ASUS RT-AX68U 5GHz Network Drops Out: Troubleshooting Guide

Identifying the Problem

The ASUS RT-AX68U router is known to experience occasional 5GHz network dropouts, particularly around 5:30 AM. This issue affects only the 5GHz networks and does not impact the 2.4GHz network or clients connected to the main router.

Recommended Solution: Disable Channel Bandwidth

To resolve this problem, it is recommended to disable the channel bandwidth setting on the router. This setting can be found in the router's web admin interface under the "Wireless" tab. By default, the channel bandwidth is set to "Auto." Changing it to "Default" can help stabilize the 5GHz network and prevent dropouts.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

* **Reset the Router:** Resetting the router to its factory default settings can sometimes resolve network issues. Be sure to back up any custom settings before resetting. * **Update the Firmware:** Make sure your router is running the latest firmware. Firmware updates can include bug fixes and performance improvements. * **Check for Interference:** Ensure there are no other devices or appliances nearby that may be causing interference with the router's signal. * **Try a Different Channel:** If disabling the channel bandwidth does not solve the problem, try switching to a different wireless channel. This can be done through the router's web admin interface. * **Enable DFS:** Disable Feature Scheduling (DFS) on the router. DFS can sometimes interfere with the 5GHz network. * **Install ASUS Merlin Firmware:** Consider installing the ASUS Merlin firmware on your router. This third-party firmware provides enhanced functionality and stability, which may help resolve the network dropouts. * **Contact ASUS Support:** If none of the above solutions work, contact ASUS support for further assistance.