[Maylyn's Preview ~ Networking] ASUS RT-AC56U

[maylyn]

RMerlin 3.0.0.4.376.45 is out.

Howdy folks,

Initially I wanted to wait for newer Asus source code before pushing out a new release, however in light of the recent OpenSSL security fixes I decided to publish a 376.45 release with the current Github content for all supported models.

This is essentially a security + bugfix release with little frills, so I'll just dump the changelog here:

376.45 (17-Aug-2014)

• NEW: Compiled vsftpd with SSL support (must be manually configured if you intend to use it)
• NEW: Report FA state (Level 2 CTF) on Sysinfo page.
• CHANGED: Updated dropbear to 2014.65.
• CHANGED: Updated openssl to 1.0.0n (numerous security fixes)
• CHANGED: Updated lzo to 2.08
• CHANGED: Reworked VPN Server pages to be more intuitive
• FIXED: Garbled client dropdown selector on DNSFilter page
• FIXED: The Comcast neighbour solicitation block wasn't enabled anymore (regression in 376.44) (Patch by Sinshiva)
• FIXED: 5 GHz N+AC mode was incorrectly setting router to N-only mode (Asus bug, fix backported from 2381, additional fix by me for AC66)
• FIXED: PControl page failing to display on French and Italian locales (Asus bug)
• FIXED: IPv6 can occasionally fail to work properly when using a PPPoE WAN interface (patch by pinwing)

Downloads are here.

 

[maylyn]

TX power

Some information regarding future ASUS firmwares on TX power.

It's will be the same for all networking manufacturers across the board.

See this link for the two documents that relate to this. The second document shows the type of things the FCC asks out of manufacturers now before granting certification.

https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/forms/FTSSearchResultPage.cfm?id=39498&switch=P

One interesting bit there that relates to the use of channel 12 and 13, as an example:

So giving end user manual control of it is definitely out of the question for future products. No idea how strict they are about existing, already certified products, but in any case get used to not being able anymore to control this, as it will be the norm from now on.

 

[ASUS@SG]

Dear all,

RT-AC56U_3.0.0.4_376_3561 Beta
http://bit.ly/1qqKacT

Best regard,
JK

 

[ASUS@SG]

ASUS RT-AC56U Firmware version 3.0.0.4.376.3602 - 2014/11/07
Network map new features:
- Click the lock icon in client profile to assign fixed IP for client.
- Added number on client icon to show how many clients connect to repeater and AP under router.
- Added the DHCP and static IP identification.
Known issue. If the IP is fixed in client side, Network map would show DHCP.

Security
- Upgraded OpenSSL library to 1.0.0o

Bug fixes
3G/LTE
- Fixed HUAWEI E180, E261, E1750, E1780, EC122, EC1260, EC1261, EC150, EC167, ET128, compatibility issue.
- Fixed ZTE MU251, T A356, AC580, AC590 compatibility issue.
- Fixed BandLuxe C170 compatibility issue.
- Fixed HTC M8 USB tethering compatibility issue.

Others
- Fixed NAT loopback issue.
- Fixed samba issue when plugging two USB drives.
- Fixed the NTP sync issue in AP mode.
- Fixed user interface issues for IPTV, Media bridge mode, VPN server.

Download:
http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-AC56U/FW_RT_AC56U_30043763602.zip

 

[maylyn]

RMerlin's new IPv6 alpha builds based on dnsmasq and odhcp6c.

More @ ~> http://forums.smallnetbuilder.com/showthread.php?t=21137

Howdy folks,

I just uploaded test builds of Asuswrt-Merlin. While these are based on 376_3626, the main goal of this test build is to try out the new IPv6 code, which has been enabled in these builds.

Builds are available for all models except for the RT-AC87U, as I don't have compatible versions of the closed source binaries matching the 3626 GPL code.

Test builds have been uploaded to this folder:

https://www.mediafire.com/folder/ftf9kjixr1a5f//Misc

This build replaces the current IPv6 code based on radvd + rdnssd in favor of a new architecture based around dnsmasq and odhcp6c. These new userspace services are generally more modern, and probably also cleaner. Asus wrote that code in the past couple of months, but they haven't enabled it yet in their official releases (the current beta RT-AC87U is the first time I've seen them enable it).

So, I am mostly interested in seeing user feedback regarding IPv6 support. Make sure to mention the following info with your feedback:

• Your ISP
• The type of IPv6 connection (Native, 6rd, 6in4 tunnel, etc...)
• If you had any issue with previous firmware versions
• How this one is working out for you

(for those of you who are new around - yes, the thread title is silly. It's an old tradition when I release such test builds to go with a rather original build name / motto. )

SHA256 checksums:

9bd2eadd099db42b094d4db94c9fc144692b33029aa333f9f2f844fc1d6cf754  RT-AC56U_3.0.0.4_376.49_alpha2.trx
fd6ee895c5749d04e85b5708f8577356032f892a49ce40b72c1468540096447e  RT-AC66U_3.0.0.4_376.49_alpha2.trx
64c516f2dc9490854a5637ad9eafc5d891f9a362a87260511dedf0c25ce9f1ab  RT-AC68U_3.0.0.4_376.49_alpha2.trx
9fca63121c8d9e483cc3e9c6cf762e728f1278edfe995c55eccabbe259524dbb  RT-N16_3.0.0.4_376.49_alpha2.trx
0c2ab960427f234b88b49e08f0ed6321c41b0776b64249a6edefbb68822e97b7  RT-N66U_3.0.0.4_376.49_alpha2.trx

 

[LiverBird5X]

Hi,

i have encounter an issue which i need some assistance/ advice. When i log into my router, i see that i have more than 10 clients under the network map. In my home, i have at most 8 users/ connection at a time.

When i clicked on the user client profiles, i do not see the clients details. Are this unauthorized access and how can i fix this issue? I have already created password for my router.

Greatly appreciated any help render! Thx!

 

[Gausss]

Hi im using this router but seems this no so popular router compared to Asus AC68 /87 router..
Can someone share whether the official firmware or 3rd party firmware is getting better latency/stability for this router?
The thread doesnt seems to have much feedback in recent times..hope someone can help thx

 

[vieri_best]

qns

planning to upgrade to a myrepublic plan to 1000mbps, if i get this router which supports to 800+ mbps is it ok? as i believe real speed doesnt reach 1000 anyway.. as i dont wanna cough out alot of dough for a AC87U.

Currently just using a N56U for my 100mbps old plan

change to AC56U $79
change to AC87U $199

 

[ArcticCheetah]

planning to upgrade to a myrepublic plan to 1000mbps, if i get this router which supports to 800+ mbps is it ok? as i believe real speed doesnt reach 1000 anyway.. as i dont wanna cough out alot of dough for a AC87U.

Currently just using a N56U for my 100mbps old plan

change to AC56U $79
change to AC87U $199

Why do you need 1Gbps?
Remember hardware is 1 time cost, subscription bleeds you monthly.

 

[vieri_best]

No particular reason actually, I normally download stuffs and play games on my pc and consoles but nothing too serious, & wifi for my gadgets . Just thought of having a upgrade since it's gonna be 2 a years contract.

 

[ArcticCheetah]

No particular reason actually, I normally download stuffs and play games on my pc and consoles but nothing too serious, & wifi for my gadgets . Just thought of having a upgrade since it's gonna be 2 a years contract.

Get all the promos prices
Draw a graph

Bandwidth
^
|
|
|
___________________ >Cost
Plot all the points to a curve to see the best deal.
If money too much then forget what I say.

 

[xfinite]

hi Maylyn.


The review on ac56u is good but I face some issue with 5ghz.


It is not constantly streaming, I am not sure how to explain this.


I am playing diablo 3 on channel 153 80mhz on asus_5ghz router (ac band), play for 5min, then I notice spike lag and then suddenly often spike lags onward for every like 4-5 min.


When I change back to channel 6, 20mhz, 2.4ghz (n band), very stable n no lag spikes for whole day not like 5ghz ac band issue.


I am on currently latest firmware 5656 from asus website.


More info -


I am on 1Gbps myrepublic, using rt-ac56u and usb 56u. from the usb 56u interface on 5ghz is very good, 600-800 mbps but getting spikes lags. Speedtest on wireless show 290-350 mbps which it is good.


I change back to n band 2.4g 20mhz, usb interface speed show 140mpbs and speedtest show 90-100 mbps. it is quite stable and no spikes lags.


appreciate any advise?

Hi folks!

I am also encountering the same issue as reported by xerxesng. Did anyone solve the issue for him? Getting spike lags every 4-5mins in the game when connected over 5GHz band.

Thanks for any inputs!

 

[xfinite]

Just a quick update - The only solution right now is to change the settings for the 5GHz to the below settings.

Change 5Ghz settings on the router:
-To Wireless-N Only

 

[renfred89]

Just a quick update - The only solution right now is to change the settings for the 5GHz to the below settings.

Change 5Ghz settings on the router:
-To Wireless-N Only

I have a small suggestion, perhaps you wanna try the latest firmware 3.0.0.4.376.3754?

After flashing the firmware, reset nvram and then push the reset button. After which, set up as usual?

It kinda works for me on my ac87u..

 

[ultimate700]

If i were to look at wireless connection thru a wall and 5m from my adaptor is it better to get ac56u or ac87u to get the best of 1gbps?

 

[ASUS@SG]

ASUS RT-AC56U Firmware version 3.0.0.4.378.6117
- Release note -

[Please note] This version changed the login authentication method. Please unplug the hard drive before updating firmware. After firmware updated, please press the reset button more than five seconds to reset the router to avoid some compatibility issues.


Security fixes
- Enhanced the login authentication strength and fixed CSRF related issues.
- Forced administrator to change the default password "admin" in internet setup wizard.
- Added protection mechanism for GUI login brute-force attack for login username and password.
- Administrator can assign a specified IP to login GUI in Administration > System > "Allow only specified IP.


New feature
- Added client list view button on network map and help administrator easily monitor all client connection status.


Bug fixes
- Fixed the NAT loopback issue when connecting to LAN FTP server.
- Fixed UI issue when using SmartSync to sync with Dropbox.
- Fixed lease time and lease expires time
- Fixed ethernet connection fail in IPv6 when WAN hwaddr is cloned.
- Fixed smart sync error when synchronised with Samba and FTP
- Fixed JS error in AiProtection
- Fixed allowed and blocked incoming icmp firewall rules.
- Fixed dnsmasq buffer overflow issue.
- Fixed redirect issue when using https only.
- Fixed USB related issues when connected to USB hub.

3G/LTE dongle related fixes
- Fixed executed time issue when using auto-APN.
- Modified auto-APN nvram.
- Fixed lockpin function.
- Fixed send_sms function.
- Updated the SPN data from Android.
- Fixed web redirected fail after setting PPPoE in internet setup wizard.


Modifications
- Updated Adaptive QoS DPI engine.
- Reduced media server memory usage when scanning *.avi, *.mov, *.mp4, *.m4a, *.3gp, *.3g2, *.mj2.
- refined AiProtection alert mail format.

Download: http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-AC56U/FW_RT_AC56U_30043786117.zip

 

[sgCareerMan]

Anyone using Merlin on this router able to share the WAN to LAN throughput on 1 Gbps ISP connection?

 

[eyz]

has anyone managed to use the ez printer or LPR/LPD function with the router?

Updare: Managed to get it working by setting it up as LPR. I guess I have to use the router's USB 2.0 port rather than the 3.0.

 

[eyz]

Would flashing to a Merlin, Tomato or DD-WRT firmware helps to improve the WIFI range?