How to Download and Install Merlin Firmware on Asus RT-AC68U Router
If you own an Asus RT-AC68U router, you might be interested in upgrading its firmware to get more out of it. One of the best options for Asus routers is the Merlin firmware, which is a third-party alternative firmware that offers more features and fixes than the stock Asuswrt firmware. In this article, we will show you how to download and install Merlin firmware on your Asus RT-AC68U router, as well as how to configure it to suit your needs.
What is Merlin Firmware and Why Use It?
Merlin firmware is an enhanced version of Asuswrt firmware, which is the original firmware used by all recent Asus routers. The goal of Merlin firmware is to fix some of the known issues and limitations of Asuswrt firmware, while maintaining the same level of performance and compatibility. Merlin firmware also adds some new features that are not available in Asuswrt firmware, such as VPN customization, advanced network optimization, and support for Wi-Fi 6.
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Merlin Firmware is an Enhanced Version of Asuswrt Firmware
Merlin firmware is based on the official Asuswrt firmware, but with some modifications and improvements. The developer of Merlin firmware, Eric Sauvageau, also known as RMerlin, works closely with Asus to ensure that his firmware is compatible with their hardware and software. He also incorporates some of their updates and bug fixes into his firmware. This means that Merlin firmware retains the same user interface, functionality, and stability as Asuswrt firmware, but with some extra tweaks and enhancements.
Merlin Firmware Offers More Features and Fixes for Asus Routers
Merlin firmware contains many features and fixes that are not present in Asuswrt firmware, or that are only available in newer models. Some of these features and fixes include:
Better security patches and updates
Improved wireless performance and stability
More options for QoS (Quality of Service) and bandwidth management
Better support for IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6)
More options for DNS (Domain Name System) configuration
Better support for USB devices and storage
More options for logging and monitoring
Better support for custom scripts and configuration files
More options for Entware, which is a software repository for embedded devices
Merlin Firmware Supports Wi-Fi 6 and VPN Customization
One of the most notable features of Merlin firmware is that it supports Wi-Fi 6, which is the latest standard for wireless networking. Wi-Fi 6 offers faster speeds, lower latency, higher capacity, and better efficiency than previous standards. Wi-Fi 6 also supports WPA3, which is the latest security protocol for wireless networks. If you have a Wi-Fi 6 router, such as the Asus RT-AX86U or RT-AX88U, you can use Merlin firmware to enjoy the benefits of Wi-Fi 6.Another feature of Merlin firmware that sets it apart from Asuswrt firmware is the VPN director, which allows you to customize your VPN connection. VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that encrypts and routes your internet traffic through a remote server, hiding your IP address and location, and bypassing geo-restrictions and censorship. VPN director lets you choose which devices or apps on your network use the VPN connection, and which ones use the regular internet connection. This way, you can optimize your speed and security, and avoid any conflicts or issues with your VPN service.
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How to Download Merlin Firmware for Asus RT-AC68U Router
If you want to try Merlin firmware on your Asus RT-AC68U router, you need to download the firmware file from the official Asuswrt-Merlin website. Here are the steps to do so:
Visit the Official Asuswrt-Merlin Website
The official website of Asuswrt-Merlin is . This is where you can find all the information and downloads for Merlin firmware. You can also check the changelog, the documentation, the forum, and the donation page if you want to support the developer.
Select the RT-AC68U Model and the Latest Release
On the homepage of the website, you will see a list of supported Asus router models. Click on the RT-AC68U model to go to its download page. There, you will see a table with different firmware versions and release dates. Choose the latest stable release, which is usually at the top of the table. Avoid using beta or alpha versions, as they may contain bugs or errors.
Download the Zip File and Extract It
Once you have selected the firmware version you want, click on the download link to get the zip file. Save it to your computer and extract it using a program like WinZip or 7-Zip. You will get a folder with several files inside, but the one you need is the .trx file, which is the actual firmware file. Remember its location, as you will need it later.
How to Install Merlin Firmware on Asus RT-AC68U Router
After downloading the Merlin firmware file, you need to install it on your Asus RT-AC68U router. This is a simple process that should not take more than a few minutes. Here are the steps to do so:
Log in to Your Router's Web Interface
To access your router's web interface, you need to open a web browser on your computer and type in your router's IP address in the address bar. The default IP address for Asus routers is , but you can change it if you want. You will be prompted to enter your username and password, which are also set by default as admin/admin, but you can change them as well. Once you log in, you will see the Asuswrt web interface.
Go to Administration > Firmware Upgrade
On the left sidebar of the web interface, click on Administration, then click on Firmware Upgrade under Advanced Settings. You will see a page with information about your current firmware version and an option to check for new firmware online. However, since you already have the Merlin firmware file on your computer, you don't need to use this option.
Choose the Merlin Firmware File and Click Upload
Instead of checking for new firmware online, click on Browse under Manual Firmware Upgrade and locate the .trx file that you extracted earlier from the zip file. Select it and click Open. Then click Upload to start uploading the file to your router. You will see a progress bar showing how much of the file has been uploaded.
Wait for the Installation Process to Complete
Once the file has been uploaded, your router will automatically start installing it. Do not turn off or disconnect your router during this process, as it may cause damage or corruption to your device. Wait for about 5 minutes until the installation is complete. Your router will reboot itself and apply the new firmware settings.
How to Configure Merlin Firmware on Asus RT-AC68U Router
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Merlin firmware on your Asus RT-AC68U router. Now you can enjoy its features and benefits. However, before you start using it, you may want to configure some of its settings to suit your preferences and needs. Here are some tips on how to do so:
Explore the Familiar Interface with Enhanced Options
After installing Merlin firmware, you will notice that the web interface looks very similar to the Asuswrt firmware, with the same layout, menus, and icons. This is because Merlin firmware is designed to be compatible and familiar with Asuswrt firmware, so you don't have to learn a new interface. However, if you look closer, you will see that there are some new options and features that are not available in Asuswrt firmware. For example, under Advanced Settings, you will find a new tab called Tools, which contains various utilities and services that you can use with Merlin firmware. You will also find some new options under other tabs, such as VPN Director under VPN, or Entware under USB Application. Explore these options and see what they can do for you.
Customize the Configuration Files of Various Services
One of the advantages of Merlin firmware is that it allows you to customize the configuration files of various services and features that are running on your router. These configuration files are stored in the /jffs folder of your router's file system, and you can access them using SSH (Secure Shell) or Telnet. SSH and Telnet are protocols that allow you to remotely connect to your router's command line interface and execute commands. To enable SSH or Telnet on your router, go to Administration > System and turn on Enable SSH or Enable Telnet under Service. Then use a program like PuTTY or Terminal to connect to your router's IP address using your username and password. Once you are connected, you can use commands like cd, ls, cat, nano, or vi to navigate and edit the configuration files. For example, if you want to customize the settings of dnsmasq, which is a service that provides DNS and DHCP functions on your router, you can edit the /jffs/configs/dnsmasq.conf.add file using nano or vi. Be careful when editing these files, as any mistake or typo may cause errors or problems on your router. Always make a backup of the original file before making any changes.
Use the VPN Director Feature to Set Up Your VPN Connection
As mentioned earlier, one of the features that Merlin firmware offers is the VPN director, which allows you to customize your VPN connection. VPN director lets you choose which devices or apps on your network use the VPN connection, and which ones use the regular internet connection. This way, you can optimize your speed and security, and avoid any conflicts or issues with your VPN service. To use VPN director, you need to have a VPN service provider that supports OpenVPN protocol, which is one of the most popular and secure VPN protocols. You also need to have an OpenVPN configuration file from your VPN service provider, which contains the information and settings for your VPN connection. To set up VPN director on your router, follow these steps:
Go to VPN > OpenVPN Client and select a client number from 1 to 5.
Under Basic Settings, select Yes for Enable this client.
Under Advanced Settings, select Yes for Redirect Internet traffic.
Under Keys & Certificates, paste the content of your OpenVPN configuration file in the box.
Click Apply at the bottom of the page.
Go to Tools > Other Settings and scroll down to VPN Director.
Select Yes for Enable VPN Director.
Select either By Source IP or By Destination IP for Routing Policy.
Enter the IP addresses of the devices or apps that you want to use with VPN or without VPN in the boxes below.
Click Apply at the bottom of the page.
You have now set up VPN director on your router. You can check the status of your VPN connection by going to VPN > OpenVPN Client Status. You can also test your IP address by visiting a website like .
Conclusion
In this article, we have shown you how to download and install Merlin firmware on your Asus RT-AC68U router, as well as how to configure it to suit your needs. Merlin firmware is an enhanced version of Asuswrt firmware that offers more features and fixes for Asus routers. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and VPN customization, which are not available in Asuswrt firmware. If you want to get more out of your Asus RT-AC68U router, you should give Merlin firmware a try.
FAQs
Is Merlin firmware safe and legal?
Merlin firmware is safe and legal to use on your Asus router. It is based on the official Asuswrt firmware, but with some modifications and improvements by RMerlin, who is an independent developer who works closely with Asus to ensure compatibility and stability. Merlin firmware is also open source, which means that anyone can inspect and modify its code. However, you should always download Merlin firmware from the official website, and not from any other sources, as they may contain malware or viruses.
Will Merlin firmware void my warranty?
Merlin firmware will not void your warranty, as long as you use it on a supported Asus router model. Asus has officially endorsed Merlin firmware and allows its users to install it on their routers without any risk of losing their warranty. However, if you encounter any problems or issues with your router after installing Merlin firmware, you should try to revert back to the stock Asuswrt firmware before contacting Asus for support.
How do I update Merlin firmware?
To update Merlin firmware, you need to follow the same steps as installing it, but with a newer firmware file. You can check for new firmware versions on the official Asuswrt-Merlin website, or by clicking on Check for Updates under Firmware Upgrade on your router's web interface. You should always backup your settings and configuration files before updating your firmware, as they may be overwritten or reset during the process.
How do I uninstall Merlin firmware?
To uninstall Merlin firmware, you need to flash the stock Asuswrt firmware on your router. You can download the stock Asuswrt firmware from the official Asus website, or by clicking on Download Firmware under Firmware Upgrade on your router's web interface. You should follow the same steps as installing Merlin firmware, but with the stock Asuswrt firmware file. You should also reset your router to factory defaults after flashing the stock firmware, as some settings and files may remain from Merlin firmware.
What are some alternatives to Merlin firmware?
If you are not satisfied with Merlin firmware, or if you want to try something different, there are some other alternative firmware options for Asus routers. Some of the most popular ones are:
DD-WRT: A Linux-based firmware that supports a wide range of routers and offers many features and customization options.
Tomato: A lightweight and user-friendly firmware that focuses on performance and stability.
OpenWrt: A highly configurable and modular firmware that allows you to install various packages and applications on your router.
However, these alternative firmware options may not be compatible with all Asus router models, and they may require more technical skills and knowledge to install and configure. They may also have some drawbacks or limitations compared to Merlin firmware, such as less security updates, less support for Wi-Fi 6 or VPN director, or less compatibility with Asus software and hardware. You should always do your research and backup your settings and files before switching to a different firmware. 44f88ac181