5 Essential tips for Asus RT-AX86U in 2024

[@Vaughnwb]

What a video ! I bought that router because of you and g ot some new tips AND the Bongos made an appearance! Yes!

[@Behfor]

Glad I could help! 😁

[@P1uck]

Thank you as I bought the router from your previous reviews!

[@Behfor]

You're very welcome! How do you like the router? Hope it's been great for you too.

[@P1uck]

I use it at office and so far no issues!

[@Jwebbplayz]

This is an excellent router today on Amazon. I had fiber internet installed with 2 wireless pods, I was getting latency spikes and Bluetooth audio loss when gaming. With my family & 15 devices connected I needed a router. This device took the pods place and fixed everything. I’m on here now because I want the smart tvs (2) forced to 2.4 and off our 5 being they are turned on mostly for white noise.

[@Behfor]

Thanks for sharing.

[@MacReady69]

Thank you very much I used your review to purchase this 2 years ago and will use your tips to keep it working great 👍

[@Behfor]

Glad to help 👍

[@VnikXum]

Great video! Got the same RT-AX86U router for few years and got same settings as you suggest in video! In addition, I'm using minor tweaks: 1 - for 5 GHz channel set "WPA3 encryption". (All my devices connected to 5GHz support it) 2 - Automatically turn off 5 GHz Wi-Fi using "Time Scheduling" at night. 3 - Use "Game Device Prioritizing" for console devices.

[@Behfor]

Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂👍

[@Ignotus.]

Why do you turn off 5Ghz at night?

[@MCPabs]

@@Ignotus. I think for energy saving as that band uses a bit of power

[@Ignotus.]

@@MCPabs the difference is so negligible you wouldn’t notice a difference

[@MCPabs]

@@Ignotus. I thought so too, that was my guess as for what the reason was xD

[@spkay31]

I always love your videos. You have a great presentation style, fun and always to the point. Great videos.

[@durgeshkumar1023]

I watched almost every video of yours.Thanks for such a great content.It would be very helpful if you make a dedicated video on how channel frequency and interference from other routers together can cause inconsistency in wifi speed and signal.

[@shinOIchan]

Watched all of your AX86U videos. Now I have a chance to get my hands on the Pro version. Thank you for all the in-depth details.

[@Behfor]

You're very welcome, glad if I could help 👍🏻

[@SteveGoodenough]

Still love my AX86U, so good to see you still recommend it. You got me worried with the mesh on point 1, but I'm using an ethernet over powerline plugs for backhaul and that seems to work fine. I also had some issues with devices not connecting so was interested in your views on smart connect, maybe I should give that a go too with going back to separate SSID's for each one. Thanks for your ongoing tips and tricks!

[@Behfor]

You're very welcome! Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@V_-4-_VENDETTA71]

Where have you been, I missed you. Your channel is very informative and you’re a nice guy.

[@Behfor]

Thanks 🙏😊

[@gregs7918]

Thank-you. I have had the Pro version for ~4 months. My phones also had trouble with the Smart connect. I will try the narrow bandwidth for the 2.5G radio.

[@Behfor]

You're very welcome & good luck 👍

[@Bard_Emancipovani]

Excellent router, I bought it a year ago precisely because of your video where you nicely presented its advantages, and I haven't regretted it (I bought the RT-AX86U PRO). Great user-friendly interface, I have a PS5, NAS, PC and numerous IoT devices, everything works flawlessly, literally no need for a restart for all time. I also use WireGuard when I want to access my home network, and it works excellently. Highly recommended!

[@Behfor]

Glad you like it too! Thanks so much for sharing 😊

[@ClaudioBarroso]

Nice video! I just bought 2 (Pro) to replace 2 RT-AC68 (one for each floor of my house - 3100 Sq/f. I’m very impressed, but now I’m using the AIMesh for the first time (Ethernet Backhaul) and I’m very disappointed with the use of the same channels by both routers. With my AC68s, I used them with a Router + AP configuration and I could choose the channels and access the routers individually.. Now, I want a more centralized integration (especially for a guest network). I really wish that we could have more control of the wifi (and other configs) when we use a wired backhaul.

[@Behfor]

I hear you my man, well said 👍

[@Romoredux]

Thanks for the tips. My last router was an ASUS (I assume the ancestor to this one) and I loved it so "upgraded" to this one. I live in Rural Virginia but Xfinity does have their max plan @1200mbps so this was a nice "upgrade" considering 1) I was paying for 1200 but not getting it b/c the old router only had 1G port 2) I'm actually getting closer to 1500! shh don't tell my ISP!

[@Behfor]

Haha! That's great! Thanks for sharing!

[@rfrancoi]

Great video Sir. Thank you.

[@Behfor]

You're welcome! Glad you liked it!

[@thisjustanother]

great timing of this video. i had gotten this router the year it came out back in 2021, and im about to move to a new country here in a month, it looks like i wont have to worry about needing to upgrade or anything. thank you for the great information.

[@Behfor]

Glad I could help! Thanks 👍

[@JaiManny]

Appreciate this video... Ur the man!

[@Behfor]

You're welcome! Glad you liked it!

[@ThomasPhamthomassster]

One thing I face with this router is that it does overheat pretty often. and if it is used in a hot environment, upstairs in the summertime, it may exhibit continuous reboots. I just bought a small usb fan and looking to try this out to help cool the router.

[@darkenergy5686]

If I weren't such a cheap fella, I too would be using such a nice device. Sadly I am stuck with my TP-Link AC1750 and RE300 extender for now. They seem to work for my house for the now, so I will continue to make use with what I have. But I do enjoy your videos and always find them helpful. 😊

[@Behfor]

If it ain't broken, don't touch it! 😁 Thanks so much for sharing!

[@onlineconsumer4796]

I had a TP Link Archer C8 and a RE220 and replaced both with RT-AX86U a few years ago and have had a much better experience.

[@TSXChef]

Thanks for the update. I purchased my 2 units (using it as mesh, wired backhaul) watching your review years ago 🙂 I hope it will last several more years until 6E becomes mainstream.

[@Behfor]

I hope so too! Thanks 👍

[@josefranciscofernandes637]

Yes the best solution is wired backhaul. " Warning " new routers with 60 GHz will interfere with oxygen molecules . I have tried various WiFi6 routers with AP Wired backaul and works great in every two rooms with only 50 milliwatts.of power 5 dBI single band antenas for 5GHz. Router in the midle of at house with 3 AP, or at 1/3 with 2 AP. " Y " Router with single band antenna 4X4 with higher gain for 6 GHz. (collinear antenna) (2 or 3 dipoles) would be a better design router. Inthe near future new fiber optic "almost invisible" to to wire AP might be the one of the best solution. to replace RJ45 on the outside of the walls. Altice Optimum already have Internet fiber optic (symetric speed) up to 8000/8000 Mbps. In the futuren new and Faster Powerlines up to 8000/8000 Mbps MU WIMO might be made. WiFi7 router with @320 MHz channel bandwidth will be excellent with 2 or 3 AP. wireless mesh beamforming

[@Scope951]

Wow your video so concise and well made. Thank you so much. Subbed

[@Behfor]

Glad you liked it and appreciate the sub 👍

[@AdamH7]

I just bought the 86U Pro, can't wait to install Merlin and do a lot of tinkering

[@Behfor]

Great! Thanks for sharing and good luck 👍🙂

[@thetilo8682]

great video! nice drum rolls! 😄

[@TonyDL]

Hi Behfor and welcome back! Thanks for sharing your experience and expertise! This video is timely for me. I just bought the RT-AX86U and now reconsidering based on your recommendation against wireless backhaul. If I got a tri-band router, would the backhaul be on the 6GHz band? My home has about 20 wifi devices with most on 2.4 and just a few on 5GHz. Do you still recommend tri-band in this case? I have no option for wired backhaul. I'm currently using a repeater for my furthest device and was thinking mesh was a better way to go. Looking at the RT-AXE7800, is that a better option? Appreciate any guidance you can offer.

[@Behfor]

Hi, if you don't have many devices and your priority is not necessarily speed, a dual band mesh system might still get the job done for you. Just keep in mind that if you really want to take advantage of a tri band mesh, both routers have to be tri band. You might find useful information in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqW1pHuhrryNaNE

[@TonyDL]

@Behfor I watched the video you referred to and it cleared everything up for me! thank you!! With so much potential for change in the router and wifi space, I think I'll give the RT-AX86U a go and see if it meets my needs for now. Then in a few years I will reevaluate a possible quad-band mesh system for my home. Wishing you a great day Behfor and thank you so much for the help! 😀✌

[@benedictoevangelista2997]

Thank you for all the tips and advice. My current AIMesh network consists of RT-AX86U Pro RT-AX55 2 - RT-AX82U Its quite a powerful mesh system and has eliminated all the dead spots in the residence. Your advice on using separate networks for the 5G and 2.4 is on point, some devices do have some issues connecting via the smart network…! Awesome video…

[@captainzaurcabarov]

Very good review thank you!

[@Behfor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@T3chnoJunk13]

Thanks for the great video... if I'm upgrading from the RT-AX86U what do you recommend?

[@Behfor]

You might want to think about getting a WiFi 7 wireless router now that WiFi 7 is officially released

[@Ultrajamz]

Now EOL?

[@ali76739]

Still using 2 RT-AX86U with Aimesh (2,5 Gbps wired backhaul) and Merlin OS. Easily can reach gigabit speed over wifi from both devices. Very rocksolid routers. Pro version comes with little bit faster CPU but doesn't have 2 USB3.2 (only 1 USB3.2). In my opinion does not worth to upgrade pro one.

[@Behfor]

Great! Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@zincbod]

Great video, thanks for all the content. I keep watching these and other videos with a view to upgrade but cant ever get to a decision. I have a RT-AC88U and AC86U in mesh config. And whilst its been good over the years, im thinking i would benefit from an upgrade. I looked at so many but just cant decide what will give me that better soild connections i need. Im on the edge of getting either an AX88U Pro, the AXE11000 or even switching to an Orbi setup 762s. Anyone got any thoughts?

[@Behfor]

You're welcome! WiFi 7 is out. Maybe it's not a bad idea to invest in that if you really want to upgrade to current technology and future proof as well. Thanks.

[@chrisahlund]

I'm thinking of getting this as a standalone router, mostly because the relative small size and the excellent Wi-Fi range. However, the new BE86U is tempting. But I can't find any info if it has the same (or worse/better) range. Have you had the chance to test it?

[@TheStevenWhiting]

2:39 Virgin crappy router has the same. Always been useless because if a band is busy it switches but will then disconnect you briefly. If on Direct Access you notice.

[@kjettern69]

Will not the QOS slow down the throughput when having a fast WAN connection? At least it did before on an old router. I have a 500mbit fiber from my ISP

[@Behfor]

Basically, QoS won't necessarily slow down your throughput on its own. It's more about managing how different stuff like streaming or gaming gets treated. But if you set it up wrong, especially with traditional QoS, then yes, it can have a negative effect. Also, if your router's processor isn't fast enough and using QoS overloads the router itself, then again, using it might defeat the purpose. That's why it doesn't hurt to have a more powerful processor. Thanks!

[@Vam1500]

How much better would wired backhaul be if you have a triband mesh router and if the router and access point are about 30 feet apart?

[@Behfor]

It'll depend on many things such as the capabilities of the routers, how busy the network is, the environment, and...The wired backhaul won't necessarily be better than a dedicated tri-band backhaul. In this video, I talked about a dual-band router, which is a different story.

[@Vam1500]

@@Behfor thank you! I have an asus xt9. So far very impressed with that router and APs.

[@papad9067]

How do you add clients to the node so they can be shared with the main router?

[@Moroo1976]

Sir -whats your thought about ASUS RT-AX58U V2 WIFI 6 AX3000

[@Behfor]

It should be adequate for a small to medium network, but it's not a high-end Wi-Fi 6 router as the 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz band are 2x2

[@Moroo1976]

What you recommend router . Thanks

[@beary8549]

I wish I could lower the thresh hold for RSSI going only to nodes. Example, alot of my 5ghz devices dont always connect to closest 5ghz node, as I have 5 nodes an various rooms. I thought smart connect would solve this, but its only for deciding between 5ghz and 2.4ghz :( Any one have any suggestions?

[@durgeshkumar1023]

Asus AiMesh and Tplink Onemesh Technologies are dedicated for this purpose I think

[@Behfor]

You need to troubleshoot the roaming situation. I have a video on that. Besides are you sure you really need 5 nodes? Too many nodes can mess up with seamless roaming.

[@davesdream]

Hi Behfor. Long time no see you!

[@Behfor]

Hi there, yeah it's been a while! Hope you are doing fine 👍

[@jimamizzi1]

Hi mate, what I don’t understand is do I replace my old modem router with this stand alone router?

[@Grid21]

I have a question regarding timecode 1:51. Mentioned having a "wired backHaul Connection" so does this mean you'd have to change how the AiMesh operates? Is there a different setting I'd have to do to make it the LAN connection be the BackHaul connection? Please let me know as I was going to use this Router for a client's business Wi-Fi setup.

[@Ki2ooo]

Is it actually possible to restore the settings from the standard version to the PRO version? wrt merlin on both devices. Thank you!

[@Behfor]

I've tried transitioning between different Asus router models, and it was successful at times, while other times I encountered issues due to certain features available in one router but not in the other. The ax86u and ax86u pro are very similar, so I assume there shouldn't be any problem, but I'm not 100% sure. Thanks.

[@NSXLA]

RT-AX86U is buggy - depending on the firmware. 3.0.0.4.388_22068 has been solid, you can set it and forget it -- But the most recent one 3.0.0.4.388_24231 causes my 5ghz to drop out of the blue/randomly with auth messages in log. I have to disable and enable Beamforming reboot the router to get it to work. Can you cover advance stats and logs ssh to router etc?

[@paulo.valverde]

Thanks for your video! I have the same combo router and I am planning to get an OPNSense box at some point, would this device handle VLANs? Or should I use Merlin? Maybe a Tutorial on that if possible would be a good idea. Thanks again!

[@idonavon6513]

I have this router and every day or two I get a message of connected with no internet on my devices or dns_probe_finished_no_internet on my PC so I have to reboot it and then it works again... Very disappointing I even added a reboot schedule to reboot it every night but it didn't help

[@rkmtn4756]

Just purchased an RT AX86U Pro to replace my main router and would like to use a RT AC86U in an aimesh are they compatible? This would be a wired back haul. The system worked great with an AC86U as main and a AC68U but the 68U died but being a noob I bought an AX86U to replace the main learned these may ot work well together.

[@richieng493]

Thanks for the recommendation. I bought the PRO. I've a question. How to use the 2.5G port? Can use as WAN to get faster speed?

[@Himothy_xx]

That’s why I’m here

[@Ki2ooo]

Would be great if you could make a video setting up the Dual Wan failover function. In my setup with merlin wrt it takes around 2:30 minutes until the router switches to the secondary wan RUTX50 5G router. That is too slow and I don't get it faster. Failback takes just 30seconds. Maybe you have a solution ? Thank you!

[@Behfor]

You may wanna watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmPOiGOJd9KHoKs also this ASUS FAQ: www.asus.com/support/faq/1037368/

[@solomon19891991]

I use an rt-ax82u. Been trying to find some tips and tricks to better it's performance but no luck. Any suggestions?

[@naamangeist7843]

I just ordered the RT-AX86U Pro for my 2.4 GHz home automation system (mostly Alexa & Alexa-compatible devices), bundled with the RT-AX55 for the garage, where I have more home automation devices. I'm now beginning to question whether I made a mistake buying the bundle, hearing your "only if it is used as a stand-alone wireless router or AP, and not as part of a mesh system" 1:05 But you then go on to talk about wireless vs wired backhaul, wireless slowing the connectivity speeds. However, I'm planning to connect the second router via network cable, as you recommended. So, do I need to reconsider my purchase and cancel my order with Amazon or will it work at full speed being wired into the network? Are there any negative effects when wired? Thanks

[@Behfor]

I can never tell you whether to cancel your order or not; that's the decision you should be making. What I can tell you, though (as mentioned in this video and many others on my channel), is that using a wired backhaul for a dual-band mesh system is much better compared to using wireless backhaul, especially if you have many devices in your network. This allows you to utilize the full capacity of wireless radios for connecting your devices. So if you are planning to use a wired backhaul, you should be all right. Just make sure you install them correctly and not just randomly throw one here and there. I would suggest watching this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHuaZIF8fb19kNE Good luck!

[@JaiManny]

Want to share that I bought the RTAX86U Pro.... Sucks cause I bought it for vlan. ASUS hasn't updated it's beta firmware... Which is only one available for vlan.

[@costantineyoussif6679]

Would u recommend buying ASUS RT AX86U pro or GT AX6000 ? Just for a regular home use internet speed up to 1Gig and multiple devices? Price is not an issue just wanted something for future proofing ? And do i really need to consider getting even the WIFI6e ? Or it doesn’t really matter Thanks

[@buckseyboy]

Hey hows it going I really need some help upstairs Im currently using a quite high end netgear wifi extender in the same room next to my ps5 and I have my ps5 connected to the wifi extender from one of the wifi extender ethernet ports with a 1metre ethernet cable so have a wired ps5 connection while my router is far away all the way downstairs, I'm looking to upgrade my current netgear wifi extender thats in my room that I'm using the ps5 to connect to as this wifi extender is wifi 5 and considered outdated now , could I use this asus 4200 tuf gaming router or any asus modern router and put it in repeater mode as that's basically a wifi extender that I can connect to my ps5 right while my main router is downstairs? Or is repeater mode different to a wifi extender if so what's the difference or benefit ? Ie what's better to get a router that has repeater mode or get a wifi extender or is it the same thing?? Really need some help and advice on this would really really help me out , thankyou 🙏

[@lyte805]

Ben watching your videos for a while now. But I got a problem, the other day I dropped my router 2 times trying to move it. I disconnected it as well. Now my MAC address is different n my WiFi lights aren’t on. I tried to hard reset n nothing. Only my Ethernet works. But I can’t even use it with Aimesh. I’m going to try to coins/change the WiFi them up date it. I didn’t have beta update enabled prior to all this. I flash back to the first firmware n. Still nothing. Help please

[@ainttakenanyshit]

"Dropping" it is BAD.... Probably damaged the innards.... BEST advise is to buy a NEW router and just do not drop the damn thing.... (maybe next time you will be more careful)....

[@sebastianmontana9321]

Is this the same as the Pro version?

[@Behfor]

The Pro version has a more powerful processor, plus some more advanced features such as VLAN. Thanks.

[@phillipmeza3459]

Behfor, HELP! It appears Asus is finally calling it quits for the RT-AC68U! "AOL" will occur in the end of 2024, that goes for Asuswrt-Merlin as well, question, I have "3" of these that are ethernet Backhauled to my "Main" RT-AX86U (primary) what should I replace these with? I thought about the "Zenwifi mini XD4 or XD5" or RTAX58U or 68U (more ports) as NODES, Any thoughts?

[@Mustaach]

Do you still recommend buying this router as new?

[@Behfor]

The short answer is, it depends on your network requirements. The long version was answered in the video, as well as in my latest video where I share my top 5 WiFi 6 routers. Thanks.

[@RendySinoman]

The 1st tip should be to install Merlin firmware

[@Rez_nick]

First time seeing your channel and I am willing to bet my life your Iranian 😂😂

[@techsostip]

i just enable 160 MHZ i will check what will happen

[@Behfor]

Good luck 🤞

[@-pp-]

All mesh systems are joke and only for advertising just set all the devices same ssid and you will create mesh system

[@georgelewisray]

: )

[@Behfor]

:)

[@TheDoctor46vr]

What would be better for competitive online gaming over ethernet, traditional or adaptive QoS? I live in a share house with multiple devices connected and im tossing up between the AX57 and the AX58U. We have 50/20 bandwidth. ps. Sorry if i already asked this on a different video i cant remember if i did or didint ask you, i havent been notified of a comment if you have.

[@themaximusone]

great router but i had to send mine back after 1 month then it ran great for years after