**[SOLVED] Archer AX73 (US) V2 — Network freeze after automatic firmware update to 1.3.1 Build 20260430 — Fixed by switching to AP mode**
Hello everyone,
I want to share my experience with a critical stability issue on my Archer AX73 (US) Ver: 2.0 (firmware 1.3.1 Build 20260430) in hopes it helps others facing the same problem.
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**The problem**
After the router was automatically updated to firmware version 1.3.1 Build 20260430 via the Tether app, it started freezing periodically. All LEDs would remain lit, but both Wi-Fi and internet connectivity would stop completely. No automatic reboot occurred — a manual power cycle was the only fix. The issue was 100% reproducible and did not exist on the previous firmware version.
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**Network setup**
- Main router: Archer AX73 (US) V2 — firmware 1.3.1 Build 20260430
- Satellite node 1: Archer AX53, connected via wired Ethernet backhaul (EasyMesh) — garage
- Satellite node 2: Archer AX53, connected via wireless backhaul (EasyMesh) — bedroom
- Three Intelbras IM7 3MP IP cameras doing continuous cloud streaming (Mibo platform): two connected to the garage AX53, one connected to the bedroom AX53
- ISP modem/router: CBN CH8568 DOCSIS 3.1 (Claro Brazil)
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**What I tried**
- Hard reset and full reconfiguration — issue persisted
- Firmware downgrade — not possible: version 1.3.1 is not yet available on the official TP-Link download page, and the router's firmware upgrade interface blocks downgrading to any previously listed version
- Contacted TP-Link support and posted on this community forum requesting a rollback file or hotfix
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**Root cause**
The freeze appears to be a bug in firmware 1.3.1 related to how the AX73 handles routing and/or EasyMesh management under continuous UDP/TCP streaming traffic from IP cameras. With the AX73 acting as the main router, the combination of EasyMesh overhead and persistent camera streams caused the router to hang without rebooting.
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**The fix**
I switched the AX73 to Access Point mode, offloading all routing, NAT, and DHCP to the ISP modem (CBN CH8568). The AX53 in the garage was also set to Access Point mode (wired backhaul). The bedroom AX53 was decommissioned as the AX73's Wi-Fi signal was sufficient to cover that area directly.
Final topology:
```
CBN CH8568 (router + DHCP + NAT)
↓ ethernet
AX73 (Access Point mode)
↓ ethernet
AX53 garage (Access Point mode)
↓ Wi-Fi
2x Intelbras IM7 cameras
+ 1x Intelbras IM7 camera connected directly to AX73 Wi-Fi
```
Result: all three cameras are now running fast and stable. Zero freezes since the change.
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**Conclusion**
The problematic firmware is 1.3.1 Build 20260430, pushed automatically via Tether. It cannot be downgraded through standard means. If you are experiencing random freezes with all LEDs on after a recent automatic update, switching the AX73 to Access Point mode is an effective workaround until TP-Link releases a fix.
Hope this helps someone. Please upvote if it did so TP-Link takes notice and prioritizes a hotfix for this firmware version.
