USB fails to power device?

[BackWoodsTech]

One thing I am wondering is if there's a default setting for the USB 2.0 that's trying to mount the device rather than charge it? I guess that makes no sense.

Could be - but you should see noise in the system log then if the "presented" USB device is changing (dmesg or journalctl).

UPDATE: the device does say 5v 2A.

Most likely an absolute max that is theoretical and never reached. But does indicate >500mA very likely, and thinking back to your OP (boot, shutdown, repeat) does tend to say it is almost OK, gets to a point where it cant get enough power so shuts down ...

lsusb -v reports what power a USB device is limited to: I am sure a very crude measure on USB 2 ports but if you run the router on the USB 3 port then it may be a bit more useful. (My DVB stick in a USB2 port says 500mA - it is a USB2 device and so is clearly happy running somewhere under 500mA but no idea how much under. My Bluetooth dongle only asks for 100mA.)

But bottom line I figure you should use the power adapter.

Well dude...you were really onto something. Thanks for the added diagnostic which I will try.

After a few back & forth's with the support staff here's the final response:

Hello
 
After we consult our Hardware Engineer, the USB 2.0 port you get 2.0W  for your RockPro board is consider fine. 
Some USB device peak current can goes above 2.5W can trigger the USB protection circuit
 
Thank you
 
support team#2...

[fosf0r]

I don't know if you'd want to consume TWO ports, but perhaps a power Y-cable could push it into working status?

something like:
https://www.amazon.com/HIGHROCK-Enhancer...352&sr=8-3

There's even a USB 3 version if that ever becomes an issue:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZUE6PVE/ref...49352&sr=2

warning: I'm sure the above cables are super cheap and may not even be 100% compliant to USB specs, your mileage may vary, etc, etc.

[BackWoodsTech]

I don't know if you'd want to consume TWO ports, but perhaps a power Y-cable could push it into working status?

something like:
https://www.amazon.com/HIGHROCK-Enhancer...352&sr=8-3

There's even a USB 3 version if that ever becomes an issue:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZUE6PVE/ref...49352&sr=2

warning: I'm sure the above cables are super cheap and may not even be 100% compliant to USB specs, your mileage may vary, etc, etc.

Well, aint that fancy! 
Hmm...you've really got me thinking on this one. Thanks for sharing this option.