RT-BE96U - Merlin WPA Q

[Smokindog]

I got an "accidental steal" on an open box RT-BE96U. I actually ordered from Amazon a new in box for the $449 price and they shipped an open box that was still mostly in factory protective coverings but missing the CAT 6E cable. Opened a chat w/Amazon before cracking the tape and they offered me a replacement or 25% off right off the bat. In retrospect I prolly should have asked for more! I took the 25% off with the understanding that I can still return it for the remaining 75% within the standard return window. It's all in the chat transcript!

After about an hour of "play" it all seems well!

I put Merlin on it then realized Merlin is somewhat new for this device. One thing I'm seeing is the choice of authentication on the wireless interfaces. I did NOT look this closely at the stock firmware. There are only 2 choices, WPA2/WPA3 Personal or WPA3 Personal. Is that a Merlin thing? I've watched a few videos that imply a WPA2 option should be available. On the AX88U I replaced I had to revert to WPA2 ONLY for a couple of my IOT devices.

Also, any other Merlin issues that should concern me? Been using it for years and want to continue. Still getting used to the rearranged GUI. OH, I noticed the main page doesn't have "powered by Merlin" on it and the firmware numbering doesn't seem to follow the Merlin numbering of other routers. I checked multiple times that I did in fact DL and install the correct firmware.

BTW - this thing is a BEAST for coverage!

TIA

 

[dave14305]

OH, I noticed the main page doesn't have "powered by Merlin" on it and the firmware numbering doesn't seem to follow the Merlin numbering of other routers. I checked multiple times that I did in fact DL and install the correct firmware.

It didn’t install then. Read the release notes of the latest Merlin release for special instructions when coming from stock.

Release - Asuswrt-Merlin 3006.102.3 is now available for WIfi 7 devices

Asuswrt-Merlin 3006.102.3 is now available for supported Wifi 7 models. This release focuses on updating to a new GPL, and fixing issues. Please make sure you read the changelog for important information if flashing Asuswrt-Merlin for the first time on top of the original Asus firmware...

www.snbforums.com

 

[Smokindog]

It didn’t install then. Read the release notes of the latest Merlin release for special instructions when coming from stock.

Release - Asuswrt-Merlin 3006.102.3 is now available for WIfi 7 devices

Asuswrt-Merlin 3006.102.3 is now available for supported Wifi 7 models. This release focuses on updating to a new GPL, and fixing issues. Please make sure you read the changelog for important information if flashing Asuswrt-Merlin for the first time on top of the original Asus firmware...

www.snbforums.com

DOH! I most certainly did NOT do the down grade parameter. I guess you get lazy after all the years of load n go reliability!!! THANKS!

BTW, is the WPA selection issue I asked about really correct for stock? Seems strange UNLESS of course it's because the 6GHz is enabled or something strange like that. THANKS AGAIN for being polite and responsive in your first post!

 

[dave14305]

BTW, is the WPA selection issue I asked about really correct for stock?

I can’t comment. I don’t have a BE router. Too expensive, too soon for my tastes.