RT-AX57 Go

[FrizzleFry]

Looking for a definitive answer on whether there is a Merlin firmware that works on the RT-AX57 Go. I'm guessing not, but just want to make sure.
Looks like the AX57 Go is DDWRT 5.0 compatible, according to this.
When I look at the Asus website the AX57 and AX57 Go are different routers, both are also called AX3000. Great naming scheme Asus, that's not confusing at all...
I see a thread about the AX57 (non-go) that indicates no Merlin firmware for it, or whatever they tried putting on it wasn't working, but that wasn't a Go.

 

[Tech9]

No custom firmware options for this router. Stock Asuswrt only.

 

[elorimer]

I don't think DDWRT or OpenWRT. I've thought about one of these as a travel router on the go and an unobtrusive mesh unit when not, but the GL-iNet solutions are under more active development and cheaper as a travel router.

 

[FrizzleFry]

I bought it on a whim, because my work computer's vpn refuses to connect to any open wifi (without a password), which is pretty much every hotel in the world.
Trying to figure out WISP mode.

 

[bennor]

Looking for a definitive answer on whether there is a Merlin firmware that works on the RT-AX57 Go.

The definitive answer is found at the following two links that list the routers supported by Asus-Merlin and by the Gnuton fork of Asus-Merlin (PS: and by the apparently no longer maintained John Asus-Merlin 374 LTS fork).
https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/about
https://github.com/gnuton/asuswrt-merlin.ng
As both links indicate the RT-AX57 is not supported by Asus-Merlin.

And if asking will the RT-AX57 be supported. Note what is stated in the [FAQ] READ ME FIRST before posting a question post tacked/stickied/pinned to the top of this subforum:

Q: Will you add support for model XYZ?
A: The decision whether or not to support a new model depend on a long list of factors, which may evolve over time. Right now:

- It needs to be Broadcom-based
- It needs to be widely available (not just in two or three countries)
- It needs to have high-end hardware so I don't have to fight with lack of flash or RAM
- It needs to receive frequent enough GPLs so I won't have to regularly skip it due to the GPL being outdated
- I need to have one
- I need to have the time to try supporting it
- I need to have the motivation to try supporting it

Each new model requires its own dedicated support. That means every time I work on a new firmware release, I have to work on each separate model, and I need GPL releases from Asus for each individual model, and I need to merge each of them separately. So that means if I support 10 different routers, then I need to merge in the content of 10 different GPL releases, and these need to be close enough to one another to still be compatible. The more models I support, the harder this is to accomplish, therefore I am VERY conservative regarding adding any new model.

So don't ask if/when a new model will be supported. I cannot speculate about future model support, and until I have working support for a model, I cannot answer that question.

 

[elorimer]

I bought it on a whim, because my work computer's vpn refuses to connect to any open wifi (without a password), which is pretty much every hotel in the world.
Trying to figure out WISP mode.

Your work computer's VPN wont connect to an open wifi ever. Your computer has to connect to the wifi. That is usually a captive portal problem. Then the VPN might connect through that to your work. WISP isn't going to help. WISP is a mode where the 57Go connects to the wifi, treats that as its WAN connection, and routes that to its LAN (wired or wireless). If you have access to the local modem or router, it is often better to wire the travel router from its WAN port.

 

[easyriider]

Looking for a definitive answer on whether there is a Merlin firmware that works on the RT-AX57 Go. I'm guessing not, but just want to make sure.
Looks like the AX57 Go is DDWRT 5.0 compatible, according to this.

According to this website is has a Mediatek Filogic 820 SoC, that's the same as used in the new OpenWrt One router, so maybe there can be made an OpenWrt version.

 

[Tech9]

Like the travel router with wall mounting holes idea. I would like to mount my travel router on a hotel wall. Are the screws included?

 

[JGrana]

Like the travel router with wall mounting holes idea. I would like to mount my travel router on a hotel wall. Are the screws included?

If going through that much effort, burying an ethernet cable through the wall to your laptop should be considered.

 

[elorimer]

I would like to mount my travel router on a hotel wall. Are the screws included

They include instructions on how to hang it from the picture hooks after you've packed up the hotel's room art. In the hotel robe you've also stolen. Cruise ships harder because they search your luggage for booze on the way in and everything on the way out.

 

[FrizzleFry]

Your work computer's VPN wont connect to an open wifi ever. Your computer has to connect to the wifi. That is usually a captive portal problem. Then the VPN might connect through that to your work. WISP isn't going to help. WISP is a mode where the 57Go connects to the wifi, treats that as its WAN connection, and routes that to its LAN (wired or wireless). If you have access to the local modem or router, it is often better to wire the travel router from its WAN port.

I am aware of how vpn's and wifi work. My work computer's vpn is configured with rules to refuse connection to any wifi that is open/has no password, even if you have to put one in later via browser. Yes, this vpn actually has control of that.
But if I connect via ethernet it's no problem, vpn works fine.
The hotel I am in right now actually has an ethernet port on the wall but it is inactive. Most don't have them at all.

And if asking will the RT-AX57 be supported. Note what is stated in the [FAQ] READ ME FIRST before posting a question post tacked/stickied/pinned to the top of this subforum:

I had no plans to ask if it will be supported, I only wondered if one of the existing firmware for other (ax3000) routers might be compatible. I've been using Merlin for years and know he has good reason for deciding whether a given model is supported and for how long.