[Maylyn's Review] ASUS RT-AC87U

[renfred89]

So far, I have quite happy with the performance such as wifi coverage. But for 5G, my device got disconnected for no reason. Anyone got this symptom? How to solve it?

firmware issue firmware issue. cannot solve but to wait..

 

[kero89]

At the start, bells and whistles for this router, some even splurge $800 on 2 units. I did the same for one set and regret immediately since day 1. Pain and troubles since started using this router, totally reminds me of the troubled AC66U from a year plus ago.

Right now even my stand-in AC56S works better than this expensive 4 legged creature that does nothing but have a super huge foot print, and cannot work as AP

N56 to N66 (good to best), N66 to AC66 (Best to hell), AC66 to AC68 (hell to heaven), AC68 to AC87, I don't know why I even do that

 

[renfred89]

At the start, bells and whistles for this router, some even splurge $800 on 2 units. I did the same for one set and regret immediately since day 1. Pain and troubles since started using this router, totally reminds me of the troubled AC66U from a year plus ago.

Right now even my stand-in AC56S works better than this expensive 4 legged creature that does nothing but have a super huge foot print, and cannot work as AP

N56 to N66 (good to best), N66 to AC66 (Best to hell), AC66 to AC68 (hell to heaven), AC68 to AC87, I don't know why I even do that

AC68U is also facing some troubles.. I splurged $400 on this creature on day 1 when it was on sale at comex.

I think my school's wifi is better than this creature. HAHAS

 

[renfred89]

Update 12/01/2014 - Beta Release - Build 3123

Beta Release - Build 3123

1. This is not on the support site and servers for auto update.
2. Download here - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bw2xQ5benV_uZ25FTlFiOFlXVjg/view?usp=sharing
3. Short Fix List
Fixes:
1.TrendMicro Engine updated to fix log issues
2. Numerous bug fixes and performance improvements

Update
1.Expect public release shortly after qualification testing completes.
2.Another public release in early Q1 with new Quantenna driver updates.
__________________
ASUS Technical Marketing

The above quote is copied from SNB: SmallNetBuilder Forums - View Single Post - ASUS RT-AC87 Firmware - Official Releases

At least now i see some hope..

 

[oric1]

What firmware are you on?

It's in my post you quoted Anyway, here's the link again. This is not the stock firmware but custom firmware for Asus routers.

Asuswrt-Merlin 376.48 is out - SmallNetBuilder Forums

 

[oric1]

not many options for me, as not many support vlan tagging...

After replacing the faulty one, this replaced router does not cause the 5Ghz band to be undiscoverable for no reason.. So yeah, my old router was faulty.

But this new one inherits the usual kns 5Ghz performance, but then again, what else can i do..

Just curious, are you on Starhub?

 

[renfred89]

Just curious, are you on Starhub?

Nope i'm on Singtel..

 

[guanyu158]

At the start, bells and whistles for this router, some even splurge $800 on 2 units. I did the same for one set and regret immediately since day 1. Pain and troubles since started using this router, totally reminds me of the troubled AC66U from a year plus ago.

Right now even my stand-in AC56S works better than this expensive 4 legged creature that does nothing but have a super huge foot print, and cannot work as AP

N56 to N66 (good to best), N66 to AC66 (Best to hell), AC66 to AC68 (hell to heaven), AC68 to AC87, I don't know why I even do that

What is wrong with ac66?

 

[ckh98258]

It's in my post you quoted Anyway, here's the link again. This is not the stock firmware but custom firmware for Asus routers.

Asuswrt-Merlin 376.48 is out - SmallNetBuilder Forums

Even on Merlin latest firmware my speedtest result still remains the same. DL speed always start from high and ended up only 1/4 of the final UL test result. I'm on M1 fibre. Now I start to suspect was it really firmware of handware issue.

 

[abfackeln]

Seriously ASUS WTF??? The 5ghz keeps dropping on ALL my devices, the port forwarding needs to be reapplied EVERY FXXKING DAY because it dies ... I PAID TOP DOLLAR FOR THE AC87U AND THIS IS THE $10 PRODUCT U GIVE ME??? If a product is NOT ready for sale why the hell do you put it out? Are any of the features on your router breakthroughs in networking such that they CANNOT be tested before it goes to market? Maybe you should save on your gimmicky marketing and spend more on your R&D?

 

[bolasutra]

It has been 2 months since the last official firmware released. I paid top dollars for this router and I do not expect dc from 5G.

 

[renfred89]

It has been 2 months since the last official firmware released. I paid top dollars for this router and I do not expect dc from 5G.

At this point of time, dont expect any firmware to fix the 5Ghz issues because the Quantenna chipset driver is not updated until Q1 next year.. so yeah, 399 dollars for a piece of door stopper..

 

[gabelee72]

Facing the same problem guys - after upgrading to AC87U, deeply regret.

My M1 300Mbps from maxed out become like that:

Going to update to this latest firmware (from SNB) and try. Will post my results soon!

Anyone else got slowed download speed but upload is okay? My download is like almost going down to half of my upload -_-

 

[maylyn]

Update 12/01/2014 - Beta Release - Build 3123

Beta Release - Build 3123

1. This is not on the support site and servers for auto update.
2. Download here - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bw2xQ5benV_uZ25FTlFiOFlXVjg/view?usp=sharing

3. Short Fix List
Fixes:
1.TrendMicro Engine updated to fix log issues
2. Numerous bug fixes and performance improvements

Update

1.Expect public release shortly after qualification testing completes.
2.Another public release in early Q1 with new Quantenna driver updates.

5GHz AC-87U users that are having issues with their 5GHz are encouraged to update to this beta firmware and give it a try to see whether they are still impacted by the 5GHz numerous issues (weird 5GHz disconnection/reconnection, 5GHz remain connected but no Internet access, dropouts, subpar 5GHz performance etc) or there is a reduction of issues occurrence.

ASUS TW are fully aware of the 5GHz issues but not everyone that uses an ASUS RT-AC87U on 5GHz experiences issues with it. RMerlin and I didn't experienced these on various devices/mobile devices that we have/owned.

Some of the devices

1). IPhone 5/5S/6/6+
2). Sony Xperia Z1/Z2/Z3
3). Apple IMac
4). Apple Macbook Pro/Air
5). Nexus/Nexus 2013
6). ASUS PCE-AC68
7). ASUS USB-AC56
8). ASUS EA-AC87

And the list goes on.

Nevertheless ASUS are working hard to iron-out the possible 5GHz scenarios bug issues with Quantenna and Broadcom as well to complete their own internal qualification tests on 5GHz.

Lastly this beta firmware is based on the latest Broadcom SDK7 hence 378.xxxx firmware instead the usual Broadcom SDK6 (376.xxxx).

 

[maylyn]

Before more starts to post more Speedtest results, please do indicate which ISP plans, whether on wired or 5GHz and connecting devices performing the tests.

Some of mine indicating there isn't subpar ASUS RT-87U wired or 5GHz performance as one is thinking or otherwise, please re-examine your various conditions (i.e - router placement, 5GHz range between one's device, obstructions - 5GHz low penetration, 5GHz router settings, lower/upper 5GHz compatibility channels in used.)

Wired



5GHz AP



IPhone 6+ on 5GHz

 

[danxiaogui86]

5GHz AC-87U users that are having issues with their 5GHz are encouraged to update to this beta firmware and give it a try to see whether they are still impacted by the 5GHz numerous issues (weird 5GHz disconnection/reconnection, 5GHz remain connected but no Internet access, dropouts, subpar 5GHz performance etc) or there is a reduction of issues occurrence.

ASUS TW are fully aware of the 5GHz issues but not everyone that uses an ASUS RT-AC87U on 5GHz experiences issues with it. RMerlin and I didn't experienced these on various devices/mobile devices that we have/owned.

Some of the devices

1). IPhones 5/5S/6/6+
2). Sony Xperia Z1/Z2/Z3
3). Apple IMac
4). Apple Macbook Pro/Air
5). Nexus/Nexus 2013
6). ASUS PCE-AC68
7). ASUS USB-AC56
8. ASUS EA-AC87

And the list goes on.

Nevertheless ASUS are working hard to iron-out the possible 5GHz scenarios bug issues with Quantenna and Broadcom as well to complete their own internal qualification tests on 5GHz.

Lastly this beta firmware is based on the latest Broadcom SDK7 hence 378.xxxx firmware instead the usual Broadcom SDK6 (376.xxxx).

Just update, previous firmware on some games quite sluggish on 5Ghz for my Apple devices, hope it good now. will revert back


Edit: My apple devices game sluggishness is gone.

 

[ahduck]

hi maylyn, can you help try dual wan?

i have 2 isp and tried dual wan on ac87u but can never get ip address successfully on both wan and lan port 1

Have you solved dual wan issue ? I'm have issues too.

Currently running MR and SH. Primary Wan will work for both individually.

No matter how I swap ports, Secondary Wan just shows Disconnected.

Be it Primary Wan = Wan Port / Secondary Port = Lan 1, 2, 3 or 4 or vice versa Primary = Lan 1, 2, 3 or 4 / Secondary Port = Wan

Had to give up after hours fiddling with the RT-AC87U. My RT-N66U do not have this issue.

 

[maylyn]

Have you solved dual wan issue ? I'm have issues too.

Currently running MR and SH. Primary Wan will work for both individually.

No matter how I swap ports, Secondary Wan just shows Disconnected.

Be it Primary Wan = Wan Port / Secondary Port = Lan 1, 2, 3 or 4 or vice versa Primary = Lan 1, 2, 3 or 4 / Secondary Port = Wan

Had to give up after hours fiddling with the RT-AC87U. My RT-N66U do not have this issue.

ASUS RT-AC87U dual WAN is still work in progress for load balancing

As for failover, it's only applicable with 3G/LTE USB modems and not with another WAN ~ work in progress.

Teaming is still work in progress as well.

 

[ahduck]

ASUS RT-AC87U dual WAN is still work in progress for load balancing

As for failover, it's only applicable with 3G/LTE USB modems and not with another WAN ~ work in progress.

Teaming is still work in progress as well.

Hi Maylyn,

Thanks for the info and swift reply.

Alamak out of the above 3 features you mentioned, I'm using 2. Dual Wan failover and Lan 1/ 2 for teaming on my Asus Z77-WS.

Now it feels like I'm paying for a Porsche but comes only with the chassis. But with Honda interiors, Nissan wheels and Toyota engine etc.
Firmware updates/ bugs fixes = changing the parts back to Porsche parts.
By the time when it's a fully 'zhiang' back to original Porsche = Firmware fixed/ bugs smoothed out, the COE gonna expire and needing to scrap soon.

zzzz

 

[starbuckss]

With so many bugs and not stable product, asus still release such product to market at high price we pay.
I think we should bring to Case... Else demand compensation from asus...