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Question

Asus RT-AC68 vs Linksys WRT1900 Ethernet ports …

Feb 22, 2016 5:22PM PST

I am currently in possession of both an ASUS RT-AC68P and a Linksys WRT1900AC — trying to decide between the two.

I have an old (2006-ish?) HP printer (2605dn) laser printer I'm attempting to hook up via ethernet.

ASUS - port lights up immediately upon connection of ethernet cable. Can print.

Linksys - port will not light up. I've tried changing the printer's ethernet port from 10 - 100, full/half duplex etc, static/dynamic ip.

The Linksys ports work with all my other Ethernet devices.

Is there a fundamental difference in the ethernet ports between these two routers? Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.
Wade

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Read the docs and look for this phrase.
Feb 22, 2016 5:51PM PST

AUTO MDIX


Older routers usually don't have this. Newer ones for the most part do to save service and support calls.

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Thanks
Feb 22, 2016 7:02PM PST

I understand both routers to include this, so guessing thats not behind the varying behavior.

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Next trick.
Feb 22, 2016 9:59PM PST

Old gear may not negotiate with gigabit ports. Try installing a small 10/100 switched hub on the router then plug printer into the switched hub.

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Got it. Why?
Feb 23, 2016 5:18AM PST

Thanks again. I may go that route or just go with the Asus, since it just works on its own with all old and new devices.

I'm most curious about why two "current," robust, dual-band 1900 routers both featuring auto-negotiating ethernet ability and similar price point would differ in their ability to negotiate this.

Am I off base in thinking this should be fundamental?

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Pressure.
Feb 23, 2016 9:35AM PST

As in pressure on cost control, and the chip makers don't test with your particular printer so if you get enough things out there, one day you'll see something that won't connect. That's why you learn tricks like a small switched hub that is only 10/100 to work around it.

Maybe my reply title is vague but I've worked in commercial product design over the years. There's no way we can test for every device out there.