Has anyone tried Merlin Firmware for Asus XT8?

[stebrick]

Just bought brand new xt8 (2 pack) and I'm wondering if anyone here tried Gnuton's release here: https://github.com/gnuton/asuswrt-merlin.ng#readme
Any problem or bug? Do I have to manually update both routers or is it automatic? Just hope that I dont mess up with my new router.

And is it possible to install optware/entware/debian/adguard on xt8? I'm looking at this tutorial but not sure whether the kernal of xt8 supports debian: https://hqt.ro/how-to-install-debian-stretch-arm/

Thanks

 

[tgl]

Release - Asuswrt-Merlin 386.5 GNUton's builds are now available

Hi there, Today I am finally happy to announce that we have a Merlin stable release for the usual models: - DSL-AC68U - DSL-AX82U/DSL-AX5400 - RT-AX82U and also for two new entries: - TUF-AX5400 - ZenWiFi AX (X8) / RT-AX95Q If you have wishes to see Merlin running on other routers please...

www.snbforums.com

 

[RogerSC]

Just bought brand new xt8 (2 pack) and I'm wondering if anyone here tried Gnuton's release here: https://github.com/gnuton/asuswrt-merlin.ng#readme
Any problem or bug? Do I have to manually update both routers or is it automatic? Just hope that I dont mess up with my new router.

And is it possible to install optware/entware/debian/adguard on xt8? I'm looking at this tutorial but not sure whether the kernal of xt8 supports debian: https://hqt.ro/how-to-install-debian-stretch-arm/

Thanks

As far as updating goes, I would log into the remote node first, and manually update that one. Then the router node, and update that one. As far as I've seen the automatic update of both nodes only works when you have Asus firmware and are getting a new firmware version from Asus. It may work from Asuswrt when you're updating from a previous version to a new version of Asuswrt, but that remains to be seen *smile*.

Especially since you're going from Asus firmware to Asuswrt, I'd also do a WPS reset to factory defaults of both nodes after flashing. And then set up the mesh manually.

 

[stebrick]

As far as updating goes, I would log into the remote node first, and manually update that one. Then the router node, and update that one. As far as I've seen the automatic update of both nodes only works when you have Asus firmware and are getting a new firmware version from Asus. It may work from Asuswrt when you're updating from a previous version to a new version of Asuswrt, but that remains to be seen *smile*.

Especially since you're going from Asus firmware to Asuswrt, I'd also do a WPS reset to factory defaults of both nodes after flashing. And then set up the mesh manually.

Thanks bro. Your reply made me feel more confident to flash the 2 routers shortly after they were unboxed. And all went well. I couldn't find an answer as simple as that for asus mesh router.

Do you own this particular router too? I'm worrying about those ventilation holes (and parts inside) would get dusty over time. Any thoughts in this regard?

Now hoping someone else would know about the architecture/kernal version of this device and see if installation of Debian is possible (tho it's not necessary).

 

[stebrick]

With the help of Merlin Firmwire I've found XT8's CPU model/kernal in details: BCM675x - Cortex A7 ARMv7 revision 5, this might be relevant as far as debian is concerned. Without tutorial I've no idea how to install it tho.