AC68 - the most recent stable firmware

[Doctt]

Dear all experts out there,

I have an AC68 and currently in firmware 3.0.0.4.374_4887. You can tell I am in a very old firmware. So far, I have not run into any major issues.

I would like to update to the latest firmware. My hope is that some of the latest firmware may improve the 2.4GHz range a bit. The current range is just ok.

I know with every new firmware, it seems to introduce new bugs while fixing the old bugs.

My need is very basic. I only use it for basic wifi need. Just want to have a stable wifi network.

Which firmware should I upgrade to? Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[polish_pat]

I would strongly suggest Merlin firmware. I used to have a few bugs here and there with stock firmware but merlin is great. Same amazing stock interface but a lot of fixes and tweaks that solve most stock problem. Since I flashed Merlin, my router is going amazingly well.

The only thing that is a bummer is a few firmwares back, Asus took away capacity to boost signal by increasing mW. Not sure if your firmware still has the option but if you don't want to lose that, stay right where you are. If not, I strongly suggest trying Merlin, you can always go back to stock if you're not comfortable

 

[Doctt]

thanks for the reply.

which Merlin's fw would you recommend? The latest one?

As for the ability to increase the mW, the current FW I have does have the ability. I did increase it to 100mW from 80mW. However, I did not notify any major differences...Do you recall which last FW (Stock or Merlin) still has this feature enable?

Thanks

 

[polish_pat]

I don't. As for Merlin, get latest.

 

[geonjay]

I'm still running 374.43_2 as this was the last reported "stable" release. I keep looking through these forums to see if anyone recommends moving to one of the more recent releases, but nothing has compelled me to do so. I'm happy with the currently stability and options, so I'm not chomping at the bit to upgrade. Good luck.

 

[texashoser]

It really depends on the feature sets that are most important to you. Some releases handle certain features better than others. What's most important to me is dual WAN failover and the most stable release for that feature is the latest ASUS stock release. There is supposed to be a new release out this week that has a ton of bug fixes. I'll upgrade to that when it's available.

 

[Doctt]

thank you all for your reply. I will wait a bit for the next release.

 

[Jaded]

There is a fork thread in the Asus merlin forums. The code is based on merlins 374's stability with John taking the time to add security and other fixes Merlin has ported to the newer 376 code base... I highly recommend it as it gives you the best of both worlds... Ability to adjust tx power on antennas past the 80mW threshold and the massive number of fixes that have occurred since the 374 trains release...CURRENT BUILD IS 374.43_2 build 6...

Has been extremely stable....
(Do a factory reset and configure from scratch for best results after upgrading)

Link to thread wih download link....
http://forums.smallnetbuilder.com/showthread.php?t=18914

 

[Doctt]

Perfect. thanks