Looking for advice: Would I benefit from installing Asuswrt-Merlin on my setup?

[Jarenback]

Hi everyone,

I currently have this network setup, and it’s been working fairly well, especially after the latest firmware update on my AX59U.
However, I’ve been wondering about Asuswrt-Merlin.
What could I actually gain by installing it on my router and nodes?
Also, do you have any other suggestions that might help strengthen or improve my network?

Thank you very much in advance. I

really appreciate any guidance you can share.

 

[ColinTaylor]

No and no. There's little point putting Merlin on AiMesh nodes and there is no Merlin firmware available for the BQ16 or RT-AX59U.

 

[Jarenback]

No and no. There's little point putting Merlin on AiMesh nodes and there is no Merlin firmware available for the BQ16 or RT-AX59U.

Alright, that clears it up and answers my question. Thanks a lot!

 

[bennor]

What could I actually gain by installing it on my router and nodes?

First step is to look at the list of supported Asus-Merlin or the Asus-Merlin GNuton fork of supported routers to see if your router(s) are supported.

Home | Asuswrt-Merlin

www.asuswrt-merlin.net

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

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

github.com

As already indicated the ZenWiFi BQ16 and RT-AX59U are not supported by Asus-Merlin or the GNuton fork.
Next step, if one did have a supported router, is to look at what added/extra features Asus-Merlin/GNuton would bring (listed on their respective web pages) and if your needs or use case would benefit from those added/extra features. Without knowing your use case or what you are looking for beyond your basic network setup and "improve my network" we cannot answer if you would see any benefit from using Asus-Merin firmware.
Lastly, the general recommendation is to use stock Asus firmware on any AiMesh node due to several of the Asus-Merlin features being disabled when the router is configured as an AiMesh node. While a bit dated, this is what the Asus-Merlin Wiki indicates for AiMesh nodes:

AiMesh

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

github.com

While Merlin-based nodes seem to work fine so far (aside from the above limitation), there is generally little benefit in running it on a node, so it's generally recommended to leave your nodes on the stock Asus firmware.

 

[OzarkEdge]

Also, do you have any other suggestions that might help strengthen or improve my network?

Wire the backhauls and avoid daisy-chaining a node backhaul through another node.

If you have enough WiFi coverage with x nodes, then don't add any more... too much WiFi is not helpful.

OE