference as you described.
Thanks![/QUOTE]

If it is locked in it can't move like that as shown in the picture. Some times
packaging the board with jack module soldered on it in the case makes little difference between router cases. If you still have the other router compare it to ASUS one carefully. When plugged in fully you can hear little click then tab is properly engaged.

 

[megabyzus]

Why not try a different cable just to eliminate the possibility?

I used the cable that was included in the box. Same problem for both brand new units. There is definitely something wrong with these.

 

[megabyzus]

If it is locked in it can't move like that as shown in the picture. Some times
packaging the board with jack module soldered on it in the case makes little difference between router cases. If you still have the other router compare it to ASUS one carefully. When plugged in fully you can hear little click then tab is properly engaged.

That's not correct--there is ALWAYS a little give. My previous router also allows a minute 'give', yet the connection is not lost. We're talking about a millimeter or less give. To many, that may be perceived as 'secure', but it really isn't. The 'snap' (obviously) is present in all cases --old and new routers and variations of all cables. There MUST be something wrong with these routers.

 

[megabyzus]

All 4 ports are loose? If the answer is yes, your cable is defective.

Incorrect. Have tried different cables AND the cable ASUS includes in the box. Millimeter wiggling causes disconnection across all 4 ports across both brand new routers.

 

[bluepoint]

Incorrect. Have tried different cables AND the cable ASUS includes in the box. Millimeter wiggling causes disconnection across all 4 ports across both brand new routers.

Why do you need to wiggle the cable? Just plug it and go the marry way.

 

[megabyzus]

Why do you need to wiggle the cable? Just plug it and go the marry way.

I wish that were true. I get disconnections on table jarrings or when cleaning lady dusts.

 

[sm00thpapa]

Just checked mine as the cable does move a little but it never loses connection. Tried this on 4 other routers that I have and they all move a little. So I take it no cable will fit like a glove. Anyone make a call to Asus tech on this issue?

 

[F5ing]

Can you imagine the havoc that would occur if while moving stuff around in racks jam packed with ethernet devices and a few hundred ethernet cables, if pulling that 1mm or so (with the plug/jack still being click-locked) would actually affect connectivity?

The connectivity should not be lost (due to that "spring" action of the wires in the jack). I've run across jacks with more or less "play" while still being locked, but have run across very few that had little to no play).

I didn't view the video you posted though.

 

[jlake]

I wish that were true. I get disconnections on table jarrings or when cleaning lady dusts.

I don't doubt what you're saying is true. There's a couple of us that have a loose antenna, which I suspect is a quality control issue. I didn't bother to return it or ask for a new antenna because I have it mounted vertical with that little plastic stand thingy and it holds in place (in that position).

The USB connector on my Linksys EA4500 is loose and any slight movement of the cable will disconnect the drive.

You either have to lower your expectations or call Asus for RMA.

The only reliable rock solid consumer electronic product from china that I have is my iPhone 4S. That thing has been dropped 20 times and spent hours in my shirt pocket hiking--drenched in monsoon rains and it keeps on ticking (almost 2 years). Of course, it cost more than $150.

 

[GoNz0]

when a cables crimped it pushes the tab down, you need to bend this up to 90 degrees then put it back int he router so the pressure holds it down, it is not faulty and is also not designed to be jarred when dusting. your units are not faulty.

 

[F5ing]

Went ahead and viewed the video. If that's your video, I gotta say that you should never get a disconnect just by wiggling (as it appears the tab is locked when you wiggle).

Either the cable or jack has some defect.

 

[megabyzus]

when a cables crimped it pushes the tab down, you need to bend this up to 90 degrees then put it back int he router so the pressure holds it down, it is not faulty and is also not designed to be jarred when dusting. your units are not faulty.

You are incorrect. Please read previous comments and please review video in OP. Units are definitely faulty.

Now I can easily return these to Amazon and get a full refund which is why I haven't called ASUS. Problem is that, aside from this very serious flaw, the device seems working well. I wonder if I get the AC66U whether it will be better. Reviews on SMB (if I read them correctly) indicate the R66U has a better wi fi signal. Plus chances are they will have the same manufacturing flaw given the construction is identical.

 

[msb]

Return It

That is a major fault with the device. I would try a cat 6 cable for the heck of it before I returned it....

 

[megabyzus]

That is a major fault with the device. I would try a cat 6 cable for the heck of it before I returned it....

They are all CAT 6. Again, I tried with the included cable which one would suppose would work perfectly. The device disconnected with that cable too.