Asus RT-AC88U - which firmware to use? Any ideas?

[Bamsefar]

So I just got an Asus RT-AC88U, since this is a 8-port Ethernet version - and I need those 8 ports, however I have not figured out which firmware to use - anyone have any useful input on this?

 

[joegreat]

So I just got an Asus RT-AC88U, since this is a 8-port Ethernet version - and I need those 8 ports, ...

But, you know that the 8 ports are just a simple switch which you can have as an external device for low money?

...however I have not figured out which firmware to use - anyone have any useful input on this?

Simple: Always (again: really always!) the newest version
a) from Asus, or
b) from Merlin (if available and also new enough)!

Why the newest: Because Asus does a great job to update the firmware by fixing issues/bugs and by adding new features! And: The AC88U is quite new and still the firmware is under development...

PS.: As you run an older version of Merlin on your AC3200 - you should consider to update...

 

[Bamsefar]

Not shure how to respond to that, since you seem to miss a few points on the way:
1) Ye sure - however that assumes that one has a) the power outlet for that switch, and b) the physical space for that switch - I got neither. So NO that is NOT a long term option for me.
2) This is posted on the Asuswrt-Merlin forum, so why look at Asus firmware, and if you read my signature, and I hope you did, you do notice that I already run RMerlin on my AC3200.

And YES I will replace my AC3200 with (for me) the new AC88, it is all about space (and heat).

So which Asuswrt-RMerlin is recommended?

 

[Bamsefar]

PS.: As you run an older version of Merlin on your AC3200 - you should consider to update...

Well as it happens, my AC3200 will be replaced with the AC88 - so why spend time on something that is obsolete? btw the firmware version I have works just great - why change? What does the newer version provide that is sooo much better?

 

[Martineau]

Well as it happens, my AC3200 will be replaced with the AC88 - so why spend time on something that is obsolete? btw the firmware version I have works just great - why change? What does the newer version provide that is sooo much better?

Like most firmware upgrade decisions,...it depends! ....so read the release notes then decide for yourself if there is a need to upgrade.

However this may be useful?

http://www.snbforums.com/threads/380-58.29787/

and thanks to @jacabrera....

Downloads:
http://www.snbforums.com/threads/380-58.29787/page-3#post-234418

So since you have your RT-AC3200 to fall back on what have you got to lose in trying out this RT-AC88U Alpha version?

P.S. I ran the 380.58-Alpha1 version (kindly provided by @kvic) for the RT-AC56U for 48 hours last weekend and it seemed fine, but as I work from home I reconnected my RT-AC68U running 380.57 on Monday morning just in case!

 

[Bamsefar]

Now that is what I was after - I'll give it a try later today for sure. My AC88 will be connected on the inside of my AC3200...