RT-N16 AP mode?

[netmik3]

I have a primary n66u but I need a secondary AP to offload wifi and extend coverage. I've tried many routers so far and not matter what they say, their range is horrific. I remember how long it took me to find the n66u and how amazing it is.

I would use a second n66u but it doesn't support AP mode and is expensive. I looked at the n56u but it doesn't have merlin or external antennas. So I want a n16. But with merlin installed, is there an AP mode? And is the coverage anywhere as good as the n66u?

Thank you.

 

[RMerlin]

I have a primary n66u but I need a secondary AP to offload wifi and extend coverage. I've tried many routers so far and not matter what they say, their range is horrific. I remember how long it took me to find the n66u and how amazing it is.

I would use a second n66u but it doesn't support AP mode and is expensive. I looked at the n56u but it doesn't have merlin or external antennas. So I want a n16. But with merlin installed, is there an AP mode? And is the coverage anywhere as good as the n66u?

Thank you.

You might be confusing Repeater with Access Point, as the RT-N66U does have the capability to run as an Access Point.

 

[netmik3]

You're right! Thanks. Damn I wish the ac66u had a better cpu. I have no need for ac but I would buy an ac66u for a primary and turn the n66u into an ap. I guess I'm getting an rt-n16.

Merlin, why don't you do the n56? Not that I want it, just wondering. The n56 seems to be in the same class of devices, not the n16.

 

[Gingernut]

I have a primary n66u but I need a secondary AP to offload wifi and extend coverage. I've tried many routers so far and not matter what they say, their range is horrific. I remember how long it took me to find the n66u and how amazing it is.

I would use a second n66u but it doesn't support AP mode and is expensive. I looked at the n56u but it doesn't have merlin or external antennas. So I want a n16. But with merlin installed, is there an AP mode? And is the coverage anywhere as good as the n66u?

Thank you.

The range of the RT-N16 is no where near the N66U's.

Even though it's quiet expensive I'd get a second N66U as the range and speed is superb.

Asus's N66U/AC66 outrange most of the consumer High Power routers on the market at the moment.

 

[Gingernut]

You're right! Thanks. Damn I wish the ac66u had a better cpu. I have no need for ac but I would buy an ac66u for a primary and turn the n66u into an ap. I guess I'm getting an rt-n16.

Merlin, why don't you do the n56? Not that I want it, just wondering. The n56 seems to be in the same class of devices, not the n16.

RT-N56 is a totally different beast, Ralink based not Broadcom.

I've tested the RT-N56 and the N66U wipes the floor with it regarding wireless range.

 

[netmik3]

I was afraid of that. I tried all the "xtrarange" etc crap and they barely work in the same room. Damn. I even tried a amped wireless ap. Crap.

 

[netmik3]

Is there any reason to use a newer n66u as my primary? My n66u is the 2nd revision, the first had a fan and was never sold. Are the new revisions any better?

I really wish I can wait for a second version AC router to come out to replace my n66u. I'm not getting a first version ac router, especially because I have no ac devices and its the same cpu sadly.

 

[joegreat]

I guess I'm getting an rt-n16.

Hi,

I am running the same configuration as you intend to do - see my footer - for the same reason: Cost!

No problems so far, and the addtional range of the RT-N16 is really not bad.
By placing the secound router at the right place you will have the same good results as me!

With kind regards
Joe

 

[netmik3]

Cool I got a refurb for $65. So I'll try it out. I'm limiting myself to merlin devices. Hope it's ok. I'm trying to get cams far away. Right now the n66u is in a corner of the house otherwise it would work well and it's hard to move because of the cable modem.

Hope the n16 works ok until I get a new ac router and make the n66u the ap.

 

[netmik3]

Joegreat, how high does the mW go on the n16?

 

[joegreat]

Joegreat, how high does the mW go on the n16?

Hi,

There is no 'Tx Power adjustment' option on the web interface of the RT-N16.
Maybe it can be retrieved and set via command line but I do not know that.

BUT: What value has a higher transmission power from the router?
I can receive the signal from the router from wider distance, but does your client has also a high power transmission to reach the router???

With kind regards
Joe

 

[netmik3]

True but good amps are 2 way. Cell phones don't transmit as high as the base station. The station has a 2 way amp and high gain antennas. But then again this is a cheap router haha.

 

[netmik3]

Got the n16 and running merlin. It worse than the n66u but not by much. These antennas help http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833997226

Hopefully this will get me by until I switch out my primary n66u.

 

[joegreat]

Got the n16 and running merlin. It worse than the n66u but not by much. These antennas help http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833997226

Hopefully this will get me by until I switch out my primary n66u.

Hi,

You might want to try out the latest firmware version 3.0.0.4.354 for the RT-N16 with updated Broadcom drivers...

There is very positive feedback on the new drivers on the RT-N66U router.

I also have updated my Access Point to the new version and will test it.
The first impression is that the WLAN range and strenght has gone up...

With kind regards
Joe

Full change log of this firmware release:

[U]ASUS RT-N16 Firmware version 3.0.0.4.354[/U]
[U]Fix[/U]
1. Potential security issue from UPnP overflow.
2. [B]Wireless time control related bugs.[/B]
3. Media server related issues when lan subnet change or USB hot plug
4. IPv6 over PPPoE interoperability issues.
5. PPPoE password setting error in Advanced wan setting.

[U]Modify[/U]
1. [B]Upgrade to latest Broadcom driver.[/B]
2. Enhance the PPPoE NAT throughput.
3. [B]Enhance both 2.4GHz throughput.[/B]
4. Support Huawai E353 3G/4G USB dongle.
5. The router setting URL is changed to http://router.asus.com, use the original URL http://www.asusnetwork.net can also go to the setting page.

[U]Add[/U]
1. [B]Optimize for XBOX option in Advanced Setting-->Wireless-->General. Enable this function can stabilize streaming speed.[/B]
2. Network tools in Advanced setting
3. WOL user interface (wake on LAN)
4. H.323 and SIP passthrough can be disabled in Advanced Settings --> WAN -->NAT Passthrough
5. Click the device name and lookup the manufacturer information
6. Change the DHCP query frequency in Advanced settings-->WAN-->Internet connection to resolve the ISP compatibility issue.
Special thanks to Merlin for his contribution.

[U]AiCloud[/U]
1. Add deleted button in upload file page.
2. Fixed share link management bugs.
3. Fixed the file and folder rename bugs.
4. Fixed IE9 file upload compatibility issue.

[U]Known issues[/U]
1. The router need to reboot after 3G/4G USB dongle setting. It caused longer setting time.
If you use the 3G/4G router mode, we recommend staying in 3.0.0.4.260

 

[netmik3]

You caught me at the right time. I got pissed at it last night and printed the RMA label. Flashing this before I pack it up. Thanks.

 

[Milkman]

My buddy has the RT-N16, and although he has an Xbox connected, there is no option in Advanced -> Wireless -> General about optimizing for xbox with 3.0.0.4.354... Any idea why I am not seeing it???

 

[joegreat]

My buddy has the RT-N16, and although he has an Xbox connected, there is no option in Advanced -> Wireless -> General about optimizing for xbox with 3.0.0.4.354... Any idea why I am not seeing it???

Hi,

I check my two routers (see footer) and I only foung the "Optimized for Xbox" option on the RT-N66U. Nothing like this on the RT-N16.

Looks like it's not needed there...

With kind regards
Joe

 

[Mullins]

Hi,

You might want to try out the latest firmware version 3.0.0.4.354 for the RT-N16 with updated Broadcom drivers...

...isn't that what Merlin is based on? Merlin even even said that Beta 29 is the first release where the RT-N16 is fully supported since he finally got one of his own to test with.

 

[joegreat]

...isn't that what Merlin is based on? Merlin even even said that Beta 29 is the first release where the RT-N16 is fully supported since he finally got one of his own to test with.

Yes, that's correct! But the Merlin release came after the Asus one.

With kind regards
Joe