RT-AC87U FIRMWARE UPGRADE.

[KromaZone]

Hi all, what is the best way to update the firmware on the above mentioned router? 3 questions below.

should I factory reset then install firmware?

I am a few version behind the latest one....can I skip these and just get the latest version?

and the last question is, what are the benefits of this Merlin 3rd party firmware?

thanks in advance

 

[ColinTaylor]

should I factory reset then install firmware?

That is not necessary. But sometimes you need unmount any USB devices (through the GUI), unplug them and reboot to free up memory prior to the upgrade process.

I am a few version behind the latest one....can I skip these and just get the latest version?

Yes.

and the last question is, what are the benefits of this Merlin 3rd party firmware?

Merlin has dropped support for the RT-AC87U so stick with the Asus firmware.

 

[KromaZone]

Thankyou for the quick reply to my questions Colin

 

[VANT]

should I factory reset then install firmware?

No. You should install latest fw first, then do factory reset.

 

[KromaZone]

No. You should install latest fw first, then do factory reset.

Ok so install the latest fw then factory reset.

Can i still upload my saved settings for my router afterwards?

thanks.

sorry for the noob questions btw

 

[ColinTaylor]

Ok so install the latest fw then factory reset.

I disagree that a factory reset is necessary. You would only normally do so if you were moving to a significantly different firmware version (e.g. 3.0.0.4.380.xxx to 3.0.0.4.382.xxx) or the release notes instruct you to do so.

Can i still upload my saved settings for my router afterwards?

No, that would negate the purpose of the factory reset.

 

[VANT]

no. You should config all manually. I know that someone can tell You that You can restore settings from older fw, but it's better to configure everything manually. Moment of work, but you know everything will work as it should.