Long Term Support - Asuswrt-Merlin Router List

[WhereAmI]

Hello,

I love the ASUS/merlin interface (thank you for your work!) and need the simplicity + security for as long as possible. I saw the requirements for adding new routers, like higher ram capacity and broadcom chips...

- Would love to know which routers on these lists would likely be supported for a longer period of time?
- What are the stipulations on currently supported devices that make them more likely for continued support?

Ex: Are there specific builds that are likely to continue longer?

Thank you!

https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/about
https://github.com/RMerl/asuswrt-merlin.ng/wiki/Supported-Devices

As of August 12th, 2024 (about page)

Model	Stable	Beta
RT-AC68U	386.14
RT-AC88U	386.14
RT-AC3100	386.14
RT-AC5300	386.14
RT-AC86U	386.14
GT-AC2900	386.14
RT-AX58U	3004.388.8_2
RT-AX86U	3004.388.8_2
RT-AX88U	3004.388.8_2
GT-AX11000	3004.388.8_2
RT-AX68U	3004.388.8_2
GT-AXE11000	3004.388.8_2
ZenWiFi Pro XT12	3004.388.8_2
GT-AX6000	3004.388.8_2
GT-AXE16000	3004.388.8_2
GT-AX11000_PRO	3004.388.8_2
RT-AX86U_PRO	3004.388.8_2
RT-AX88U_PRO	3004.388.8_2
RT-BE96U	3006.102.1
GT-BE98_PRO	3006.102.1
No longer supported:
RT-N66U	380.70
RT-AC66U	380.70
RT-AC56U	384.6
RT-AC87U	384.13_10
RT-AC3200	384.13_10
RT-AX56U	3004.388.8_2

 

[RMerlin]

Impossible to predict, because I am reliant on Asus' own support.

 

[WhereAmI]

Impossible to predict, because I am reliant on Asus' own support.

Wow, appreciate the response!

So all the supported routers on your list are currently supported by ASUS as well, or have somewhat recent firmware upgrades by ASUS?

 

[Analog-1]

Wow, appreciate the response!

So all the supported routers on your list are currently supported by ASUS as well, or have somewhat recent firmware upgrades by ASUS?

RT-AC68U	386.14
RT-AC88U	386.14
RT-AC3100	386.14
RT-AC5300	386.14
RT-AC86U	386.14
GT-AC2900

All of the AC models and the AX56U are already listed as End of Life by Asus. I believe Merlin will also drop support for these models at the end of this year.

 

[DJones]

Wow, appreciate the response!

So all the supported routers on your list are currently supported by ASUS as well, or have somewhat recent firmware upgrades by ASUS?

As far as I’m aware, Asus supports all of its router that are not end of life with updated firmware. Of these router Asus works with RMerlin to supply him with GPL firmware in which he’s allowed to modify and build custom firmware with. If Asus decides a router is EoL or doesn’t want to supply RMerlin with a GPL for that specific router then it’s out of his control.

Certain parts for the firmware isn’t modifiable by RMerlin meaning he can’t just keep updating a old GPL himself because certain security vulnerabilities would make its way into the firmware if Asus/Broadcoms components are not updated.

 

[bennor]

So all the supported routers on your list are currently supported by ASUS as well, or have somewhat recent firmware upgrades by ASUS?

Note Asus's End of Life product list: https://www.asus.com/event/network/EOL-product/.

Make note of all the AC series, and a few AX series, routers that are on that EOL Wireless Router list.

 

[Tech9]

Ex: Are there specific builds that are likely to continue longer?

For a chance for longer support you need Asuswrt 5.0 compatible router and the cheapest model is RT-AX86U Pro.