Router died today

[VirtualLarry]

Bigboxes I would leave well enough alone if it is working right. Custom firmware for these new routers such as tomato isn't working out so well and is crippling features forcing users to revert back to the stock firmware.

I'm guessing, you're talking about features like "Hardware NAT" (in the switch fabric)? Tomato tends to do things on the router's CPU, that some features like that are done in hardware using the stock firmware. Which may mean performance issues, if you have a really high-speed internet connection.

I only have a 75/75 FIOS connection, so I'm using an RT-N12/D1 flashed to Tomato for my router. Works for me.

 

[rchunter]

I'm guessing, you're talking about features like "Hardware NAT" (in the switch fabric)? Tomato tends to do things on the router's CPU, that some features like that are done in hardware using the stock firmware. Which may mean performance issues, if you have a really high-speed internet connection.

I only have a 75/75 FIOS connection, so I'm using an RT-N12/D1 flashed to Tomato for my router. Works for me.

I have a sh$t internet connection so I haven't noticed anything. I've been running shibby tomato on my rt-n16 for I think a couple years now. I like that it has a bandwidth limiter and real time charts and graphs. Even a vpn client built in, though I rarely use it.

 

[bigboxes]

Returning the router tomorrow. Disappointed that I was not given a replacement option. I didn't mean to wait this long, but I work a lot and don't have lots of time to troubleshoot in a timely manner.

Router performed well initially. After a short time things got slower and slower. I tried resetting. I tried everything. I hooked my pc back to the gateway (router as part of provided cable modem). Speeds were as promised. 15Mbps down/1Mbps up. Moved cable back to RT-AC87R. <5Mbps up down/.16Mbps up. Pages would take a long time to load and usually would never fully load.

I called Asus last Tuesday. They wanted me to enable Adaptive QoS. But they passed the buck when they told me to contact Time Warner to get the download/upload speed specs to enter into their settings. That didn't do diddly squat. Just put off the inevitable with Asus.

I called Asus back the next day to let them know it didn't work. I was hoping to get some instruction on some advance setting that would make this thing perform as advertised. *Ehhhh!* I hate knowing more than the CSR when it comes to this stuff. They are just reading a script for $9/hr. But you have to go through the motions just to show you did your due diligence. In the end Asus said to send it back.

 

[bigboxes]

Well, re-ordered though Amazon the ASUS RT-AC87U Wireless router. This time directly from Amazon. I sure hope the next one works like it should.

 

[Elixer]

Did you happen to look at the router's logs before you sent it back?

 

[bigboxes]

Did you happen to look at the router's logs before you sent it back?

Sorry. I didn't. Would that help on diagnosing the issue? As I said, I asked Asus support in diagnosing the problem. What should I be looking for? TIA

 

[Elixer]

It can give you hints on what is going on.
For example, in their virtual simulation http://event.asus.com/2012/nw/dummy_ui/en/Main_LogStatus_Content.html you can see some of the stuff it spits out for each tab.

 

[bigboxes]

It can give you hints on what is going on.
For example, in their virtual simulation http://event.asus.com/2012/nw/dummy_ui/en/Main_LogStatus_Content.html you can see some of the stuff it spits out for each tab.

Well, maybe you could give me some insight as to the issue. Hooked up directly to the gateway (Surfboard 6580) I get 14[FONT=&quot]&#8593;1&#8595;. Add in the RT-AC87 and my speeds drop to [/FONT]>5[FONT=&quot]&#8593;.16&#8595;. So, I hope it was a fluke. My (now dead) D-Link router at least gave me advertised speeds. I assume it's the new router. If Asus tech support say return it then I will. If that doesn't fix it then I'll return it and buy another model. [/FONT]

 

[Elixer]

How did you test the speeds, are you looking at the router's traffic monitor?
Did you try testmy.net, or one of the other ones?

 

[bigboxes]

How did you test the speeds, are you looking at the router's traffic monitor?
Did you try testmy.net, or one of the other ones?

To be honest, I just used the one I use the most, speedtest.net. However, they have deceptive offers near the end. So, I don't know if there might be a better alternative. They always worked in the past. I am prudent and am aware of my surroundings and have multiple layers of protection for my surfing.

 

[bigboxes]

Well, tonight I'm at 16.02[FONT=&quot]&#8593;1.10&#8595;. Sorry, the router[FONT=&quot] should not drop speeds.[/FONT]
[/FONT]

 

[silicon]

Belkin bought linksys.

Asus RT line are very nice routers, no real complaints with them.
Though, I should mention that I flashed the firmware to Tomato, so, I am unsure how good the "default" router firmware is.

What is the tomato firmware?

 

[Elixer]

Well, tonight I'm at 16.02[FONT=&quot]&#8593;1.10&#8595;. Sorry, the router[FONT=&quot] should not drop speeds.[/FONT]
[/FONT]

Isn't that your plan, 15/1?

What is the tomato firmware?

It is an alternative firmware for the router.

 

[bigboxes]

Isn't that your plan, 15/1?

This is still on the gateway and not the Asus router. I'll expect the Asus router in a week. And the new router better provide that. If not then I'll be going with another model.

 

[Elixer]

This is still on the gateway and not the Asus router. I'll expect the Asus router in a week. And the new router better provide that. If not then I'll be going with another model.

Oh, sorry, thought you meant that is what you are getting now with the new router. I just assumed you did 1 day shipping from Amazon.

 

[bigboxes]

Oh, sorry, thought you meant that is what you are getting now with the new router. I just assumed you did 1 day shipping from Amazon.

I go for free shipping as often as possible. I don't have Amazon Prime. Delayed satisfaction is difficult for some people. I view it all as part of the hunt. I've got six items in the que from Amazon. If it's mission critical then I pop over to Fry's which is within a mile from my house. Microcenter is 30 minutes (non-rush hour traffic).

 

[ericlp]

I dunno how you guys determine what is the best router...

But, I am using a TP Link (cheap one)... I flashed it to DDWRT awhile ago. Been in service for a few years. Never missed a beat as I know yet...

Toying with upgrading .... looking at this... TP-LINK Archer C9 AC1900 ... After reading the reviews on amazon ... Got bit worried so I looked at the reviews on the ASUS RT-AC87U and now I'm back the TP-Link! haha

I know reviews are sketchy, but they do say a lot about the direction of a company. Can't just trust in maximumpc or techsite review wholeheartedly as well. But the specs on the TP-Link sure look good, flashed with ddwrt, I'm thinking it would be a hell of a good router. Anyone here have one?

 

[bigboxes]

Success! Got new router today. Speeds are as advertised. Boxes is happy and Missus Boxes will be happy to connect her tablet once again. I know I went with the Asus router, but I wanted to thank all that gave their input in helping me make this decision.

 

[Elixer]

Those speeds make me cry.
D+ rating indeed.

 

[bigboxes]

Those speeds make me cry.
D+ rating indeed.

It's what I pay for. Please note that I think that TWC should provide better speeds for the $$ I pay, but that's another thread. We can say that for the majority of American ISPs.

 

[sze5003]

I just bought an Asus RT-N66R (u?) last night. Coming from a lynksys e1200 that was performing badly. I have 25mbp down from my plan and with the router my wireless devices get up to 29-30mbp no matter where I am in my apartment.

The linksys was bad, I was getting 12-15mbp in the bedroom where everything is hooked up and like 9-10 further away.

I flashed Merlin awrt on it, its basically custom ddwrt firmware with the Asus UI treatment with more features. Running great so far. Although I found the stock Asus firmware great too. It even comes stock with openvpn so I can hook it up to PIA and have it serve the vpn to all devices but speeds drop drastically doing that vs running the PIA application on the PC instead.

 

[bigboxes]

Today, I got a letter from Time Warner stating that they were upgrading their internet speeds. For me it was 15/1 (old speed) to 50/5 (new speed). So, I ran a speedtest and got 28/1 (basically). I'll check it later and see if it matters the time of day. Wish my speedtest showed 50/5. I believe my friend had someone over to boost his signal. He ran a test that showed 100M down. Crazy. I'll probably call them after the holidays and have someone come out and optimize the line.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

I dunno how you guys determine what is the best router...

But, I am using a TP Link (cheap one)... I flashed it to DDWRT awhile ago. Been in service for a few years. Never missed a beat as I know yet...

I have an Airlink101 AR670W I bought for $20 in 2008, flashed to DD-WRT, and still use it at work. Rarely even think about it, it just chugs along.

Toying with upgrading .... looking at this... TP-LINK Archer C9 AC1900 ... After reading the reviews on amazon ... Got bit worried so I looked at the reviews on the ASUS RT-AC87U and now I'm back the TP-Link! haha

I know reviews are sketchy, but they do say a lot about the direction of a company. Can't just trust in maximumpc or techsite review wholeheartedly as well. But the specs on the TP-Link sure look good, flashed with ddwrt, I'm thinking it would be a hell of a good router. Anyone here have one?

Yes, and I love it. Bought it a couple of months ago, and just flashed it with DD-WRT the other night. Haven't been this happy with a router since I bought that AR670W. N speeds are better than the Netgear WNR3500L v2 I've had for two years, and it's less frustrating than an Engenius ESR350 that I use at work along with the AR670W. The Archer C9 has great coverage, great speed, and is very stable.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Today, I got a letter from Time Warner stating that they were upgrading their internet speeds. For me it was 15/1 (old speed) to 50/5 (new speed). So, I ran a speedtest and got 28/1 (basically).

Do you have a Docsis 3.0 modem? If you don't, that about the max that you can get. You need a Docsis 3.0 modem for faster speeds.

 

[bigboxes]

Do you have a Docsis 3.0 modem? If you don't, that about the max that you can get. You need a Docsis 3.0 modem for faster speeds.

Thanks for the reminder. My gateway is a Surfboard SBG6580. Not highly rated. I'll still call TWC on Monday and set up an appointment for the technician. I may buy my own cable modem if theirs proves to be the issue.