Just ordered an Asus RT-N66U ! :)

[xboxgamer95]

Hey to all,

I just placed an order for the Asus rt-n66u. I was wondering what is the most stable firmware I should use? I have heard different things so I am not quite sure. My home setup will consist of: (1) Desktop PC, (2) Xbox 360 Consoles, (1) Laptop, (1) IPod, and (1) Samsung Galaxy S3. I want to have the best possible experience on Xbox Live. I mostly play COD so I am hoping the Rt-n66u will give me a smooth lag-free connection with good hit-detection. Both of my Xbox 360s will be ran wired directly connected to the router's ethernet ports. They will be used at the same time usually so I want to make sure I can get the best out of the router. I want to hear all suggestions, even ones unrelated to the Asus router itself, such as good dns servers, network setups, etc. Lastly, I am on cable internet and I have a Motorola SBG 6141 that I bought recently. My current speeds are: 34 mbps Download and 5.61 mbps Upload.

Thanks to all in advance!

 

[Adamm]

Hey to all,

I just placed an order for the Asus rt-n66u. I was wondering what is the most stable firmware I should use? I have heard different things so I am not quite sure. My home setup will consist of: (1) Desktop PC, (2) Xbox 360 Consoles, (1) Laptop, (1) IPod, and (1) Samsung Galaxy S3. I want to have the best possible experience on Xbox Live. I mostly play COD so I am hoping the Rt-n66u will give me a smooth lag-free connection with good hit-detection. Both of my Xbox 360s will be ran wired directly connected to the router's ethernet ports. They will be used at the same time usually so I want to make sure I can get the best out of the router. I want to hear all suggestions, even ones unrelated to the Asus router itself, such as good dns servers, network setups, etc. Lastly, I am on cable internet and I have a Motorola SBG 6141 that I bought recently. My current speeds are: 34 mbps Download and 5.61 mbps Upload.

Thanks to all in advance!

The router should be able to do everything listed above and more. Your best bet is to either stick with stock asus firmware, or preferably Merlins f/w which is based on stock with additional features/fixes etc

 

[xboxgamer95]

That's good to hear! Which merlin firmware would you recommend? I would like the one that is most stable! I looked at his website and he has different ones including experimental and SKD5. There are TOO many to choose from so I'd like to hear your suggestions. Thanks in advance!

 

[Adamm]

That's good to hear! Which merlin firmware would you recommend? I would like the one that is most stable! I looked at his website and he has different ones including experimental and SKD5. There are TOO many to choose from so I'd like to hear your suggestions. Thanks in advance!

IIRC The argument is that SDK5 may have slightly better range because the N66U was designed around it, but that branch hasn't been updated for months as Asus now base their current firmwares around the SDK6.

Personally I'd stick with the newer firmwares based on SDK6 as the old branch wont be updated and your missing out on all new features/fixes etc.

 

[xboxgamer95]

Alright thanks! So just stick with the Asus stock firmwares then? and one more question, is it possible to downgrade to an older firmware? For example, when my router arrives in a few days, and lets say it comes with the latest firmware that was just released last month. If I would like to use an older firmware from lets say last year, could I just downgrade straight down to it, or would I have to downgrade one firmware at a time until I get to the one I want? I am asking because I don't want to brick the router. Thanks in advance!

 

[xboxgamer95]

By the way, all of my wireless devices will be running on the 2.4ghz band so I would prefer firmware versions that focus on that band being stable as I will not be taking advantage of the 5ghz band, so therefore I am not concerned about that band. I value stability and reliability the most and those two are the main reasons I ordered the router. Once it arrives here, I will keep you updated on how everything is going. Thanks !

 

[Adamm]

You can downgrade and upgrade to any firmware you please as-long as you have the .trx file. Also both Merlin and stock firmware is based on the latest source code, it comes down to preference and most enthusiasts here recommend Merlins for good reason.

Hope this helps.

 

[jlake]

By the way, all of my wireless devices will be running on the 2.4ghz band so I would prefer firmware versions that focus on that band being stable as I will not be taking advantage of the 5ghz band, so therefore I am not concerned about that band. I value stability and reliability the most and those two are the main reasons I ordered the router. Once it arrives here, I will keep you updated on how everything is going. Thanks !

The older firmware(s) has lots of security vulnerabilities so use at your own risk. I wouldn't recommend it.

You'll probably have to go directly to Asus' website to get the latest stock firmware......and download from their website.

 

[sm00thpapa]

If you want the best wi-fi coverage go with .270, .271 and .276 but at your own risk. Latest is .4561 from Asus and it is pretty good.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Daybreak]

Howdy,

OK, you have taken a good first step. You are here in these forums.

The ASUS firmware is good.

Merlin's firmware takes that and polishes it.

You need to read the forums more. The newer firmware is made for a reason. Security fixes, operating fixes, stability, etc...

The range of the ASUS RT-N66 unit is great for both bands. I am sure after you get it up and running, you will be happy with it's speed and range.

 

[RogerSC]

I've found the version in my signature has been the best for me. I've tried later versions, and end up coming back to that one. Give it a try. It's an RMerlin firmware release, so it has those bug fixes and enhancements (although Asus has added the IPv6 firewall recently, took it from RMerlin's firmware *smile*). And it's SDK5-based, so the wireless is great.

 

[xboxgamer95]

The router came in yesturday and It has been running flawlessly so far! I'm running the newest firmware that was just released by Asus yesterday! If I decide to go to the Merlin firmware that you suggested in your signature, how would I go about doing it? Will it brick my router if I go straight to it since its an older verision, or should I go down a firmware at a time until I reach that one? Also do I need to do a factory reset or anything like that? Let me know!

 

[sm00thpapa]

You can go back and forth between firmwares with no issues. I would do a factory re set after each firmware change. Good luck.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[jerry6]

I'm using Merlin 374.40 and it's working well , in fact getting better conection rate and transfer speeds than with my AC66 on all my clients , even on my AC client Edimax 7882 , all on 5,0 band . All N clients getting a stronger signal , Intel 6300 , 5300 , 5200 , linksys WUSB 600 and Dlink DAP1500 .
Great router