I have a ATX-1800 travel router. It is firmware 4.6.4. I regularly have to pull the power from this unit to regain internet access. When the troubles arise, I can browse to the admin login page, but I cannot log in, it says to check network or reboot the router.
Another aspect of this issue is that this does not affect VPN traffic. I have a remote pc that IO access via a VPN. That connection never fails. But, locally, I seem to lose DNS. I can ping 8.8.8.8, but cannot browse to google.com. I am using Adguard on the device, so I assume that Adguard is failing, and also taking out the router administrator interface.
In every case, just pulling the power from the router fixes it. I used to think it could be a heat issue. But I have a 20cm fan bluetacked to the desk pointing into the side of the router. Also, this issue often happens when I first turn on the router. The router is only on when my pc is turned on, which is only when I am at my desk. I can flick the switch that turns on the router, and turn on my laptop, and the internet never connects. After 5+ minutes, I pull the USB power to the router, wait a few seconds, and then plug it in again, and this always fixes it. Then, after some amount of hours in use, it will have the same issue on most days.
It does not appear to be a reliable device. I would like to try to make it work as designed if that can be done without a huge effort.
This has always been an issue with this router from the day I first used it. And over two different firmware versions.
I have tried a different power supply in the past. A 5 volt 5 amp Raspberry Pi power supply. I tested that supply to deliver a solid 5 volts at 4 a little over 5 amp draw. Significantly better than the GL-Inet provided power supply. But the issue still persisted. I will try it again, as that was a little while ago.
On that note, I notice that the USB plug is SUPER loose in the gl-inet AXT1800. I have tried putting an elastic band that holds it in to the unit, but that has not stopped the issues.
Re the idea of flashing it to the latest firmware with UBoot? Do you have any links, discord forums, etc on how I do that? This is a device that is important and I really cannot afford to destroy it or have it out of commission for longer than a weekend, so if I tackle that, I need to understand that it is going to work ok at the end. Does that put a non GL-Inet firmware on it? IOf so, is it possible to revert later?
The only usb device connected to it is a 5v usb 20mm fan, to cool it. I only added that to attempt to fix this hanging issue.
And I use an ethernet cable from the home network, and an ethernet cable to the laptop. that is it.
Thanks
Since the USB port is loose, return it asap if you are still with in the return window or replace it under warranty. Dont even think about it or try to fix it, there could be other manufacturing defects.
Try not to use USB port for anything, unless its short term. From my limited experience, when using USB port it can interfere with wifi radio on both bands, because everything is so close together on a PCB board, and there is not enough space between chips to mitigate interference. Intel wrote a paper on it.
Ive had 2 Slate AX and 1 Beryl AX routers and returned both of them after a week of testing, because USB port and the chip that controls it is not properly isolated and shielded from WIFi radios, and the power lanes on the PCB aren't properly shielded.
Its a great little router but it needs to be redesigned, but that would raise the cost in the process.
UBoot, works great and its there for you to use it anytime you need to resolve potential software issues. As far as I know, all wifi routers have their own version of Recovery mode just for that reason. Its safe to use and can be used as frequently you need to. See the link posted by another user.
I cannot return it. I might be able to get a warranty fix, but TBH, not sure I want to go through that hassle. Either way, I need to find another equivalent device (that works) to use during the return replace period.
I think I will try the uboot option later. Even that is risky, as I need this device for work, and if issues during setup, that will be a problem for work.
I have absolutely ruled out this product as the solution for work anyway, so I need to start looking for a device that is better made.
