RT-BE59 subpar speeds, connection errors

[peabrain]

Hi everyone,

I wonder if this is a configuration issue, flaky firmware, hardware defect or something else. I have a recently purchased RT-BE59 (Firmware Version: 3.0.0.6.102_58892). The internet connection is 1/1 Gbps (fibre optic).

On default settings (QoE / QoS not enabled) the router gives subpar download speeds, approximately 250 Mbps. Upload seems to be unaffected. The only way to get improved speeds is to enable QoE. However, adaptive QoE cannot be enabled from the web interface (Apply button does nothing); it can be enabled in the mobile app though. Traditional QoS with bandwith limit set to something ridiculous like 25000 Mbps results in DL speed of about 750 Mbps. Bandwith limiter to the same number results in somewhat proper DL speeds (about 930 Mbps). However, when QoE is enabled another set of problems arise. For example, downloads are constantly interrupted.

curl https://mirror.bahnhof.net/ubuntu-releases/26.04/ubuntu-26.04-desktop-amd64.iso -o /dev/null

  % Total    % Received % Xferd  Average Speed  Time    Time    Time   Current
                                 Dload  Upload  Total   Spent   Left   Speed
  4  6.07G   4 306.3M   0      0 21.79M      0   04:45   00:14   04:31 39.91M

curl: (56) OpenSSL SSL_read: OpenSSL/3.6.3: error:0A000119:SSL routines::decryption failed or bad record mac, errno 0

With QoE / bandwidth limiter this happens all the time. The download never finishes. Tried different servers with different files, different computers on my home network, different cables, router attached directly to the fibre terminal.

Meanwhile a different router from a different brand gives steady 930 Mbps without any QoS. No problems, no disconnections, just smooth sailing and everything works like a charm. The curl command above always completes without any issues. Same computer, same cables, same everything. The only difference is the router. 

I have reset RT-BE59 several times. Am i doing something wrong or is this a defective product?

[Aureliannn_ASUS]

Hello,

We are sorry to hear about the download speed and connection stability issues you have experienced with your RT-BE59, and we appreciate the detailed troubleshooting information you have provided.

We understand that you are currently using Firmware 3.0.0.6.102_58892 on a 1Gbps/1Gbps connection. With QoE/QoS disabled, the download speed is only around 250 Mbps. Enabling Traditional QoS or Bandwidth Limiter significantly improves the download speed, but may also result in interruptions during large file downloads.

We also understand that you have already cross-tested with different PCs, Ethernet cables, and download sources, as well as performed multiple factory resets. In the same network environment, another router can achieve approximately 930 Mbps normally. Therefore, there is no need to repeat these troubleshooting steps at this time.

To help us further investigate, could you please provide the following information:

1. What WAN connection type are you currently using, such as Automatic IP (DHCP), PPPoE, or another type? If you are using PPPoE, please also let us know whether VLAN is configured.
2. Please provide screenshots of the Speed Test results with QoE/QoS completely disabled and with Bandwidth Limiter enabled.
3. You mentioned that you have already submitted Feedback through the Router Management Interface. Please send us the following information via private message (PM):
   • Approximate date/time when the Feedback was submitted
   • Email address used when submitting the Feedback
   • RT-BE59 product serial number (S/N)

Since you have confirmed that another router works normally under the same network environment, we do not recommend installing any unofficial firmware at this stage. If cross-testing with a different firmware version is required later, we will provide the appropriate instructions based on the investigation results.

Once we receive the above information, we will further investigate the download speed issue, interruptions during large file downloads, and the Adaptive QoE Web GUI behavior.

Thank you again for your detailed testing and cooperation.

[peabrain]

Thank you for the response! It seems I can only upload one attachment so here is a collation of screenshots. The upper half shows QoE / QoS / BW limiter off, the lower half with BW Limiter on.

It might be that I am just doing something wrong. The behavior seems VERY irregular and as is evident from the screenshot slightly dependent on the speedtest server. I tested with 3 nearby servers in Helsinki, Finland.

Test procedure:  Enable settings (QoE off OR BW limiter on) >> Speedtest 1 >> Speedtest 2 >> Speedtest 3 >> Curl 1 >> Curl 2. The steps were performed one after another. No two tests were executed simultaneously, and after enabling setting (pressing apply) I waited until the router had finalized application of the setting (i.e. 100 % done). No other notable WAN traffic was present during tests as is visible in the screenshots.

Few observations:

1. Adaptive QoE (Adaptive QoE ON >> Type: Adaptive QoE >> Mode: Ai Balance >> Apply) can now be enabled in the web interface. I have zero idea about what happened. Previously the "Apply" button did nothing upon click (I clicked the button, nothing happened).  After messing around in the interface it suddenly started to work (Apply button submits the setting and the router applies it)

2. The speed is occasionally very good even with QoE / QoS / BW limiter OFF. I might even receive near 900 Mbps speeds. Then it reverts back to lower speeds. I do not know why. This does not seem to happen if BW limiter is ON.

3. Download disconnects (curl errors) seem speed related. The higher the speed, the more frequents the errors.  On sub-700 Mbps I did not notice any errors. Disabling AiProtection (particularly Malicious Sites and Infected Device Blocking) possibly reduces the frequency but does not completely fix the problem.

4. As @Alex52 kindly suggested I have also tried to reset the router with absolutely 100 % default settings (no saved files, no manually changed settings) but this had no effect. The speed was about 300 Mbps right off the bat after 100% factory defaults reset. However, it could be that QoE off speed fluctuation could somehow be related to switching modes as Alex suggested. E.g. QoE  / QoS / BW Limiter off >> 900 Mbps download >> BW Limiter on >> 930 Mbps download >> BW Limiter off >> 300 Mbps download. So switching the QoE mode might have, at least occasionally, something to to with speed fluactuation. But not always.

5. The WAN connection type is Automatic IP (DHCP). I am also behind the CGNAT of the ISP.

I will provide the rest of the information in a private message.