Brand new to Asuswrt-Merlin. How to get started?

[Dan567]

I am brand new to SNB, Asuswrt-Merlin and ASUS. If I am doing anything to violate the rules of the forum please let me know.

I am a retired CAD Engineer with Linux experience but I am new to loading alternate firmware on routers.

I have spent a few hours reading through these forums but I have a couple of dumb questions about where to get started.

My first ASUS router (RT-AX88U) is arriving tomorrow. I plan to use Asuswrt-Merlin so that I can use NextDNS from my router. Am I better off setting up and using the router with it's normal firmware for a while to get used to it before I install Asuswrt-Merlin?

I have found the websites/posts listed below but any other suggestions or links on where to get started would be appreciated.

[FAQ] READ ME FIRST before posting a question

Model support Q: Will you support the RT-xxxxxx that was just announced? A: See detailed answer in post #3. Q: Will you support router XYZ from this non-Asus manufacturer? A: No. Asuswrt-Merlin only targets Asus-supported models, due to both technical and legal reasons. Q: I'm having...

www.snbforums.com

NextDNS Installer

I'm proud to announce NextDNS is now officially supporting Merlin. You can find the installation procedure on our Github Wiki. We are also working with @RMerlin to add a UI to this integration. Stay tuned. You can post your questions or concerns to this thread or contact us directly through...

www.snbforums.com

AsusWRT Merlin

NextDNS CLI client (DoH Proxy). Contribute to nextdns/nextdns development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

Home

Third party firmware for Asus routers (newer codebase) - RMerl/asuswrt-merlin.ng

github.com

Home | Asuswrt-Merlin

www.asuswrt-merlin.net

Thanks
Dan

 

[Jeffrey Young]

Welcome to the show @Dan567

One of the best spots to get started and start learning about how all the various scripts knit together is to start here;

Home

Third party firmware for Asus routers (newer codebase) - RMerl/asuswrt-merlin.ng

github.com

In particular, you need to read up on how to set up your router to allow you to SSH into it.

SSHD

Third party firmware for Asus routers (newer codebase) - RMerl/asuswrt-merlin.ng

github.com

 

[GSpock]

Am I better off setting up and using the router with it's normal firmware for a while to get used to it before I install Asuswrt-Merlin?

If you intent to go to Merlin, I recommend to install it from day 1. This is what I did with my former 87U and brand new AX86. Once you used to Merlin, you do not want to go backwards ...
Rgds,
GS