Help! I cannot set up DD-WRT on my Asus RT-N66U

[ortigosano]

Hello every body!

I hope we can solve my problem, and I am sure some users will learn something interesting here.

Actually my neighbour is sharing his WiFi with me. I am repeating his signal on my flat with my old router (linksys wrt54gl) which actually uses DD-WRT v24.

( http://www.dd-wrt.co...reless_Repeater )

Everything works fine, but I want to have more speed on my LAN network, such us wireless N and 1Gbps wired lan. Therefore I have buy an Asus RT-N66U.

As my target is do the same with the Asus as I do with my old Linskys using DD-WRT, but I cannot get DD-WRT on my Asus RT-N66U.

I could install Toamto's firmware, but as far as I know does not match my needs. (maybe I am wrong).

I am going to try to explain as best as I can what I did till now on my "target" to get dd-wrt working.

1) I have configured my network manually ( see the screenshot below)

2) Holding the reset botton with out energy cable, connect energy cable and switch on the router with the reset botton pressed till the "on" led blinks slowly.

3) Upload the firmware with the tool called "firmware restoration" included in CD from the Asus router on the software "ASUS RT-N66U software utilities".

4) I've try to upload the Asus RT-N66U Firmware: Image for initial flashing dd-wrt.v24-18702_NEWD-2_K2.6_mini_RT-N66U.trx 2012-03-15 3,29 MB

the transmission of the firmware gets OK! but at the end of the process I got this error: (see screenshot below:)

Here the error: (but in the point 7 with tomato firmware and same error works, therefore I guess that error is not so important)

5) I try to open the following link (http://192.168.1.1/d...d=nvram+commit.) on my browser and I got a Time Out.

6)If I try with the same link (http://192.168.1.1/d...d=nvram+commit.) in flash modus (see point 2) I got what the following screenshot shows, but noting works.

7) If I do the step 2 again and I try to get into the router the firmware called "http://tomato.groov....101-AIO-64K.trx"

I got the same problem of the screenshot in the point 4, but when the process was close to 74% more leds become illuminated, such us on led, network led, wireless 2,ghz led and wireless 5ghz led.

8) Screenshot of tomato working fine:

9) what I am doing wrong? I really do not know. I want to install DD-WRT not tomato.

I did the step 4 again with the big firmware from DD-WRT (I waited always after flashing more than 20min.) And the router does not boot. (only leds of "ON" and network lan are illuminated. )

********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Another try which I did.

A)I have finished to upload the mini version of dd-wrt an the router was like this:

B) I have done the 30/30/30 seconds rule with the wps button.

After that the router status leds it was like this:

C) I have installed again the Firmware dd-wrt.v24-18702_NEWD-2_K2.6_mini_RT-N66U.trx (with firmware restoration)

D) I have done again the 90 seconds rule for clean NVRAM

E) by web browser the IP 192.168.1.1 does not make anyreaction

F) Anyway I have try to install the new firmware (http://dd-wrt.com/dd...-2_K2.6_big.bin) with firmware restoration. (the router status leds was like in the step A)

G) I have done again the 90 seconds. ( the router status leds was like in the step B)

H) 192.168.1.1 does not react. I still do not get dd-wrt working on my Asus RT-N66U

Do you know what I am doing wrong? Any help you guys can provide would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

[ortigosano]

In summary, after transfer the http://dd-wrt.com/dd...-2_K2.6_big.bin from tomato's firm web interface and clean the NVRAM does not boot properly. I mean, does not react when I do a ping to 192.168.1.1

[lars77]

Sorry, I can't tell, so did you successfully flash firmware on it? It sounds like you do have some sort of Tomato firmware running on it, but are having trouble flashing DD-WRT through the Tomato interface? I was able to flash Toastman's Tomato mod on the first try, not quite sure if DD-WRT is harder to flash on this router.

Regardless, two things:

- Between step 1 & 2 (or really, even before step 1), you did connect an ethernet cable from your computer's LAN port to one of the router's LAN ports, correct? The initial flashing will not work properly wirelessly.

- In step 4, after you get the OK message, did you wait at least 10 mins? It really does take about that long. After waiting at least 10 mins, try setting your IP config back to DHCP (no more 192.168.1.12, should be back to automatic DHCP). It's possible the flash was successful but your computer lost its connection to the router so you can't tell if it's good or bad.

(or, after 10-15 mins from successful transfer of the flash, change your computer's IP to DHCP & also power-cycle the router & see if your computer gets an IP address). This is assuming DD-WRT enables its DHCP server by default.. I do not know if it does or not...

ref:

http://tomatousb.org/forum/t-364347 (last post)

http://support.asus.com/FAQ/Detail.aspx?SLanguage=en&no=81685DAC-F0BD-684C-091D-2648FE6C1D6D&p=11&m=RT-N56U

[ortigosano]

Thanks a lot lars777,

of course I did it with wired cable LAN pc to LAN router.

I have installed the tomato mod as well without problems, but dd-wrt it seems to be imposible.

when the router reboots, I got 4 leds on (power, lan, wireless 2,4 ghz and wireless 5,ghz) when I try to flash the mini version, does never cames out.

it's pity that tomato's does not offert the possibility of repeat a wireless lan like this (http://www.dd-wrt.co...reless_Repeater)

[Axel]

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Asus_RT-N66U#NVRAM_issue

There is a problem with the NVRAM size on this router. Have you looked at this?

[ortigosano]

http://www.dd-wrt.co...66U#NVRAM_issue

There is a problem with the NVRAM size on this router. Have you looked at this?

Of course! therefore I have no problems with stock firmware and with tomatos firmware.

but with dd-wrt none works! Believe me I have tried everything but with any dd-wrt does not boot properly.

As I want a DD-WRT router compatible, with 2,4 and 5 ghz and with removable antennas I have dice to send back my Asus RT-N66U and buy this one: http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B001WAKCYQ/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00

[lars77]

Ah that's interesting, didn't know about the NVRAM issue. I've had Toastman's Tomato mod running on this router since June 2012, but the firmware I flashed was less than 64k so it was never an issue on my end (I think I was using a 32k firmware). The firmware size issue seems to be fixed in Tomato now (Both Shibby & Toastman mods have the fix since August 2012 it looks like)

For DD-WRT, you'd have to try to get input from someone who was successful flashing that onto the router. Or I guess you don't need the input now if you got a new router.. good luck w/ the D-Link!

[ortigosano]

Ah that's interesting, didn't know about the NVRAM issue. I've had Toastman's Tomato mod running on this router since June 2012, but the firmware I flashed was less than 64k so it was never an issue on my end (I think I was using a 32k firmware). The firmware size issue seems to be fixed in Tomato now (Both Shibby & Toastman mods have the fix since August 2012 it looks like)

For DD-WRT, you'd have to try to get input from someone who was successful flashing that onto the router. Or I guess you don't need the input now if you got a new router.. good luck w/ the D-Link!

Thanks a lot!

[ortigosano]

Lars77, finally the D-Link dir 825 was not so great, and unfortunately the function of Repeater was not include on DD-WRT firmare,

I wil try to get again a new asus N66U because with the Tomatos firmware which you told looks great and I will try to investigate more.

[lars77]

Keep in mind Tomato does not support wireless repeater bridge mode (AFAIK).

But thinking about this more, w/ Tomato you could just set it in Wireless Client Mode & then just connect your machines via the LAN ports. (be sure to turn off local DHCP & whatnot, you would be getting those settings from your neighbor's wifi)

And if you want to get fancy, once you have the Asus working in Wireless Client Mode just buy a 2nd wireless router & connect its LAN port (or use the WAN port if you don't mind double NATing) to the Asus' LAN port. Your 2nd wifi router would need to get its WAN/LAN traffic from the main wifi router from your neighbor, & should be on a different wifi channel to avoid issues. In effect you would be using the Asus to receive the wireless connection from afar & you'd be using your 2nd wireless router to extend the wifi for your own area. Plus b/c you're not doing a wireless bridge you won't impact the bandwidth (wireless bridge mode uses 50% of the wifi bandwidth).

I've never done this myself so your mileage may vary, but it seems doable?

e.g.

http://tomatousb.org/forum/t-293204

[ortigosano]

Keep in mind Tomato does not support wireless repeater bridge mode (AFAIK).

But thinking about this more, w/ Tomato you could just set it in Wireless Client Mode & then just connect your machines via the LAN ports. (be sure to turn off local DHCP & whatnot, you would be getting those settings from your neighbor's wifi)

And if you want to get fancy, once you have the Asus working in Wireless Client Mode just buy a 2nd wireless router & connect its LAN port (or use the WAN port if you don't mind double NATing) to the Asus' LAN port. Your 2nd wifi router would need to get its WAN/LAN traffic from the main wifi router from your neighbor, & should be on a different wifi channel to avoid issues. In effect you would be using the Asus to receive the wireless connection from afar & you'd be using your 2nd wireless router to extend the wifi for your own area. Plus b/c you're not doing a wireless bridge you won't impact the bandwidth (wireless bridge mode uses 50% of the wifi bandwidth).

I've never done this myself so your mileage may vary, but it seems doable?

e.g.

http://tomatousb.org/forum/t-293204

Hello Lars77,

Thanks again, I remember you told me Tomato's firm does not support repeater modus, ( a pity). Anyway for my surprise the router D-Lind Dir 825 wit dd-wrt does not as well. : (

Sure, your recommendation it seems quite doable, I am going to keep on mind! thanks a lot!!

by the way, did you already tested some asuswrt-merlin firmwares? ( I already know that they not support repeater mode as well, but maybe is a great alternative like tomato).

Do you have an special reason for be using tomato firmware?

Thanks in advance!

[lars77]

The original Asus firmware wasn't too bad, so I imagine the asuswrt-merlin can only be a good thing (though I haven't tried it myself).

I mostly use Tomato b/c of its excellent QOS capabilities, besides the extra QOS configurations you can add on your own, it already brings a ton of pre-defined QOS rules (the Toastman Tomato mod does, not quite sure on the others). It's essential when you're sharing internet with other people IMO. Tomato can also handle fine-grained settings for port forwards, another essential for me. Most routers' default firmwares only allow basic settings for this stuff (though DD-WRT def has no problem in this area). And then there's Tomato's sweet, sweet web interface.

Though for the record, I think Asus' firmware has a better way of setting up a wifi guest network. It's not very straightforward to do this in Tomato (possible, but I had to attempt it a few times to get it right!).

But outside of that stuff maybe there isn't really any practical reason, ultimately you'd want to use firmware depending on what you're looking for & what you need.

[ortigosano]

thanks for your wour message!

just a small question. What do you mean with Sharing internet with other people IMO (what does IMO means?)

thanks in advance

[ortigosano]

The original Asus firmware wasn't too bad, so I imagine the asuswrt-merlin can only be a good thing (though I haven't tried it myself).

I mostly use Tomato b/c of its excellent QOS capabilities, besides the extra QOS configurations you can add on your own, it already brings a ton of pre-defined QOS rules (the Toastman Tomato mod does, not quite sure on the others). It's essential when you're sharing internet with other people IMO. Tomato can also handle fine-grained settings for port forwards, another essential for me. Most routers' default firmwares only allow basic settings for this stuff (though DD-WRT def has no problem in this area). And then there's Tomato's sweet, sweet web interface.

Though for the record, I think Asus' firmware has a better way of setting up a wifi guest network. It's not very straightforward to do this in Tomato (possible, but I had to attempt it a few times to get it right!).

But outside of that stuff maybe there isn't really any practical reason, ultimately you'd want to use firmware depending on what you're looking for & what you need.

Well, I guess you mean (IMO = in my opinion) I thought was a kind of feature of the router :)

by the way, why are you using

Toastman insted Shibby? (AFAIK, shibby do exactly the same and much more)

http://en.wikipedia....mato_(firmware)

PS: which one do you recomend me http://tomato.groov....0RT-N66u%2064k/ ?? ( I mean what STD means vs VLAN or vs VPN??)

thanks in advance.

[lars77]

You might want to get on the TomatoUSB forums, or maybe the Linksysinfo forums. People there know way more about the firmware specifics..

re: different firmware versions, not sure if Shibby follows the same naming convention but here is Toastman's explanation:

http://www.linksysin...releases.36106/

http://www.4shared.c...man_Builds.html (look at the Versions.txt file)

I've been using Toastman's mod for a while, so nowadays maybe it's just out of habit? Started with Toastman on a Linksys E4200 v1 router (at the time Shibby did not have a firmware for the E4200 v1) & used his mods since then. There's definitely nothing wrong w/ Shibby's mods, though maybe they do a bit more than I need (everything listed in that wiki page that his firmware supports vs Toastman's are things I don't use).

I can't really give you a rec on a mod I don't use, but can tell you this one has been working fine for me on the Asus (on the Toastman side of things):

tomato-K26USB-NVRAM64K-1.28.0500.5MIPSR2Toastman-RT-N-VLAN-VPN-NOCAT.trx (in here)

[theuberguru]

I am having the same issue as you are. I also had upgraded my firmware to RT-N66U_3.0.0.4_220.trx from ASUS first. Figuring this would fix any space issues.

Per ASUS

"ASUS RT-N66U B1 Firmware Version 3.0.0.4.220 IMPORTANT, DUE TO THE NVRAM SIZE UPGRADE, CHANGE TO THIS VERSION FIRMWARE WILL WIPE ALL YOUR SETTING! AFTER UPGRADED FIRMWARE, PLEASE PRESS THE RESET BUTTON AND HOLD OVER 5 SECONDS TO RESET THE ROUTER TO DEFAULT."

I tried for close to 8 hours to get DDWRT on this router. Most of it was reboot and wait. Tomato took 10 minutes and it was up and running. But I get all the same issues that you are having. I have no problem going back to ASUS or Tomato firmware as the unit takes them and boots fine. But I can not get DD-WRT to load for the life of me. I am going to repost all this on some other sites and maybe we can get this solved.

I have tried both the built in recover webpage and the firmware loader application also. I will be trying more but its now almost 5 am and I started around 8:30/9pm.. so I have had enough for tonight. But I need the same feature as you. I need the wirless bridge/repeter (wirless extender) system. I cant cut holed in my aprtment but I have game systems and such in one room and the rest is in another room. I dont want 80ft of cable through the apt and across two levels.

Dan

[ortigosano]

You might want to get on the TomatoUSB forums, or maybe the Linksysinfo forums. People there know way more about the firmware specifics..

re: different firmware versions, not sure if Shibby follows the same naming convention but here is Toastman's explanation:

http://www.linksysin...releases.36106/

http://www.4shared.c...man_Builds.html (look at the Versions.txt file)

I've been using Toastman's mod for a while, so nowadays maybe it's just out of habit? Started with Toastman on a Linksys E4200 v1 router (at the time Shibby did not have a firmware for the E4200 v1) & used his mods since then. There's definitely nothing wrong w/ Shibby's mods, though maybe they do a bit more than I need (everything listed in that wiki page that his firmware supports vs Toastman's are things I don't use).

I can't really give you a rec on a mod I don't use, but can tell you this one has been working fine for me on the Asus (on the Toastman side of things):

tomato-K26USB-NVRAM64K-1.28.0500.5MIPSR2Toastman-RT-N-VLAN-VPN-NOCAT.trx (in here)

thanks for your explanations!

I am having the same issue as you are. I also had upgraded my firmware to RT-N66U_3.0.0.4_220.trx from ASUS first. Figuring this would fix any space issues.

Per ASUS

"ASUS RT-N66U B1 Firmware Version 3.0.0.4.220 IMPORTANT, DUE TO THE NVRAM SIZE UPGRADE, CHANGE TO THIS VERSION FIRMWARE WILL WIPE ALL YOUR SETTING! AFTER UPGRADED FIRMWARE, PLEASE PRESS THE RESET BUTTON AND HOLD OVER 5 SECONDS TO RESET THE ROUTER TO DEFAULT."

I tried for close to 8 hours to get DDWRT on this router. Most of it was reboot and wait. Tomato took 10 minutes and it was up and running. But I get all the same issues that you are having. I have no problem going back to ASUS or Tomato firmware as the unit takes them and boots fine. But I can not get DD-WRT to load for the life of me. I am going to repost all this on some other sites and maybe we can get this solved.

I have tried both the built in recover webpage and the firmware loader application also. I will be trying more but its now almost 5 am and I started around 8:30/9pm.. so I have had enough for tonight. But I need the same feature as you. I need the wirless bridge/repeter (wirless extender) system. I cant cut holed in my aprtment but I have game systems and such in one room and the rest is in another room. I dont want 80ft of cable through the apt and across two levels.

Dan

Hello, for the moment I am repeating the signal with 2 routers because I did not get dd-wrt on my Asus.

I have opened a new thread on DD-WRT forum (http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=714118#714118)

I've spend a lot of time on it as well, I can tell you that the orginal firware looks good, is easy and intuitive. ( actually I am using this mod: http://www.lostrealm.ca/tower/webfm_send/107)

good luck!

[theuberguru]

I got it working tonight. I dug around and dug around some more and I got DD-WRT on my Asus.. Here is what you need to do..

Download these 2 files.

ftp://dd-wrt.com/others/eko/BrainSlayer-V24-preSP2/2012/07-20-12-r19519/broadcom_K26/dd-wrt.v24-19519_NEWD-2_K2.6_mini_RT-N66U.trx

ftp://dd-wrt.com/others/eko/BrainSlayer-V24-preSP2/2012/07-20-12-r19519/broadcom_K26/dd-wrt.v24-19519_NEWD-2_K2.6_big_RT-N66U.trx

I did a static 192.168.1.11 for my wired card. 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.1

Then you do the reset steps.

Hard Reset (aka 30/30/30 reset):

The following procedure will clear out the NVRAM and set dd-wrt back to default values:

• With the unit powered on, press and hold the reset button on back of unit for 30 seconds
  
• Without releasing the reset button, unplug the unit and hold reset for another 30 seconds
  
• Plug the unit back in STILL holding the reset button a final 30 seconds
  

Then goto 192.168.1.1. you should see the Asus recovery webserver. I put the mini image on. Waited till I saw it reboot. Waited 15 more minutes (Dont know if its needed but it worked)

Did the Reset again. Seems like a long drawn out system but it worked.... Then I did the BIG image..

Did the rest again....

http://192.168.1.1/do.htm?cmd=nvram+commit

wait for it to say ok. Pull the power... count to ten and it worked.. Took about 30 or 40 seconds to come up...

I am up and running now.. I just did this in the last hour. it is 10/1/2012 at 1:36am Eastern US time.any questions feel free to ask

[theuberguru]

I also wanted to add that I did use the ASUS lash that changed the NVRAM size

"ASUS RT-N66U B1 Firmware Version 3.0.0.4.220 IMPORTANT, DUE TO THE NVRAM SIZE UPGRADE, CHANGE TO THIS VERSION FIRMWARE WILL WIPE ALL YOUR SETTING! AFTER UPGRADED FIRMWARE, PLEASE PRESS THE RESET BUTTON AND HOLD OVER 5 SECONDS TO RESET THE ROUTER TO DEFAULT."

Just so those who come along and see how I got it to work dont miss a step. I forgot to put that in my instructions above. I am also putting in a nice

instruction for bridging mode

Instructions

A very simple step-by-step description to connect a Router running selected DD-WRTV24 firmware in Repeater Bridge Mode. (This will work for almost everything, but do check notes on individual routers below clock).

If you are using a G router, use 12548 builds to create a wireless bridge. DO NOT USE SP1 OR THE MAY 24 08 BUILD.

This mode is NOT for WIRED connections between two routers! It is a wireless connection only.

To enable bridge mode between two routers, the primary router must be in AP mode (default) with DHCP Server enabled. The secondary router running DD-WRT v24 will be configured as the Repeater Bridge.

Restore Factory Defaults on Secondary (DD-WRT) Router

Do a proper HARD 30-30-30 Reset on the router.

Set your computer to a static IP of 192.168.1.9 if you know how to set static addresses. Otherwise leave your computer's network adaptor(s) programmed with the factory default setting of DHCP and the router will assign a valid address to your computer.

Connect your computer to the secondary router via wired LAN port or as a wireless client. The dd-wrt default wireless SSID is "dd-wrt"

Open the address http://192.168.1.1 in your web browser. Newer versions of DD-WRT will require you to set a password before you can continue.

Open the Wireless -> Basic Settings tab

Physical Interface Section

Wireless Mode : Repeater Bridge

Wireless Network Mode : Must Match Primary Router

Wireless Network Name(SSID) : Must Match Primary Router exactly including exact case- Make sure you spell this correctly

Wireless Channel : Must Match Primary Router (This will disappear once you put it in RB mode, and isn't needed)

Wireless SSID Broadcast : Enable

Network Configuration : Bridged

Save

Virtual Interfaces Section

Add

Wireless Network Name(SSID) : Different from Primary Router

[NOTE] - You CAN try using the same SSID but it usually will not work properly. Many have had random disconnects and/or no connection if the SSID's are the same.

Wireless SSID Broadcast : Enable

AP Isolation : Disable

Network Configuration : Bridged

Save

Open the Wireless -> Wireless Security tab

Physical Interface Section

Security Mode : Must Match Primary Router and DD-wrt only works reliably with WEP or WPA2-AES

WPA Algorithms : Must Match Primary Router

WPA Shared Key : Must Match Primary Router

Key Renewal Interval (in seconds) : Leave default

Virtual Interfaces Section (note if you don't see this section your firmware should be atleast v24-sp2)

Security Mode : Must Match Physical Interface

WPA Algorithms : Must Match Physical Interface

WPA Shared Key : Must Match Physical Interface

Key Renewal Interval (in seconds) : Leave default

Save

Open the Setup -> Basic Setup tab

Connection Type will be: Disabled

Set STP for Disabled (Enabled sometimes can cause connection problems) redhawk

IP Address : 192.168.1.2 (Assuming Primary Router IP is 192.168.1.1)

Mask : 255.255.255.0

Gateway: 192.168.1.1 (again assuming Primary Router IP is 192.168.1.1)

DHCP Server: Disable

Local DNS: 192.168.1.1 (if IP of Primary Router is 192.168.1.1)

Assign WAN Port to Switch : Optionally enable this to use the WAN port as another LAN port.

Save

Log back into the router at it's new IP address of http://192.168.1.2

Open Setup -> Advanced Routing tab

Set Operating mode to "Router"

Save

Open Services

Disable Dnsmasq

Save

Open the Security -> Firewall tab

Uncheck all boxes...except Filter Multicast

Disable SPI firewall

APPLY Settings

Reboot the router.

Once you have it working, go to the wireless security tab, and set the same type of security AND key for both the primary and the repeater ssids and hit apply. Avoid WPA2 Personal MIXED, as it will likely kill communication between the routers (see Security section below for more on this). WPA2 Personal is fine.

SET YOUR COMPUTER BACK TO AUTO IP AND AUTO DNS.

[ortigosano]

Hello again,

I' ve tried like this:

I loaded the mini version you posted with the router in recovery mode (pressing reset button + unplug power + plug power)

I waited 15 min

I cleaned the NVRAM with the 30/30/30 rule, in our router works with WPS button instead reset button.

I loaded the big version you posted with the same procedure as I did in the step 1 of this list.

I waited 15 min

I cleared the NVRAM as I did on the step 3 of this list.

I waited 3 minutes

I switched off the router

I switched on the router

I waited 5 minutes

the configuration of my wired network is still manual ( 192.168.1.11 / 255.255.255.0 / 192.168.1.1.)

I opened my browser (chrome) and typed 192.168.1.1

Result: does not work!

I guess is an error from dd-wrt, because Merlin's firmwares, tomato's and original one works without problem.

[airm3n]

Have you considered checking out the asus rt-n53. I am using it currently in conjuction with a RT-N66U. No problems whatsoever i am extending my signal with the rt-n53 from my basement 2 floors down to my 3rd lvl. The rt-n53 isn't the most powerful machine but it will allow you to extend the signal without much difficulty with the manufacturer's firmware. Very cheap too i picked mine up for 40$ CDN. And contrary to what they still have on their main website for info on the rt-n53 it extend's both 2.4ghz and 5ghz signals at the same time. However that being said you can only choose one signal to repeat so if you can only pick up a 2.4 ghz signal it will repeat it on both 2.4ghz and 5ghz or you can take a 5ghz if your close enough and repeat it on 2.4ghz and 5ghz.

[ortigosano]

Have you considered checking out the asus rt-n53. I am using it currently in conjuction with a RT-N66U. No problems whatsoever i am extending my signal with the rt-n53 from my basement 2 floors down to my 3rd lvl. The rt-n53 isn't the most powerful machine but it will allow you to extend the signal without much difficulty with the manufacturer's firmware. Very cheap too i picked mine up for 40$ CDN. And contrary to what they still have on their main website for info on the rt-n53 it extend's both 2.4ghz and 5ghz signals at the same time. However that being said you can only choose one signal to repeat so if you can only pick up a 2.4 ghz signal it will repeat it on both 2.4ghz and 5ghz or you can take a 5ghz if your close enough and repeat it on 2.4ghz and 5ghz.

I am doing the same as you do,but instead rt-n53 with an old WRT54GL Linksys and running Tomato's Shibby on the RT-N66U

[airm3n]

Ok I was just reading your first post about wanting wireless N speeds. Instead of the setup I have you could do it in reverse and use a rt-n53 to forward wireless N the only downside is that the rt-n53's ports are only 100mbit instead of gigabit. I have read that with the rt-n53 you can use it in wireless extender mode and use the lan ports at the same time but i haven't personally tested this as I have access points in my house specifically for that reason. Another option would be to try the EA-N66 which i have in my house as well although its a bit more expensive but a 3x3 wireless N device that can serve as Access point, repeater or as ethernet adapter(ethernet adapter i use it for). If you were to run that in ethernet adapter mode like me and run to your rt-n66u you would be full speed wireless N (2.4ghz or 5ghz with 450 wireless N on one or the either channel you chose and it outputs a gigabit connection as well). As well if you didn't want to bother with the router you could probably just run a gigabit switch from the ea-n66u. Guess in the end it depends on how much you want to spend to get your connection up but I can honestly say i've never had an issue with either the rt-n53 or the ea-n66. I'm also running the DAP-1522 as an wireless access point which i find quite finicky but solid once you get it going and it has 4 gigabit lan to output. Not sure if they still sell those ones or what their new equivalent might be. As well I am running the wes610n as a wireless access point which is fairly simple access point with a 4 port switch but it is limited to 100mbit output.

[cugolfer33]

http://homeentertainmentguide.blogspot.com/2012/11/how-to-get-wake-on-lan-working-asus.html

Guide I made, took me forever to get this to work and tried about everything