RT-AC3100 Merlin Firmware Question - Which is Most Recent

[Dave in Mpls]

Howdy, all! Long time lurker, first time poster.

I just purchased a RT-AC3100 from Best Buy (still in box) and am wanting to install the Merlin firmware. When I look on the download site (SourceForge), it appears the most recent version is RT-AC3100_380.70_0, released 2018-04-08, with a file size of 35.4 MB. I was hoping for confirmation that this is, indeed, the most current version. The prior version appears to be RT-AC3100_384.4_2, released 2018-03-24, with a file size of 39.4 MB.

I am hoping for confirmation that RT-AC3100_380.70_0 is the most current, as I found is odd that the newer release would be 380.70, whereas the previous release is 384.4. Also found it odd that the newer release would be smaller in file size. My final concern is that in the README-Merlin file that downloaded with the firmware, there is talk about the 380.XX being in the legacy branch, whereas 382.xx and newer versions are new generation / current branch. Just want to be sure!!

Also, once I install / plug in the RT-AC3100, is it recommended to reboot prior to install to free up sufficient memory on a "virgin" device. If so, how is the reboot done?

Similarly, is it recommended to do a factory default reset after install on the "virgin" device? If so, how is the reset done?

Finally, are any intermediate installs required (to repartition, etc.)? I have to assume the factory firmware would be at least reasonably current, as Best Buy must sell a few of these things!

Thanks much for any assistance!!

Best Regards

 

[skeal]

Howdy, all! Long time lurker, first time poster.

I just purchased a RT-AC3100 from Best Buy (still in box) and am wanting to install the Merlin firmware. When I look on the download site (SourceForge), it appears the most recent version is RT-AC3100_380.70_0, released 2018-04-08, with a file size of 35.4 MB. I was hoping for confirmation that this is, indeed, the most current version. The prior version appears to be RT-AC3100_384.4_2, released 2018-03-24, with a file size of 39.4 MB.

I am hoping for confirmation that RT-AC3100_380.70_0 is the most current, as I found is odd that the newer release would be 380.70, whereas the previous release is 384.4. Also found it odd that the newer release would be smaller in file size. My final concern is that in the README-Merlin file that downloaded with the firmware, there is talk about the 380.XX being in the legacy branch, whereas 382.xx and newer versions are new generation / current branch. Just want to be sure!!

Also, once I install / plug in the RT-AC3100, is it recommended to reboot prior to install to free up sufficient memory on a "virgin" device. If so, how is the reboot done?

Similarly, is it recommended to do a factory default reset after install on the "virgin" device? If so, how is the reset done?

Finally, are any intermediate installs required (to repartition, etc.)? I have to assume the factory firmware would be at least reasonably current, as Best Buy must sell a few of these things!

Thanks much for any assistance!!

Best Regards

You need 384.4_2 by merlin look in here bottom of the list. https://onedrive.live.com/?authkey=!AJLLKAY--4EBqDo&id=CCE5625ED3599CE0!1448&cid=CCE5625ED3599CE0
Reboot router outside of firmware by using the power button on the back left.
A reset is advised by me in my humble opinion I own the same unit as you.
No need for any prerequisites just flash from the webui.
The legacy branch is not the way you want to go. The legacy branch has been abandon so no more updates. Stay with New Generation.
Reset to factory defaults can be seen on the administration section and the save/upload/reset tab......use initialize.

 

[Dave in Mpls]

You need 384.4_2 by merlin look in here bottom of the list. https://onedrive.live.com/?authkey=!AJLLKAY--4EBqDo&id=CCE5625ED3599CE0!1448&cid=CCE5625ED3599CE0
Reboot router outside of firmware by using the power button on the back left.
A reset is advised by me in my humble opinion I own the same unit as you.
No need for any prerequisites just flash from the webui.
The legacy branch is not the way you want to go. The legacy branch has been abandon so no more updates. Stay with New Generation.
Reset to factory defaults can be seen on the administration section and the save/upload/reset tab......use initialize.

Much appreciated, skeal!!

Dumb question - how to I do the reset?

Thanks very much for the help!

 

[skeal]

Much appreciated, skeal!!

Dumb question - how to I do the reset?

Thanks very much for the help!

Reset to factory defaults can be seen on the administration section and the save/upload/reset tab......use initialize.

 

[Dave in Mpls]

Reset to factory defaults can be seen on the administration section and the save/upload/reset tab......use initialize.

Thanks again