One question, where did you get this file from "RT-AC68U-ddwrt" (from your previous post) ?
ddwrt is either webflash or factory-to-ddwrt, while asus firmware is RT-AC66U_B1_3.0.0.4 etc, like below :
b. 25974factory-to-ddwrt.bin
e. RT-AC66U_B1_3.0.0.4_385_20630-ged5e4c3.trx

I think you try to use asus firmware restoration tool, easier (in case you are still in asus CFE), just remember to set a static IP in your PC before running the restore :
https://www.asus.com/sg/support/FAQ/1000814/

If restore can not work, maybe it is already in dlink CFE, which in this case you need to use reset (hold) + power on, until power led flashes. Your pc must be in static IP as well. before reset + power on, you can also open a command prompt and type "ping 192.168.1.1 -t", you should see messages like timed out or unreachable, then TTL=100 (if TTL=64 then can not). once TTL=100, you can release the reset button.

saw the video, you still in asus cfe, not dlink. In this case just use the asus restore method. you can also use the reset+ power on if you want. remember PC must be in static IP.

Also, asus firmware is most updated/stable + mesh (stable for ethernet), I don't see the point of going back to dlink firmware again.

Thank you BTS1501 for the advice.
Ok, so we will focus to ASUS Firmware restoration.

I re-download the firmware restoration and latest RT-AC66U B1 firmware Version 3.0.0.4.386.41634 from ASUS website.

1. Set to static IP 192.168.0.10 (255.255.255.0) and turn off Firewall
2. Plug in LAN (No. 3) at DIR868L
3. Switch on + hold RESET button (15 seconds)
4. Launch Firmware restoration with browse downloaded new firmware
5. Firmware uploading in progress
6. Then after 100% flash but it shown 'Failed to recover the system'

7. After that, only the INTERNET LED light up
8. Wait for 20 mins, and still only INTERNET LED light up (like no response)
9. Restart by switch power off then on, then it looks like the video shown before (INTERNET LED blinking)
https://youtu.be/mZPENORbJpA

Eventually still unable startup the router...

OpenWRT - 802.11s Mesh WiFi Network



Anyone with plenty of free time and available router hardware suitable for OpenWRT firmware to play around with this open-source Mesh system?

https://youtu.be/1yaodn1BpSw

https://youtu.be/cw8ykKgVKbM

Just sharing what I found by accident.

It seems you could mix and match different brand of routers as long the routers are supported by OpenWRT firmware.

Regards,

This post has been edited by misk94: Mar 29 2021, 04:10 PM

Saw the video. It's not bricked. No need serial method.

I think IP is wrong. Set this in PC.
ip address 192.168.1.123
Subnet 255.255.255.0
Gateway 192.168.1.1

Hold reset and power on. Then try the firmware restoring again.

Yes, ip address in your pc should be set 192.168.1.10, subnet 255.255.255.0, no need gateway. You type 192.168.0.10

Dlink uses 192.168.0.x
asus uses 192.168.1.x (for older routers)

If still can not (don't know what firmware you flashed previously), then
1. WPS button + power on, ping 192.168.1.1 -t until ttl=100, then release wps button
2. reset button + power on, ping 192.168.1.1 -t until ttl=100, then release reset button

try 1 and/or 2 repeatedly

This post has been edited by BTS1501: Mar 29 2021, 05:03 PM

Thank you BTS1501!
By the option 1... pressing the WPS button is work!
It is back online now!

Again thank you BTS1501 and fisherman10 for the great guide!

That's great. Enjoy

The wps + power on is to clear nvram, you will need to use this when reflash cfe. So most likely you did not clear nvram after flashing the asus cfe.

The reset + power on is to go into the miniweb screen, for flashing firmware.

When you do 2 868l together in aimesh, you also need to use wps + power on.

Appreciate BTS1510!
I see... So you mean need to clear two 868l nvram when I want setup Aimesh ya?
Then I will need to reconfigure the WAN and Wireless?

I think he mistaken.

If everything is working in Asus firmware already, you don't need to hold any button and power on.

To set up a node, let the device start-up as usual, press and hold reset button until light blinks then let go. This will factory reset that device.

Go to your main router, press AI Mesh, search for nodes, add the device that it found. It should work unless you messed up the MAC address/WPS pin when converting.

Thank you fisherman10!
Brilliant! Understand clearly now!

Dear members,

I am thinking of selling my DIR-868L AiMesh router and node.

Both are already migrated to Asuswrt-Merlin firmware.

These are the units that I have been showing you the guide and performance benchmark.

So they are tested and having reasonably good performance.

The units are still having balance of the three year D-Link warranty. i.e. until mid Nov. 2022.

I am asking RM300 for the set (one router and one node) - AC1750 AiMesh system. Complete with original box and power supply.

I think it is a reasonable price and comes with more than 1 year and 6 months remaining warranty.

Other sellers are selling used DIR-868L around the same price with no warranty at all.

Anyone interested please let me know.

Thank you.

Regards,

This post has been edited by misk94: Mar 31 2021, 05:39 PM

Upgrading to AX?

Thinking in that direction. Faster WiFi5 or WiFi6?

Wife and children urging for upgrades.

I am fine with current setup but obviously I will be out voted by them.

Happy Wife Happy Life.

Regards,

This post has been edited by misk94: Mar 31 2021, 05:34 PM

I think go straight for WiFi6 better. Because single or dual antenna Wifi6 alone will be better than 3x3 or 4x4 Wifi5. That also very rare to see mobile devices with more than 2x2 antenna.

Yes. I think you are right.

Regards,

Lately I saw someone fix the 2.4ghz weak problem in koolshare website.
He has attached the CFE file named 'CFE_868L_2.4Gfix_5GPRO.bin' in Baidu (aw7b)

I am not able download the file to test.
Maybe anyone can help download the CFE?

This post has been edited by takumaki67: Apr 2 2021, 02:24 AM

Yes it works. Now it's finally stable and have been running it for a few days. But can't directly use the one from koolshare website. Initially I had some annoying problems.

Give me some time. I'll post up a guide and OP can add to the guide.

Cool fisherman10! I am ready to help you test out. Looking forward!

Dear Fisherman 10,

Found the Chinese website.

Interesting. A way to improve 2.4GHz.

I hope it will not stress the 2.4GHz radio too much.

If I have free time I might have ago and try.

Maybe come out without another guide too.

Regards,

This post has been edited by misk94: Apr 2 2021, 04:33 PM