updating new firmware from old version

[adrianmak]

my router is N66U. It is running 3.0.0.4.270.26 (Merlin build)
I know it is a pretty old build.
Now I want to flash the latest stable version 376.45.

Is there any special procedure to flash new firmware ?

I knew that asus released two N66U HW version. Are there any different ?
http://support.asus.com/download.aspx?slanguage=en&m=RT-N66U+(VER.B1)&os=8

RT-N66U (VER.B1)
what is ver b1 ?

 

[binarydad]

I typically ran the update of the FW through the browser, then did a factory reset. I've gone from old, to new, and now back to old (sticking with the .270.26b) without bricking

 

[Just Checking]

Use the 374.43 Fork instead of Merlins 374.45 Build

Any version of F.W. done by Asus or Asus-Merlin after the 374.43_2 build will have the new FCC restrictions on Wireless Radio Output Power. This can significantly curtail your routers power output and apparent signal strength by your wireless clients.

The added features in the 374.44 and 374.45 Asus-Merlin builds are not worth the power restrictions IMO and that of quite a few others.

John9527 has created a 374.43_2 Fork version of the F.W. that addresses many of the exploits in the Asus and Asus-Merlin 374.43_2 builds. It looks (To me) exactly like the Asus-Merlin 374.43_2 F.W. build and functions great for me on my RT-AC66 routers. I also installed this on a RT-N66 router at another client which is also working good.

For more information and a link to the download site, look for Asus-Merlin Fork under the "Hottest Threads" section of the forum. It is well worth your time to read through the entire thread for background but, the sticky with the download link is in the first post of the thread.

After you have successfully upgraded your F.W. you will see a lot of additional features that were not in the old F.W. you were using.

Have fun.