Install Instructions For Asus RT-AX58U Router Using Windows 10 x64.
Contact Vodafone support and obtain the PPPoE 'Username' and 'Password' for your current router connection.
NOTE: Without these the new router will never work!
Download the latest Asus firmware for your router from:
https://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1008000/
Or use the Merlin alternative firmware (faster bugfixes and improved functionality) from:
https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/.
Be aware that I found the default firmware and the Merlin alternative both bricked the router when attempting to change the IP address. If this happens to you, then try changing the firmware.
Ensure the Vodafone router is connected to the internet and working.
Keep it readily available as a standby until you get the new router working!
As a default the Asus routers use the IP address 192.168.50.1 or 192.168.1.1.
The Quick Start Guide for the router advises plugging the router in and accessing the webpage 'http://router.asus.com' however, this only works if you currently have the correct IPv4 settings applied, else you will not get access to the router. If it works, then fine, but if it doesn't there are some things you first need to change:
Open the 'Network Connections | Ethernet | Properties | Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) | Properties'
You can then view the IP address settings for your computer. Make a note of them before continuing.
Some considerations before continuing:
Asus recommend changing the settings to 'Obtain IP address automatically' (then reboot).
Advantages: Allows the router to connect to the webpage.
Disadvantages: May prevent existing equipment from working.
You may have to change the settings of all the system devices.
If the settings indicate a 'Default Gateway' address which is diffrent to your router IP address then the router will not be seen by the network and you will not get access via the webpage.
You will need to change your 'Default Gateway' address to the router IP address (then reboot).
Advantages: Allows the router to connect to the webpage.
Disadvantages: May prevent existing equipment from working.
You may have to change the settings of all the system devices.
If you download the Asus app from the Play Store to a compatible phone or tablet, you can gain access to the router by means of the WiFi connection.
Advantages: Access the router regardless of the IP address.
You can change the router IP address to match your PC meaning the webpage can now be accessed.
The current PC / system device settings need not be changed.
Disadvantages: You will need to use WiFi access to change the IP address every time you update the firmware or factory reset.
The app has some bugs, even after entering the initial data, you may get locked out requiring a factory reset of the router.
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Setup The Router
FACTORY RESET
First, if things go wrong, you may need to do a factory reset.
With the router led and the WiFi leds on, press and hold the 'Reset' button.
When the 'Power' led flashes release the 'Reset' button.
After a couple of minutes the WiFi, LAN and WAN leds will be lit indicated the reset has completed.
Having established a web connection you now have to set some basic functions before accessing the settings.
SETTINGS ACCESS:
Select 'Create A New Network'.
Select 'Manual Setting'.
Does your Internet connection require username and password? Select 'Yes'.
Please select the Internet connection... Select 'PPPoE'.
Enter the username and password provided by Vodafone. Select 'Next'.
Assign a unique name or SSID... Enter your selected options. Select 'Apply'.
The latest 80211ax Wi-Fi... Check '802.11ax / Wi-Fi 6 mode'. Select 'Next'.
Change the router password... Enter your selected options. Select 'Next'.
You now have access to the router settings.
UPDATE THE FIRMWARE:
It is a good idea to update the firmware immediately to ensure you have the latest bug fixes.
Select 'Administration | Firmware Upgrade | Upload'.
Select the previously downloaded firmware update you wish to install.
Please wait, Applying settings... update bar.
CHANGE THE IP ADDRESS:
Depending upon your options above, you may need to change the router IP address:
Select 'Advanced Settings | LAN | LAN IP | IP Address' and change as required. Select 'Apply'.
Update pool devices automatically ... Select 'Yes'.
Please wait, applying settings... confirmation of new IP address.
Open the 'Network Connections | Ethernet | Properties | Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) | Properties'
Amend as required (then reboot).
AMEND THE SETTINGS FOR VODAFONE WAN:
Sign in with your previously allocated login username and password and amend the following:
'Advanced Settings | WAN | Account Settings | MTU | 1492' (default)
'Advanced Settings | LAN | IPTV | LAN Port | Select ISP Profile | Manual'
'Advanced Settings | LAN | IPTV | LAN Port | Internet | VID | 101 broadband or 911 gigafast'
'Advanced Settings | LAN | IPTV | LAN Port | Internet | PRIO | 0'
These worked for the RT-AX58U.
ADDITIONAL SETTINGS TO AMEND ACCORDING TO YOUR ROUTER OPTIONS:
Transfer mode: VDSL(PTM)
DSL Mode: VDSL2
MAC Address: <doesn't matter so set to default value>
DNS Servers: <set to get this from server>
NAT: Enable
Connection Mode: ALWAYS ON
