Kernel on AC56U

[LukeH]

Maybe a stupid question but, since Merlin doesn't touch the kernel, would there be a way to flash DD-WRT which comes with a newer one, backup the new kernel or something, flash Merlin again and somehow get the newer kernel from DD-WRT along with Merlin?

 

[ColinTaylor]

No, that's not how the kernel works.

 

[RMerlin]

The kernel is part of the firmware, it's not a separate components, and it's directly tied to the rest of the firmware. They cannot be mixed (or upgraded).