How-To Install Asus Merlin Firmware with AiMesh : Cheap Mesh Network
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ส.ค. 2024
- #aimesh #asus #mesh
This How-To guide will show you how-to install the Asus Merlin Fimware on a compatible Asus router. The DIY guide to creating your own cheap, budget friendly mesh network that works great, simple to use, easy to set-up and offers plenty of advanced features like VPN settings and more. The rt-ac68u is a great starter router / node that is around $40-$50 and can get you started on your home mesh network.
How-to Install Merlin Asus Software: • How-To Install Asus Me...
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![5 Reasons why I prefer ASUSWRT-Merlin to ASUSWRT Firmware [RT-AC68U]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XykUML3T2VA/mqdefault.jpg)
![5 Reasons why I prefer ASUSWRT-Merlin to ASUSWRT Firmware [RT-AC68U]](/img/tr.png)
I bought the GT-AX11000 some time ago. Applied the Merlin firmware so I could use whole home VPN and its been flawless. WIFI coverage blew away my old WIFI routers. I no longer needed any extenders at all and coverage goes through walls, garage, all rooms upstairs, and multiple devices outside (generator, pool equipment, WIFI cameras, etc.). Have many devices that only run on lower bandwidth and some (I.e. smart switch for ceiling fan) don't work well with mixed mode. Highly recommend you have 2.4 GHz band advertise its own network name.
Just purchased an RT-AX58U because I need multiple LAN (wired) ports in a specific location in my house. WIFI mesh is the way to go. Install firmware, add as node and **poof** all good.
Highly recommend Asus routers and Merlin firmware.
Yup. Still rocking it as my router.
Hi, Late to this video... You picture the "T-Mobile Cellspot" as your "example" I have this router... Question is MUST I hack this 1st before running the MERLIN firmware your discussing. I'm referring to the "Bay Area Tech Pros" instruction to convert to a "RT-AC68U" first?
Thank you - this threw me off my chair ....... with my graveyard of routers, and THANK YOU MERLIN
CAUTION: This video is a bit reckless in not pointing out the dangers of trying to flash Merlin onto a TM-AC1900. Why do I say this? Because I bricked my router by precisely following the correct instructions given by bayareanetworks at the time. I'm not the first nor the last person to brick their router this way. Yes, I unbricked it, but that was very painful. Back in spring of 2018 I became aware of being able to upgrade the TM-AC1900 which was available on Amazon for about $40. FlyingRich posted an excellent video in which he referenced the instructions provided by bayareanetworks. The TM-AC1900 recipe for Merlin basically consists of flashing an upgrade friendly stock version of the Asus firmware before attempting the Merlin flash. This recipe consists of many detailed steps which I precisely followed (I'm a developer who's familiar with the gotchas of firmware upgrades). Yet doing everything right still produced a bricked router. When I more or less said WTF I got an angry hand waving response from the Merlin author: "My firmware does not support the TM-AC1900, and Asus is preventing flashing non TM-AC1900 firmwares on it.". This despite the fact that everybody and his brother familiar with bayareanetworks asserted Merlin flashes just fine - no warnings or disclaimers (yes, the Merlin author was aware of bayareanetworks). The bayareanetworks page has undergone numerous revisions so maybe I was nailed by bad instructions. I'm not disputing that Merlin flashes ok on TM-AC1900 *now*, but it did not for me back *then*. So please be careful - verify to your satisfaction that the instructions are known to work. Unbricking a router via a cumbersome procedure is an ordeal you don't want to put yourself through!
I had done a few TM Firmware convert to Merlin with total success. It only looked bricked due to probably updated windows versions and hence have to change a few procedure. Once you get it going, it continues with the conversion.
I have a TP-Link Wireless N Router WR840N Model No. TL-WR840N
I want to add my Asus RT-AC68U to the network without cables what mode can I do this in? Aany reference tutorials or details on how to do it? I also want to be able to access the VPN option on the asus. cant access the tp-link only wirelessly.
What's good jabber
Great stuff. Subbed.
ok so I have taken my tm router from stock to the 86u but it will not be pick up by the mesh network. ok i see the router on the net work if it is wired but it will not connect. i have gone step by step and it makes it to the ping where it hands off the mac address to the main router. goes to connect to the network on the final step and does not turn over and show up on the list i do not know where the hiccup is but here is what i have done rest from merlin to stock on both the node and the main and I have actual ca86u and dropped it off and reconnected it. it doe not make it past the hand off of the mac
Which firmware do you recommend to install after flashing it? My WiFi signal power decreased a lot after the flash
Can anyone tell me why I don't see the AIMesh icon on the main router page, as in the video? I only have the clients button in that pane. Asus RT-AC3200 Merlin 384.13_8
I have same issue. Have you figured out how to get AIMesh to work on it yet?
Good job. How can we install the script or "johns" fork (on source forge i think), that allows control of the transmission power and beacon interval? (According to snb forums). I don't need full power and want it to run cool so it lasts longer.
Great info. I have a pair of RT-AX92U routers and I want to add on a RT-AX56U and install the Merlin firmware with VPN; will the VPN cover those routers and devises on those routers? What do you think of the set-up? thanks
if Merlin is available for your main router, you only have to setup the VPN client, with policy rules, on that device and not your aimesh nods. Your main router will direct all internet traffic through your vpn, if thats how you have it configured
Anyone have a TM-AC1900? If i connect via cat5 to my desktop from my modem I can get 650mbs, but through the TM-AC1900 with cat5, most I can get is 330mbs or so. Time for a new router? Love my current one, but doesn't seem to be able to handle the faster speeds. Would love any replies, couldn't find this info on any forums. Thanks!
Does this flash allow TTL setting?
How do I find the phone number for the ASUS TM-AC1900.
Google.com
I cant find my 2nd router even when it is in aimesh mode??
That sucks, sorry
@@TheJabberTech The only video that works if you have problems is th-cam.com/video/mzIHEYYEjHQ/w-d-xo.html thanks to both of you for making videos
You answered my question a year ago! Forgot.
And you didn't do anything for a year! Lmao 🤣😆🤣
do you have a video on the utility of multiple VPN? interesting video, thanks much
Appreciate it 👍 no I didn't make one on that as most people don't have multiple VPN subs
Question. I have a rt-ac68u router with a older version of merlin without the aimesh. If i upgrade firmware to newer merlin will i loose all my current settings in the router? I hope not but im guessing yes.
Yep,if it's a really old version.. recommend to reset all settings
@@TheJabberTech ok thanks. Its an OLD version. Lol
Is it only necessary to install the merlin firmware on the main router or all the nodes need to have the merlin fw as well?
Just the main router
@@TheJabberTech I installed the merlin software on the main router and it seems as though they removed the AiMesh feature after firmware 3.0.0.4.384_15_0. And now it's showing that there's an update for that router but i know if update it, it'll be either the stock asus firmware or the latest merlin firmware which no longer has AiMesh feature. Is there a way to disable the ota firmware update?
AFAIK Asus routers don't automatically install the newest updates, you have to manually click upgrade .
Jabber Tech yeah I know. Out of curiosity I clicked update but it failed. Is there a way around this to not get the OTA updates?
I don't understand your question...just don't update it when you get a notification and you'll stay with your old firmware
Can PureVPN be used with Asus RT-AC68U MERLIN FIRMWARE? There was a security issue so they had an original firmware update recently. Did you Try That?
or
is it better to Use MERLIN firmware?
Thanks
Yes, merlin is better
My setup consists of 4 of those same routers. I got all of the variations started from U, P, R, and the W. I used to own 3 of the T-Mobile variants but after flashing the Asus stock Aimesh firmwares on them, they kept dropping connections and OTA updates used to break the Aimesh all the time. So I sold them and got all Asus branded ones instead. With this Merlin firmware, have you experienced any dropped connections?
I have zero issues with my converted TMO router using merlin. Aimesh had issues in the begging but has gotten much better since
Jabber Tech Thanks for clarifying that. Now I’m trying to figure out when I’m gonna have the time to flash that Merlin firmware on all my routers. So far I have 5 routers and I’m just waiting for the power adapter to arrive to get started. Thanks again for the video.
No worries man. Let me know how it works out for you...oh, and...5 routers!!!!
Jabber Tech yes, I'm still trying to figure out the best way to use the last one. I'm using power line adapters in my setup as well. I kinda want to use the last one I got as my main setup in my bedroom.
Hi - Great Video - I downloaded the Merlin Firmware for the AC58U, opened the zip file and had: Changelog.txt, README-merlin.txt, RT-AX58U_384.16_0_cferom_pureubi.w, sha256su.sha256 files to choose from. I don't see a .trx file so I can update it. Has this changed? Thanks so much for your help.
Appreciate your support! Nope. Still trx file
It was the .w file for the AC86U.
@@sherihabbingerhayes1116 thanks so much!
So if upgrade to Melrin software into my old wifi router TM-AC 1900 so it can be changed from TM-AC 1900 to the AI mesh in order to connect my wifi router Asus AX6100?
After you convert the tm1900 to an ac68u, yes aimesh works
@@TheJabberTech it works and im using it now thx.
Awesome dude
So if my TM-AC1900 was on the stock tmobile software, for me to get Merlin, I would first have to flash to 68U, then I can update to Merlin?? I cannot go from tmobile to Merlin directly?
correct
@@TheJabberTech I have a 68R as well, which I understood to be virtually the same as the 68U. I just tried to update to Merlin, but nothing changed. After it finished "upgrading" and I log back in, I don't see the Merlin logo at the top. Guess it's not the same....
@@halstonheng7109
Here is the latest instruction which I just did one back in May. I wrote this base on my steps to convert it to merline from the base TM firmware. Hope this helps. I did notice there were a bit changes when I did this recently, however, it did work with success.
Instruction to downgrade, change bootloader, upload to merlin. **WINDOWS 10 INSTRUCTIONS**
1. See Step 1.
-Reboot router with reset botton press
-use asus restore utility
-downgrade to 3.0.0.4_376_1703
or
-Reboot router with rest botton press (hold down)
-CFE uploader pops up
-downgrade to 3.0.0.4_376_1703
2. See Step 2.
-install HxD
-search for and go to programs and features, click on turn windows features on or off, add, check TFTP CLIENT, press ok
-go to network settings, ipv 4, change to 192.168.29.2, 255.255.255.0
-log onto router, administator, system, telnet, check yes, apply
-plug usb thumbdrive to usb2.0 behind router
-on computer, go to telnet (putty), 192.168.29.1 telnet
-log in to router, admin, password
-type cat /dev/mtd0 > /tmp/mnt/sda1/original_cfe.bin
-check to see if original_cfe.bin is on thumbdrive
-remove thumbdrive to computer
-create folder CFE in thumbdrive (copy 3 files), copy file CFE from auto mac change folder, copy file original_cfe.bin (thumbdrive), copy file 1.0.2.0 CFE from step 2 folder
-in the CFE folder type CFE. This should run the file. Rename 1.0.2.0 file to new_cfe.bin.
-Move new_cfe.bin file to root.
-copy mtd-write file to thumbdrive
-take thumbdrive to usb2.0 in back of router.
-telnet (putty) to router, go to drive, cd /tmp/mnt/sda1
-type mtd-write -i new_cfe.bin -d boot
-type exit
-remove usb thumbdrive
3. See Step 3.
-reboot with power and holding wps (until power blue lights flashes, then let go)(to do NVRAM RESET)
-reboot with power and holding reset (to get into recovery mode)
-change / clear network setting
- reboot router and log in
- go to upload firmware to upload latest merlin firmare.
4. Firmware update
- Update 378.55_0
- Update 384.6_0
- Update Commands past 384.6
Upgrade Asus AC-68U (real TM-AC1900) from 384.5 to newest version:
Enable SSH Connection (Administration -> system -> Enable SSH -> Lan Only -> Allow SSH Port Forwarding -> Yes
For my converted TM-AC1900, simply enabled SSH, connected via Putty, then ran the commands:
mkdir /tmp/asus_jffs
mount -t jffs2 /dev/mtdblock5 /tmp/asus_jffs
rm -rf /tmp/asus_jffs/*
sync && umount /tmp/asus_jffs
rm -rf /jffs/.sys/RT-AC68U
nvram unset fw_check && nvram commit && reboot
- Update 384.8_0
- Update 386.2_4
@@kito1san Are these instructions for flashing a TM-AC1900 to a AC-68U?
I just watched your video, I have a "TM" like yours and attempted to "convert" to ASUS stock firmware to prepare for AiMesh but I failed, are you saying the "conversion" isn't necessary? Just load the MERLIN firmware and "Aimesh" is available? Thank's
You have to convert it first
@@TheJabberTech - I got caught up on the use of the TM-AC1900 you use as your "old" router, none of your "links" are specific to that device? SO, can you give me a "link" to the method you used to convert? Thank-You again... Phillip
Sorry you got caught up, it was more a video of using your old Asus router with the merlin firmware and with aimesh. I don't have any links on the conversion but I'm sure if you search youtube or reddit, you'll find a guide. Good luck
Will updating merlin over asuswrt retain all my port forward and other settings? I am considering moving away from asuswrt and use merlin as it has aimesh now.
I believe it retains all your info but it's always best to install Merlin then factory reset.
Jabber Tech ok! Will restoring saved setting from asuswrt to Merlin be a way. Just want to avoid reconfiguring all port forwards etc. 😃
@@TheJabberTech factory reset from the admin menu?
If it was only that easy. Thought this would be simple, 3 1/2 hours later still unable to get Firmware to load. You skip the part where you choose the file and it says Firmware failed to load. Even reverted back to original firmware, still won't load.
I don't get firmware failed to load, that's why I didn't show it..it loads right away for me.sorry bud .it's a 5 minute process for most people.
@@TheJabberTech so its a TM-1900 running Firmware 3.0.0.4.376_1703-g0ffdbba (I flashed it to that after the 1st Merlin attempt failed). When I try to choose the Merlin software again (RT-AC68U) firmware I get same error "Firmware upgrade unsuccessfully. It may result from incorrect image or error transmission. Please check the version of firmware and try again". Any suggestion or ideas on what might be the issue? I was trying to follow www.bayareatechpros.com/ac1900-to-ac68u/ but got lost after enabling SSH login
I stated in the video I converted the tm-1900 to an official 68u..this video was not a tutorial on how to do that.
@@TheJabberTech how do i do that
I have ASUS AI Mesh with original firmware! Have a lot of stability problems and drops.
Do you think it Will be more stable with Merlin?
Ac2900 as main, AC68U and AC66u-b1 as nodes! (Seems like 66 is no longer supported! So is it not possible to get Merlin without changeing hardware)
I have a similar setup. gt-ac2900 with sc86u and ac68u as nodes. no issues. Give it a try and see, you can always revert back to stock
Is it only to install the Merlin on the AC2900 then?
I don't remember if you can mix n match.
@@TheJabberTech I update only AC2900 and it worked!!!
(But it seems my stability problems remains 🥲)
Sorry bruh
I'm running the same as you the AC68U as my main router. I have a backup AC68U that I can use that has been in a drawer for a couple years., What configuration mode does the added router need to be? Such as:Wireless router mode (Default)
Repeater mode
Access Point(AP) mode
Media Bridge
Thanks!
You just do a factory reset and leave it alone. The software on the main router will find it and do everything for you
@@TheJabberTech Great news! Thanks for the help. BTW, I subbed the channel as I was looking for info on my new samsung tablet.
Appreciate it!
does the nodes need to be on the same merlin firmware or no?
No
@@TheJabberTech thx do they need to be on any version of merlin firmware or asus firmware that has aimesh or just the main router need to have aimesh capability?
Both routers have to support aimesh
@@TheJabberTech ah ok i guess i have to flash my node router with a firmware that have aimesh enabled then
thanks for the video. DO i need to install merlin on the mesh nodes before i add them to the mesh network? Or the main router with merlin installed will take care of that?
You just need it on your main router and not the nodes
@@TheJabberTech thanks
i just did installed the merlin firmware, and my router no longer takes my old password.
Never had that issue,there always a factory reset if you need
@@TheJabberTech yeah that would be the last option. As of now none of the login/password combinations work. FYI it was a AC3100 router
Where do you live that an RT-AC68U is $40? lmao Its closer to $200 Canadian Dollar here.
Damn you candians always get the shaft ..200$ for a router that's over 5 years old..feel sorry for you guys
Get the TMobile AC-1900 from eBay or Amazon, they go for $40-50 USD. Then convert it to a stock RT-68U or Merlin
@@sca2511 the rt 66-Ub cost me ~ $100 new on Amazon. Are these t mobile units used?
@@SmedleyButler1 Even if it's used. No biggie. You are doing the convrsion so, it's no problem. Also routers are meant to sit in one place to collect dust. Not like it moves around and get knocked over.
So i flashed my router and I forgot my username and password 😥😥 what happens if I reset the router???
You enter all your settings again
Have you vertified the source code for abuse , Bitcoin mining , vpn sharing etc?
Yes,I've checked every line of code and found nothing malicious. Have you checked?
@@TheJabberTech Its good to have that verified , many put out firmware/software for use now with backdoors and malicious intent use for their services. just be aware
No doubt
So will AiMesh work on the RT-N66U want to put it in the backyard with the Merlin firmware?
If your router already supports mesh, should be good
YOU ARE RAMBLING!!! STOP TALKING!!! BREATHE!!! ✋🏻🚫🛑⛔