Running Asuswrt-Merlin firmware in a VM, Docker, Virtualisation

[gspannu]

Is it possible to run Asuswrt-Merlin firmware (for AX88u) in a Virtual Machine on a Mac/PC? Say using VMWare or Parallels on a Mac? Or maybe as a Docker image?

I am trying to test various scripts in /jffs and it is quite cumbersome having to factory reset the router (whenever I break something in my code and render the router inaccessible)

I am assuming that the firmware is some sort of a Linux derivative, so running it in a VM environment should be theoretically possible. Anyone know of ways to do this?

 

[ColinTaylor]

No. This question has been asked before.

 

[gspannu]

No. This question has been asked before.

Thanks for the quick answer.

Openwrt can be run as a docker image or in Virtual Box - any specific (technical) reasons as to why Asuswrt-Merlin firmware cannot be run.

 

[eibgrad]

Thanks for the quick answer.

Openwrt can be run as a docker image or in Virtual Box - any specific (technical) reasons as to why Asuswrt-Merlin firmware cannot be run.

Most likely because it supports the x86 platform, but Merlin is either MIPS or ARM. That's why you can virtualize DD-WRT too; it also runs on the x86 platform. FT (FreshTomato) is also MIPS/ARM, so it can't be virtualized either.

 

[gerardr]

I have not vetted this site, so please use due diligence. As the old general contractor I worked with to pre-install network wiring into a new building said, "you rarely get what you expect, but you always get what you inspect"!
Azeria Labs - Emulating ARM Router Firmware. This uses QEMU on Linux which does the ARM emulation. Also, Windows 11 now has an Android subsystem that runs ARM apps, but I envision loads of wood chips trying to use that (i.e. hack, hack, hack ...). Also on a new ARM-based M1 Mac, you might also be able to use QEMU or maybe Virtualbox without emulation.

 

[chop249]

Thanks for the quick answer.

Openwrt can be run as a docker image or in Virtual Box - any specific (technical) reasons as to why Asuswrt-Merlin firmware cannot be run.

@gspannu did you ever get this working? Did you try the Azeria Labs emulation @gerardr suggested? I was looking for a way to do this too.

 

[gspannu]

@gspannu did you ever get this working? Did you try the Azeria Labs emulation @gerardr suggested? I was looking for a way to do this too.

No, never got around to it....
Other priorities

 

[HarryMuscle]

No, never got around to it....
Other priorities

How about now?

 

[shadow.chaser]

How about now?

I VM OPENWRT on Truenas Scale server. It'll do everything you'll need.

 

[DJones]

I VM OPENWRT on Truenas Scale server. It'll do everything you'll need.

Off topic; let the thread rest unless OP has more to add don’t necro.