Netgear to Asux AX + merlin, please suggest model

[ibex]

Hi,

Can you please help to onboard me into the Asuswrt-Merlin ecosystem. I am preparing to switch from Netgear + DDWRT to Asus + Merlin.

QUESTIONS:

• Q1. Which Asus RT-AX models which are likely have a long term support by Merlin? From this page https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/about, my short list would likely be RT-AX86U, RT-AX88U and their Pro versions. I tried to lookup the specs of Asus routers since the last few days. Got a bit confused by model names. Sometimes designed by speed AXnnnnn, sometimes by a model number RT-AX??U. GT models not considered b/c I am not gamer and I don't use any high bandwidth streaming service. My honest need is the lowest specs. But the highest priority is the longest support by Asuswrt-Merlin
• Q2. Is it OK I use a low-end model like RT-AX55 (not supported by Merlin) as an AIMesh node?
• Q3. Does Merlin firmware allow the creation of VLAN to create a Guest network isolated from the home network subnet?

CONTEXT

• Cable modem 100 Mbps. Would switch to Fiber 1Gbs soon as optic network is now available in my area
• Main router: Netgear R7000 + DDWRT, used as simple gateway, WiFi disabled. It is placed in a corner of a basement. Its WiFi signals are too weak to reach the bedrooms 2 floors above.
• A Netgear R8000 + DDWRT, placed in the middle of the main floor, is configured as WiFi Access Point with 2 VLANs, one for 2.4GHz one for 5GHz, 2 separate SSID, but same password.

The reason for change is b/c the Netgear R8000 is not well supported by DDWRT. Currently it is still working OK. But I because of the long regression testing each time I update DDWRT. I just stop updating the firmware since 2 years. As I am going to switch to Fiber internet 1Gbps, it is time to switch to WiFi6 + WPA3. And as of April 2025, DDWRT doesn't yet widely support WiFi6 routers.

BTW, off-topic question. https://github.com/RMerl/asuswrt-merlin.ng is open-source. And yet it is able to use all the advanced functionalities of Asus routers WiFi6 and even some WiFi7 models. How come DDWRT, which is also open-source, could not do the same?

 

[Tech9]

RT-AX86U Pro and RT-AX88U Pro are popular around models. Skip non-Pro versions, older hardware on different base firmware.

Don't plan a node before you need one. Single router with enough coverage works better. User selectable VLANs are available in upcoming Asuswrt-Merlin 3006 base firmware (currently in beta) including Guest Networks. Smart Connect (single SSID) is also available.

Beta - Asuswrt-Merlin 3006.102.4 Beta is now available

Asuswrt-Merlin 3006.102.4 Beta is now available. There are a number of significant things to note with this release: 1) BCM4912 models are now migrated to this 3006 code base. This includes the following device list: GT-AX6000 zenWifi Pro XT12 GT-AX11000 Pro GT-AXE16000 RT-AX86U Pro RT-AX88U...

www.snbforums.com

Another popular around model is GT-AX6000, very similar "gaming version" hardware to RT-AX88U Pro. Sometimes comes cheaper.

RT-AX86U Pro has single 2.5GbE port, RT-AX88U Pro and GT-AX6000 have dual 2.5GbE ports and better 4-stream 2.4GHz radio.

Asuswrt-Merlin firmware is partially open source, it contains closed source components provided exclusively for this project by Asus.

 

[RMerlin]

BTW, off-topic question. https://github.com/RMerl/asuswrt-merlin.ng is open-source. And yet it is able to use all the advanced functionalities of Asus routers WiFi6 and even some WiFi7 models. How come DDWRT, which is also open-source, could not do the same?

Asus provides model-specific GPL drops that include precompiled object files for the proprietary components of the firmware. These only work with Asuswrt itself (and its direct derivatives like Asuswrt-Merlin).

 

[ibex]

RT-AX86U Pro and RT-AX88U Pro are popular around models. Skip non-Pro versions, older hardware on different base firmware.

Bought RT-AX86U Pro in clearance sale $210 CAD including taxes. The sticker says HW Ver: 1.0. I hope it is OK and compatible with Asuswrt-Merlin.

I have also purchased a "Tech care replace" 3Y warranty for $35 CAD. The store said they will replace the router in case of troubles, I don't need to deal with the manufacturer. Is it worth it? Because I see on the box a sticker "Premium quality, 3 Years Warranty". I guess the real benefit of the additional warranty is is to save the shipping fees in case of troubles. Otherwise the quick replacement is not really important to me b/c I have backup routers.

 

[Tech9]

Is it worth it?

Otherwise the quick replacement is not really important to me

You have paid $35 extra for no good reason then.