ASUSWRT-Merlin

ASUSWRT-Merlin is a third-party open-source firmware for ASUS routers.

Official Website: https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/

Latest Version: 386.x (based on ASUS 386 firmware)

ASUSWRT-Merlin is an enhanced version of the ASUS official firmware, keeping the official interface and features while adding advanced capabilities.

• Based on ASUS official firmware, stability first

1. Retains ASUS official Web interface

• Built-in OpenVPN server/client
• WireGuard support (new versions)
• AiMesh networking support
• Network Tools (Ping, Traceroute, etc.)
• Download Master (offline downloads)
• More flexible proxy support
• Regular security updates

=== ASUS ###

• WiFi 6E/7 Flagships
  1. RT-AX86U Pro / RT-AX86U
  2. RT-AX88U / RT-AX88U Pro
  3. RT-AX89X (King Crab)
  4. ROG Rapture GT-AX6000
  5. ZenWiFi XT9 / XT8
• WiFi 6 Mainstream
  1. RT-AX82U / RT-AX82U v2
  2. RT-AX58U / RT-AX3000
  3. RT-AX55 / RT-AX56U
  4. TUF Gaming AX5400
• WiFi 5 Classics
  1. RT-AC68U / RT-AC1900P
  2. RT-AC88U / RT-AC3100
  3. RT-AC5300 (Octopus)
  4. RT-AC66U B1

=== Netgear ###

• Nighthawk R7000 (K3C)
• Nighthawk R7800
• Nighthawk R8500

=== Upload via Web Interface ###

1. Download .trx or .w file for your model
2. Log into ASUS Web management interface
3. System Management → Firmware Upgrade
4. Select file to upload

=== Flash via Reset ###

1. Power off
2. Hold Reset button and power on
3. Wait for Power LED orange blinking
4. Access 192.168.1.1 in browser
5. Upload firmware

=== Command Line Flash ###

# Via SSH/Telnet
cd /tmp
wget http://example.com/firmware.trx
mtd-write -f firmware.trx nvram
reboot

=== Enable SSH ###

1. Web interface: System Management → Terminal
2. Enable SSH
3. Set root password

=== Install Software (Entware) ###

# After SSH login
opkg update
opkg install curl wget nano htop

=== VPN Settings ###

1. Services → VPN
2. VPN Fusion: Multiple devices with different exits
3. OpenVPN: Supports UDP/TCP
4. WireGuard: Modern tunnel protocol

=== AiMesh Networking ###

# Set AiMesh on main router
# Reset the satellite router
# Satellite router: Hold WPS button and power on
# Add AiMesh node in main router Web interface

• Asuswrt-Merlin Plugin: App Center extensions
• Diversion: Ad blocking
• skynet: Firewall/traffic splitting
• ntpd: Time sync
• scMerlin: Traffic monitoring
• WireGuard: Fast VPN

=== How to Restore Official Firmware ###

1. SSH execute: mtd-write -f [official firmware].trx nvram
2. Or upload official firmware directly via Web interface

=== Firmware Version Mapping ###

• 386.x → For latest routers
• 384.x → For older routers

=== Save Settings Before Flashing ###

1. Backup settings first (System Settings → Export Settings)
2. Flash Merlin
3. Restore settings (Import Settings)

• Website: https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/
• Downloads: https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/download
• Forum: https://www.snbforums.com/
• GitHub: https://github.com/RMerl/asuswrt-merlin.ng