Should I upgrade firmware?

[Edtek]

I have two ASUS routers in AIMESH Mode:
1. RT-AX68U (Running 3004.388.8_4)
2. RT-AX56U (Running 3004.388.8_4)

I was alerted that 3004.388.9 is available for my RT-AX68U and was going to update, but I'm worried about instability with the older, now unsupported RT-AX56U.

Should I simply stick with what I have, or should I upgrade? I do have issues current with VPN settings where I have to run clients on the machines rather than the router because the connection seems to time out frequently.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[bennor]

... but I'm worried about instability with the older, now unsupported RT-AX56U.

More than a few here will recommend running stock Asus firmware on the AiMesh nodes. The latest stock Asus firmware for the RT-AX56U is version 3.0.0.4.386_51725 that was released last month, 2025/03/17.
https://www.asus.com/us/networking-...rs/rt-ax56u/helpdesk_bios?model2Name=RT-AX56U

 

[Edtek]

More than a few here will recommend running stock Asus firmware on the AiMesh nodes. The latest stock Asus firmware for the RT-AX56U is version 3.0.0.4.386_51725 that was released last month, 2025/03/17.
https://www.asus.com/us/networking-...rs/rt-ax56u/helpdesk_bios?model2Name=RT-AX56U

I won't have issues combining the two firmwares?

 

[aex.perez]

If you decide on upgrading, Set you WiFi to

if you haven't already. I upgraded one node and left the router (AX88u) and another node (AX86u) and everything worked just fine. Also did the Router first, and ran it for a bit as well. But if you do revert you will need a WPS reset to AX86u (assuming you have it as the router) to get it back on 388.8-4 again, so make sure you have a backup.

Having said that, you weren't clear about the VPN issues on the router.

I have run Merlin on the router and nodes for years, and in the beginging it was shaky. But the upgrade from 388.8-4 to 388.9 did wipe the AiMesh config and I had to recreate the mesh, the most stable thing about the experience was recreating the Mesh and adding the nodes, that went flawless, then again I'm Ethernet backhaul. So be prepared to have to set up the mesh again, and in it's most simple form the settings are propagated from the router so it may be nothing for you. My setup took a little work

 

[bennor]

I won't have issues combining the two firmwares?

Typically no. Do a forum search, plenty of past discussions on using Asus merlin on the main router and stock firmware on the AiMesh nodes. PS: AiMesh is closed source if I remember right.

 

[heysoundude]

Well, the general advice I have given in the past is "Yes, to stay on top of security patches," and that holds true today, but I was made aware about 12h ago that MITRE has lost their funding to research/publish CVEs and release patches moving forward, so I'll have to advise caution moving forward.
Right now, OP, you'll be fine. go ahead and upgrade following the advice of the others here who have updated theirs

 

[Tech9]

I was made aware about 12h ago that MITRE has lost their funding

Change in plans:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-agency-extends-support-last-minute-cyber-vulnerability-database-2025-04-16/

 

[heysoundude]

Change in plans:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-agency-extends-support-last-minute-cyber-vulnerability-database-2025-04-16/

yes, thank you, I was just updated on this as well...but caution is still indicated as it may yet change again in these pendulous times

 

[Tech9]

It doesn't really matter. With Asus (home routers in general) - find a good working firmware, lock the router and enjoy life. The simpler the configuration the better. The more features used at once the bigger the trouble. They always fix one thing and break another. If something is really broken - there is a huge chance you may never know about it and fixes information won't be included in next update changelog.