Converting DSL-AC68U to RT-AC68U for use as AiMesh Node – Solved I’m sure there were a series of posts on the old forum about hacking a DSL-AC68U to make it into an RT-AC68U. Sadly those posts are lost and not cached...

[booji]

So will the @GNUton firmware bring wired imesh backhall to my 2 DSL-AC68U routers?  If so do you need the firmware update on both routers and do you have a direct link to the latest @GNUton firmware as I am not sure where is is.

 

I know it’s been a long time since my last post but the wired imesh backhaul wasn’t a priority so I left it unchanged, I now need the extra VPN options of @GNUton (mainly for routing only some devices through a VPN).

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[UK Sentinel]

I believe @GNUtons firmware like stock ASUSWRT for the DSL-AC68U will not support AiMesh Node Backhaul via Ethernet as no WAN port ?

I realise there is a way to configure LAN 1 as a WAN port, but this does not work for AiMesh, I believe.

Edit: I also checked my notes from ASUS and in 2021 – the above is correct and I see no DSL-AC68U changelog entries to suggest otherwise.

Would be an interesting test if you have time to check

 

https://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1039736/

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[harrenkyym]

Hi.

 

Sorry for replying to this post since it’s “solved”.

 

I have two RT-AC68U and a DSL-AC68U. One of my RT is my main router and another one is wired to the main one. Ethernet blackhaul. Everything fine. The problem comes with the DSL. Three years ago I could make it work converting it to an RT. Then I don’t remember what happened and I never could use it again (I think I tried to upgrade the firmware or something like that). So ASUS released the official support to AiMesh for the DSL model and I tried to revert the conversion, to convert the false RT to the DSL. Now I’ve tried EVERYTHING. I’ve flashed, reflashed and I can’t add the node to my working network.

-I’ve tried to use it as a DSL node.

-I’ve tried to use it as an RT node.

-I’ve used official fw, gnuton and merlin (every attempt I tried to change something)

-I’ve tried to connect it by cable (never recognised as connected by cable)

-I’ve set every nvram command stated in this post. I’ve tried to erase the whole nvram but couldn’t make the mtd-erase2 nvram command to work.

I don’t know, I’m desperate. I’ve lost so so so so much hours and days of my life in these two years trying to make it work again…

Right now it is like an RT using this firmware: RT-AC68U_3.0.0.4_386_40558-gc48f410 (the one that allows me to flash the rt fw using the rescue utility, others fail), set like an aimesh node.

It always stops at 1% and shows this message:

Unable to add your AiMesh node RT-AC68U (MAC address) to your AiMesh system due to the following situations. Please check and try again.Someone else is trying to set up an AiMesh system. Please wait 1 minute and try again.
your AiMesh router and node should be within 3 meters of each other during the setup process.
Make sure your AiMesh node is powered on.
Your AiMesh node has been upgraded to AiMesh-supported firmware.
Your AiMesh node has been reset to default
If you want to find another available AiMesh node nearby, please click “Search”.

 

:(

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[UK Sentinel]

Sounds a tricky problem, are you looking to use the DSL-AC68U modem again also, or just use it as an Router with AiMesh capability (node) ?

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[harrenkyym]

I just want to add it as a node to place it in my rooftop, as it was a few years ago.

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[UK Sentinel]

Is the DSL-AC68U as a node also ethernet backhaul connected to main Aimesh router (RT-AC68U)

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[harrenkyym]

I’ve tried to, but my RT only finds the DSL if it is wireless. I can have the cable on, but it is like if it wasn’t.

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[UK Sentinel]

Doesn’t sound promising:

Try upgrading firmwares for RT-AC68U and DSL-AC68U

ASUS RT-AC68U Firmware version 3.0.0.4.386.51665

ASUS DSL-AC68U Firmware version 3.0.0.4.386_50117

Then see if you can add the DSL-AC68U as a node ?

 

Note: from what I remember back in the day, the DSL-AC68U does not have a WAN port, only 4xLAN ports, so wifi is you only option for Aimesh node.

Edit: just checked my notes with ASUS back in 2020 and yes the DSL-AC68U does not support AiMesh as A Node via Ethernet connected to one of its LAN Ports.

 

 

 

 

 

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[UK Sentinel]

Also found this post via ASUS website confirming also.

DSL-AC68U/R support both AiMesh primary/node modes now. However, for node only Wireless backhaul mode supported, do not support Ethernet backhaul(as this model lacks dedicated Ethernet WAN port)

DSL-AC68U AiMesh Node support

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[Cr4z33]

So I’ve tried to read the whole topic, but I am still not sure to understand wheter I can get AiMesh with Ethernet backhaul or not after converting my DSL-AC68U to RT-AC68U and what firmware is then needed?

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[UK Sentinel]

Welcome, the DSL-AC68U has been available for many years and luckily ASUS keep adding new features.

The DSL-AC68U does not have a WAN Port so will not support AiMesh as a node via Ethernet backhaul,  the DSL-AC68U does support both AiMesh Primary and Node but for AiMesh Node the DSL-AC68U does NOT support AiMesh via Ethernet backhaul.

The DSL-AC68U does not need to be converted to RT-AC68U as its now supports Aimesh Primary and Node with stock firmware.

 

https://uktechhub.com/forums/topic/converting-dsl-ac68u-to-rt-ac68u-for-use-as-aimesh-node/page/11/#post-9885

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[Cr4z33]

. UK Sentinel Said:

Welcome, the DSL-AC68U has been available for many years and luckily ASUS keep adding new features.

The DSL-AC68U does not have a WAN Port so will not support AiMesh as a node via Ethernet backhaul,  the DSL-AC68U does support both AiMesh Primary and Node but for AiMesh Node the DSL-AC68U does NOT support AiMesh via Ethernet backhaul.

The DSL-AC68U does not need to be converted to RT-AC68U as its now supports Aimesh Primary and Node with stock firmware.

 

https://uktechhub.com/forums/topic/converting-dsl-ac68u-to-rt-ac68u-for-use-as-aimesh-node/page/11/#post-9885

In a completely sane world, madness is the only freedom (J.G.Ballard).

Thanks mate, but I am running firmware v3.0.0.4.386_50120 and can’t see the primary/node option anywhere.

 

Am I missing something? ????

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[UK Sentinel]

Should be on the main ASUS splash screen or on the Main side menu, if not then try soft reset and start again.

 

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   Aimesh-menu.png
   

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[Cr4z33]

I have it in the Administration tab in my RT-AX55, but wherever I look in my DSL-AC68U settings I can’t find it… ????

 

Perhaps it’s available in the initial guided setup steps only?

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[UK Sentinel]

Interesting, have a look under Advanced Settings > Administration > Operational Mode and check if your DSL-AC68U is set to Wireless router mode.

If not it might think its an Aimesh node already ?

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