Current plans regarding separate version branches

[thiggins]

@heywire Seems like your time away didn't have any effect. This time it's permanent. Bye.

 

[Wrkdbf_Guy]

Sadly, I have no ISP options here that support more than what the AC68U supports. So I've been staying with that old but solid router since I bought it and haven't had any need to move of fit. I'm still amazed how stable it remains and so glad I bought it. EOL may be that need.

Rmerlin, none of us can thank you enough for your efforts. If you decide to not support a router line in the future, I'll be sad but I can fully understand.

 

[zay2u]

A number of manufacturers have implemented automated updates. Google and Asus are two of them.

I just noticed this change after updating my XT9 to it latest firmware. I can't say loosing control over firmware updates to be for the better. @RMerlin does your firmware maintain the options prior to this change in the administration section? Also, do you know of a workaround (unsure who else to ask even though XT9's are currently not a model supported by your firmware).

 

[KrypteX]

I just noticed this change after updating my XT9 to it latest firmware. I can't say loosing control over firmware updates to be for the better. @RMerlin does your firmware maintain the options prior to this change in the administration section? Also, do you know of a workaround (unsure who else to ask even though XT9's are currently not a model supported by your firmware).

So what do you want to know exactly? If you do not have a device impacted by the EOL status, then what is the concern?
If you do have one, then probably switching to OpenWrt or DD-WRT from 2025 onward would do. If that doesn't work for you, sell the device ASAP.

 

[Tech9]

do you know of a workaround

Your only workaround is to block Asus update servers with a firewall upstream. Nothing you can do on your TX9 WebUI.

does your firmware maintain the options prior to this change

Asuswrt-Merlin firmware doesn't have auto update options in WebUI. New firmware notification only, manual update after.

 

[zay2u]

@KrypteX It is a 2 part question in regards to the auto update changes mentioned previously in the thread. That is specifically the concern. Previously the user had complete control of when/if to update firmware (and you'd simply see a notification icon appear at login when a new firmware came out). I have attached a screenshot of the new "Firmware Upgrade" tab. Note the description below "Auto Firmware Upgrade" and you'll noticed Asus is stating it can unilaterally update the router even if the option is set to Off. So to further clairfy as I currently do not have a model supported by RMerlin's firmware:

1) Does Merlin's firmware still maintain the interface (or settings) prior to this auto update change in the Administration/Firmware Upgrade tab (is the user still completely in control of firmware updating)?

2) Is there a known workaround to disable auto updating in its entirety?

 

[bennor]

@zay2u, As indicated above, the Asus-Merlin firmware does not auto update. The user must go in and manually update the firmware themselves. Example Firmware page from a RT-AX86U Pro series router running Asus-Merlin firmware:

 

[zay2u]

@Tech9 & @bennor, thank you for your responses and insight. As you can see, my Asus model is not currently supported by RMerlin; and (at least in my opinion) seeing such a significant change in the OEM firmware I felt the need to ask. It is yet another reason why the folks with supported models are spoiled for choice. And this forum has been a blessing because of the knowledge of it's members. Thank you again Tech9 and bennor. ​

 

[saccleo]

i have an ax86u pro model, and i found a new firmware 3.0.0.6.102_34312_365, but i didn't found 3006 branch on asus-merlin website.
So 3.0.0.6 is an offical firmware from ASUS?
Is there any plan to support rt-ax86u pro with Merlin's 3006 version?

 

[bennor]

Is there any plan to support rt-ax86u pro with Merlin's 3006 version?

RMerlin has repeatedly addressed why there isn't 3006.102.x firmware yet for the AX Pro series of routers in other newer discussions than this one from early 2024. Here are some recent replies, from last month, on the subject when the developer has been asked about other model support.
Jan 15, 2025

I haven't asked them because when we discussed a general roadmap last year, the plan was wait before moving existing devices to 3006 as the code was not mature enough yet. Hence the reason why I haven't asked for it yet, not because I didn't want to.

Jan 25, 2025

Unsure at this time, as we have been recently discussing starting to migrate some models to 3006, but no definitve model list has been decided yet. If a specific Pro model doesn't get moved immediately to 3006 then yes, they will still provide me with 3004 GPL code for it, regardless of whether on their end they have already migrated it to 3006.

With the Lunar New Year holiday coming, I don't expect everything to be ready for a couple of weeks.

Currently (as of this post), for the RT-AX86U Pro, if you want to use the 3006.102.x firmware you will have to use the latest stock Asus 3.0.0.6.102_34336 (2024/11/12) firmware .

RT-AX86U Pro｜WiFi Routers｜ASUS Global

AX5700 Dual Band WiFi 6 Gaming Router, Mobile Game Mode, AiProtection Pro, WPA3, Parental Control, Mesh WiFi support, 2.5G Port, Gaming Port, Adaptive QoS, Port Forwarding

www.asus.com

 

[a86H]

Asus appears to have published the GPL for the RT-AX88U Pro for firmware 3.0.0.6.102_33340.

My records show this fist being available around the 16th of January 2025. The files seem to be from the 6th of December 2024.

RT-AX88U Pro - Support

www.asus.com

 

[bennor]

@a86H, if you haven't already, see the developer's (RMerlin) comments about bringing the 3006.102.x version of Asus-Merlin firmware to other 3006 supported routers, in the post immediate preceding yours. The developer has indicated, after discussing things with Asus, they were waiting on the 3006 firmware to mature.