Asus RT-AX86S User manual

User Guide
RT-AX86SRT-AX86S
Wireless-AX5700 Dual-band Gigabit RouterWireless-AX5700 Dual-band Gigabit Router

2
Copyright © 2022 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
SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR
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SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE
FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A
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.
E19942
First Edition
March 2022

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Table of contents
1 Getting to know your wireless router
1.1 Welcome!...........................................................................................6
1.2 Package contents ...........................................................................6
1.3 Your wireless router.......................................................................7
1.4 Positioning your wireless router ...............................................9
1.5 Setup Requirements................................................................... 10
2 Getting started
2.1 Router Setup ................................................................................. 11
A. Wired connection..................................................................11
B. Wireless connection.............................................................12
2.2 Quick Internet Setup (QIS) with Auto-detection.............. 14
2.3 Connecting to your wireless network.................................. 16
3 Conguring the General settings
3.1 Logging into the Web GUI........................................................ 17
3.1.1 Setting up the wireless security settings......................19
3.1.2 Managing your network clients.......................................20
3.1.3 Monitoring your USB device.............................................21
3.2 Creating a Guest Network........................................................ 24
3.3 AiProtection................................................................................... 26
3.3.1 Network Protection ..............................................................27
3.3.2 Setting up Parental Controls.............................................31
3.4 Using the Trac Manager ........................................................ 34
3.4.1 Managing QoS (Quality of Service) Bandwidth..........34
3.5 Trac Analyzer............................................................................. 37
3.6 Game................................................................................................ 38
3.6.1 Gear Accelerator....................................................................38
3.6.2 Mobile Game Mode..............................................................39
3.6.3 Open NAT.................................................................................40

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Table of contents
3.7 Using the USB Application....................................................... 41
3.7.1 Using AiDisk ............................................................................41
3.7.2 Using Servers Center............................................................43
3.7.3 3G/4G ........................................................................................48
3.8 Using AiCloud 2.0........................................................................ 50
3.8.1 Cloud Disk................................................................................51
3.8.2 Smart Access...........................................................................52
3.8.3 AiCloud Sync...........................................................................53
4 Conguring the Advanced Settings
4.1 Wireless........................................................................................... 54
4.1.1 General......................................................................................54
4.1.2 WPS ............................................................................................57
4.1.3 Bridge ........................................................................................59
4.1.4 Wireless MAC Filter ...............................................................61
4.1.5 RADIUS Setting ......................................................................62
4.1.6 Professional.............................................................................63
4.2 LAN ................................................................................................... 66
4.2.1 LAN IP ........................................................................................66
4.2.2 DHCP Server............................................................................67
4.2.3 Route .........................................................................................69
4.2.4 IPTV ............................................................................................70
4.3 WAN.................................................................................................. 71
4.3.1 Internet Connection.............................................................71
4.3.2 Dual WAN .................................................................................73
4.3.3 Port Trigger..............................................................................74
4.3.4 Virtual Server/Port Forwarding........................................76
4.3.5 DMZ............................................................................................79
4.3.6 DDNS .........................................................................................80
4.3.7 NAT Passthrough...................................................................81

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Table of contents
4.4 IPv6................................................................................................... 82
4.5 Firewall ............................................................................................ 83
4.5.1 General......................................................................................83
4.5.2 URL Filter ..................................................................................83
4.5.3 Keyword lter .........................................................................84
4.5.4 Network Services Filter .......................................................85
4.6 Administration.............................................................................. 87
4.6.1 Operation Mode ....................................................................87
4.6.2 System.......................................................................................88
4.6.3 Firmware Upgrade................................................................89
4.6.4 Restore/Save/Upload Setting ...........................................89
4.7 System Log .................................................................................... 90
5 Utilities
5.1 Device Discovery ......................................................................... 91
5.2 Firmware Restoration................................................................. 92
5.3 Setting up your printer server ................................................ 93
5.3.1 ASUS EZ Printer Sharing .....................................................93
5.3.2 Using LPR to Share Printer .................................................97
5.4 Download Master......................................................................102
5.4.1 Conguring Bit Torrent download settings.............. 103
5.4.2 NZB settings......................................................................... 104
6 Troubleshooting
6.1 Basic Troubleshooting .............................................................105
6.2 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ..................................108
Appendices
Service and Support..............................................................................126

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1 Getting to know your wireless1 Getting to know your wireless
routerrouter
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for purchasing an ASUS RT-AX86S Wireless Router!
The strikingly designed black chassis with gaming-inspired red
accents, RT-AX86S features a 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
RT-AX86S Wireless Router Network cable (RJ-45)
Power adapter Quick Start Guide
Warranty card
NOTES:
• If any of the items are 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.

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1.3 Your wireless router
WPS LED
O:WPS is not processing.
On:WPS is processing.
LAN 1~4 LEDs
O: No power or no physical connection.
On: Has physical connection to a local area network (LAN).
WAN (Internet) LED
Red: No IP or no physical connection.
On: Has physical connection to a wide area network (WAN).
USB LED
O: No power or no physical connection.
On: Has physical connection to USB devices.
2.4GHz LED
O: No 2.4GHz signal.
On:Wireless system is ready.
Flashing:Transmitting or receiving data via wireless connection.
5GHz LED
O: No 5GHz signal.
On:Wireless system is ready.
Flashing:Transmitting or receiving data via wireless connection.

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Power LED
O: No power.
On: Device is ready.
Flashing slow: Rescue mode.
LED On/O button
This button turns on/off the LED indicators.
Power (DCIN) port
Insert the bundled AC adapter into this port and connect your router to a power source.
Power switch
Press this button to power on or off the system.
Reset button
This button resets or restores the system to its factory default settings.
USB 2.0 port
Insert a USB 2.0 device such as a USB hard disk or a USB flash drive into this port.
Insert your iPad’s USB cable into this port to charge your iPad.
USB 3.0 port
Insert a USB 3.0 device such as a USB hard disk or a USB flash drive into this port.
Insert your iPad’s USB cable into this port to charge your iPad.
WAN (Internet) port
Connect a network cable into this port to establish WAN connection.
LAN 1~4 ports
Connect network cables into these ports to establish LAN connection.
WPS button
This button launches the WPS Wizard.
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 3A current
+19.5V with 2.31A current
Operating Temperature 0~40oCStorage 0~70oC
Operating Humidity 50~90% Storage 20~90%

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1.4 Positioning your wireless router
For optimal wireless transmission between the wireless router and
connected wireless devices, ensure that you:
• Place the wireless router in a centralized area for a maximum
wireless coverage for the network devices.
• Keep the wireless router away from metal obstructions and
away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the wireless router away from 802.11g or 20MHz only
Wi-Fi devices, 2.4GHz computer peripherals, Bluetooth devices,
cordless phones, transformers, heavy-duty motors, fluorescent
lights, microwave ovens, refrigerators, and other industrial
equipment to prevent signal interference or loss.
• Always update to the latest firmware.Visit the ASUS website at
http://www.asus.com to get the latest firmware updates.
• Orient the antennas as shown in the drawing below.
90°90 °90 °

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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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LAN
b
Laptop
Modem
Wall Power Outlet
LINE LAN RESET PWR
Power
a
WAN
d
c
RT-AX86S
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).
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.

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B. Wireless connection
Laptop
Tablet
Smart phone
Modem
Wall Power Outlet
LINE LAN RESET PWR
Power a
WAN
c
b
RT-AX86S
To set up your wireless router via wireless connection:
1. Plug your router into a power outlet and power it on.
2. The web GUI launches automatically when you open a web
browser. If it does not auto-launch, enter
http://router.asus.com
3. Set up a password for your router to prevent unauthorized
access.

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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.
3. Once connected, the web GUI launches automatically when
you open a web browser. If it does not auto-launch, enter
http://router.asus.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 3.1.1
Setting up the wireless security settings of this user manual.
Wi-Fi Name (SSID): ASUS_XX
* XX refers to the last two digits of 2.4GHz MAC address. You can nd it on the
label on the back of your router.

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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://router.asus.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.
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 Manual
Setting and manually congure your connection settings.

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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.
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 settings3 Conguring the General settings
3.1 Logging into the Web GUI
Your ASUS Wireless Router comes with an intuitive web graphical
user interface (GUI) that allows you to easily congure its various
features through a web browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox,
Safari, or Google Chrome.
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://router.asus.com.
2. On the login page, key in the user name and password that
you have set in 2.2 Quick Internet Setup (QIS) with Auto-
detection.
3. You can now use the Web GUI to congure various settings of
your ASUS Wireless Router.

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NOTE: If you are logging into the Web GUI for the rst time, you will be
directed to the Quick Internet Setup (QIS) page automatically.
Information
banner
QIS - Smart
Connect
Wizard
Navigation
panel
Top command buttons

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3.1.1 Setting up the wireless security settings
To protect your wireless network from unauthorized access, you
need to configure its security settings.
To set up the wireless security settings:
1. From the navigation panel, go to General > Network Map.
2. On the Network Map screen and under System status, you can
configure the wireless security settings such as SSID, security
level, and encryption settings.
NOTE: You can set up dierent wireless security settings for 2.4GHz
and 5GHz bands.
2.4GHz security settings 5GHz security settings
3. On the Wireless name (SSID) field, key in a unique name for
your wireless network.

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4. From the WEP Encryption dropdown list, select the encryption
method for your wireless network.
IMPORTANT! The IEEE 802.11n/ac/ax standard prohibits using High
Throughput with WEP or WPA-TKIP as the unicast cipher. If you use these
encryption methods, your data rate will drop to IEEE 802.11g 54Mbps
connection.
5. Key in your security passkey.
6. Click Apply when done.
3.1.2 Managing your network clients
To manage your network clients:
1. From the navigation panel, go to General > Network Map tab.
2. On the Network Map screen, select the Client Status icon to
display your network client’s information.
3. To block a client’s access to your network, select the client and
click block.