Brand new to Asuswrt-Merlin. How to get started?

[Dan567]

I am brand new to SNB, Asuswrt-Merlin and ASUS. If I am doing anything to violate the rules of the forum please let me know.

I am a retired CAD Engineer with Linux experience but I am new to loading alternate firmware on routers.

I have spent a few hours reading through these forums but I have a couple of dumb questions about where to get started.

My first ASUS router (RT-AX88U) is arriving tomorrow. I plan to use Asuswrt-Merlin so that I can use NextDNS from my router. Am I better off setting up and using the router with it's normal firmware for a while to get used to it before I install Asuswrt-Merlin?

I have found the websites/posts listed below but any other suggestions or links on where to get started would be appreciated.

[FAQ] READ ME FIRST before posting a question

Model support Q: Will you support the RT-xxxxxx that was just announced? A: See detailed answer in post #3. Q: Will you support router XYZ from this non-Asus manufacturer? A: No. Asuswrt-Merlin only targets Asus-supported models, due to both technical and legal reasons. Q: I'm having...

www.snbforums.com

NextDNS Installer

I'm proud to announce NextDNS is now officially supporting Merlin. You can find the installation procedure on our Github Wiki. We are also working with @RMerlin to add a UI to this integration. Stay tuned. You can post your questions or concerns to this thread or contact us directly through...

www.snbforums.com

AsusWRT Merlin

NextDNS CLI client (DoH Proxy). Contribute to nextdns/nextdns development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

Home

Third party firmware for Asus routers (newer codebase) - RMerl/asuswrt-merlin.ng

github.com

Home | Asuswrt-Merlin

www.asuswrt-merlin.net

Thanks
Dan

 

[Jeffrey Young]

Welcome to the show @Dan567

One of the best spots to get started and start learning about how all the various scripts knit together is to start here;

Home

Third party firmware for Asus routers (newer codebase) - RMerl/asuswrt-merlin.ng

github.com

In particular, you need to read up on how to set up your router to allow you to SSH into it.

Create new page · RMerl/asuswrt-merlin.ng Wiki

Third party firmware for Asus routers (newer codebase) - Create new page · RMerl/asuswrt-merlin.ng Wiki

github.com

 

[GSpock]

Am I better off setting up and using the router with it's normal firmware for a while to get used to it before I install Asuswrt-Merlin?

If you intent to go to Merlin, I recommend to install it from day 1. This is what I did with my former 87U and brand new AX86. Once you used to Merlin, you do not want to go backwards ...
Rgds,
GS