My next Guide Project for 2021.

Previous Options - DD-WRT, Tomato and Advance Tomato.

Now Asus AiMesh.

I will share my experience here.

Be Safe and Be Well.

Covid-19 is still out there.

This post has been edited by misk94: Feb 17 2021, 06:54 PM

Good news.

I managed to migrate two units of DLink DIR-868L to Asus AiMesh firmware.

Configured as one main and one node.

I am using RT-AC66U B1 firmware. Release 3.0.0.4_385_20633.

Top webpage of main router



Middle part of webpage of main router. You can see 1 AiMesh node.



So far satisfied with performance. Only a few days of running the AiMesh.

I could get 250 - 290 Mbps if I sit near main router. On the second floor I am getting 70-90 Mbps. Both from my phone. I am having a 300/50 Mbps fiber internet in my home.



I need to find some time to work on a guide how to convert a DLink DIR-868L to an ASUS AiMesh capable router.

I did encountered some difficulties but managed to overcome them.

I will revise the steps and make improvements for better clarity in the final guide.

Stay tune.

Happy New Year and Stay Safe.



This post has been edited by misk94: Jan 22 2021, 08:51 PM

There are 7 steps for the whole migration process.

Warnings and Irregularities:

1. LAN 1 will turn to WAN and WAN is be LAN 4. (Funny but true)
2. Power and Internet LED light are now opposite. Internet LED is now Power. Power LED is now Internet.
3. After router is switched on, power LED will light-up. Now it is now green (instead of orange in DLink factory firmware)



4. Next, WiFi LED light-up. Now it is orange (instead of green in DLink factory firmware)



Funny but true.

Credits:

• This guide was developed from various online resources and my personal experience on D-Link DIR-868L A1 routers.
• Credits are due to all contributions.
• My contributions are adding improvements and clarity for the whole process.

• A kind individual with online name Ah_Cleo from https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg shared the following files:

a. DIR868LA1_FW104b01.bin No need if you have FW1.03SHC firmware
b. 25974factory-to-ddwrt.bin
c. CFE_868L_melin384.bin
d. FW_RT_AC66U_B1_300438410007.trx !!!Please do not use. Caused problems!!!
e. RT-AC66U_B1_3.0.0.4_385_20630-ged5e4c3.trx Use this instead
f. mtd-write
g. Putty
h. WinSCP
i. CFEedit

• Please download from the following Google drive link (Hopefully the link is active indefinitely):

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NYeLnFZjLQ...iew?usp=sharing

Step 1: Downgrade DIR-868L factory firmware to FW1.03SHC

• First, you need to downgrade from your existing firmware (e.g. FW1.22SHC) to FW1.03SHC.
• Second you need to download files listed in Credits section above.
• Download FW1.03SHC firmware from D-Link Singapore website https://www.dlink.com.sg/dir-868l/#firmware.
• Unplug all cables (incl. power cable) from the router.
• Connect the router to the PC using one of the 4 switch ports. Best to use port 2 or 3.
• Set computer IP address to 192.168.0.3 and use 255.255.255.0 as the Subnet mask.
• Power-on the router while pushing a paperclip to the hidden reset button located at the bottom of the device for a few seconds.
• When the Power LED starts blinking, release the reset button.
• Use Mozilla FireFox browser and navigate to http://192.168.0.1.
• The following web page will be displayed.



• Next browse for the FW1.03SHC firmware



• Click Upload button to upload the FW1.03SHC firmware.
• When completed the router should continue to reboot.



• The router should now be running FW1.03SHC firmware and accessible on the default address. (http://192.168.0.1). Default user is admin and no password i.e. blank
• Next, click to Tools menu, then system menu and click on Restore Factory Defaults button



• The router will reboot again.
• After the reboot, the router is ready to be migrated to DD-WRT firmware.

Step 2: Migrate to DD-WRT firmware and enabling SSHd

• Login to router again.
• Next, click to Tools menu then Firmware menu and click on Browse button



• Use browse button to find 25974 factory-to-ddwrt.bin file and click Upload button to flash the firmware
• This will take about 3 - 5 minutes for the router to be stable.
• Router should be running DD-WRT firmware.
• By default the router IP address should be 192.168.1.1.
• However, if you cannot access the DD-WRT router page, it is likely that the IP address is still at 192.168.0.1.
• You should be able to access it using previous IP address and go to Administration tab.
• Reset Factory Defaults - Yes
• Click Apply Settings button
• Reboot router



• Change PC IP address to 192.168.1.3 and leave sub netmask as 255.255.255.0 still.
• On the Firefox browser, change to 192.168.1.1 and you will be asked to change username and password.



• Enter username: root and password as admin. Please do not change the username. You can change the password if you like.
• Next go to Services tab
• Click Enable button for SSHd



• Click on Save Button and Reboot the router
• Now the router is ready for Step 3.

This post has been edited by misk94: Feb 1 2021, 12:18 PM

Step 3: Party on with Putty

• Open the Tools folder



• Click on putty file to launch it and you will see the following screen.


• Key in 192.168.1.1 inside Host Name box and click Open button.
• A login command prompt will appear.



• Log in via the router login=root and password=admin. Please use root only as username.
• Once successfully log in, the following page will appear.



• Enter the following command to backup your CFE
dd if=/dev/mtd/0 of=/tmp/boot.bin
• An update page will appear. Confirm that there are records in and out



• Close Putty session.
• Now the router is ready for Step 4.

This post has been edited by misk94: Jan 4 2021, 04:28 PM

Step 4: Adding router MAC address to bin file using CFEedit

• From the Tools folder click on the CFEedit icon to lauch it.
• In CFEedit, click File menu --> open CFE and choose CFE_868L_melin384.bin
• Click to Advance Tab and you will see the CFE file
• Look for the following 3 lines and change accordingly.

1. et0macaddr --> change to router MAC Address - LAN



2. 0:macaddr --> change to router MAC Address - 2.4 GHz WiFi (same as LAN)



3. 1:macaddr --> change to router own MAC Address - 5 GHz WiFi



• Best if you get your router MAC Addresses for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi before you migrate by using a WiFi app in your phone.
• Examples MAC Addresses scanned from WiFi App.



• Once completed, save the edited CFE file as mycfe.bin (any new name you like) and close it.
• Now the router is ready for Step 5.



This post has been edited by misk94: Jan 6 2021, 09:25 PM

Good news.

The good thing of using a factory ASUS firmware, you could get new updates automatically from their website.

Both of my routers were running RT-AC66U B1 firmware. Release 3.0.0.4_385_20633 before this.

Now, they are running RT-AC66U B1 firmware. Release 3.0.0.4_386_40588. Latest firmware.



Well better than DLink DIR-868L FW-1.22SHC firmware which was dated 08/02/2018. No update since.



I'll take the Asus firmware anytime as it was released 5th Nov 2020. It is using the new AiMesh V2.0





First impressions:

1. Nicer and cleaner interface.
2. Consumes a bit more memory. 70 MB+ vs 60 MB+. Still plenty memory left from the 256 MB installed onboard.
3. Comparable speed.



4. More stable. This is important.
5. Could turn-off the irritating Captcha when you want login to your router.

Another Internet Speed Test



Updated 24th Jan 2021

This post has been edited by misk94: Jan 24 2021, 08:46 PM

Step 5: Using WinSCP to transfer mycfe.bin file

• Find WinSCP folder in Tools folder.
• Open the folder and click WinSCP icon to launch it.
• Use the following to log in.

1. file protocol : "SCP"
2. host name : 192.168.1.1
3. username : root
4. password : admin



• Warning will appear. No worries. You are the one doing it . Just click update.



• Once updated, a new window appears as shown below



• left side = folders on your PC and right side = router root folder.
• Click to /tmp directory in Router
• Drag /tmp/boot.bin to your local folder (drag to left) and drag mycfe.bin to /tmp of your router (drag to right)
• This is to backup existing CFE file and also upload mycfe.bin file to the router.
• Close session

This post has been edited by misk94: Jan 6 2021, 09:20 PM

Step 6: Writing mycfe.bin to router flash memory using Putty

• Login back to Putty
• Enter the commands below to flash mycfe.bin file.
• Enter the commands one at a time, in the sequence given below.



• Once all done, type reboot while pushing a paperclip to the hidden reset button located at the bottom of the device for a few seconds.
• When the Internet LED starts blinking on and off, release the reset button.
• This should trigger Asus CFE Miniweb Server.

This post has been edited by misk94: Jan 8 2021, 07:58 PM

Step 7: Upload RT-AC66U firmware using Asus CFE Miniweb Server

• After booting, the router IP address is changed back to 192.168.0.1.
• I can only assumed that the router default IP address was inherited from DLink CFE Miniweb Server.
• Change PC IP address back to 192.168.0.3
• On your browser, type 192.168.0.1 and you should see the web page below.



• Next, click on "Restore default NVRAM values" to erase nvram contents.



• Browse for RT-AC66U_B1_3.0.0.4_385_20630-ged5e4c3.trx firware file



• Click Upload button and let the RT-AC66U firmware be loaded to the router. Please be patient, it will take some time (maybe about 3-5 minutes).
• Finally, you will see the following message. Click Continue link to reboot the router.



• Congratulations you succeeded in migrating your DIR-868L router to Asus AiMesh firmware.
• Don’t forget to set your PC IP address back to automatic.
• You should see welcome page of RT-AC66U B1.



• Now you should be able to do the necessary router configurations. See sample below.



• Good luck with migration to Asus AiMesh.

• My work is done.

ASUS Router App:

• Recently, I installed the ASUS Router app in my android phone. The app is awesome.
• Similar in comparison to other routers brand such as TP-Link or DLink in terms of functionality but definitely more features and better looking.
• The app will think the converted DIR-868L is a genuine RT-AC66U B1 router.
• A recommended download.









P/S:
• I saw in the internet people migrating to AsusWrt-Merlin firmware.
• Technically it could be done.
• I don't have any spare DIR-868L router anymore to try this.
• Maybe someone with a spare DIR-868L could have a try and let us know the outcome?

Updated 16th January 2021

This post has been edited by misk94: Jan 17 2021, 08:47 PM

You are welcome.

Latest ASUS RT-66U B1 firware updates from ASUS.

https://www.asus.com/us/Networking/RT-AC66U.../HelpDesk_BIOS/

18 Jan 2021 firmware.



The new firmware seems to consume more memory. Increase from 70+ MB to 140+ MB. Wow! Double increase memory usage.

1. Normal load



2. Loaded with Speedtest running






This post has been edited by misk94: Jan 24 2021, 08:54 PM

Great sharing to maximise the full potential of this router.
It was selling for Rm100 not too long ago
https://www.ookas.my/review/d-link-dir-868l...-router-review/

Performance wise, is it as good as Ac66u?

RT AC-66U B1....same with AC-66U?

I read somewhere that says rt-AC66U B1 is having same hardware as rt-ac68u, just the orientation is flat Vs standing vertical

The original Rt-ac66u was released few years back having different processor

A1 =CPU1: Broadcom BCM4706 (600 MHz) cpu
B1 =CPU1: Broadcom BCM4708C0 (800 MHz, 2 cores)

Yes. DIR-868L is relatively inexpensive late 2019/early 2020. But recently, the price went up back if you check Lazada or Shopee.

I do not have an Asus AC66U to make any performance comparison.

Nevertheless, I am satisfied the performance of my AiMesh network running since early Jan 2021.

However, my AiMesh node do need to be manually rebooted once awhile. I think it's due to heat since it is located in a place with minimal air flow.

My main AiMesh router doing fine so far.

Sorry. I could not be any much help.

Regards.

This post has been edited by misk94: Feb 10 2021, 08:10 AM

Yes. Usually the trend is like that. Later releases of same router brand comes with improved or better hardware.

DIR-868L is having a dual core Broadcom processor. Only DLink firmware is more conservative compared to ASUS firmware. Maybe good enough for average home user.

This post has been edited by misk94: Feb 7 2021, 02:18 PM

Dir-868L is the stock router for Singtel and Starhub for our lovely neighbour in Singapore few years back. You can get a second hand unit for dirt cheap on Carousell, SGD 10-15 easily.

AiMesh node using wireless backhaul or LAN Ethernet backhaul?
Sounds bit problematic to manual restart, since you cannot control AiMesh node at Web UI

Yes. Second hand DIR-868L is the way to go if you want inexpensive AiMesh setup. But then, it just the same like buying a second hand car. Lucky or Unlucky.

By the way, I think you can you use the Optimise function in AiMesh settings or Reboot in System settings.

Both can be done in the ASUS App from your phone.

Either way should give what you want. Though, Reboot will reboot AiMesh main router and nodes.

Regards

This post has been edited by misk94: Feb 10 2021, 08:11 AM

i follow your step to migrate to asus 66 firmware ..but after done ...the lan connection max 100mbps and 2.4g wifi at 30mbps ...

Glad to hear that you managed to migrate your DIR-868L successfully.

Based on what you said, it is a bit difficult to determine causes of the problem since it could be due to software or hardware or both.

Point 1: 100 Mbps vs 1000 Mbps LAN/WAN

You can only get 1000 Mbps only if LAN cable is short. Maybe 1-2 metres. I can get this from my WAN port because my cable is less than 1 metre.

The other ports, I get 100 Mbps because the cables a lot longer (> 5metres).



Although the LAN/WAN ports are rated to be 1000 Mbps, the physical limitation of copper wire will limit you to 100 Mbps when using long LAN cables.

That's why home internet like Unifi, Maxis or Time are using fibre-optics. No more copper lines.

Point 2: 2.4G WiFi.

I can get around 30+ Mbps from 2.4GHz. Yours might differ.

You need to use channel having less interference. A WiFi scanning app could help here.

The client side WiFI also important. Most clients are either 1x1 or 2x2 MiMo. Unless you are using expensive adapters you may get 3x3 MiMo. I think DIR-868L supports upto 3x3 MiMo. Big difference in WiFi speed.

Bottom line is migrating to ASUS firmware only the first part.

You still need to do a bit of tuning to suit your home and surroundings in order to take advantage of rich features available from the ASUS firmware.

With a bit of patience and tuning, you will get the improved WiFi performance that your are looking for.

The following websites may help in your quest.

https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/wifi-opti...ireless-network

https://www.netspotapp.com/top-10-ways-to-boost-wifi.html

Regards.

This post has been edited by misk94: Mar 3 2021, 10:53 PM

Managed to convert to using AC68U merlin firmware.

Connected as Access Point but funny thing now is that every time after reboot or power loss, it will startup with WiFi Disabled. Have to manually toggle it on and then it works until next reboot.

Any ideas why?

Thank you very much for the guide. I have successfully convert my DLINK DIR-868L into Asus RT-AC66U B1.

Now I am looking for any TP-Link or D-Link WiFi 6 Router that can convert to AsusWRT too. Do you have any recommendation?

I flashed to Merlin firmware, few advanced features available
Can see real time temperature, CPU is idling at 77C
Reboot schedule is great too, set to reboot router once a week to flush the RAM

Some people have tried Tenda Ac18 and Huawei ws880, flashed to xwrt.
However those can only run on legacy firmware 380.xx
Flash at your own risk

Did you flash to Asuswrt then only flash to Merlin?
Try the process again.

Having the same problem on both latest stock Asus AC68u and Merlin AC68u firmware too.

Thank you gary_cheah85 for sharing your experience with the Merlin firmware.

Yes. The CPU temperature reading is a useful bonus.

BTW. There is a reboot schedule function in the ASUS RT-AC66U B1 firmware too.

It's under Administration menu. Below is a shapshot for my main router. I set it to reboot at 6:45 AM everyday.



Regards.

This post has been edited by misk94: Feb 21 2021, 11:30 PM

Yes. I did migrated a Tenda AC18 sometime in 2019. Which I sold later. This is before I played with DIR-868L.

Gary_cheah85 is right. The Tenda AC18 is limited to 380.XX series firmware. You will brick it if you flash to a higher series firmware. Some poor souls found that out the hard way.

Latest Tenda flagship router is Tenda AC23. You can get it for less than RM200 from Shopee or Lazada.

Anyone tried this Tenda router? Interested to know how well it perform compare to major brands for consumers like DLink or TP-Link.

Tenda no longer using Broadcom chipsets. I think Tenda AC18 was their last model using Broadcom.

Tenda is currently using Realtek RTL8197 series CPU for their routers. Not as powerful (i.e. expensive) as Broadcom CPUs, but it seems to do the job well enough based on some reviews.

Hopefully, better value for consumers.

Regards.

This post has been edited by misk94: Feb 23 2021, 09:35 AM

You probably got a lemon unit then. Quickly sell it for cheap and get another unit

Oh really, did not really explore much on the Asus Rt-AC66u B1 firmware especially on the reboot schedule.
Previously I was using Huawei WS880(flashed with Xwrt), rock solid uptime for few months. The only time need to reboot was when power outage or power trip.

Dear All,

Just would like to share my successful firmware migration from Asus to Merlin firmware last night.

I manually updated the AiMesh node first. Followed by main router. It is best to manually reboot both once you completed your migration.



It's ASUSwrt-Merlin RT-AC68U 386.1_2 firmware. Release date 12 Feb 2021. I think it is similar to current ASUS firmware.

You can download it here. https://sourceforge.net/projects/asuswrt-me...-AC68U/Release/

By the way. The router is still identified as ASUS RT-AC66U B1 although it is running a RT-AC68U firmware.



Bonus. Temperature readings inside the Administration menu.



So far, performance wise comparable to stock ASUS firmware, maybe a bit better.

Let's see how stable it is compared to stock ASUS firmware.

Regards,

Updated 3 March 2021.

This post has been edited by misk94: Mar 4 2021, 10:29 AM

Tq for firmware and guide. Been looking for long time. I managed to convert to Asus firmware and the results its awesome. Far better from stock firmware. Im looking forward the result from you using Merlin firmware. TQ

Welcome. Jonsalam.

Enjoy the improved DIR-868L running ASUS firmware.

Same situation here and i did some digging and found the solution.2.4GHz wifi Channel bandwidth 20MHz and Control Channel 6. If not working try change to channel 1 or 11 depends on wifi interference around you.

thanks ...will try to set it see can improve or not ..

The Firmware upgrade page was changed after migration.

This make sense. Indicating current ASUSwrt-Merlin firmware running.



This post has been edited by misk94: Mar 4 2021, 10:25 AM

Yes. Correct recommendations.



Refer to the following link https://www.metageek.com/training/resources...els-1-6-11.html

Regards

This post has been edited by misk94: Mar 4 2021, 10:23 AM

Good morning All,

Anyone looking to buy DIR-868L router can try at Carousell Malaysia. ( No. I am not getting any commission from Carousell ).

https://www.carousell.com.my/search/DIR-868L?



DIR-868L is currently a bit expensive at Lazada or Shopee.

Maybe they know people are looking for DIR-868L to create an inexpensive AiMesh cluster using ASUS firmware.

More choices in Carousell Singapore https://www.carousell.sg/q/electronics-7/dlink-router-868l/?

But then need to cross border and shipping cost.

Regards

This post has been edited by misk94: Mar 4 2021, 10:56 AM

This is my current setup. I plan to replace my AP. Since DIR-868L hard to find can i use with any asus router or asus router with aimesh featured?

ASUS GT-AX11000 is now supported by Asus-Merlin. Currently only alpha build available. So far so good. Currently testing this firmware. The only thing you lose is the ROG feature and ROG UI.

https://pictr.com/image/7XY69r

Just make sure the AiMesh router and AiMesh node is running on latest firmware. AiMesh ver2.0 on latest firmware for better compatibility

So they need to be features with Aimesh right? Almost buy used RT-AC55UHP. Thanks

Dear jonsalam,

I have a suggestion to make.

Considering you already have a DIR-868L migrated to ASUSwrt, why not invest in new or used ASUS router?

Use it as AiMesh router and DIR-868L as AiMesh node.

ASUS RT-AC55X AX1800. Entry into WiFi 6. Cost RM329.



ASUS RT-AC68U RM488.



Yes. I must admit both of them a bit on expensive side. New ASUS routers are not cheap!

Alternatively, you can try Tenda AC23 or Dlink DIR-2150 as repeater. You get get either of them less than RM170 in Shopee.

Also you can use AC1200 class routers such as Tenda AC6 if your budget is around RM100.



Any of them should be better than your old Streamyx repeater.

Which one? Subject to your budget. .

If you managed to get a used ASUS router in good condition (with AiMesh), perhaps better than the above suggestions.

Regards

P/S: My apologies if I offended anyone, especially the Seniors and Sifus here.
I just wanted to help a fellow member to see different options available.

This post has been edited by misk94: Mar 6 2021, 12:13 AM

DIR-868L with Asuswrt-Merlin firmware update:

Through the new firmware, I discovered my AiMesh Router is running a bit hot. CPU is 80 C.



48 - 52 - 80 C

After I installed a USB cooling fan the temperature dropped to below 70 C. Also, the 2.4G and 5G WiFi radios temperatures dropped too.



43 - 48 - 67 C

Regards,

Updated 6 March 2021.

This post has been edited by misk94: Mar 6 2021, 04:21 PM

Wow yours is cool!! I've seen mine going up to 95C.

Can you share some photos of your cooling fan design?

Thank you fisherman10.

Actually, I did not expect the temperature to go that low because I am using low tech and cheap USB cooling fan. Cost less than RM10.

I don't know how long it will last but at least not expensive to replace after a few months.

After whole night and day running the temperature remains steady. Changed only by 1 or 2 C in the afternoon when it was hot. The temperature went back down later in the day.

I think you guys going to laugh when you see my cooler setup. .

The setup not pretty but does the job well. Cooler can be secured using Blu-Tak or Tack-It. No need screws.





Since my DIR-868L is placed horizontally to fit the cupboard, I need to put the cooler at the bottom end of the router where the label is.

I bought the cooler from Shopee. Size 80x80x25 mm USB. The cooler is surprisingly quite.

https://shopee.com.my/DC-5V-USB-12V-2-Pin-4...1591.1796940602

I think this model is better and safer because have cover on both sides. I missed this one when I made the purchase earlier.

I will buy this model later when my current cooler going to fail.

https://shopee.com.my/%E3%80%90BEST%E3%80%9...1591.1448311562

For those having their DIR-868L placed vertically, I think the following standing model will serve you well.

Just put the cooler at the bottom of the router. The 8 cm or 9 cm model should be OK.

https://shopee.com.my/USB-Router-Fan-TV-Box...1901.5158026107

Stay cool guys.

Regards,

This post has been edited by misk94: Mar 7 2021, 07:10 PM

Is the 5V usb fan from shopee spinning fast? Is 5V capable of spinning full speed?

So far I joined 80mm PC fan to USB cable. 12V PC fan powered with 5V USB from usb port. It spins but slow.

Yes. The 5V USB fan spins fast.

Same size 80 mm fan.

The seller claimed 2000 rpm.

I could feel the cold air when I put my finger near the gap between router and fan.

I think that's why I am getting good cooling from the fan.

BTW. I replaced posts with better pictures just now.

This post has been edited by misk94: Mar 25 2021, 12:06 PM

Thanks

Exactly. That what I'm trying to do. And you just answer my question with edited post. Tq. Sorry for late reply due to acc probation. 😂

how to check temperature?

Scroll up. He already state from previous post. Temp reading under administration menu.

DIR-868L with Asuswrt-Merlin firmware update:

Improvements on WiFi connection performance between AiMesh router and node after installed USB cooler on both of them.

1. Before only two bars. Now three bars. This the same so far.



2. Before connection quality rating is Good or OK. Now it is Great. Same here.



3. Physical connection rate improved. Before I was getting 234 - 351 Mbps.

This changes over time. Sometimes 351 Mbps, 468 Mbps and higher. Still an improvement than without any cooling.



So, adding the USB coolers does improve WiFi performance too.

Maybe the 2.4G and 5G radios are operating better because of the cooling.

4. OKLA Speedtest from upstairs PC connected via LAN cable to AiMesh node. Before downloads getting 90 plus Mbps. Now doubled.



This make sense as AiMesh node is still a repeater. DL speed is usually 40-60% of PHY connection rate because of repeater mode. However, UL speed did not reduced by much.

FYI, I am having a 300Mbps DL/50 Mbps DL fiber connection to the modem.

We are using Maxis because my wife likes Astro. Astro is giving a rebate when bundle fiber internet and Astro together.

AiMesh router is connected to the modem. I am getting 290+ Mbps/46+ Mbps from the AiMesh router when tested with OKLA Speedtest on my phone.

5. Recently, I am getting random disconnection from the AiMesh node to the AiMesh router.

My wife told me this when she was using her computer. The node will reconnect again after a few minutes.

There is no problem with the AiMesh router.

I recalled having this problem when using DLink firmware last time at the repeater node too.

I did not recalled having this with the ASUS RT-AC66U B1 firmware.

Maybe I did not noticed because I was running this firmware only for a few weeks before I moved to Asuswrt-Merlin firmware.

Anyone having similar random disconnections from the AiMesh node?

Just wondering whether it is a hardware thing for DLink DIR-868L router to behave this way? It seems that changing the firmware did not resolve the issue.

Other than that, I am quite satisfied with the AiMesh system in my home. Performing better and more stable when compared to DLink's factory firmware.

I think gary_cheah85 is right in saying that Asuswrt-Merlin firmware is quite solid and stable.

So far so good.

Regards,

Updated 14 March 2021

This post has been edited by misk94: Mar 14 2021, 08:27 PM

Latest ASUSwrt firmware for RT-AC66U B1



https://www.asus.com/us/Networking-IoT-Serv.../HelpDesk_BIOS/

Latest ASUSwrt-Merlin firmware for RT-AC66U B1 or RT-AC68U



https://sourceforge.net/projects/asuswrt-me...-AC68U/Release/

Updated 16 March 2021

This post has been edited by misk94: Mar 16 2021, 03:11 PM

Is there any improvement on 2.4G speed? any speedtest on sole 2.4G main router. I followed both thread in lowyat and hwz.sg, but hesitate a bit since I only own 1 unit of DIR868L

Dear geep.

Current interests are 5 GHz (WiFi 5) and the latest WiFi 6.

2.4 GHz is legacy. Actually good for distance but not speed in comparison to WiFi 5 and WiFi 6.

Of course you need the proper router and client side to support WiFi 5 and WiFi 6.

Nevertheless, 2.4 GHz still offers reasonable performance for daily use.

I think DIR-868L is giving comparable 2.4 GHz WiFi performance to other routers.

The Asuswrt-Merlin firmware may give a bit more performance based on experience from performance at 5 GHz WiFi.

And the cooling does help too. Keep the radios at top performance.

Sorry could not be much help on this.

Regards,

This post has been edited by misk94: Mar 21 2021, 07:39 PM

Thanks for the head up. I will surely try this 1 day cuz im planning to buy another Aimesh router in the future.
For now, 2.4G still my concern cuz i still have some old device like ipcam which rely on it.
Anyhow thanks for the guide, will surely save more $$$$$

2.4G working fine for me with 2 units DIR-868L running latest Asus Merlin 386.1_2 with aimesh.

Dear members,

For your information, I am trying out an interesting and useful feature of Asuswrt-Merlin firmware the Roaming Assistant.

The idea is that your devices will be connected to AiMesh router or node transparently when you move around in your home.

You can access the Roaming Assistant by clicking Wireless menu under Advanced Settings.



Next click on the Professional tab.



Scroll down until you see Roaming Assistant. It should be Enabled by default. Enable it, if it is not.



You should check the settings for 2.4GHz and 5GHz. By default the value is set at -70 dB for both.



I found that the default -70 dB setting is not suitable in a home environment, at least my home .

Currently, I am using -50 dB for 2.4 GHz and -55 dB for 5 GHz.

I selected the values after checking the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi strengths using a WiFi Analyser app in my phone.

An example is shown below. The values are not from my home.



In the above example, if you look at first entry, home router reading is -52dB. So you need to put -55 dB to replace the -70 dB default value.

Please do not put less than -52 dB such as -50 dB or -45 dB.

Link to some good WiFi analyser Android apps https://www.netspotapp.com/wifi-analyzer-apps-android.html

Please use the app to get good values suitable for your home. Definitely it should be better than the default -70 dB.

A good range to consider are from -40 to -60 dB.

Please do not use very low values else you may have trouble connecting to your WiFi.

I think this is important if you have other devices using WiFi such as CCTV, smart devices, etc which operate at 2.4 GHz.

In such cases, you should reduce dB setting for 2.4GHz by increments of -5dB and see what happens until you reach a good value for your home.

Distance of your AiMesh router and node from each other could be use as a guide to choose good dB values.

You want such that when you move from the router to the node, your WiFi will be changed by the Roaming Assistant smoothly.

So a bit of trial and error in finding the right dB values for your home.

P/S: Good news. This morning my phone could roam successfully when I moved from second floor to ground floor. The roaming worked better now

Regards,

Updated 24 March 2021.

This post has been edited by misk94: Mar 25 2021, 12:04 PM

Thank you guys, so I finally made my mind and flashed the modded CFE and Asus/Merlin firmware on my DIR-868L. Its working fine and really stable, but then the low throughput speed on 2.4G is still there. Its minor issue TBH because 30mbps on lecacy devices is still reliable with no hiccup.

Since im on non-Aimesh/single router setup, I also try Tomato firmware and the good news is the 2.4G speed on Tomato is much better, roughly I can get 60-70mbps on it. Also I use the full features AIO .trx images, the CFE seems solved the issue with 32kb NVRAM limit.

Flashed Merlin straight from Asus CFE Bootloader


Flashed Freshtomato (R6400 AIO image) with Asus Firmware Restoration Tool

Dear geep,

Good way to go back to Tomato from Asuswrt-Merlin.

Interestingly, Tomato recognized the router as an Asus RT-AC66U B1 and not DLink DIR-868L.

I suppose the firmware could only read the motherboard firmware/hardware but not the shell of the router.

Nevertheless, it is a good option for those still restricted to 2.4 GHz and wanted more performance.

BTW, did you get the firmware from freshtomato.org website?

https://freshtomato.org/

I noticed the firmware version is 2021.1.

It seems that both is using the same firmware K26ARM, which explains a lot why it worked.

Nevertheless, the 32K NVRAM limit is still an issue if your flash straight from DIR-868L.

Unless you follow the earlier part of my original post how to overcome that or if your already flashed your DIR-868L to Asuswrt-Merlin firmware can follow like you did.

Regards,

This post has been edited by misk94: Mar 25 2021, 09:38 PM

Yes, im using the official .trx image from Freshtomato.org. It doesnt matter what .trx image i flash on it, it will boot as RT-AC66U B1.
It seems Tomato will read the pre-config data from the CFE and load the profile for RT-AC66U B1 instead.
If i have more time and courage, will definitely try to reedit the CFE for further test and observation.

Please don't. I tried to change the odmpid to RT-AC68U and it will brick.

Then need to unbrick through the serial pins.

This post has been edited by fisherman10: Mar 25 2021, 11:22 PM

Thank you for alerting me, you just save my precious time.
Also glad to know that there is someone on here succeed with the serial method.

Yes there's a weird bug. Even if I change the odmpid through NVRAM (not flashing the CFE with modified values), it will brick straight away. So you can't even clear NVRAM using the WPS button.

Interesting modifying a single string will corrupt the whole bootloader.
Btw have you tried a tips from Bigxd the time you edit the odmpid?
Cuz I saw his mod CFE version and also Linksys mod version with native string.

To Remove HW_ver ?


D-link with native odmpid


Linksys version

Can you link me the tips? I don't really understand the photos

Its in chinese, I use google translate
https://www.bigxd.com/2020/10/802.html

Latest update in Roaming Assistant testing.

Final dB value for my home 2.4 GHz -40 dB and 5 GHz -50 dB.

Speedtest from AiMesh node @ WiFi 5 GHz, second floor, after the revised settings.



Before, I was getting 90+ Mbps, never reached 100 Mbps for downloads.

Now gained about 20 to 30 Mbps more.

Uploads speed already reached maximum possible since cannot get any higher.

Roaming between ground and second floor smoother too,

Regards,

Updated 27 March 2021

This post has been edited by misk94: Mar 27 2021, 10:51 AM

Thank you misk94 for all the effort and preparation! And yes I manage to turn into Asus router
Unfortunately, I wanted try to rollback original DLINK firmware by flashing 'RT-AC68U-ddwrt' (thinking to have the 'mtd' to write the boot.bin) and now stucked at recovery loop.

Wondering what is the correct process incase I want to roll back to original DLINK firmware?

Thank you for actively suggestion fisherman!

Wondering how can I use the serial pins? ( I googled like having different type of USB -TTL adapter)

And after I got the adapter, could you advice how I can proceed ya? (Currently I am stuck at recovery loop of my dir868l and also failed using Asus Firmware Restoration too)

This post has been edited by takumaki67: Mar 29 2021, 01:07 AM

Is it the 2 lights flashing one after another repeatedly?

If so, have a look at this

https://koolshare.cn/forum.php?mod=viewthre...ghlight=dir868l

Because now it's bricked and can't flash a new correct CFE, what you need to do is to stop the boot process immediately before it even tries to boot into bootloop. Then "nvram set" all the correct CFE values. Then it will boot and then you can enable SSH and flash the correct CFE again and do a nvram erase.

This post has been edited by fisherman10: Mar 29 2021, 03:10 AM

You need to specify clearly 2 things, what do you mean by recovery loop, and why need to flash back to dlink firmware ?

I have never seen stucked at recovery loop for asus or ddwrt firmware flashing. You will always be in either dlink recovery firmware page (see post #3 on page 1) or asus recovery firmware page (post #9 on page 1), and this is called the miniweb screen. You need to press reset (hold) and power on, until power led flashes for 5-10 secs, then release reset, and you will be in miniweb. Repeat this if you can not get to this.

An easier/simpler way is to use asus recovery.

If you want to change to ac68u in asus, you just need to reflash cfe, there is no need to go back to dlink firmware

This post has been edited by BTS1501: Mar 29 2021, 09:47 AM

Thank you fisherman10 advice!
Yes, 2 lights flashing one after another repeatedly after I switch on DIR868L
(without and with hold RESET 15 seconds).

e.g.: INTERNET LED light up (GREEN) ~3 seconds then off and continuously
until 10 minutes later POWER LED light up (AMBER) ~3 seconds then off another 10 minutes or no light up anymore.

Thank you for reply BTS1501!
Sure, lemme specify clearly.

recovery loop
Switch on DIR868L router with and without holding RESET,
the INTERNET LED (GREEN) will light up ~3 seconds on and off.

Then switch off and on router again, its still having same light behavior.
Next, I directly use the Asus Firmware Restoration (AC66U_B1/ DDWRT/ FreshTomato and etc...) and it able to flash,
yet it will be failed with an status something like "Failed update/ recover firmware".

flash back to dlink firmware
Just incase wanted back original DLINK for stable purpose.
So thinking to have a rollback to the original state.

Ok, I will try advice above to reach the miniWeb (because I tried 1 or 2 times still not able to get the miniWeb shown)

It's supposed to be like this.

Immediately after turning on, Top LED flash once bottom LED flash once then stop. After 30 seconds then top LED flash once bottom LED flash once. And it keeps repeating.

It doesn't sound like your example. Perhaps yours isn't a hard brick yet. Maybe take a video to show?

Sure fisherman10
I think I might need change my statements to 30 seconds instead of 3 seconds light blinking...

Here is my video switch on with hold reset (30 seconds)
https://youtu.be/mZPENORbJpA

So I'm above 2 minutes video the INTERNET LED just blink about 3 times only while POWER LED just blink once at initial.

Appreciate your effort 1st!

This post has been edited by takumaki67: Mar 29 2021, 02:28 PM

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.