Help with replacing Sky Hub with Asus Router

[cjd88]

Hi All,

Am aware there’s lots of other posts on using other routers but, having searched through the forum and elsewhere on the internet, I cannot for the life of me get my Asus router to connect. 

I’ve been using Merlin firmware for a number of years without issue and upgraded from FTTC to FTTP a few months ago, but have not been able to get things up and running since!

I always get a “The network cable is unplugged” message.  This sometimes briefly changes to “Your ISP's DHCP does not function properly” depending on what settings I amend, but does then quickly switch back to the network cable unplugged message.

I’ve done a factory re-set, uploaded the latest Merlin firmware, but no joy and have since reverted to the latest stock firmware to see if I could get things working that way, but still no joy.

To confirm the steps I’ve taken:

• Asus RX86U Pro, with the cable connected directly from the ONT to the WAN port
• I’ve left the Option 61 field blank to see if that would connect, as I’d read some people have had success with this
• I’ve entered “anything@skydsl|anything” at Option 61
• DHCP Query set to Normal, although I have tried all options here in case that helped (they didn’t!)
• Stock firmware asks that 1500 is entered under MTU, but I had left this blank on Merlin as it wasn’t mandatory (which was my previous setting when on FTTC)
• I’ve tried with IPv6 disabled or, if enabled, with the connection type as Native
• Some advice has said to remove 105 from the IPTV setting, but had never entered this

I’ve attached screenshots of how things are currently set and would be extremely grateful for any help!

[Chrisee]

@cjd88 I suspect the issue is to do with activating the WAN input given the error message youbsre getting but it could be as simple as a dodgy Ethernet cable

I am not an expert on Asus routers but your settings look correct Sky use DHCPv4 option61 and DHCPv6 PD which you have set up properly. The former works on all lines but something around 20% of Openreach lines don't support the latter. 

I will tag @jamesn123 who may know more about Asus set up than me

[cjd88]

Thanks very much for your reply on this @Chrisee and I hadn't considered the cable might be an issue as I'm using the same one that connects the ONT to the Sky router, which works fine.  I have swapped it out for a couple of other ones, but still the same result. 

I'll likely reach out to Asus support when I have some time off in a few weeks time - am sure I'll need a few hours on the phone with them!

[jamesn123]

Hi @cjd88 

Looking at all the evidence you have provided, to me it looks like a faulty router. That message should only appear if the cable is physically unplugged from the router. If you have already swapped ethernet cables and the ONT works fine on your Sky hub then the obvious answer would be the router unfortunately. I hope its still in warranty!