Question regarding new firmware for RT-AC68P

[redsoxguy676]

I am currently running this Firmware Version:9.0.0.4.380_2695

I see on the Asus support site there are newer firmware updates up to version 3.0.0.4.380.3831

Would it be advisable to update to the newest possible firmware on this router? I like to keep things secure as possible on my network and I have read things regarding not being able to revert firmware and other issues with signal and the like.

Thanks for any input you can provide. And also how secure and safe is the Merlin firmware for this router? Could that be an option for me as well?

 

[L&LD]

To keep things 'as secure as possible', the latest version is recommended (or will be eventually).

RMerlin's firmware (and the forks thereof) is not just an option, but it is the best option (even over 'stock' firmware).

The latest 380.61 Beta 1 firmware is the one I would use today.

 

[redsoxguy676]

To keep things 'as secure as possible', the latest version is recommended (or will be eventually).

RMerlin's firmware (and the forks thereof) is not just an option, but it is the best option (even over 'stock' firmware).

The latest 380.61 Beta 1 firmware is the one I would use today.

Thanks for that quick reply. I was browsing the forum and found that the biggest issues were the inability to roll back firmware to an earlier date, and as for the Merlin builds I see that is done by a third party, is this still as safe as a build directly from Asus?


Thanks again for any help you can provide!

 

[RMerlin]

I am currently running this Firmware Version:9.0.0.4.380_2695

I see on the Asus support site there are newer firmware updates up to version 3.0.0.4.380.3831

Firmware versions that start with 9.0 are beta builds, and are usually not advised to be used in the long term. You should update to any non-beta build that was released after that one.

 

[redsoxguy676]

Firmware versions that start with 9.0 are beta builds, and are usually not advised to be used in the long term. You should update to any non-beta build that was released after that one.

Thank you very much for the reply, Merlin. I was on your website and I decided to upgrade the firmware to a build you have provided for my particular router. Thank you again!

 

[chauleyb]

Hello guys. Im New to this forum and I have a asus ac68p....something happened overnight cause as of today the power led light is rapidly flashing and I can't factory reset it or anything ...I'm thinking it's busted unless you guys can shed some light.

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[sfx2000]

Would it be advisable to update to the newest possible firmware on this router?

Only if it addresses a security issue that might involve your network, and then - perhaps if there is a feature update/change/bugfix that impacts functionality.

Don't just update because there is something new out there - if your router/AP is working fine as it is - sit back and monitor....

 

[RMerlin]

Hello guys. Im New to this forum and I have a asus ac68p....something happened overnight cause as of today the power led light is rapidly flashing and I can't factory reset it or anything ...I'm thinking it's busted unless you guys can shed some light.

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Use Asus's Firmware Recovery Tool to reflash your firmware.

 

[chauleyb]

Use Asus's Firmware Recovery Tool to reflash your firmware.

Wouldn't I have to put it into rescued mode though first? If so I tried multiple times and it won't go into rescue mode

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[RMerlin]

Wouldn't I have to put it into rescued mode though first? If so I tried multiple times and it won't go into rescue mode

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Flashing power LED is usually recovery mode. See if you can ping your router (either its usual IP or the default 192.168.1.1 - don't forget to set a static IP on your computer first). If pings return a TTL of 100, then it's in recovery mode.

 

[chauleyb]

Flashing power LED is usually recovery mode. See if you can ping your router (either its usual IP or the default 192.168.1.1 - don't forget to set a static IP on your computer first). If pings return a TTL of 100, then it's in recovery mode.

Says destination unreachable. But just to double check so I need to go through my router to do this? Because I bypassed my router and went straight from my modem to my computer because the modem can't send Wi-Fi right now

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[RMerlin]

Says destination unreachable. But just to double check so I need to go through my router to do this? Because I bypassed my router and went straight from my modem to my computer because the modem can't send Wi-Fi right now

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Yes, otherwise there will be no way for your computer to talk to the router.

 

[chauleyb]

Yes, otherwise there will be no way for your computer to talk to the router.

Ok I think its toast then...I went through the router but there's no Wi-Fi so I can't do anything....thanks for your help merlin

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[SoCalReviews]

Ok I think its toast then...I went through the router but there's no Wi-Fi so I can't do anything....thanks for your help merlin

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I would bet that your router is just stuck in a strange state or has some settings off but it probably works. I have had this happen to my 68P after firmware updates before... It seemed to be in a continuous flashing state. For one of my 68P routers I had to hard button reset it (hold reset button on back for at least ten seconds) three times and power cycle several times in between (this happened few firmware updates ago) before it started acting normal after an update. It finally settled down and has worked fine since. Give it plenty of time in between resets and test to see if it's working before powering off or resetting the router again.

Make sure you didn't accidentally press the on/off Wifi button on the side of your 68P. It sounds silly that it could be the cause of the radio not working but it's a common mistake when you are handling a 68 series router while it's turned on... I've had this happen to be several times during the time I've owned my 68P routers. I could have sworn the router had failed when in fact I kept accidentally turning the radio off each time I handled it. Also, I noticed that after the last update that the light on the back sometimes randomly turns on and off after a period of time possibly to save power or while it changed states... which can make it seem like the router is not working.

If you are still having problems call Asus support. I believe they will fix or replace it if it's still under warranty which should be two years from the date of purchase.

 

[chauleyb]

I would bet that your router is just stuck in a strange state or has some settings off but it probably works. I have had this happen to my 68P after firmware updates before... It seemed to be in a continuous flashing state. For one of my 68P routers I had to hard button reset it (hold reset button on back for at least ten seconds) three times and power cycle several times in between (this happened few firmware updates ago) before it started acting normal after an update. It finally settled down and has worked fine since. Give it plenty of time in between resets and test to see if it's working before powering off or resetting the router again.

Make sure you didn't accidentally press the on/off Wifi button on the side of your 68P. It sounds silly that it could be the cause of the radio not working but it's a common mistake when you are handling a 68 series router while it's turned on... I've had this happen to be several times during the time I've owned my 68P routers. I could have sworn the router had failed when in fact I kept accidentally turning the radio off each time I handled it. Also, I noticed that after the last update that the light on the back sometimes randomly turns on and off after a period of time possibly to save power or while it changed states... which can make it seem like the router is not working.

If you are still having problems call Asus support. I believe they will fix or replace it if it's still under warranty which should be two years from the date of purchase.

Thanks Socal I will play with it some more. Yea it was working the night of and I went to bed and some up and it's was just blinking rapidly. I'll try the resetting again and push come to shove I'll send it back to asus .....only thing is I won't have Wi-Fi I can go buy another router but I doubt the asus sends my replacement before I can take my in between time router back. But thanks again

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[SoCalReviews]

chauleyb, Try pushing the reset button on the back down with a pen for at least ten seconds before releasing it. Give it plenty of time to reset... at least two minutes. Then test if it's working. Try power cycling the router afterwards too... push power button off ... wait ten seconds then turn it back on. You will have to go through the full router admin setup procedure again after the reset before everything works. Type in the default IP address and use a direct Ethernet cable to your computer.

When i did call Asus support I found them to be quite friendly and helpful. I had to jump through a few menus and re-calls because Asus support recently changed their product specific support numbers... but I ended up not having to send mine in because as I explained above I figured out it was the radio button issue.... and it wasn't the first time it had happened to me with one of my 68P routers so I should have figured it out earlier. Anyway... Good luck.

 

[chauleyb]

chauleyb, Try pushing the reset button on the back down with a pen for at least ten seconds before releasing it. Give it plenty of time to reset... at least two minutes. Then test if it's working. Try power cycling the router afterwards too. You will have to go through the full router admin setup procedure again after the reset before everything works.

When i did call Asus support I found them to be quite friendly and helpful. I had to jump through a few menus and re-calls because Asus support recently changed their product specific support numbers... but I ended up not having to send mine in because as I explained above I figured out it was the radio button issue.... and it wasn't the first time it had happened to me with one of my 68P routers so I should have figured it out earlier. Anyway... Good luck.

Gotcha. I will most definitely true again once I get home. What router do you have now?

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[SoCalReviews]

Gotcha. I will most definitely true again once I get home. What router do you have now?

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I have a number of 68P routers and one 1900P. I'm very familiar with these models.

 

[chauleyb]

Gotcha

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