Asus AX5400 User manual

E22790
TUF Gaming AX5400 Wireless Router

2
Copyright © 2023 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described
in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval
system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except
documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the
express written permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired,
modied or altered, unless such repair, modication of alteration is authorized
in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or
missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS”WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND,
EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS,
EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS
AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
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SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE
FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
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COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY
FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL,
INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be
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only for identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent
to infringe.
E22790
First Edition
November 2023

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Table of contents
1 Getting to know your wireless router
1.1 Welcome! ........................................................................................7
1.2 Package contents.........................................................................7
1.3 Your wireless router.....................................................................8
1.4 Positioning your router........................................................... 10
1.5 Setup Requirements ................................................................ 11
2 Getting started
2.1 Router Setup............................................................................... 12
A. Wired connection..................................................................13
B. Wireless connection.............................................................14
2.2 Quick Internet Setup (QIS) with Auto-detection ........... 16
2.3 Connecting to your wireless network................................ 19
3 Conguring the General and Advanced Settings
3.1 Logging into the Web GUI ..................................................... 20
3.2 Adaptive QoS.............................................................................. 22
3.3 Administration ........................................................................... 23
3.3.1 Operation Mode ....................................................................23
3.3.2 System.......................................................................................24
3.3.3 Firmware Upgrade................................................................25
3.3.4 Restore/Save/Upload Setting ...........................................25
3.4 AiCloud 2.0 .................................................................................. 26
3.4.1 Cloud Disk................................................................................27
3.4.2 Smart Access...........................................................................29
3.4.3 AiCloud Sync...........................................................................30
3.5 AiMesh .......................................................................................... 31
3.5.1 Before setting .........................................................................31
3.5.2 AiMesh Setup steps..............................................................31
3.5.3 Troubleshooting....................................................................34
3.5.4 Relocation................................................................................35
3.5.5 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) ...............................36

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Table of contents
3.6 AiProtection ............................................................................... 37
3.6.1 Conguring AiProtection ...................................................38
3.6.2 Malicious Sites Blocking ....................................................40
3.6.3 Two-Way IPS............................................................................41
3.6.4 Infected Device Prevention and Blocking....................42
3.7 Firewall.......................................................................................... 43
3.7.1 General......................................................................................43
3.7.2 URL Filter ..................................................................................43
3.7.3 Keyword lter .........................................................................44
3.7.4 Network Services Filter .......................................................45
3.8 Game ............................................................................................. 46
3.8.1 Gear Accelerator....................................................................47
3.8.2 Open NAT.................................................................................48
3.9 Guest Network ........................................................................... 49
3.10 IPv6................................................................................................. 51
3.11 LAN................................................................................................. 52
3.11.1 LAN IP ........................................................................................52
3.11.2 DHCP Server............................................................................53
3.11.3 Route .........................................................................................55
3.11.4 IPTV ............................................................................................56
3.12 Network Map ............................................................................. 57
3.12.1 Setting up the wireless security settings......................58
3.12.2 Managing your network clients.......................................59
3.12.3 Monitoring your USB device.............................................60
3.13 Parental Controls....................................................................... 62
3.14 Smart Connect ........................................................................... 65
3.14.1 Setting up Smart Connect .................................................65
3.15 System Log .................................................................................. 66
3.16 Trac Analyzer........................................................................... 67
3.17 USB Application......................................................................... 68
3.17.1 Using AiDisk ............................................................................69

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Table of contents
3.17.2 Using Servers Center............................................................71
3.17.3 3G/4G ........................................................................................76
3.18 VPN................................................................................................. 77
3.18.1 VPN Server...............................................................................77
3.18.2 VPN Fusion...............................................................................78
3.18.3 Instant Guard..........................................................................80
3.19 WAN ............................................................................................... 81
3.19.1 Internet Connection.............................................................81
3.19.2 Dual WAN .................................................................................84
3.19.3 Port Trigger..............................................................................85
3.19.4 Virtual Server/Port Forwarding........................................87
3.19.5 DMZ............................................................................................90
3.19.6 DDNS .........................................................................................91
3.19.7 NAT Passthrough...................................................................92
3.20 Wireless......................................................................................... 93
3.20.1 General......................................................................................93
3.20.2 WPS ............................................................................................95
3.20.3 Bridge ........................................................................................97
3.20.4 Wireless MAC Filter ...............................................................99
3.20.5 RADIUS Setting ................................................................... 100
3.20.6 Professional.......................................................................... 101
4 Utilities
4.1 Device Discovery.....................................................................104
4.2 Firmware Restoration ............................................................105
4.3 Setting up your printer server ............................................106
4.3.1 ASUS EZ Printer Sharing .................................................. 106
4.3.2 Using LPR to Share Printer .............................................. 110
4.4 Download Master....................................................................115
4.4.1 Conguring Bit Torrent download settings.............. 116
4.4.2 NZB settings......................................................................... 117

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5 Troubleshooting
5.1 Basic Troubleshooting...........................................................118
5.2 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ................................120
Appendices
Safety Notices..........................................................................................138
Service and Support..............................................................................140

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1 Getting to know your wireless1 Getting to know your wireless
routerrouter
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for purchasing TUF Gaming Wireless Router!
The stylish router features 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual bands for
an unmatched concurrent wireless HD streaming; SMB server,
UPnP AV server, and FTP server for 24/7 le sharing; a capability
to handle 300,000 sessions; and the ASUS Green Network
Technology, which provides up to 70% power-saving solution.
1.2 Package contents
NOTES:
• If any of the items is damaged or missing, contact ASUS for
technical inquiries and support, Refer to the ASUS Support
Hotline list at the back of this user manual.
• Keep the original packaging material in case you would need
future warranty services such as repair or replacement.
TUF Gaming Wireless Router AC adapter
Network cable (RJ-45) Quick Start Guide

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1.3 Your wireless router
WAN (Internet) LED
Red: No IP or no physical connection.
On: Has physical connection to WAN port.
LAN 1~4 LEDs
O: No power or no physical connection.
On: Has physical connection to a local area network (LAN).

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NOTES:
• Use only the adapter that came with your package. Using other
adapters may damage the device.
• Specications:
DC Power adapter DC Output: +12V with max 2.5A current
OperatingTemperature 0~40oC Storage 0~70oC
Operating Humidity 50~90% Storage 20~90%
5GHz LED
O: No 5GHz signal.
On: Wireless system is ready.
Flashing: Transmitting or receiving data via wireless connection.
2.4GHz LED
O: No 2.4GHz signal.
On: Wireless system is ready.
Flashing: Transmitting or receiving data via wireless connection.
Power LED
O: No power.
On: Device is ready.
Flashing slow: Rescue mode.
Power (DCIN) port
Insert the bundled AC adapter into this port and connect your router to a power source.
Power button
Press this button to power on or o the system.
USB 3.2 Gen 1 port
Insert a USB3.2 Gen 1 compatible device such as USB hard disk or USB ash drive into
this port.
LAN 1~4 ports
Connect network cables into these ports to establish LAN connection.
WAN (Internet)port
Connect a network cable into this port to establish WAN connection.
WPS button
Long press the button to launch the WPS Wizard.
Reset button
This button resets or restores the system to its factory default settings.

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1.4 Positioning your router
For the best wireless signal transmission between the wireless
router and the network devices connected to it, ensure that you:
• Place the wireless router in a centralized area for a maximum
wireless coverage for the network devices.
• Keep the device away from metal obstructions and away from
direct sunlight.
• Keep the device away from 802.11g or 20MHz only Wi-Fi
devices, 2.4GHz computer peripherals, Bluetooth devices,
cordless phones, transformers, heavy-duty motors, uorescent
lights, microwave ovens, refrigerators, and other industrial
equipment to prevent signal interference or loss.
• Always update to the latest rmware. Visit the ASUS website at
http://www.asus.com to get the latest rmware updates.
• To ensure the best wireless signal, orient the six non-
detachable antennas as shown in the drawing below.

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1.5 Setup Requirements
To set up your wireless network, you need a computer that meets
the following system requirements:
• Ethernet RJ-45 (LAN) port (10Base-T/100Base-
TX/1000BaseTX)
• IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax wireless capability
• An installed TCP/IP service
• Web browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, or
Google Chrome
NOTES:
• If your computer does not have built-in wireless capabilities, you
may install an IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax WLAN adapter to your
computer to connect to the network.
• With its dual band technology, your wireless router supports
2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless signals simultaneously. This allows
you to do Internet-related activities such as Internet surng or
reading/writing e-mail messages using the 2.4GHz band while
simultaneously streaming high-denition audio/video les such
as movies or music using the 5GHz band.
• Some IEEE 802.11n devices that you want to connect to your
network may or may not support 5GHz band. Refer to the device's
manual for specications.
• The Ethernet RJ-45 cables that will be used to connect the
network devices should not exceed 100 meters.
IMPORTANT!
• Some wireless adapters might have connectivity issues to
802.11ax WiFi APs.
• If you’re experiencing such issue, please ensure you update the
driver to the latest version. Check your manufacturer's ocial
support site where software drivers, updates, and other related
information can be obtained.
• Realtek: https://www.realtek.com/en/downloads
• Mediatek: https://www.mediatek.com/products/connectivity-
and-networking/broadband-wi
• Intel: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/

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2 Getting started2 Getting started
2.1 Router Setup
IMPORTANT!
• Use a wired connection when setting up your wireless router to
avoid possible setup problems.
• Before setting up your ASUS wireless router, do the following:
• If you are replacing an existing router, disconnect it from your
network.
• Disconnect the cables/wires from your existing modem setup. If
your modem has a backup battery, remove it as well.
• Reboot your cable modem and computer (recommended).
WARNING!
• The power supply cord(s) must be plugged into socket-outlet(s)
that is /are provided with a suitable earth ground. Connect
the equipment only to a nearby socket outlet that is easily
accessible.
• If the Adapter is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact
a qualied service technician or your retailer.
• DO NOT use damaged power cords, accessories, or other
peripherals.
• DO NOT mount this equipment higher than 2 meters.
• Use this product in environments with ambient temperatures
between 0°C (32°F) and 40°C (104°F).

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A. Wired connection
NOTE: You can use either a straight-through cable or a crossover
cable for wired connection.
To set up your wireless router via wired connection:
1. Plug your router into a power outlet and power it on. Connect
the network cable from your computer to a LAN port on your
router.
Wall Power Outlet
TUF-AX5400
Modem
LINE LAN RESET PWR
Laptop
Power
WAN
LAN
a
d
c
b
2. The web GUI launches automatically when you open a web
browser. If it does not auto-launch, enter
http://www.asusrouter.com
3. Set up a password for your router to prevent unauthorized
access.

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B. Wireless connection
To set up your wireless router via wireless connection:
1. Plug your router into a power outlet and power it on.
2. Connect to the network name(SSID) shown on the product
label on the back side of the router. For better network security,
change to a unique SSID and assign a password.
Laptop
Tablet
Smart phone
Wall Power Outlet
TUF-AX5400
Modem
LINE LAN RESET PWR
Power
WAN
a
c
b
ASUS router
2.4G Wi-Fi Name (SSID): ASUS_XX_2G
5G Wi-Fi Name (SSID): ASUS_XX_5G
* XX refers to the last two digits of 2.4GHz MAC
address. You can nd it on the label on the
back of your ASUS router.

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3. Once connected, the web GUI launches automatically when
you open a web browser. If it does not auto-launch, enter
http://www.asusrouter.com.
4. Set up a password for your router to prevent unauthorized
access.
NOTES:
• For details on connecting to a wireless network, refer to the WLAN
adapter’s user manual.
• To set up the security settings for your network, refer to the
section Setting up the wireless security settings in Chapter 3 of
this user manual.

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2.2 Quick Internet Setup (QIS) with Auto-
detection
The Quick Internet Setup (QIS) function guides you in quickly
setting up your Internet connection.
NOTE: When setting the Internet connection for the rst time, press
the Reset button on your wireless router to reset it to its factory
default settings.
To use QIS with auto-detection:
1. Launch a web browser. You will be redirected to the ASUS
Setup Wizard (Quick Internet Setup). If not, key in
http://www.asusrouter.com manually.
2. The wireless router automatically detects if your ISP connection
type is Dynamic IP, PPPoE, PPTP and L2TP. Key in the
necessary information for your ISP connection type.
IMPORTANT! Obtain the necessary information from your ISP about
the Internet connection type.

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3. Assign the wireless network name (SSID) and security key for
your 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless connection. Click APPLY when
done.
NOTES:
• The auto-detection of your ISP connection type takes place when
you congure the wireless router for the rst time or when your
wireless router is reset to its default settings.
• If QIS failed to detect your Internet connection type, click Skip
to manual setting and manually congure your connection
settings.

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4. On the Login Information Setup page, change the router’s
login password to prevent unauthorized access to your
wireless router.
NOTE: The wireless router's login username and password is
dierent from the 2.4GHz/5GHz network name (SSID) and security
key. The wireless router's login username and password allows you
to log into your wireless router's Web GUI to congure your wireless
router's settings. The 2.4GHz/5GHz network name (SSID) and security
key allows Wi-Fi devices to log in and connect to your 2.4GHz/5GHz
network.

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2.3 Connecting to your wireless network
After setting up your wireless router via QIS, you can connect your
computer or other smart devices to your wireless network.
To connect to your network:
1. On your computer, click the network icon in the notication
area to display the available wireless networks.
2. Select the wireless network that you want to connect to, then
click Connect.
3. You may need to key in the network security key for a secured
wireless network, then click OK.
4. Wait while your computer establishes connection to the
wireless network successfully. The connection status is
displayed and the network icon displays the connected
status.
NOTES:
• Refer to the next chapters for more details on conguring your
wireless network's settings.
• Refer to your device's user manual for more details on connecting
it to your wireless network.

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3 Conguring the General and3 Conguring the General and
Advanced SettingsAdvanced Settings
3.1 Logging into the Web GUI
Your TUF Gaming Wireless Router comes with an intuitive web
graphical user interface (GUI) - TUF Gaming Center, which gives
you total network control, with need-to-know information such as
connected device status and worldwide game-server ping values,
and instant access to all the amazing gaming features.
NOTE: The features may vary with dierent rmware versions.
To log into the web GUI:
1. On your web browser, manually key in the wireless router’s
default IP address: http://www.asusrouter.com.
2. On the login page, key in the default user name (admin) and
the password that you have set in 2.2 Quick Internet Setup
(QIS) with Auto-dection.
3. You can now use the Web GUI to congure various settings of
your ASUS Wireless Router.