[Announcement] Removal of AiCloud from Asuswrt-Merlin

[Tech9]

As far as I remember it was used by ASUS App. Things may have changed in newer firmware versions.

 

[JGrana]

So you were just using Merlins?
I only use Asus GPL so there are no betas or alphas to deal with.

Yes, only Asuswrt-merlin.
Are there any others?! ;-)

 

[KevTech]

Yes, only Asuswrt-merlin.
Are there any others?

GPL is on the Asus page for the model.
Then you just include/exclude what you want in the firmware before compiling.
It is what even Eric first used back in 2012 for the RT-N66U.
Normally found on "Driver & Tools" then select "Others" for OS.

 

[Tech9]

Normally found on "Driver & Tools" then select "Others" for OS.

You've got lucky to have new GPL available for this specific model though. Take a look at another popular model RT-BE96U. The last firmware release is 3.0.0.6.102_39112, but the last GPL available is 3.0.0.6.102_37849 or 2x firmware releases older from Jul 2025. So you may have many months delay with this DIY approach.

Let's see RT-AX88U Pro in @JGrana signature, also very popular model. The last firmware release is 3.0.0.6.102_33421 from Oct 2025, but the last GPL available is 3.0.0.6.102_33340 from Dec 2024, firmware released in Nov 2024. About a year behind, useless, missing all security fixes for recent attacks on Asuswrt.

 

[Tech9]

Two different firmware branches for BE and AX class devices? Anyone can do it, I guess...

 

[jksmurf]

The last firmware release is 3.0.0.6.102_33421 from Oct 2025

The last stable for the RT-AX88I Pro? There is the beta release 9.0.0.6.102_37342 but no GPL for that (and I wish they would give it to Merlin soon…)

Beta - RT-AX88U Pro 9.0.0.6.102_37342

WebUI release notes: Firmware version 9.0.0.6_102_37342-gd53d3a6_491-gc7ec3 - Release Note - Bug Fixes & Enhancements: - Improved Wi-Fi connection stability, optimized device connectivity and AiMesh pairing experience. - Enhanced USB backup network performance. - Optimized Web UI...

www.snbforums.com

 

[Tech9]

There is the beta release 9.0.0.6.102_37342 but no GPL for that

There is no GPL for this model since Nov 2024 firmware release. What's available is >1 year old. I'm sure @KevTech knows what is he doing, but definitely not an easy task for everyone to get different model newer GPL, merge it with this one, create firmware for this model and take chances to flash it like no big deal.

 

[Tech9]

and I wish they would give it to Merlin soon…

Why would RMerlin waste time to work with Beta Asuswrt base? This code may never be released as official firmware, no one knows. I don't remember any 9.0.0.x Asuswrt-Merlin firmware releases.

 

[jksmurf]

Why would RMerlin waste time to work with Beta Asuswrt base? This code may never be released as official firmware, no one knows. I don't remember any 9.0.0.x Asuswrt-Merlin firmware releases.

Ok, ok, ok, ok ok, I meant that whatever improvements are offered by the beta, find themslves into a release and GPLs, surely you can extrapolate to what I meant...

 

[dave14305]

Why would RMerlin waste time to work with Beta Asuswrt base? This code may never be released as official firmware

When was the last time a GPL used in Merlin was from an official release?

 

[KevTech]

When was the last time a GPL used in Merlin was from an official release?

Where did you think he gets the files from?
Sometimes he is waiting for Asus to release a new GPL.

 

[Tech9]

Sometimes he is waiting for Asus to release a new GPL.

Not for this GPL release though. A special one and the same for all Asuswrt-Merlin supported devices. It often has different release number unrelated to official firmware releases. Last time RMerlin worked with GPL posted on ASUS Support was probably around the time ASUS routers had names in addition to model numbers.

 

[bennor]

Where did you think he gets the files from?
Sometimes he is waiting for Asus to release a new GPL.

Some past explanation from RMerlin RE firmware GPL's from Asus used in Asus-Merlin.
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/development-news-reworked-connections-log.94962/#post-958902

I get code directly from Asus, it's unrelated to what's released on their website. I have particular requirements that their developers need to meet when preparing the archives, like having the same code base for all models, which is rarely the case with their own firmware releases.

https://www.snbforums.com/threads/development-news-reworked-connections-log.94962/#post-959109

It depends. If you ask them for a GPL drop for a particular model, it will be for the same version that was used for that model's released firmware - which is what the GPL licensing requires them to do. The difference in my case is they build the tarballs for all models within a branch but all on the same version, so I don't need to maintain 20 parallel branches to handle 20 devices on 20 different codebase versions. Sometimes, that version will match a released firmware. Sometimes it will be a newer snapshot, depending on the point in time where they prepare those archives. But in terms of content, yes, that is the same code that is available in regular GPL drops. Just it might be from a more recent git point.

https://www.snbforums.com/threads/a...erway-for-3-wifi-7-routers.90126/#post-908052

This has always been the case, each model always had its own separate GPL. It's impossible to share a GPL for more than one model, as each GPL contains precompiled pieces that only work for one specific device.

 

[KevTech]

The point I was making is the GPL of some kind comes from Asus.
Without it this project would be dead or non-existent.
Just like I was getting a GPL for XT12 even though it is not posted on Asus support for XT12.

 

[Tech9]

My only objection was about "anyone can do it" statement. You are confident with software and can play with own firmware flavors. I'm confident with hardware and had some fun converting specific ASUS models into more expensive version. I know a few SNB Forum members who can modify both the hardware and software. What specific people do though for mainly DIY fun and/or satisfaction >99% of ASUS and Asuswrt-Merlin users won't even consider as an option.

 

[MDM]

I'm trying to recall the purpose of the 'Disable Asusnat tunnel' tweak because I'm wondering / asking if the removal of AI Cloud affects the ability to remove this tweak as well?

IIRC, this is there so you can use the external AI/Sharing/whatever services internally from within the network... ? Memory is fuzzy on this one.
View attachment 70123

Likely only related to Asus App, use Search it was mentioned more than once...