What Merlin addons use ?

[ducky124]

It really doesn’t matter what anyone else is using. Everyone has different needs. You just need to figure out what additional features you’re looking for, then see if there’s a script that supports them. Otherwise, you can go through the descriptions of the available scripts and see which ones might actually be useful to you.

 

[gabox]

Thank you very much for taking the time to respond. I appreciate your comments.

I understand that we have different needs and different infrastructure, and I understand that browsing the catalog is enough to understand what each add-on is about. But what I was looking for in this post, in addition to your kind contributions, was to look beyond the functionality of each of these add-ons and learn more about their day-to-day functionality and a starting point for using them in the future. Best,

 

[Viktor Jaep]

Thank you very much for taking the time to respond. I appreciate your comments.

I understand that we have different needs and different infrastructure, and I understand that browsing the catalog is enough to understand what each add-on is about. But what I was looking for in this post, in addition to your kind contributions, was to look beyond the functionality of each of these add-ons and learn more about their day-to-day functionality and a starting point for using them in the future. Best,

If you are trying to solve a use-case that you have, don't hesitate to post your question, and the community will definitely provide some great advice how to resolve it, and with what add-on (if any).

 

[aru]

Everyone’s home network setup, internet speed, number of devices, and usage habits are different, so someone else’s experience may not fully apply, and blindly following it could cause problems. Receiving a large amount of practical advice, use cases, and operational tips at once may leave a beginner unsure of what is “essential,” “optional,” or “risky.” Too much information can easily lead to confusion, making it hard to know where to start.

Recommended Learning Path for Beginners (Very Important)​

If you follow this order, you’ll greatly reduce the risk of problems and avoid most common mistakes.

---

Step 1 (Essential | Stability First)​

• Flash ASUSWRT-Merlin firmware
• Do not install any add-ons or scripts yet
• Let the router run stable for 1–2 weeks
  
  • Make sure Wi-Fi, internet access, and device connections are all working properly
  • Get familiar with how Merlin differs from the stock ASUS firmware

The only goal at this stage is stability.

---

Step 2 (Safe | Low-Risk Exploration)​

• Install amtm (the add-on management tool)
• Only install low-risk add-ons, such as:
  
  • Update notification add-ons (firmware / script update alerts)
  • Fun, non-intrusive game add-ons

This stage helps you:

• Learn how to install and remove add-ons safely
• Avoid affecting core networking functionality

---

Step 3 (Advanced | Install Only With a Clear Need)​

• Refer to the official add-on catalog:
  https://www.snbforums.com/threads/asuswrt-merlin-addon-software-catalog.82059/
• Install add-ons only when you clearly understand why you need them
• Install one add-on at a time
• After installation, observe for several days:
  
  • Internet speed changes
  • Connection drops or abnormal behavior
  • Unusual CPU or RAM usage

Guiding principle: controlled, reversible, and observable changes

---

Key Takeaway for Beginners​

Merlin’s strength comes from knowing what you install —
not from installing everything available.

 

[CaptainSTX]

Everyone’s home network setup, internet speed, number of devices, and usage habits are different, so someone else’s experience may not fully apply, and blindly following it could cause problems. Receiving a large amount of practical advice, use cases, and operational tips at once may leave a beginner unsure of what is “essential,” “optional,” or “risky.” Too much information can easily lead to confusion, making it hard to know where to start.

Recommended Learning Path for Beginners (Very Important)​

If you follow this order, you’ll greatly reduce the risk of problems and avoid most common mistakes.

---

Step 1 (Essential | Stability First)​

• Flash ASUSWRT-Merlin firmware
• Do not install any add-ons or scripts yet
• Let the router run stable for 1–2 weeks
  • Make sure Wi-Fi, internet access, and device connections are all working properly
  • Get familiar with how Merlin differs from the stock ASUS firmware

The only goal at this stage is stability.

---

Step 2 (Safe | Low-Risk Exploration)​

• Install amtm (the add-on management tool)
• Only install low-risk add-ons, such as:
  • Update notification add-ons (firmware / script update alerts)
  • Fun, non-intrusive game add-ons

This stage helps you:

• Learn how to install and remove add-ons safely
• Avoid affecting core networking functionality

---

Step 3 (Advanced | Install Only With a Clear Need)​

• Refer to the official add-on catalog:
  https://www.snbforums.com/threads/asuswrt-merlin-addon-software-catalog.82059/
• Install add-ons only when you clearly understand why you need them
• Install one add-on at a time
• After installation, observe for several days:
  • Internet speed changes
  • Connection drops or abnormal behavior
  • Unusual CPU or RAM usage

Guiding principle: controlled, reversible, and observable changes

---

Key Takeaway for Beginners​

Just a point of clarification isn't AMTM preinstalled in Merlin's firmware now?

 

[Ripshod]

Just a point of clarification isn't AMTM preinstalled in Merlin's firmware now?

AI copy/paste.

 

[Tech9]

AI copy/paste.

Too gentle about AI BS invasion. Then another AI will read SNB Forums and create BS v2.

 

[bennor]

But what I was looking for in this post, in addition to your kind contributions, was to look beyond the functionality of each of these add-ons and learn more about their day-to-day functionality and a starting point for using them in the future. Best,

For addon scripts you may want to flip your question around. What issue are you having that you are trying to solve? Is there a specific feature or function you would like or need that the router does not currently provide for your use case?

Generally an addon script was created to address a specific purpose, or specific issue, or enhance an existing router feature or function. Most people will typically only install a specific addon script because they want a specific feature or function that the specific script provides, above the standard router features, to address a specific issue or problem they have in their own local configuration, environment or use case. If you want to know about a script's "day to day" function then read each of the scripts specific threads where users discuss the script itself and any issues or problems they have with it. Most of the addon scripts are set and forget. They run in the background and do not need day to day maintenance or access by a human operator.