New RT-AX88U setup

[wmmallette47]

I have a new RT-AX88U and get cross-eyed reading all the posts about firmware versions, resets, etc. i am looking for advice about initial setup and firmware pitfalls. Is, technically minded, but have little networking lingo knowledge. What are best practices for a newbie setting up this router for the first time? Please be easy on me, and TIA for any advice or direction to reading resources you can point me to.

 

[L&LD]

Best Practice Update/Setup Router/AiMesh Node(s) 2021

 

[wmmallette47]

Best Practice Update/Setup Router/AiMesh Node(s) 2021

Thank you! Since I’ve never had this router installed and step 1 is to download and save the actual firmware that I have running now, does this just mean the current firmware version that is on the router from the factory? Or the most recent version?

 

[L&LD]

Flash the firmware you want first to the router, do a full reset via the WPS method applicable for your router. Follow the rest of the suggestions.

[Wireless] ASUS router Hard Factory Reset | Official Support | ASUS Global

 

[wmmallette47]

I appreciate the response. I will give it a go. Been reading forum posts like crazy. I saw a post not long ago where you said you may actually prefer the AX86U to the AX88U. Is that still true? And if so, why?

 

[L&LD]

I do prefer the RT-AX86U over any other RMerlin powered Asus router available today. I have two in wired AiMesh (2.5GbE backhaul) mode that is the best wired and wireless performance I have ever enjoyed so for in my home.

RT-AX86U vs. RT-AX88U

386.1 Final 2x RT-AX86Us 2.5GbE Backhaul


Sorry, I haven't updated my signature (still), but today I am running these on the RMerlin 386.1_2 firmware for a couple of days now without issues.

 

[wmmallette47]

I do prefer the RT-AX86U over any other RMerlin powered Asus router available today. I have two in wired AiMesh (2.5GbE backhaul) mode that is the best wired and wireless performance I have ever enjoyed so for in my home.

RT-AX86U vs. RT-AX88U

386.1 Final 2x RT-AX86Us 2.5GbE Backhaul


Sorry, I haven't updated my signature (still), but today I am running these on the RMerlin 386.1_2 firmware for a couple of days now without issues.

So the 86 supports Merlin too?

 

[L&LD]

About | Asuswrt-Merlin (asuswrt-merlin.net)

 

[wmmallette47]

About | Asuswrt-Merlin (asuswrt-merlin.net)

Cool. The threads you sent are very informative. Thank you and for relating your real world experience

 

[wmmallette47]

When I read reviews from the average consumer about issues with these types of devices, I take 99% of it with a grain of salt because 99% of people just buy a device, plug it in and want it to work perfectly for ever without learning anything about how it operates. And while I do get that for the price of these routers, it’s just not how I work.

That being said, is data collection from Asus any type of legit issue?