Forum Discussion
Problems and Security of TM-AC1900 ROUTER (rebranded ASUS)
I have 2 concerns and maybe some other t-mbile user can help me.
1. This router seems to have compatibility issues with my samsung s9 using 2.4Ghz frequency... my phone drops the connection and then it says connection with no internet. Sometimes it comes back after turning wifi off or restarting the phone or of course restarting the router. Anyone have any idea?
2. I'm concerned that this router has security issues. There haven't been any firmware updates in a loooooong time. The ASUS RT-AC68U Firmware is being updated... last update was 3/10/2020 Version 3.0.0.4.385.20253 to fix CVE-2019-15126 (Kr00k) vulnerability. T-mobile is being extremely irresponsible not allowing people to get updates for these known vulnerabilities. As a customer what should I do? Trash it? Hack it? (yes i know you can do some stuff to force some firmware updates.. but then you have to hack it the next time and the next ... on and on).
T-Mobile if you're listening please work with Asus to get us these critical and necessary updates. Or just release some software/firmware to let us "convert" our routers to RT-AC68Us.
Thanks for any help people can provide!
¡Hola!
I did check with my internal folks and couldn't find any info about this device getting a security update in the future.
First of, all it's not a complete rebrand. The back of the router is a Asus ac86U. not a ac68U. The tmo version also has a different power supply than the ac68U; it also is the ac86U one.
The original firmware is stacked with features. The VPN options are excellent. It will repeat another Asus router in Media mode, basically, it does mesh. albeit in another way. It does not have Trend Micro protection and so it does not report anywhere.
Honestly, the tmo version has less security issues than other routers. I have an original one and it still works, and has the best track record in terms of security of any router I currently possess. That is, it beats 4 other currently updated routers in a track record. Asus will actually reset the router if you try to upgrade a modded router. That is, If you try to update the router to be more secure after the 'rebrand', it will reset back to the tmo version. Also There is no telnet or SSH access anymore, and you need to be in physical possession of the device, time, and tools to get it to turn into the AC68U.
Use a unique admin account name, a good SSID and 20 plus character passwords if you are that concerned. This router is a tank.
