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ASUS RT-AX86U Pro AX5700 Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 Router $373.04 Delivered @ Amazon AU

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ASUS RT-AX86U Pro AX5700 Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 Router $373.04 Delivered @ Amazon AUAffiliate
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hamza23 on 18/03/2024 - 06:47 amazon.com.au (1899 clicks)
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Cheapest yet on Camels for AU stock. Less than the $399 boxing day deal.

Specs thanks to Twix:

Processor
2.0GHz quad-core processor

Memory
256 MB Flash and 1 GB RAM

I/O Ports
RJ45 for 10/100/1000 BaseT for WAN x 1
RJ45 for 10/100/1000 BaseT for LAN x 4
Five (5) 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports + one (1) 2.5G/1Gbps multi-Gig port (configurable)
— LAN: 4xGbE (2x port aggregation LAN)
— WAN: 1 GbE
— WAN/LAN: 2.5G/1Gbps multi-Gig port (configurable)
— Multi-Gig: Ability to aggregate two Gigabit LAN ports and two Gigabit WAN ports (configurable) concurrently.
USB 3.2 Gen1 x1, 2.0 x1

Full list of tech specs

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
Computing ASUS Big Smile Sale Wireless Router

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closed Comments

    • Skullytor on 18/03/2024 - 13:52
      +1

      I have this router on my watch list so tempted at this price, BUT given Wifi7 is gonna become the new norm and old RT-AC68U is still (mirlin) firmware supported running strong, I'll just wait until whatever Asus's next model will be.

  • Thiefsie on 18/03/2024 - 10:23

    I've got a pair of AC68U's and an RT68. (Running AsusWRT-Merlin for all) - I'm finding that my network drops every now and then for no reason - much more so on the wifi. I find I have to power down all of them and ensure I boot them in the order of host first then nodes to ensure everything is working alright. Then it lasts maybe a week or so before going down again. It's as though the wifi has too many deveices on it (to be fair quite a lot with smart home and other devices - maybe 20-30 total, including NAS)

    Also my RT68 says the NVRAM is near full, even though I'm not running any white/blacklists which should take up the ram. Does anyone know if this is normal? Seems odd considering I otherwise have a pretty normal config apart from DNS to piholes (2 for redundancy) and WAN2 via NBN.

    On another note, if I were to add this RT86U to the network with the 68's acting as nodes, will my reliability/mesh be improved or will it just fall to the weakest link/speed throughout??

    Thanks!

    • netsurfer on 18/03/2024 - 10:40

      It is not unusual to have the NVRAM close to full for RT-AC68U if you have updated firmware (including Merlin firmware) quite a few times. There is some command you can run to trim NVRAM. It's best to trim it.

    • Androo305 on 18/03/2024 - 11:04
      +1

      Save your configuration and factory reset the router. Install Merlin firmware then factory reset it again. From memory it should keep you on the merlin firmware, but if it doesn't install it again. This ensures any NVRAM settings from the old firmware are removed and it retains the merlin settings. It has been a while since I've needed to do this, current RT-AX86U has been running solid for 3 years, barely have to restart it other than upgrading to new versions. Runs AMTM Skynet (2GB swap file) and diversion (adblock) without any issues on an external USB thumb drive. Specifically, SanDisk 32GB Ultra Flair (metal, $12 on amazon); it's the only USB that hasn't died in a week from heat. Lasts about 1.5-2 years. I've bought a few as spares lol.

      • netsurfer on 18/03/2024 - 11:10
        +1

        Seems like he is running AiMesh through Merlin. I do find AiMesh more fiddly with Merlin firmware. I use a different mesh setup so I have very limited experience on AiMesh. Through Merlin, I do find it is not always plug and play (unlike standard mesh kit).

        Also, I am not certain factory reset would clean up the NVRAM properly. I had to re-flash a TM-AC1900 recently (to make it into AC86U and support AiMesh). The NVRAM was full and I had to ssh into the router to trim it. Factory reset 3 times previously and those factory resets didn't resolve the issue (still had to ssh into the router and trim it manually).

        • Thiefsie on 18/03/2024 - 11:19
          +1

          OK thank you very much - when I get some time I'll try trimming again, and probably reflash from factory. I believe I tried that a while ago - but I only did it once.
          I recall one of my AC68's is a Tmobile reflash so looks like I might have to factory reset that a number of times, then manually enter the settings and go from there for each node. This will take a while but if it becomes rock solid again - well worth it.

          Any idea whether the mesh will run at the slowest node speed or would the WiFi 6 of this deal upgrade the speed (at least for devices connected to that node, whilst the other nodes do the best they can??) - There's a Cat6 LAN backhaul connection between nodes of course.

          • Androo305 on 18/03/2024 - 11:24
            +1

            @Thiefsie: Otherwise, the command is "erase nvram && reboot"

            Sorry, I too haven't personally used AiMesh.

          • netsurfer on 18/03/2024 - 11:29
            +1

            @Thiefsie: I don't know routers well enough to know if a device happens to support WiFi 6 and is connected to this router (AX86U Pro), whether it will still get better connection or not. However, since you have AiMesh, it means there will be devices connecting to the old AC68U wirelessly still and those won't get any performance benefit for WiFi (unless your current network is heavily congested, but you have LAN backbone so that just seem unlikely).

            CAT6 LAN backhaul would rule out Merlin firmware not working as well as Asus firmware in AiMesh setup issue. AiMesh (like most mesh solutions) is pretty much a black box to us. Anyway, try trimming NVRAM first.

        • neonlight on 18/03/2024 - 14:05

          AiMesh with merlin is very very fiddly. You need to connect the nodes using cable from main unit else it fails to detect. You also need to turn on WPS during AiMesh pairing else it doesn't work

          I bought a second hand RT-AC86U as a node.

          So I run RT-AC86U as main with 2 nodes RT-AC86U and RT-AC68U

          The latest merlin is also buggy does not work well with EOP and will not recognise connection

          The most best stable for the old range is 386.9 not 12

          • Thiefsie on 18/03/2024 - 15:17

            @neonlight: Ah interesting about your note on WPS as I believe I have that turned off. I will look into 386.9 and see how I go when I get a significant amount of time, late night with the fam asleep.

            Thanks!

            • neonlight on 18/03/2024 - 16:57
              +1

              @Thiefsie: Yeah that caught me out I spent 1-2 hours searching all over the web, found a post:-

              1) Enable WPS on both units pairing AiMesh (main and node)
              2) Connect the LAN interface via cable from Main unit to Node unit's WAN interface
              3) Retry the Aimesh node setup, you might need to factory reset the Node router, use the Wizard again.
              4) Been told to use Stock firmware on AiMesh nodes (its easier and doesn't face the same issue), no real advantage as they are just you know….nodes. The only thing might be better might be the Wifi Radio updates? Not really clear to me

              • Thiefsie on 18/03/2024 - 17:09

                @neonlight: I think I'll go Merlin for the nodes as i believe they can auto-update themselves from the host. I've had issues logging into the host as opposed to the node before (hence particular boot order) when the node seems to take priority. Been a b*tch sometimes to update the nodes like this.

                • neonlight on 18/03/2024 - 17:14

                  @Thiefsie: I see yes you can update firmware from the host. Didn't know that's an exclusive thing for Merlin-firmware AiMesh nodes.

      • neonlight on 18/03/2024 - 14:04

        What's the purpose of running skynet?

  • Powershopz on 18/03/2024 - 11:18

    Currently have just a very basic default router that came with our NBN install.

    I'm getting upgraded to 1000/100 next month. Would this be worth getting? or should I potentially get something fancier/more expensive.

    2 story town house, max range needed 20m/3 walls.

    • Twix on 18/03/2024 - 11:27
      +2

      Asus RT-AX86U Pro is great for Gigabit. What router are you using now?

      1000/100 doesn't exist yet. It is currently 1000/50.

      • Powershopz on 18/03/2024 - 11:33

        Netcomm NF18ACV.

        Speed/connection is perfectly fine within 10m of the router for both 2.4/5GHz networks so fine for most of the house but it's completely unusable for our master bedroom (upstairs/3 walls /20m away).

        • Twix on 18/03/2024 - 11:41
          +1

          Yeah that NetComm NF18ACV struggles with Wi-Fi speeds and range. I would get the Asus.

    • Androo305 on 18/03/2024 - 11:28
      +1

      Short answer yes.

  • Lionheart on 18/03/2024 - 11:32

    Any good YouTube videos show casing this Merlin everyone is talking about and how to install it?

  • Devastator0 on 18/03/2024 - 11:42

    This is a great router! I've used the non-Pro one for years now and have had 0 issues with it. Wifi range/coverage on it is outstanding, specifically 2.4Ghz (5Ghz coverage is solid too). To give anyone who is wondering an idea, I get strong wifi signal at my neighbor's place across the road from me. Both our houses are set back from the road so yeah, quite a testament to how good this one is. I pretty much recommend this to all my mates if they ask what they should get.

  • Vool on 18/03/2024 - 16:31

    Thanks I've been waiting for these to get discounted again.

  • scottb721 on 18/03/2024 - 18:23

    Thanks OP. Updating from my AX58U which is currently suffering around 70 devices.

    • Agret on 18/03/2024 - 18:36

      In your case it’s better to go with a mesh network so you can spread the devices around the satellite extenders, much more bandwidth per device that way.

      If you get tp-link deco they can use ethernet connection to talk to each other so the wireless is utilised only for connected devices instead of sharing bandwidth with the mesh

      Have a read of this page:
      https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/1794/

      • Pleasure Paulie on 18/03/2024 - 18:42

        As a general rule, you should always use Ethernet for mesh. Great advice!

        • Agret on 18/03/2024 - 18:44
          +1

          With the wifi 6E mesh devices you can usually configure them to use the 6ghz band for the mesh talk and leave the 5ghz free for your devices (I think they default to this actually, probably the main advantage of Wifi6E over Wifi6 when people ask if it’s worth) - if this works depends on the layout of your house and the wall materials for the satellites to get a good connection with 6ghz. Ethernet always best of course :)

        • neonlight on 19/03/2024 - 08:00

          And no Ethernet over power in between. Asus assess that worser than Wifi 5 paired via Aimesh

          • Agret on 19/03/2024 - 14:44

            @neonlight: It can vary a lot with the wiring layout in the house and which ethernet over power devices you buy. I have had some good success with it in the past. Some house layouts with interior brick walls can benefit a lot from it compared to wifi backhaul as the brick really kills wifi coverage. If they have the internet coming into an office at one end of the house and a lounge at the other end they're trying to connect up a smart TV ethernet over power has been a winner in more than one job :)

            • neonlight on 20/03/2024 - 11:51

              @Agret: Yeah I wish to know what model and brand of EOP works well.

              I have old Netcomm indicated running 100Mbps but the AiMesh node thinks its weaker than 5G wifi paired with main router.

              But then its probably due to how the electrical wires are done. We can't tell

      • scottb721 on 18/03/2024 - 20:42

        Whilst not mesh I'm already running a couple of APs cabled off the 58U. The APs are dedicated to specific clients.
        WiFi-wise my AX58U is only handling 20 devices, using 2 SSIDs for that.

        One of my APs is an RT-AX55 (my son's AP) so that will give me a 3 way in the future if I need it.
        I'll swap his 55 for the 58U when the 68U turns up.

  • Pleasure Paulie on 18/03/2024 - 18:37

    I’m confused why one would buy this over the AX6000 that’s cheaper?

    It has additional:
    USB 3, 2x multi link 2.5gb ports for the NBN upgrades we will receive by 2079.
    4x4 MIMO on the 2.4 band which may be very few devices.
    Probably better signal coverage with dedicated antennas for each channel and 6x total.

    The only detriment I can see is that it looks like the Asus design team had children design it, and less ram. I don’t think for majority of consumers would connect enough devices to benefit from the extra ram.

  • SludgeTrumpet on 18/03/2024 - 21:17
    +1

    GT-AX6000 is on sale as well for $483.37 if you want stupid-fast WiFi from a single router. Tried posting as a seperate deal but rejected it for a recent URL post back in boxing day when it was $465.

    • hamza23 on 18/03/2024 - 21:18
      +1

      Click 'not a duplicate' checkbox on the deal submission form.

      Error: This URL has been posted before. If you are absolutely sure that it is not a duplicate, check the 'Not Duplicate' checkbox below

      Not Duplicate
      I can confirm that this deal is NOT a duplicate. Check this box to override OzBargain's duplicate deal detection.

    • Pleasure Paulie on 18/03/2024 - 22:36

      What’s the different between the TU-AX6000 and GT-AX6000. They look identical except the TU is 512mg ram and the GT is 1gb. Worth $335 vs $465?

  • hopper on 18/03/2024 - 21:46

    Started having issues with my telstra gen 2 modem after moving to 3rd party NBN providers. Time to give retirement for it.

    • neonlight on 19/03/2024 - 08:01

      Sounds like it'd the provider rather than router though. I still have the gen 2 no issues moving one to another isp

  • sqheaven on 19/03/2024 - 00:01

    I have recently got Asus RT-AX82U thinking it would hit gigabit on wireless, I was too naive. Would this one do any better?

    • Pleasure Paulie on 19/03/2024 - 14:29

      Could hit 800+mbps if close to it with a 4x4 supported AC wifi device. Of course will fall off as you move further away.

      • sqheaven on 20/03/2024 - 07:19

        Doesn't really hit tbh. Only if I put a cable then it gives close to 800. It's far better than my previous one RT-AC88U.

        Will try to upgrade to something better but haven't decided yet.

  • Munki Kundi on 19/03/2024 - 08:33

    Can I buy two of these and make them a mesh system?

    • Twix on 19/03/2024 - 10:01
      +1

      Yeah you can.

    • Pleasure Paulie on 19/03/2024 - 14:24

      That’s one expensive mesh system lol.

      • Munki Kundi on 19/03/2024 - 14:56

        I am thinking of future use cases. If one doesn't cover my cameras then I can make a mesh

        • neonlight on 20/03/2024 - 11:50

          Not worth it you might as well get TP-Link range

      • Munki Kundi on 19/03/2024 - 14:58

        I currently have a tplink archer ax5400 and the cameras keep dropping off. I believe tplink routers can be meshed too but I am not sure which is compatible with my router

        • Pleasure Paulie on 20/03/2024 - 09:29
          +1

          TP-Link mage a range of meshes. Their ones will work

  • Roose4837 on 19/03/2024 - 14:00

    Please note that you need a separate modem to use this router. Most ISPs give you a single modem-router device whereas this is a dedicated router.

    • get-innocuous on 19/03/2024 - 14:54

      If you have fttp you don’t need one, though. People on fttn or fttc probably don’t need this router as a cheaper one will sustain wifi speeds up to 300-400mbit just fine.

    • neonlight on 20/03/2024 - 08:28

      Only if you run FTTC or Coaxial

  • lyltc520 on 19/03/2024 - 22:02

    Current with ASUS AC5300 Wireless Tri-Band as main Router and AC 68U as mesh. Is that worth to upgarde to this AX 86 Pro ?

  • dvd107 on 20/03/2024 - 17:33

    Currently have a AC68U which is working fine. Would this upgrade be of any benefit?
    No issue with current setup.
    On NBN 100/20

    • Pleasure Paulie on 20/03/2024 - 18:11

      You would probably gain some range without an AP/mesh which would give some speed benefits in some areas of the house. Otherwise, you would not be maxing out your current router on 5g on 100mbps.

    • get-innocuous on 21/03/2024 - 18:17

      No

  • Pecan on 21/03/2024 - 08:36

    I have a pair of ASUS CT8 at the moment that I’m looking to upgrade. We have FTTP 1000/50.

    Could I use the AX86U as the primary device ( and get the benefit of the newer tech), then add the CT8 as nodes with Ethernet backhaul?

    Or would it be better to just get a pair of XT8 for example?

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