programatix / AsuswrtPrintServerFix

Scripts to resolve an issue where the print server stopped responding after connected printer is turned off for a duration of time.

Introduction

I owned an Asus RT-AC86U and I use it as a printer server. Starting from firmware version 3.0.0.4.386, I started having issue where clients are unable to print after the printer was powered off for a certain duration. Once this happens, I have to restart the printer server via the WebUI. I reached out to Asus but the issue is never fixed and the technical support seems to be unable to replicate it on their side.

This is a workaround to automate the printer server restart whenever a printer is connected (or powered on) to the router by hooking into the events in hotplug2.

What does init_start do?

1. Performs a md5 check on /rom/etc/hotplug2.rules using /jffs/custom/hotplug2.rules.md5.
2. If failed or /jffs/custom/hotplug2.rules.md5 is missing,
   • A copy of /rom/etc/hotplug2.rules as /jffs/custom/hotplug2.rulesis made and /jffs/custom/hotplug2.rules.md5 is generated.
   • A line is added to execute restart_printer.
3. Check if /etc/hotplug2.rules is symbolic linked to /jffs/custom/hotplug2.rules.
4. If not, replace the the symbolic link and restart hotplug2.

Installation

1. Copy the scripts in /jffs/scripts into the same path in your router.
2. Register init_start to be executed on usbmount by executing the following command:

   nvram set script_usbmount=/jffs/scripts/init-start
   nvram commit
   

3. Reboot the router.
4. You may need to perform step 2 again whenever you upgrade the firmware.

Note: Since we're using script_usbmount to initiate the script, you will need to permanently have a usb drive plugged into one of the USB port of the router.

Verify that the scripts are working

1. Browse to your router WebUI.
2. Go to System Log.
3. Turn on (or off) your printer.
4. You should see the following events in the log.

   [timestamp] rc_service: service xxxx:notify_rc restart_lpd
   [timestamp] rc_service: service xxxx:notify_rc restart_u2ec