[Wireless Router] How to configure the Smart Connect in ASUS Router?
What is Smart Connect?
Smart Connect is a feature available in ASUS routers that allows devices to be automatically connected to the appropriate wireless band, either 2.4GHz or 5GHz. Usually, the user needs to manually select the appropriate band for their device based on its capabilities. This feature can simplify the process of connecting devices to your network, as you no longer need to manually select the appropriate frequency band for each device. Enabling this feature will make the 5GHz wireless settings (network name/password) the same as the 2.4GHz settings.
Introduction
Use ASUS Router Web GUI (web settings page)
Smart Connect Rule(web settings page)
Prepare
1). Please refer to the product model list at the top of this article to make sure your router supports Smart Connect.
2). Please install the ASUS router app on your smart phone device first. Please make sure your ASUS Router App version is up to date.
For the information of how to install the ASUS router app, please refer the following FAQ
[Wireless Router] How to set up ASUS Wi-Fi router via ASUS Router App? (QIS, Quick Internet Setup)
[Wireless Router]How to manage multiple ASUS routers by ASUS router app?
Install ASUS ExpertWiFi App
[ASUS ExpertWiFi Router] Easy QR Code Scan Setup
3). Please update your router firmware to the latest version. For instruction about how to update the firmware, please refer the following FAQ
[Wireless Router] How to update the firmware of your router to the latest version ? (WebGUI)
4). How to connect to a Wi-Fi wireless network using your device, please refer to the following FAQ
[Windows 11/10] Connect to a Wi-Fi network
[ZenFone] How to connect to Wi-Fi Network
Note:The built-in Wi-Fi network preferences settings on a mobile device may render the smart connect rule ineffective or lead to frequent disconnections.
1. Enter the ASUS Router App, tap [ Settings ] > [ WiFi ] > [ Wireless Settings ] > [ Network Settings ].
2. Select [ Tri-Band Smart Connect ] and tap [ Apply ] to save the settings.
As shown in the following example, after the setting is completed, the three bands of 2.4GHz/5GHz-1/5GHz-2 will use the same Wi-Fi network name and password.
If your router supports two bands( 2.4GHz / 5GHz ), the option will show [ Dual-Band Smart Connect ].
Note: ASUS wireless routers have different functions depending on the model. Please check ASUS product specifications to confirm that your router supports bands.
1. Connect your laptop to the router via wired or Wi-Fi connection and enter your router LAN IP or router URL http://www.asusrouter.com to the WEB GUI.
Please refer to How to enter the router setting page(Web GUI) to learn more.
2. Key in your router's username and password to log in.
Note: If you forget the user name and/or password, please restore the router to the factory default status and setup.
Please refer to [Wireless Router] How to reset the router to factory default setting? for how to restore the router to default status.
3. Wireless Router: Go to Wireless > General > Switch the button on [Enable Smart Connect] to ON.
ExpertWiFi Router: Go to Settings > Wireless > General > Switch the button on [Enable Smart Connect] to ON.
4. Click [Apply] to save the settings.
Now the three bands of 2.4GHz/5GHz-1/5GHz-2 will use the same Wi-Fi network name and password.
Note: ASUS wireless routers have different functions depending on the model. Please check ASUS product specifications to confirm that your router supports bands.
ASUS Router comes with a default trigger condition setting for the Smart Connect switching mechanism. However, depending on your networking environment, you may need to customize the trigger condition. To do this, navigate to the Smart Connect Rule page in Network Tools or simply click the Smart Connect Rule link in Wireless General.
Note: Some models do not support the advanced settings of Smart Connect. If you do not see [Smart Connect Rules] when activating Smart Connect, which means your model does not support it.
Introduction to Smart Connect Rule
If there are no special requirements, it is recommended to use the default settings.
In summary, the (1) and (2) items represent the filter conditions, while the (3) item specifies the band to switch to when those conditions are met. The (4) item aims to minimize the band of switching between different bands, thereby optimizing the system's performance.
(1) Steering Trigger Condition
Steering Trigger Condition is the condition to check if steering needs to be triggered or not.
(2) STA Selection Policy
Once the band steering is triggered, the router will follow "STA Selection Policy" to pick up client/STA steered to the most appropriate band.
(3) Interface Select and Qualify Procedures
Once a trigger condition is reached, the client device steers to the target band.
(4) Bounce Detect
To prevent possible client/STA bounce back issues, you may change client/STA’s steered Counts with Window Time and it will remain connected to the current band during Dwell time.
For example, if the device is steered twice with 60 seconds, the device will remain connected in the current band for 180 seconds.
Note: If your device only supports 802.11n, but selects AC only in VHT, the device will not be able to connect to the wireless network of this router.
Description of VHT options of (1)(2)(3) items (*AC refers to Wireless Wi-Fi Network Protocol 802.11ac)
All: All client devices
AC only: All AC client devices
Not-allowed: All non- AC client devices
After completing the configuration, click [Apply] to save the settings.
1. How to reset Smart Connect to its default settings?
Click “Default” button in Smart Connect Rule page to restore the settings.
2. How to determine the current connection signal strength based on the dBm value?
Signal strength (good): -20dBm to -70dBm
Signal strength (fair): -71dBm to -80dBm
Signal strength (weak): -81dBm or higher
The current signal strength can be determined based on the dBm value.
If the signal strength is weak, please refer to this FAQ: [ASUS Wireless Router] How to improve reception of wireless(WiFi) signals(reduce wireless interference)
3. Why I can't see the advanced settings of Smart Connect (Smart connect rule) in ASUS Router APP and ExpertWiFi App?
The ASUS Router APP and ExpertWiFi App do not support Advanced settings of Smart Connect (Smart connect rule ), which is only available in WebGUI.
How to get the (Utility / Firmware)?
You can download the latest drivers, software, firmware and user manuals in the ASUS Download Center.
If you need more information about the ASUS Download Center, please refer this link.