ASUS RT-N66U AsusWrt-Merlin Firmware 380.70 Beta 1

The AsusWrt-Merlin firmware was developed with the primary goal of boosting the original ASUS firmware, fix bugs and also add new improvements. This package includes a customized firmware targeted at ASUS routers that brings various changes without modifying the interface of the original firmware.

Changes:

- NOTE: This will be the final 380.xx release for all models. The RT-N66U and RT-AC66U support will be dropped, and all other models have been migrated to the new gen branch, as of release 384.4.
- CHANGED: Tightened security around some config files.
- CHANGED: Samba protocol support can now be set to SMBv1, SMBv2, or SMBv1 + SMBv2 (the new default). This will result in a performance drop on all models, but will be more secure. Ideally, people should change it to SMBv2 only, and then reboot all their client devices to start using only the new protocol. If performance is more important than security to you, then you can switch it back to SMBv1, which is the old default behaviour.
- CHANGED: Switched to the new Entware repo for armv7 models. To upgrade, run the following commands TWICE: opkg update; opkg upgrade
- FIXED: Apply button not working on the OpenVPN Client page.
- FIXED: Potential racing condition that could lead to two instances of miniupnpd running at boot time.
- FIXED: Broken FAQ links (backport from 380_8120)
- FIXED: Security issue in httpd (CVE-2018-8879).
- FIXED: Security issues in httpd (backports from 380_8228)
 

Installation Notes:

- This custom firmware can be applied like any regular update.
- You should not need to reset to factory defaults.
- You can revert back to an original ASUS firmware at any time.
- Do not load a saved copy of your settings. 

About Router Firmware:

Before you consider downloading this firmware, go to the system information page of the router and make sure that the currently installed version isn't either newer or matching this release.

Due to the large variety of router models and different methods for upgrading the device, it is highly recommended that you read and, above all, understand the installation steps before you apply the new firmware, even if you are a power user.

In theory, these steps shouldn't be much of a hassle for anyone, because manufacturers try to make them as easy as possible, even if they don't always succeed. Basically, you must upload the new firmware to the router through its administration page and allow it to upgrade.

If you install a new version, you can expect increased security levels, different vulnerability issues to be resolved, improved overall performance and transfer speeds, enhanced compatibility with other devices, added support for newly developed technologies, as well as several other changes.

If you're looking for certain safety measures, remember that it would be best if you perform the upload using an Ethernet cable rather than a wireless connection, which can be interrupted easily. Also, make sure you don't power off the router or use its buttons during the installation, if you wish avoid any malfunctions.

If this firmware meets your current needs, get the desired version and apply it to your router unit; if not, check with our website as often as possible so that you don't miss the update that will improve your device.