GT-Be 98 European Version. We need more Merlin-Gnuton :)

[Sundraw]

I apologize, but I haven't been able to contain my desire to get the new Merlin releases. I read in a previous reply that Asus has to grant GPL licenses, but does it really take such a long time for us Europeans to get each Merlin update?

 

[Ripshod]

As far as I'm aware Gnuton drops the firmware for all supported routers at the same time. Only occasionally does a few get held back for whatever reason. The work is done in their own time and it's unfair to be asked to do more.
Patience!

 

[Sundraw]

As far as I'm aware Gnuton drops the firmware for all supported routers at the same time. Only occasionally does a few get held back for whatever reason. The work is done in their own time and it's unfair to be asked to do more.
Patience!

There's no need to do more, since only the Asus licenses are missing on a firmware that's been ready for some time. It's simply the appeal of an enthusiastic user of the Merlin firmware who certainly isn't asking for simultaneity, which obviously can't happen. But here we're at a three-month difference, which doesn't seem like a small amount to me. Therefore, Asus should be a little more responsive to European customers, given that the delay is due to its own decisions.

 

[Ripshod]

Asus don't read these forums, so take it up directly with them

 

[ColinTaylor]

I read in a previous reply that Asus has to grant GPL licenses, but does it really take such a long time for us Europeans to get each Merlin update?

I don't know what you were reading but Asus doesn't "grant GPL licenses" for anything. Perhaps you are confusing it with the availability of the source code released under the GPL (commonly referred to as "the GPL"). That source code if the same wherever you are in the world. It's not country/region specific.

 

[bennor]

... but does it really take such a long time for us Europeans to get each Merlin update?

Simply put it takes as long as the developer wants and feels it should take and is dependent on if they are receiving any GPL's direct from Asus. Keep in mind that developers typically do these third party firmware's on their own free time. They have their own lives to live and jobs they have to go to. They take vacations and have other things that occupy their free time. So just be patient! The Gnuton developer will get to it when they are ready.

If you feel you cannot wait, then you are more than free to take the Gnuton firmware and compile your own firmware on your own time schedule.

 

[Sundraw]

To summarize your responses: "If you're in a hurry, do it yourself," and of course...we all have a life. Waiting months and writing a post in such a delicate way isn't the same as putting pressure on. It's a fact that the European version is always behind the American version.

 

[ColinTaylor]

It's a fact that the European version is always behind the American version.

The European version of what exactly? As I said above there are no separate versions of the stock Asus firmware for different regions. The GT-BE98 firmware on the US site is identical to the version on the UK, German, etc. sites. This firmware was released on 14/8/2025 in all countries.

 

[RMerlin]

Asus should be a little more responsive to European customers, given that the delay is due to its own decisions.

Asus isn't responsible for the current lack of update. Gnuton got the requested GPL not that long after he asked them for it. It's a matter of Gnuton having the time to do this, something he does - just like me - out of his spare time.

 

[RMerlin]

The European version of what exactly? As I said above there are no separate versions of the stock Asus firmware for different regions. The GT-BE98 firmware on the US site is identical to the version on the UK, German, etc. sites. This firmware was released on 14/8/2025 in all countries.

He's referring to the fact that the GT-BE98 is the EU/Asian variant of the GT-BE98 Pro, which is only available in North America. This is one of the reasons why Gnuton is handling this model, as I can't get it in Canada (i.e. not certified for usage in Canada).

 

[ColinTaylor]

He's referring to the fact that the GT-BE98 is the EU/Asian variant of the GT-BE98 Pro, which is only available in North America. This is one of the reasons why Gnuton is handling this model, as I can't get it in Canada (i.e. not certified for usage in Canada).

I see. So he's referring to two different routers. There isn't an American "GT-BE98" but there is a "GT-BE98 Pro".

 

[dave14305]

Best to find Gnuton in his own channels, he doesn’t really hang out here anymore.

asuswrt-merlin.ng/README.md at master · gnuton/asuswrt-merlin.ng

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

github.com