Where to Download GNUton's Asus Merlin For DSL-AC68U

[Combe_Charmer]

Hi,
I've been meaining to flash my DSL-AC68U, for quite some time now - and finally getting round to it. But for the life of me I just can't find GNUTon's Merlin for this router. I see that it's supported in the latest firmware - but HELP - where do I find it?

First post in this thread:- https://www.snbforums.com/threads/f...n-released-for-dsl-ax82u-and-dsl-ac68u.71980/

Reads:-
"Instruction for flashing the firmware.
1. Download the latest image for your model from here. Please download the .trx for DSL-AC68U or the .w for DSL-AX82U.
2. Open http://router.asus.com/Advanced_FirmwareUpgrade_Content.asp in your browser and upload the image
3. Please reset to factory if you are upgrading from stock or 384 release.

In case you want to revert back to stock firmware. Please download the .trx or .w image from the asus website/support page/your router
And repeat the points 2 and 3."

But the download link - https://github.com/gnuton/asuswrt-merlin.ng/releases/tag/3004.388.6_0-gnuton1 - doesn't list the DSL-68u firmware (or indeed any .trx files).

Any help and a pointer to flashing instructions appreciated

Charmer

 

[Tech9]

See here:

GitHub - gnuton/asuswrt-merlin.ng: Extends the support of Merlin firmware to more ASUS routers

Extends the support of Merlin firmware to more ASUS routers - gnuton/asuswrt-merlin.ng

github.com

Bottom of the page.

 

[Combe_Charmer]

See here:

GitHub - gnuton/asuswrt-merlin.ng: Extends the support of Merlin firmware to more ASUS routers

Extends the support of Merlin firmware to more ASUS routers - gnuton/asuswrt-merlin.ng

github.com

Bottom of the page.

View attachment 57358

Many thanks @Tech9 . I didn't get that far down the page when I looked earlier !

Poking around a bit more I also found a newer version - AC68U_386.12_0-gnuton0_beta1_DSL_1.0.5.3 (marked as unstable) - Changelog only lists it as Merged with GPL 386_51997 - would you suggest using that or just stick with the earlier stble release?

Also - is it generally OK to simply do a firmware 'update' on the router to flash it with the Merlin_gnuton firmware, or is it recommended to do a factory reset before doing the 'updatte'?

Thanks again

 

[L&LD]

Update the firmware first. Then perform a full factory reset. Always (when going from stock to 3rd party and vice versa).

 

[Tech9]

would you suggest using that or just stick with the earlier stble release?

If you use anything Trend Micro related you may get constant DCD crashing in logs and high CPU utilization. GNUton's firmware is a bit behind in releases and doesn't contain the fix in 386.12_2. I don't know if this is the better firmware for your router. If you have no issues with whatever it is running currently - wait for 386.12_x release.

 

[sabrewulf86]

Looking forward to the next 386.x release

 

[AsusRoutersOnlyForLife]

Hello, have a nice day, everyone.

Poking around a bit more I also found a newer version - AC68U_386.12_0-gnuton0_beta1_DSL_1.0.5.3 (marked as unstable) - Changelog only lists it as Merged with GPL 386_51997 - would you suggest using that or just stick with the earlier stble release?

Looking forward to the next 386.x release

Meanwhile that 386.12_0 firmware is out of beta. But I do not know whether it does

contain the fix in 386.12_2

mentioned before. Probably not?

===================================================

My reasons for registering at this forums are very similar to OP's matter, so I just append my questions here.

I use a DSL-AC68U with stock firmware v386_50117 from 2022. For a long time, that seemed to remain the last Asus fw release for my device. So I planned on jumping on Gnuton's firmware, but missed an opportunity.

Last week I discovered there is a new stock fw release from Asus, v386_50120 from 2024/03/29.

Now I see Gnuton's firmware has reached v386.12_0 on 2024/04/03 – changelog stating: »UPDATED: Merged with GPL 386_51997«.

My questions are:

1. Is »386.12_0-gnuton1 with GPL 386_51997« newer than stock v386_50120 from Asus?
2. Does »386.12_0-gnuton1 with GPL 386_51997« contain all the fixes from Asus' stock v386_50120?
3. Should I upgrade directly from 2022's stock fw to current Gnuton fw? Or should I first update to 2024's stock fw as a middle step before jumping to Gnuton's?
4. After a jump to Gnuton's fw, I do a full factory reset. Afterwards, can I reload my former firmware settings from a backed-up file? Or do I have to configure the new Gnuton fw from scratch?
5. Does Gnuton's current fw allow for bridge mode (= modem-only use) on my DSL-AC68U?
6. Are there any reasons against a DSL-AC68U modem-only usage with an OpenWrt router doing the security-relevant work instead?

I'm looking forward to any helpful replies.

Best regards
AROfl

 

[Grumpy_Geoff]

1. Does Gnuton's current fw allow for bridge mode (= modem-only use) on my DSL-AC68U?
2. Are there any reasons against a DSL-AC68U modem-only usage with an OpenWrt router doing the security-relevant work instead?

If you're just bridging the DSL-AC68U, then why update at all?

 

[Tech9]

Does Gnuton's current fw allow for bridge mode (= modem-only use) on my DSL-AC68U?

You don't need this custom firmware on a device used for modem only. There is no routing there and included modem firmware comes straight from Asus stock firmware unchanged. You can update it to the latest Asus firmware if you really want to and forget about it.

 

[AsusRoutersOnlyForLife]

Thanks for your comments.

Currently, my DSL-AC68U works as an AIO and covers all my needs. There is no additional router (yet).

An OpenWrt router connected to DSL-AC68U@bridge mode would be my escape route/exit strategy just in case DSL-AC68U's router security dwindles (e. g. because of missing (upstream) security fixes or its hardware being just too old).

But until that day, as long as possible, I want my DSL-AC68U to serve as a fully functional AiO. My only concern is its security level. (Function-wise, everything is fine.)

 

[Tech9]

Just update it to the latest Asuswrt with DCD fix and continue using it as before. You can use it for years after the last firmware update with no issues. Don't expose services to Internet and you're good. Your Internet security mostly depends on your online behavior. If you are not careful what you download and what you click on - the router won't save you. Also remember most modern client devices use own Firewall, Safe Browsing, Anti-Virus, etc.

 

[L&LD]

Yes, great advice.

Use an unsupported router for years after support is dropped.

What a moronic statement to make.

 

[AsusRoutersOnlyForLife]

Your Internet security mostly depends on your online behavior. If you are not careful what you download and what you click on - the router won't save you.

Yes, of course that is the core of somone's online security. I have built, configured and maintained my own PC for more than 12 years and never suffered from malware. Network things aside, I am quite experienced in PC issues.

Don't expose services to Internet and you're good.

Well, which services etc. are exposed to the internet also depends on router firmware. If there are bugs which prevent or override your manual settings, you can become exposed, too. Or if firmware does not give you access to settings or features (e. g. WPA2 vs. WPA3) at all.

Just update it to the latest Asuswrt with DCD fix and continue using it as before.

What are the reasons (for your advice) against Gnuton's firmware?


Could someone respond to my numbered questions, especially 1.–4.?

 

[L&LD]

1, 2. Did you look at the release notes/changelogs for the firmware?

Note that more fixes may be included than what the changelogs may include.

Many times, RMerlin firmware (and therefore the forks, like @GNUton are ahead of stock firmware, security-wise).

3 yes, upgrade directly to the firmware you want to use.

4 perform a full reset to factory defaults. Do not import any old backup config files. That will negate the full reset you did.

 

[Tech9]

What are the reasons (for your advice) against Gnuton's firmware?

It won’t make your old router perform any better, you have to reset and reconfigure it manually after. Your choice, your time.

 

[sabrewulf86]

Updated to the latest 386.14 Beta 1 and now I can't login. Wtf.

 

[Tech9]

386.14 Beta 1... Wtf.

Beta firmware is unsupported and for testing purposes only. Find wtf and report it to the developer. If you can't do that - this beta is not for you.