Performance increase ac66u after 374.40?

[foosion]

I'm on version 374.40 on my ac66u. Am I likely to see any performance increase by updating to the latest version?

My only hesitancy is it seems I'd have to reset and re-enter settings.

 

[RMerlin]

Performance, no. Stability and security- definitely.

 

[foosion]

If i was you , i would try first: "THE" Fork(if you running into issues you can downgrade easily to the one you are now 374.40 by reflashing). Normally you can flash with this one without the need of doing a "Factory Reset" after.
http://www.snbforums.com/threads/fork-asuswrt-merlin-374-43-lts-releases-v20e9.18914/

According to that thread:

• A factory default reset is NOT required if coming from any level of the fork or Merlin 374.42 or 374.43 code.Coming from any other level does require a factory default reset after the code is loaded.

So I'd seem to need 374.42 or .43 to avoid a factory reset and I can't find copies.

 

[foosion]

Performance, no. Stability and security- definitely.

374.40 has been very stable, so the question then becomes security. Am I open to external attack? I'm connected to the internet by cable modem and I'm in a crowded area, so many can "see" my signal. Would I notice by running scans of devices logged into the router?

ETA: uptime is 241 days.

 

[foosion]

Fork is based on 374.43
Merlin fork 374.43_2-20E9j9527
Download: http://bit.ly/1YdgUcP

http://www.snbforums.com/threads/fork-asuswrt-merlin-374-43-lts-releases-v20e9.18914/

I'm confused. The notes in that thread include

• A factory default reset is NOT required if coming from any level of the fork or Merlin 374.42 or 374.43 code.Coming from any other level does require a factory default reset after the code is loaded.

I'm on Merlin 374.40. Don't I have to upgrade to Merlin 374.42 or 374.43 to avoid a factory reset before installing Merlin fork 374.43_2-20E9j9527?

 

[foosion]

Do you have any information on security problems - what sorts of remote attacks should I be worried about due to using an old firmware?

 

[RMerlin]

Am I open to external attack?

Not directly. But visiting a malicious website can compromise your router.

You might also be vulnerable if using an OpenVPN server or client (numerous security fixes in OpenSSL since that release).

Look at the changelog to see the actual list of changes since that version that involves security - there's too many for me to remember them all.

 

[john9527]

I'm on Merlin 374.40. Don't I have to upgrade to Merlin 374.42 or 374.43 to avoid a factory reset before installing Merlin fork 374.43_2-20E9j9527?

Since you are on 374.40 you will need to do a factory reset no matter what firmware you want to move to (the wireless drivers and system nvram settings are changed in any subsequent release). Loading Merlin .42 or .43 doesn't mean you can avoid the factory reset, just that you need to do the reset at that step, instead of when loading the fork release.