Asus RT-AX82U “Non Retail Version” Router

Danstar on 06/11/2023 - 12:45
Last edited 06/11/2023 - 12:51 by 1 other user

So I s been looking at getting a new router as my telstra modem looks like it’s about to cark it

I been eyeing off the tp-link ax73 or the asus equivalent. Which I found this on eBay:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/333331202811

Which says “new-unopened” retail edition. I feel like I’m missing something on this item. Can anyone shed some light on what I’m possibly missing and/or recommend on what is better?

I’m on 1000 FTTP. All the PCs in my house are directly connected to the main router that is connected to the nbn box. I have 20+ devices that will connect via wifi

Computing ASUS Wireless Router

Comments

  • Hybroid on 06/11/2023 - 12:56
    +7

    This product is from non-retail channel, therefore it is packed in a generic plain box and it DOES NOT contain standard accessories(which is available in the retail version) such as colorful retail box, paper manual, CD, warranty card etc.
    There may be scratched marks/paint damage in the logo/model info area area.
    The pre-installed firmware is Koolshare Merlin(if "powered by merlin" is specified in OVERVIEW) and it may not have a pure English interface. If you wish to have the official firmware installed please leave the intruction in the order detail or send us a message before dispatch.**

    Definitely not "new". It's a dodgy sourced product running third party custom firmware.

    Personally would not trust it whatsoever. Who knows what they've tweaked or installed to capture your data etc.

    • rumblytangara on 06/11/2023 - 20:45

      Is this really a big deal? Would have thought that simply reflashing firmware would have removed these concerns.

  • scrimshaw on 06/11/2023 - 12:59
    +3

    Description says:

    This is Asus RT-AX82U Dual Band router from non-retail channel(powered by Merlin). Unlike the retail version, the item is packed in a plain box and it only contains minimum accessories and the brand logo area may be (partially) scratched off. Please refer to the gallery photos / content list for more detail.

    ASUS routers don't come with unofficial merlin fw in the box — they always run stock ASUS firmware. That means someone has basically unsealed the router, powered it on and flashed it with Koolshare's fork of the Open-source Merlin firmware (which is also a fork of ASUS's stock firmware).

    Looking into Koolshare group (Chinese language website ahead)
    https://www.koolcenter.com/
    https://t.me/s/ks_merlin?before=286

    these Koolshare modded routers are usually sold for the Chinese market. I can only guess the reason behind needing to scratch off parts of the ASUS brand name, and removing the accessories and ASUS retail box to hide the serial number — probably something dodgy.

    Their listed condition of: 'Opened – never used' is probably inaccurate and I'm guessing this router was most likely modded for a specific use case, but they're selling it here due to excess inventory.

  • Twix on 06/11/2023 - 13:14
    +1

    Usually it's missing Wi-Fi channels, weaker Wi-Fi Tx power and not covered by Asus AU for warranty. It is best to purchase Asus routers from Aussie retailers. See if you can hold out for Black Friday/Cyber Monday in a couple weeks. If you can't wait…

    Asus RT-AX82U AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Dual Band Router $399 + Delivery ($0 C&C/ in-Store) @ JB Hi-Fi.
    Asus RT-AX86U Pro AX5700 Wi-Fi 6 Dual Band Router $449 Delivered @ Wireless 1.

    • Danstar on 06/11/2023 - 13:34
      +1

      I can hold.

      I should probably fix my home network setup. As I have 3 different routers in my home. The main telstra one. Than 2 tp-link ax1500s in my kids room. All a sending out wifi signals which I’m sure are stuffing each other up at times but generally no issues other than not using the full potential on my 1000 speed nbn plan. But the PCs are all using wired connection which is the main thing

    • rumblytangara on 07/11/2023 - 10:39

      I just checked this… looks like AU is missing about half the 6GHz channels but there's not much difference for the 2.4 and 5 ranges.

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_WLAN_channels

  • Danstar on 06/11/2023 - 13:24
    +1

    Thanks everyone. I assumed something was not right, thanks for clarifying :)

  • fritz and sauce on 06/11/2023 - 21:24

    I have the AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Dual Band Router. You will need to use your existing modem. There is no plughole for your telephone line at the back of the AX5400, as it's just a router. Most who have these seem happy with it, including me. Noticeable improvement on a Netgear D700 I was using. I believe the modem can be an old unit.

    • Twix on 06/11/2023 - 22:11

      A VDSL2 modem is only required for FTTN and FTTB.

      Danstar has FTTP so they plug in the Asus RT-AX or TP-Link Archer AX73 router to the fibre NTD.

      • Danstar on 07/11/2023 - 00:21

        Indeed

  • fritz and sauce on 06/11/2023 - 22:18

    OK, thanks. Danstar might not have WiFi 6 ready equipment.

    • Danstar on 07/11/2023 - 00:22

      Not too fussed about wifi 6. More so a router that can handle multiple devices

  • Sub on 04/06/2024 - 00:28

    My comment from another post…Just repeating here for whoever interested.

    I got RT-AX82U. It was not retail box packaging. Normal cardboard box with router, AU plug, ethernet cable.
    The router had some scratch marks on it. But the inner parts/circuit board did not have dust on it…
    If there were no scratches on router, it would have looked as good as new. I was bit confused overall whether the router was "opened but never used" or "used" one.
    It had koolshare chinese firmware/OS, which I updated to latest OS firmware. Overall the router functioned perfectly and provided quite better coverage than my Netcomm NF18ACV.
    The Router also had channel above 140, which are not present in EU/German purchases(as claimed in some posts).

    But I returned it due to 3 points. 1) The condition did not seem "opened but never used". 2) The koolshare firmware means somebody was using it 3) The Manufacturing year was 2021 which is bit too old. I assume that "opened but never used" would not remain on shelf for such long time.

    Returns are not possible. But I contacted seller with these points and requested if return was possible. Seller informed me that the listing already has details like scratches, koolshare etc. But he still graciously accepted return and gave me return label. So, I give seller 10/10 for service. But I assume he might not be that kind each time or to everyone if this repeats.

    I will wait for few months or black Friday to get a good deal on new RT-AX82U (as my existing router is working fine). But If no deal comes through, I might buy it again from this seller.

    • Warlock on 22/08/2024 - 18:37

      Who is the seller? Care to share?

      • Sub on 22/08/2024 - 20:02

        I got it from Spurtech. At that time, not many other sellers were there.
        Now I can see 3-4 sellers, one of which is 20$ cheaper than Spurtech.

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